Table of

much to build up the settlemen

Sev

place was in the western part of Virginia, but while he was still a young boy, the family was driven from their home by the Indian

rned some useful things; still he was not fond of books, a

up a building which was dwelling, storehouse, and fort all in one. Here on the frontier he carried on a thriving trad

yes, fair skin, and brown hair. He was a man of commanding presence, and his athle

ourtesy. He was never happier than when entertaining generously those who came to his home. Yet these gentle and lovable

the west, and became interested in it as a possible home for himself and his family. In 1772 he d

when he met Robertson, they became friends at once, for in spirit and aims they were much

wo children. Returning with them, he entered heartily into the common life of the frontier,

roubled by the Indians. The Cherokees had given their consen

nd the action of the British in arming the Indians with guns and rewarding them for brin

bold and murderous attacks upon the many back-country settlements in southwestern Vir

Robertson commanded the fort, with Sevier as his lieutenant. Only forty or fifty men were in the fort when it was atta

pened upon the Indians and they were at once beaten back with loss. This was the beginning of a long, dreary siege. As the stockade was too strong to be taken by an assault, the Indi

des for so long, and from time to time some one would venture out, heedless of warning and of danger. In running this risk, three or f

n. Her name was Kate Sherrill. She was tall and beautiful, gracefu

e from the fort, when Indians dashed out of the forest and sprang toward her. Seeing

r to the other side. She did not fall to the ground as she expected, but into the arms of John Sevier, for he was standing at a loophole close by, and caught her. He had witnessed her danger and helped her

to capture the fort and finally went away, just as they did from the neighboring settlem

AMONG THE TENN

evier continued to be a leading man in that backwoods region, and when, some years later, Robertson, as yo

he settlement and was noted for the lavish entertainments given there, for Sevier was the same generous host as of old. His house consisted of two groups of rooms connected by a covered porch.

ecue o

tles against the Indians, Sevier gave a hearty welcome. Rarely was his hospitable home without g

an ox was roasted whole over the fire, and where, in fair weather, board tables were set under the trees. These were loaded with wild

ake an attack on the back-country settlements. At once Sevier, along with Isaac Shelby and others, set out to raise an army of frontiersmen to march agai

delay the Americans made a furious attack. They fought with great

ion on the left. At just the right moment he led his men in a resistless rush up the mountainside and made victory certain for the Amer

e south and made easier General Greene's victory over Cornwallis, of which we

f King's

tubborn warfare. In his usual way Sevier struck a swift, crushing blow by marching to the mountain homes of h

les through the mountain wilds and completely surprised the Indians, who did not think it possible for an enemy to reach them. After taking the main town, burning two other towns and three villages,

ed him for his brilliant leadership; they were grateful for his protection; and they loved him as a friend. They fondly called him "Nolichuck

st a battle. As we have seen, he moved with great swiftness in attacking his foes. Through his able scouts he learned the strength and weakness of his enemies and, befo

of a body of men who were marking the border line between Georgia and the lands of the Indians. The labor proved too gr

with the two words, "John Sevier," inscribed u

g children, for his memory is held dear in the hearts of old and young alike. Tennessee owes m

ngs to T

th his family to the

n the Cherokees were trying to capture i

nd tell something about the kind of

Indian fighte

s personal appearance. Wh