Appalachian Quilted Trail
The original Barn Quilt project was funded by a Blue Ridge
National Heritage Grant through Handmade in America. The mission of
the organization is to protect, preserve, interpret and develop the
unique natural, historical and cultural resources for the benefit
of present and future generations
History
FARM HISTORY - The Conklin Community, situated on the north side
of the Nolachucky River, was one the homes of John Sevier,
1745-1815. Sevier was a noted Indian fighter, land owner,
Washington County clerk, governor of the State of Franklin, 6 times
governor of Tennessee, and 4 times elected to Congress. This farm,
called Plum Grove, was bought by Sevier in 1790. He lived there
during his first 3 terms as governor. The home was a large
two-story log building with a rock chimney. It stood about 100
yards south of the barn. The house was torn down around 1920 but
the chimney stood until 1929. The logs from the house were used for
firewood, and a few were made into walking canes.
Jeremy Dykes, current owner of the land on which the house stood,
is the sixth generation grandson of John Sevier, and the great,
great grandson of John Graham, builder of the barn, and great
grandson of Charles Andrew Dillow.
BUILDER OF THE BARN - John Summerfield Graham bought the land from
L. M. Broyles in 1916. The barn was built shortly thereafter. Mr.
Graham also ran Graham Mill in the early to mid 1900’s. It
still stands about one quarter mile south of the barn. The land,
mill, and barn were sold to Charles Andrew Dillow, 1902-1990, by
the Graham heirs in 1955. Mr. Dillow was married to John
Graham’s daughter, Sara Lou. The barn is currently owned by
the Dillow heirs, Don and Brian Dillow. Three generations of
Dillows continue to live on the farm. It is still a working farm,
as tobacco, corn, and grain are raised each year and a dairy is
also in operation.
QUILT MAKERS - This quilt was made in the late 1800’s or
early 1900’s by three sisters living in the neighboring
community of New Victory . They were Serphina Jane Scott, Julia
Frances Scott, and Phinetta Elizabeth Scott Garvin. Phinetta Garvin
‘s husband was a Confederate Veteran , and she was a second
grade school teacher in the Washington County School system in the
late 1800’s. Mrs. Garvin was the great, great, great
grandmother of Jeremy Dykes.
Five nearest Geocaches
GC1B3X6
GC119F9
GC1NAZQ
GC119FA
GC119FF
Five nears Waymark’s
WM7QWB
WM5Z2Y
WM7A33
WM5Z2W
WM70ME
Where the cache is
If you like to include a photo of the barn and the pattern
please feel free to and you can be permitted to log the cache for
an extra smiley