| Sources |
- [S73] Rawlings Funeral Home, Book 2, 2 Jan 1983.
Ollie Belle Stott obituary
- [S106] The Mountain Press, 5 Sep 2011.
Upland Chronicles: Wagon train days in Sevier County recalled
by CARROLL McMAHAN
Lona and Tilman Robertson crossing the Middle Prong of Little Pigeon River with their dog named Mel Tillis.
The Sevier County Saddle Club Wagon Train traveling along a rural county road.
Decorating the Senior Citizen’s Club wagon for the Wagon Train Parade.
Anyone who lived in Sevier County during the 1960s and 1970s will inevitably remember the Wagon Train. Many have personal recollections of participating, watching the parade or at least, hearing about the annual event.
Beginning in 1960 and continuing for 25 years, the Sevier County Saddle Club Wagon Train was an anticipated event that entertained hundreds who shared an interest in equestrian activities and good old-time wholesome fun.
The Sevier County Saddle Club was a group of horseback riders who gathered for Sunday afternoon and moonlight riles through the country. When Tilman Robertson, founder and president of Sevier County Saddle Club, suggested the idea of a four day wagon train, his fellow club members readily agreed.
Typically, participants “set up camp” on the second Thursday in August (at the old Sevier County Fair grounds on High Street in the early years) and staged a parade through the streets of downtown Sevierville before setting down for the evening.
Early on Friday morning the caravan would “break camp” after breakfast and head to the second night’s destination. Before the return trip on Sunday morning, a worship service was conducted by the Reverend Melvin Carr with special singing by the Allen Family.
There were usually 12-15 wagons and between 250 and 300 participants in the wagon train each year. Apparel was mostly casual and practical. Some preferred western boots and hats. Many of the men wore billed caps that farm equipment dealers gave customers.
Tilman Robertson served as the first wagon master. Jim Knight, Herb Flynn Frank Hill, Johnny Valentine, Lee Maples, J.C. Banks, Cleo McMahan and Pearl Lewelling were among the active saddle club members responsible for the initial event.
Consideration was taken in the selection of campsites and routes to insure the caravan would be near wooded areas. Since there were no port-a-potties available in those days, participants had no alternative but to answer the call of nature in the woods.
Fliers advertising the event were handed out and posted throughout the county informing the public: “This outing is for pleasure only and our invitation is for anyone who can abide by a few simple rules which are for the safety of all. Anyone who cannot follow the rules is not invited, will be excused and if necessary turned over to proper authorities for prosecution. The club is not responsible for any type of accident.”
The seven simple rules were:
1. Instructions of wagon master and assistant must be followed
2. Wagon master to place all wagons and riders.
3. Riders to stay in line and not pass riders or other riders.
4. Horses put away for the night by 9 p.m.
5. No loud or excessive noise after 11 p.m.
6. Campsites to be kept clean — when you leave take it with you.
7. No alcoholic drinks, stallions or motorcycles on train or campground
The advertisement further reminded everyone an officer would be present to assist if needed at all times.
The stern warning did not diminish enthusiasm or deter a large turnout for the wagon train. Hundreds of enthusiast turned out each year and a large crowd witnessed the parade. However, the advice must have been successful in deterring the undesirable element from participation because there was never any trouble reported.
One particular flier distributed in the early days publicized the following itinerary: August 11 — assemble at Sevier County Fairground with parade starting at 6:00 P.M. August 12, 9:00 A.M. — leave for Mike Shular Farm on Jayell Road. August 14, 8:30 A.M., church service conducted by Rev. Melvin Carr, after church trek back to Sevierville.
In 1968, the Sevier County News Record reported: “After three days of sunny skies and gentle breezes, the rains came. The Wagon Train had rather hot weather for the down-town parade on Thursday but Friday morning a good breeze made traveling comfortable and Saturday the weather was fine too until about time for the night’s social activities. Sevier County Saddle Club president, T.A. Robertson had to speed up the prize winning part of the program in order to be through before the clouds made good their threat of rain.
Those receiving prizes were: The oldest man, Abe Miller of Knoxville, 67; oldest woman, Mrs. Phillip Ward, 68, from Cohutta, Georgia. Mrs. Ward comes every year for the wagon train. Youngest person present was Lon Hodge, 5 years old, from Sevier County. The couple married the longest was Mr. and Mrs. Jim Maples, Route 9 Sevierville, were married 38 years. The couple married the shortest length of time was Mr. and Mrs. Dale Fine of Sevierville. The Fines have been married for two months. Person coming the greatest distance was Jackie Webster of Memphis, grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Douglas, Route 1, Sevierville. One lady flew from Miami, Florida for the wagon train but was not present when the prizes were awarded.
