Jethro Amburgey (1895-1971) was an important part of Knott County’s
educational heritage. He taught, coached, was a nationally known craftsman,
and served as Knott County school superintendent 1940-1944.

Amburgey and his twin brother, Woodrow, were born in 1985 in this county,
sons of Wiley J. Amburgey. Jethro was a direct descendant of John Amburgey,
one of the first settlers of the county.

He attended a one-room school for his first six years of schooling and went to
the Hindman Settlement School and stayed there through high school.

He served in a machine gun squad in France during 1918. He was wounded
in the Battle of Argonne Forest. He returned to Hindman to finish high school.

He began teaching and coaching basketball at Hindman prior to Pearl Combs
at the request of school officials. He also taught woodworking. Jethro was
married to Ranie Smith and to this union was born one son, Morris Amburgey.

Between 1920-1925, he met Uncle Ed Thomas and learned his pattern for
making dulcimers. After Thomas’ death, Jethro made dulcimers to sell, although
he was teased for making the musical instruments. He made 1,389 dulcimers
during his lifetime.

After teaching at Hindman, he taught at the Old Carr Church on Wolfpen. He
continued his education during the summer at Berea and Eastern State Teachers
College. In 1934-35 he attended Morehead State University and graduated. He
attended Morehead because of their celebrated woodworking program. He
taught at Carr Creek and Breathitt High Schools.

A changing political situation opened the superintendency for him and he served
from 1940-1944. He retired after 33 years of teaching. He left his retirement and became the county sanitarian for five years.

Jethro Amburgey was known for his sharp wit. The unique man, described by
many as a true character, is considered to be one of the most intelligent men to
live in Knott County.           

Submitted by Corbett Mullins