'The Prophet of Oak Ridge Revealed' is author's topic at Oak Ridge History Museum on May 9

The Oak Ridger
·1 min read

Truth or fiction? Was John Hendrix a prophet?

A farmer who reportedly spent 40 days and nights in the woods before emerging to reveal visions about the future of land that would become Oak Ridge, Hendrix is the subject of many stories. But who was he – a family man? A killer? Did he lose his mind and get locked away in a cage?

All these questions are explored through research, court and deed records, statements from neighbors, and compiled into a book by Dennis Aslinger, “The Prophet of Oak Ridge Revealed.”

Aslinger is the great-grandson of John Hendrix and has spent 30 years researching his genealogy.

The Oak Ridge Heritage and Preservation Association will present a talk by Aslinger at 7 p.m. May 9 at the Oak Ridge History Museum (Wildcat Den), 102 Robertsville Road. A book signing will follow

Aslinger, who has lived his entire life within 20 miles of Hendrix’s resting place, worked as a registered professional engineer for 32 years at all three Department of Energy facilities in Oak Ridge before retiring in 2013. He worked a further six years as a senior substation design engineer before retiring permanently, according to an ORHPA news release. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s in engineering management from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

Sgt. Abe Levette and farmer John Malone at John Hendrix grave.
Sgt. Abe Levette and farmer John Malone at John Hendrix grave.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: 'The Prophet of Oak Ridge Revealed' is program topic in Oak Ridge