Wade Family Barn

This barn, built in the late 1800's, stands on what's left of the James M. Wade farm established in 1867. The land was deeded to James M. Wade, our great grandfather by William Wayland, the father of James M. Wade's wife Mary Wayland Wade. The land was deeded after James M. Wade and Mary Wayland were married after James returned from serving in the Union Army as a Captain. James M. Wade was one of the founders of the First Baptist Church and Harrison Chilhowee Baptist Academy, both in Seymour..

Our grandfather Albert Wade was a farmer on this land for many years and was married to our Grandmother Nancy Ann Davis Wade. Nancy died before my sister and I were born, but we are lucky to have a few of the many quilts she quilted in her life for her family. This Bear Claw Quilt is one of our favorites. We chose this Bear Claw Quilt Square pattern not only to honor our grandmother but also to honor the 75th anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, home to many black bears.

The Bear Claw pattern in red, white and blue is in honor of the black bears of the Great Smoky Mountains and the family quilt of the Wade Family.