Did earl hamner father have a sawmill?

Yes, Earl Hamner Jr.'s father, Earl Hamner Sr., owned a sawmill in Virginia. The sawmill played a significant role in the family's life and influenced Hamner's writing, particularly in his creation of the television series "The Waltons," which is based on his own childhood experiences. The setting and themes of family, hard work, and rural life reflect the values and environment he grew up in.