Sevierville in Sevier County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Dr. Massey's Bird Dog

Photographed by Mary Ruden, April 10, 2023

1. Dr. Massey's Bird Dog Marker

Inscription. Bertie the Bird Dog belonged to Dr. Zachary David Massey, a Sevierville physician who served a term as first district congressman and was a board member of Sevier County Bank. His faithful dog accompanied him daily to the office. In the early 1900's, Dr. Massey would place his deposit in a pouch each day and give it to Bertie, who would carry the pouch to the teller and wait while the money was counted and a deposit slip was written. The teller then gave it back to Bertie to deliver to Dr. Massey.

Carroll McMahan, Sevier County Historian
Image created by Mary Ruden 2022
Given by
Charles Blalock & Sons, Inc., Austin & Katie Williams,
Ross & Mae Summit Family,
Sevierville Chamber of Commerce.
Also given in recognition & gratitude for Sevier County
bank directors, officers, employees & customers

Erected 2023.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.

Location. 35° 52.065′ N, 83° 33.93′ W. Marker is in Sevierville, Tennessee, in Sevier County. It is at the intersection of Court Avenue and Bruce Street, on the right when traveling east

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on Court Avenue. Across from Sevierville Courthouse and the iconic Dolly Parton Statue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 134 Court Avenue, Sevierville TN 37862, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East Tennessee

and in the Great Smoky Mountains.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

the State of Franklin,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sevierville (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Sevierville (a few steps from this marker); Dolly Parton (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Sevierville (a few steps from this marker); Sevierville's Infamous White Caps (within shouting distance of

Photographed by Mary Ruden, April 10, 2023

2. Dr. Massey's Bird Dog Marker

this marker); Isaac Dockery (within shouting distance of this marker); Sevier County Veterans (within shouting distance of this marker); Hon. Lieut. Spencer Clack (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sevierville.

More about this marker. Near Bruce St. which crosses Court Ave

Regarding Dr. Massey's Bird Dog. Bronze Statue of historic Dog is life size and is placed on a stone base; bronze plaque is in front of it. Sculptor MaryRuden.com is the artist of the statue and imagery on plaque. Dr. Massey's office was near the location in the early 1900's and the Dog ran down the street with the money pouch in her mouth.

Additional keywords. Dog Sculpture

Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2023, by Mary Ruden of Sevierville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,017 times since then and 82 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 28, 2023, by Mary Ruden of Sevierville, Tennessee. 2. submitted on April 27, 2023, by Mary Ruden of Sevierville, Tennessee. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.