The largest family with all members presents was the Dwayne Hodges family of five from Route 9, Sevierville. This year’s wagon master was Jim Maples. Robert Sims was assistant wagon master.”
In another Sevier County News-Record article in 1975, John Fox reported: “Wagon Master Tilman Robertson rumbled along in his familiar red wagon at the head of the line as the wagon train wound its way through Mathis Hollow, Gooses’ Gap and on to Benson School where man and beast halted for a lunch break. Then it was on to Happy Hollow Campground on the farm of S. M. Kerley.
The wagon train began to drift into the Sevier County Fairgrounds early Thursday afternoon, August 14 and began making preparations for their parade through downtown Sevierville. At exactly 4: 45 P.M., the train creaked out of the fairgrounds and on to the Parkway where they found hundreds of people lining the sidewalks in a gay holiday mood.”
As circumstances changed, so did the route along with campsites. The parade was omitted in the last few years due to traffic issues in downtown Sevierville. Because of the advancing age of organizers and increased traffic problems, the Sevier County Saddle Club Wagon Train discontinued in 1985 which brought to an end a delightful era in Sevier County history.
— Carroll McMahan is the Special Projects Facilitator for the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce. The Upland Chronicles series celebrates the heritage and past of Sevier County. If you have suggestions for future topics, would like to submit a column or have comments; please contact Carroll McMahan at 453-6411 or email to cmcmahan@scoc.org; or Ron Rader at 604-9161 or email to ron@ronraderproperties.com
- [S112] Census, 1920.
Name: Tillman Robertson
Residence: , Sevier, Tennessee
Estimated Birth Year: 1912
Age: 8
Birthplace: Tennessee
Relationship to Head of Household: Son
Gender: Male
Race: White
Marital Status: Single
Father's Birthplace: Tennessee
Mother's Birthplace: Tennessee
Film Number: 1821762
Digital Folder Number: 4390948
Image Number: 00486
Sheet Number: 10
Household Gender Age Birthplace
SELF Mollie Robertson F 41y Tennessee
DAU Nellie Robertson F 10y Tennessee
SON Tillman Robertson M 8y Tennessee
SON Otha C Robertson M 5y Tennessee
SON Ashley O Robertson M 6m Tennessee
- [S112] Census, 1930.
Name: Tilman A Robertson
Event: Census
Event Date: 1930
Event Place: District 04, Sevier, Tennessee
Gender: Male
Age: 18
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Birthplace: Tennessee
Estimated Birth Year: 1912
Immigration Year:
Relationship to Head of Household: Ward
Father's Birthplace: Tennessee
Mother's Birthplace: Tennessee
Enumeration District Number: 0004
Family Number: 123
Sheet Number and Letter: 7A
Line Number: 35
NARA Publication: T626, roll 2271
Film Number: 2342005
Digital Folder Number: 4547919
Image Number: 00648
Household Gender Age Birthplace
Head Henry C Butler M 61 Tennessee
Wife Kate Butler F 61 Tennessee
Servant Ida Robertson F 53 Tennessee
Ward Tilman A Robertson M 18 Tennessee
- [S112] Census, 1940.
Name: Tillman Robertson
Titles & Terms:
Event: Census
Event Year: 1940
Event Place: Pigeon Forge, Civil District 4, Sevier, Tennessee, United States
Gender: Male
Age: 28
Marital Status: Married
Race (Original): White
Race (Standardized): White
Relationship to Head of Household (Original): Head
Relationship to Head of Household (Standardized): Head
Birthplace: Tennessee
Estimated Birth Year: 1912
Residence in 1935: Same House
Enumeration District Number: 78-5
Family Number: 22
Sheet Number and Letter: 62A
Line Number: 10
NARA Publication Number: T627
NARA Roll Number: 3933
Digital Folder Number: 005461375
Image Number: 00144
Household Gender Age Birthplace
Head Tillman Robertson M 28 Tennessee
Wife Lona F Robertson F 28 Tennessee
Daughter Nancy C Robertson F 3 Tennessee
- [S73] Rawlings Funeral Home, Book 2, 10 Jun 1990.
Robertson, Tillman Aug 11, 1911 Tn June 10, 1990
Spouse: Tarwater, Lona
Father: Robertson, D.C.
Mother: Mc Mahan, Molly
Cemetery: Murphys Chapel
- [S58] Marriage Certificate.
Name: Lona Tarwater
Also Known As:
Suffix:
Event: Marriage
Event Date: 04 Nov 1933
Event Place: Loudon, Tennessee, United States
Gender: Female
Spouse: T A Robertson
Spouse's Also Known As:
Spouse's Prefix:
Spouse's Suffix:
Page: 280
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