Perhaps no other story explains the bitter divisions in East Tennessee as does the story of Russell Gregory and his son Charles. Russell was too old to fight in the war but had strong Northern sentiments. His son Charles, however, was supportive of the South, and in 1862 actually joined the local Confederate regiment Thomas' Legion. Russell, upset at the continuing raids, finally organized an ambush on the Confederate group. The next time the Confederates came through they were surprised at all the old cove men who fired upon them and forced them to retreat. Unfortunately, one of the Confederates was Charles Gregory, who immediately recognized his father's gun as having fired the first shot. Charles retreated with his comrades but informed them that it was his father who had organized the ambush. The Confederates came back later that night, and Charles pointed out where his father lived. Charles had no idea what his fellow soldiers had in mind for revenge. After Charles pointed out his dad's house, the soldiers went in and dragged Russell out and killed him right in front of his son. Russell was now a hero who gave his life for the cove people. He is remembered by his tombstone epithet which reads "Russell Gregory murdered by North Carolina rebels. Apparently, Charles was eventually forgiven for his part in his father's death, as he is buried right behind him in the Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.