As a young man, Sevier moved over the Appalachian Mountains to join the Watauga Association when it was established at present day Elizabethton, Tennessee.
During the American Revolutionary War, Sevier fought against the British Regular and Loyalist forces.
Sevier also fought in many actions against Native Americans across the Washington District (part of the eastern division of Tennessee).
Sevier's three sons had been killed two years previously by a raiding party under the Chickamauga Cherokee leader, Doublehead, whose band was based at the head of Muscle Shoals.
His widow, Naomi "Amy" Douglas Sevier, lived until 1844, dying at the age of 101.