The estate of Joseph Edward Adkins, Civil War historian who passed away October 11, 2014, donated his personal collection of Civil War books to the Sullivan County Department of Archives and Tourism at Blountville.  The donation was made in his name by his beneficiaries as listed under his will. 

The donation was warmly welcomed by the Sullivan County Archives, which accepts books, photographs, manuscripts and other items that preserve the rich cultural history and genealogy of the region.

Adkins was born on September 8, 1957, in Clintwood, Virginia, and he later removed to the Jonesborough, Tennessee area. He graduated from the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science and Mountain Empire Community College.  An avid Civil War buff, Adkins served on the Battle of Blountville Civil War Reenactment Committee.  He participated in numerous Civil War re-enactments, where he did a living history portrayal of his distant cousin, Colonel Abram Fulkerson.  He was Camp Commander of the Jonesborough Camp of Sons of Confederate Veterans. He was survived by his wife Michele; two sisters, Nancy and Rebecca; and three children, Laurel, Michael and John.   He was laid to rest at Old Maple Grove Church Cemetery near Coeburn, Virginia.

The Adkins Collection has been processed by staff and is now available for viewing at the Sullivan County Department of Archives and Tourism at Blountville.