There's no place just like this place
Kinderhook
The Community Of Kinderhook
Kinderhook is a beautiful and quiet community located within the town of Santa Fe, TN. Kinderhook was once known for its prime Native American hunting grounds with quick access to the Natchez Trace. Kinderhook was once in competition for the county seat against Columbia. This small community was once known as Lodibar prior to the 1900’s, and is one of the oldest communities in Maury County. William and Gracey Kersey founded Kinderhook in 1805.
The Natchez Trace
The Natchez Trace, once overrun with robbers and bushwackers, was the only trail used for the trade of goods by the Native Americans leading to Mississippi. This road was used by many people, not only pioneers but also in times of war.
Kinderhook Schoolhouse
The Kinderhook School consisted of one room schoolhouse. It was located next to the Kinderhook Church. The school was built in 1903, and was only in session 3 months out of the year beginning in mid-August so that the children could help with the family farms. Eight grades were taught at Kinderhook School.
In 1903, the Kinderhook Church was also built; however, before the church was built, services were held in a field at the Kirby White Farm. Special events and dinners were often held at the church. Walker Waddy was a leader in the church and was a well respected within this community.
Elmore School, another one room schoolhouse, was named after Elmer Hutcherson. It was built in 1928. Sunday school classes were held at Elmore School in the 1940’s.
Several taverns along with inns, stores, and a tannery were located in Kinderhook. Mail was delivered to the Kinderhook post office once every 2 weeks by post rider, Seth Sparkman, beginning in the late 1800’s. Rural delivery starting in 1903. Car delivery was put into use by 1933. A peddling wagon and taxi service was also available in Kinderhook during this time.
Dog Creek
Dog Creek got its name from a rowdy bunch of boys riding horses down the creek whilst dogs barked resulting in calling it Dog Creek. Luckett School, built in the Dog Creek area around year 1900, served children from both Hickman and Maury counties including the areas of Kinderhook, Dog Creek, and Primm Springs Village. All children walked to school carrying their lunch and their own dipper gourd for drinking water.
Hinson, C. and Hardison, Harold. Maury County Tennessee History and Families. Paducah, KY: Turner Publishing Company, 1998.
Fly: Back In History 
5 Responses to “Kinderhook”
OMG such great history and memory growing up down in Fly Tenn being a Fly girl has always brought back great memories, and the love of BG Fly’s belongs sandwich a Sundrop with Peanuts at the creek with friends was the best summer’s ever… Miss you guys
Thank you, Lenora, for your kind words. Fly is a very special place. There seems to be lots of sweet memories here. Thank you-
I had a conversation with Mr. Wilson Fly, who mentioned several times how sad it was that Kinderhook was all but forgotten and that it was at one time a thriving community.
I am a descendant of John & Martha “Patsy” (Humphrey) Potts.
I have been working on genealogy of my maternal grandmother’s side, the POTTS.
My granny was: Gracie Enon Potts, whose parents were: William Nicholas & Ola Eudora (Luckett) Potts.
If anyone has information to share, I look forward to hear from you.
I am Trish (Williams) Smith, 7th child of: Darnell & Nora Eudora (Layne) Williams. I am in Ancestry & Facebook.
Elmer hutcherson was my great grandfather that lived next to Nazarene church that once was the school and intend of keeping the long inherit farm, hope that nearby farm don’t get separate like other places!