Dennis Sturgill, one of fife children of John and Mallie Sturgill, was born in Knott County and lived here all his life.  He had three sisters, Lena Dyer, Geraldine Simpson, and Marion Hope Gross, and one brother, Robert (Buster) Sturgill, a Hindman businessman who is also a member of the Knott County Hall of Fame.

Dennis was seemingly born into politics in Knott County.  His father was a long-time county clerk.  Den was the first judge-executive in Knott County to succeed himself, serving form 1954-61.  He served as  judge pro-tem in the 1980's.

Sturgill was also a political observer and recorder of history.  He twice ran local newspapers, The Hindman Herald in the 1930's and the Hindman News in the 1940's.  He also sold insurance for a time.  He was very well-read, taking advantage of many books published for the blind.

He married Kathleen Clare, and they had one son, James "Butch."  Butch was the only of his children Den actually saw; he lost his eyesight at around age 22.  Kathleen Sturgill passed away, and Dennis later remarried.  He and his second wife, Octavia (Maupin) had two sons, John Dennis and Warren (an invalid from birth who died at age 22).  They also raised two other children, Dorothy Sue and Larry Breck.

Sturgill is credited with starting the roads which brought "farmers to the market". even blacktopping areas where the roads had previously been in the creeks.  He was a great friend of Happy Chandler.

Up to his death at age 74, Sturgill continued to visit the drug store in Hindman daily, talking with friends about he news of the moment. Though denied physical eyesight, he was known for his ability to discern people's character and for his keen observation of situations.  He was well loved for his sense of humor.

Corbett Mullins
May 8, 2003