Pioneer, soldier, statesman, John Sevier carved Tennessee out of the wilderness and became its first governor. He grew up in the wild Shenandoah Valley, and at sixteen could out-shoot and out-ride any man at Smith's Creek. When the Revolution came, he joined the "Swamp Fox" on swift, desperate forays. He fought Indians, was declared an outlaw and even made a daring escape while being tried for treason. As Tennessee's outstanding legislator, he served six times as governor and was elected to Congress for four terms.

From the book

John Sevier: Son of Tennessee was my first book for teenagers, although I have written four other books for younger children. I chose to write about John Sevier because I felt he was an ideal subject for young people. His life combined romance, adventure, danger, dreams, ambition—all the qualities that make a hero. Katharine Wilkie, From The Man Who Wouldn't Give Up: Henry Clay