Bill Chappell Part of Fiddling Tradition

Music is an integral part of our local culture.  Appalachian mountain music derives from the traditions of the immigrants who came from England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales and settled in this region following the Revolutionary War. 

The fiddle was typically the instrument of choice among the first settlers.  The banjo was introduced to the South through African-American slaves in the 18^th century and gained popularity in the mountains during the 19^th century.  The fretted or mountain dulcimer originate in the Appalachian Mountains.  It has three or four strings and is traditionally played lying flat on the musicians lap.  Other instruments commonly used included the autoharp, mandolin, bass, and guitar.

The ballads and songs are often filled with emotion, telling of relationships, daily struggles, and tragic events.  Passed on from generation to generation with each individual performer adding their own unique style the same song may have several variations.

Transylvania County has been and continues to be home to many talented musicians.  Fiddler Bill Chappell was well-known throughout the area.  He got his start on a gourd fiddle but later bought a Stradivarius or a less expensive imitation.  Chappell often played in, and won, fiddle contests.  He was known to play up to three straight days at dances “with the help of a little moonshine and seldom a bite to eat” according to a July 29, 1999 Transylvania Times article by Tim Barton.  Chappell knew enough tunes to play for hours without repeating the same song.

William Martin Chappell’s obituary states that he passed away shortly after his 100^th birthday on January 23, 1949 but his death certificate and other information list his birth as Christmas Day, 1847 making him 101 at the time of his death.

Photographs and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library.  Visit the NC Room during regular library hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about our history and see additional photographs.  For more information, comments or suggestions contact Marcy at marcy.thompson@transylvaniacounty.org or 828-884-3151 X242.