truce was founded by thomas c. smith, 4th great-grandson of johnson “johnse” hatfield. for thomas, the brand is personal—rooted in a family legacy shaped by conflict, resilience, and the power of reconciliation. he created truce to ensure that the divisions of the past serve as a reminder that peace is always worth pursuing, especially within our own families and communities. by getting together, face to face and sharing some great whiskey, we can further these worthwhile pursuits.
the hatfield-mccoy feud is one of the most storied rivalries in american history. from 1863 to 1891, the two families battled across the west virginia–kentucky border. led by “devil anse” hatfield and randolph “ole ran’l” mccoy, the feud was fueled by land disputes, pride, and moonshine. it reached national headlines and became a symbol of the destructive nature of long-held grudges.
at the heart of the story was thomas smith’s ancestor, johnse hatfield,whose relationship with roseanna mccoy was both passionate and tragic. their romance briefly united the two families, but it ultimately unraveled under the pressure of loyalty and legacy. johnse’s later involvement in the violent 1888 attack on the mccoy cabin led to heartbreak, arrests, and lasting scars on both sides.
despite that troubled past, the name “johnson” continues through generations of smiths. thomas named his oldest son after johnse, not to glorify conflict, but to remember where they came from—and to build something better. truce is a call to pause, reflect, and choose connection over division. it’s more than a name—it’s a commitment.