Tom B. Sutton

 

Tom Sutton (1897-1988), teacher, preacher and community leader, was born in a small cabin in the head of Saltlick, KY.  He was the son of Jane and Joseph Sutton.  Tom lived there until he was seven years old and at that time they moved to Ball, where the creeks of Ball crossed, to live here and open a store to serve people for miles around. 

 

Tom began his education early in life and at the age of 19 he walked to Quicksand to teach his first school.  He was a student of Prof. George Clark before going on to study at Caney Creek Junior College .  After graduation in 1925, Alice Lloyd sent Tom to Eastern, then a normal school, where he achieved an “A” average.

 

He returned to teach at Caney Creek Community College and in cooperation with the Delta Theta Tau society he established a high school at Dwarf and one at Vest, where he taught and was principal.

 

Tom Sutton never gave up the idea that “to live is to learn”.  He continued teaching in his church where he became an active member and preacher of the United Baptist order.

 

Tom Sutton was a great teacher, community leader, humanitarian, and lover of nature, but he is best known for his love and achievement of crossword puzzles. He was never without a puzzle in his pocket, his book or his hand.  Tom had a brilliant mind, but best of all, he shared it with his students and everyone he knew.