Local Author Visit: Tyler Boyd’s The Biggs Machine

Join the Friends of the Collegedale Public Library as they host local author Tyler Boyd who will discuss his book – The Biggs Machine – Historical/Non-Fiction. Open to everyone – no library card requirement.

For the first half of the 20th Century in Polk County, Tennessee, Sheriff Burch Biggs reigned supreme. From 1904 to 1948, the political machine of Biggs was built upon three pillars―election fraud, police brutality, and graft―and while it is true that Biggs was not the first (or last) American sheriff to permit “fee-grabbing”, take kickbacks, or stuff the ballot box, the duration and brutality of his tenure makes him exceptional. Biggs was elected sheriff eight times, and when he was out of office, one of his two sons served in his place. The Biggs Machine tells the story of Burch Biggs, his corrupt empire, and how it all came crashing down following World War II. Extensively researched, including interviews with Polk Countians who lived during the Biggs regime, The Biggs Machine presents the true story of how “absolute power corrupts absolutely”, and a cautionary tale to prevent history from repeating itself.

About the Author: Tyler L. Boyd is an author, historian, and educator in McMinn County, Tennessee.

In Spring 2017, Boyd began work on his first book, a biography of Harry T. Burn, his great-granduncle. Burn became famous for casting the deciding vote in the Tennessee General Assembly to ratify the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920, granting the right to vote to women across America. Boyd debunks the myths about Burn and his role in the woman suffrage movement, and chronicles the rest of his life and career in Tennessee politics. “Tennessee Statesman Harry T. Burn: Woman Suffrage, Free Elections and a Life of Service,” was published by the History Press in August 2019. It won several awards, including the Award of Distinction from the East Tennessee Historical Society, the Award for Historic Preservation from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and was selected for the Tennessee State Museum’s 2020 Book Club.

His second book, “Nellie Kenyon: Trailblazing Tennessee Journalist,” was published in April 2022 by Waldenhouse Publishers. In an era when men dominated the field of journalism, Kenyon covered some of the 20th century’s biggest stories, including the trials of John T. Scopes and Jimmy Hoffa. Through her outstanding work, she paved the way for the many women that work in journalism today. Boyd’s biography of Kenyon won the Project Excellence Award from the East Tennessee Historical Society.

In September 2023, Acclaim Press published Boyd’s third book, “The Biggs Machine: Old Time Politics in Polk County, Tennessee.” Previously a forbidden topic of discussion for many Polk County natives, Boyd finally chronicles this story for the first time. Inspired by the Battle of Athens in 1946, a bipartisan group of veterans formed the Good Government League (GGL) to challenge the political machine of longtime Polk County Sheriff Burch E. Biggs. Through election fraud, graft, and police brutality, Biggs perpetuated his corrupt regime in power for nearly two decades before its violent overthrow in 1948.

Boyd was born and raised in Athens, Tennessee. He studies history, civics, economics, geography, and philosophy. He enjoys genealogy, running, traveling, and the cinema. He has a B.A. in history and a M.S. in teacher education, both from the University of Tennessee. He has taught high school in Loudon, Bradley, and McMinn Counties. He currently serves as a Programs committee member at the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum, vice president of the McMinn County Historical Society, secretary of the McMinn County Library Board, and on the Athens Historic Preservation Commission. He is also a member of the East Tennessee Historical Society, Tennessee Historical Society, and the National Society Sons of the American Revolution.