Darla Wilson, a fifth great-granddaughter of the Tennessee soldier and statesman John Sevier, will guest star in the drama Liberty!
ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. -- The national organization of the descendants of John Sevier will convene for the first time at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, on the ground where their famous ancestor first rose to prominence.
More than 200 members of the Sevier Family Association (SFA) from throughout the world, from as far away as Great Britain and Australia, will meet at the historic site for the outdoor drama Liberty! - The Saga of Sycamore Shoals on July 21.
SFA President Darla Wilson will take on a guest starring role in the drama, along with other family members. "It is a rare and wonderful opportunity for us to get to take a step back in time, and have such an experience. We have been looking forward to this for a year," Wilson said.
The first reunion of the family of Tennessee's first governor was held in Gatlinburg in 1957. "It was the dream of our first family president, John Howard Sevier," Wilson said. "And it is also the fulfillment of a great dream for us to come to Sycamore Shoals, the place that is really the root of our family."
A fifth great-granddaughter of the Tennessee soldier and statesman, Wilson is a dermatological nurse. She and her husband, Marc, have three children: Collin, Kileyann and Mitchell.
Wilson was elected president of the SFA in 2005, the first woman to ever hold the position. Her father, Tom Windle, is a past president of the SFA. Steve Little serves as vice president; Ula Mae Windle is vice president of registration; Marinella Charles is secretary and Bill Hedley is treasurer. The author of Sevier Family History , Nancy Madden has served as official family historian.
Wilson said a variety of activities are planned for the group, including a visit to the Marble Springs home where Sevier lived while he was governor and to Tipton-Haynes Farm in Johnson City, site of the battle that ultimately helped bring on the demise of the "Lost" State of Franklin," of which Sevier served as governor from 1784-88.
The Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center will serve as the site of the family's traditional business meeting on Saturday morning.
"It is a joy for us to have these experiences, and gain the information we all want, while we get the chance to enjoy the beautiful East Tennessee countryside," Wilson said.
For more information, contact Linda Poland at 423-753-9882.
