Hatcher Family Dairy

The Hatcher family’s American roots trace back to William Hatcher, an English merchant who immigrated to Virginia around 1634. Through the headright system, he acquired over 1,000 acres across what would become Chesterfield and Henrico Counties, including land at Varina and Turkey Island. He served several terms as a burgess, representing the western frontier of the colony. Though too old to fight in Bacon’s Rebellion, his public support of the uprising led to censure and a fine from the colonial governor. In 1780, his descendant Jeremiah Hatcher moved to Bedford County, Virginia, where he founded “Hatcher Meeting House” near the Peaks of Otter. His son, William Hatcher (1793–1866), served briefly in the War of 1812 before marrying Lucy Rucker and moving South to Williamson County, Tennessee in 1819. They settled along McCrory’s Creek in what later became known as Arno, raising twelve children and establishing the family homestead. Their son, Abram Wooldridge Hatcher (1835–1902), purchased part of our current farm on Arno Road. His first wife was Mary Susan Dobson, who died during childbirth of their third child, he later married Martha Chriesman. Martha kept detailed journals describing daily farm life — milking cows, churning butter, and selling eggs and meat to passing peddlers — painting a vivid picture of 19th-century farm life in Middle Tennessee. Their youngest son, George Abram Hatcher (1885–1974), grew up on the farm and delayed his education after his father’s death to help his mother maintain it. He later attended The People’s School (now Battle Ground Academy), where classmates nicknamed him “Grandpap” because he was older than his peers. He went on to earn his medical degree from Vanderbilt University. Dr. Hatcher served as a physician in both World War I and World War II, rising to Lt. Colonel and commanding the 121st Station Hospital in England during WWII. After the war, he returned home to farm and to invest deeply in the land and family he loved. His son, Abram “Abe” Wooldridge Hatcher (1921–1994 ), carried forward both education and service. A graduate of Harvard University and the University of Tennessee, Abe served in the Medical Corps during WWII before pursuing a career in law. Though his work took the family to other states, the Tennessee farm remained home. Abe eventually returned to practice law in Franklin and ensured that each of his children would have a place connected to the family land. Charlie Hatcher, born in 1958, grew up with a deep love for the farm and knew from childhood he wanted to become a veterinarian. After earning his veterinary degree from the University of Tennessee, Charlie and his wife Sharon returned home in 1992 to revive the dairy operation alongside his brother Jim. The dairy had previously been dispersed in 1985 due to economic hardship, but the brothers were determined to bring cows back to the barn. Facing volatile milk prices, Charlie had the vision in 2005 to bottle their own milk and sell directly to customers. In 2007, the first 200 gallons were bottled and delivered locally — the humble beginning of what would become Hatcher Family Dairy. In 2009, the family opened their own creamery on the farm, naming it The Abe Hatcher Creamery in honor of their father. Today, the farm remains family-owned and operated, with cows grazing on the same land settled in the 1800’s. What began nearly four centuries ago as a commitment to land, faith, service, and hard work continues through each generation. The Hatcher story is not only one of American history — it is the story of a family determined to steward their land and legacy for the next generation. Embrace Farm Strong, a Heartfelt, 400-Year Story of Family, Faith, and Legacy. Farm Strong depicts the poignant story of the Hatcher family, starting with their immigration to America in 1635 through their present-day life ambitiously running a regionally well-known dairy farm. This deeply personal narrative, told by Charles