xt7xgx44rj07 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7xgx44rj07/data/mets.xml Hartley, Cecil B. 1860  books b92-80-27254553 English D.W. Evans, : New York : Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Wetzel, Lewis, 1764-1808. Kenton, Simon, 1755-1836. Logan, Benjamin, 1743-1802. Brady, Samuel, 1756-1785. Shelby, Isaac, 1750-1826. Life and adventures of Lewis Wetzel, the Virginia ranger  : to which are added biographical sketches of General Simon Kenton, General Benjamin Logan, Captain Samuel Brady, Governor Isaac Shelby, and other heroes of the West / by Cecil B. Hartley ; illustrated by G.G. White. text Life and adventures of Lewis Wetzel, the Virginia ranger  : to which are added biographical sketches of General Simon Kenton, General Benjamin Logan, Captain Samuel Brady, Governor Isaac Shelby, and other heroes of the West / by Cecil B. Hartley ; illustrated by G.G. White. 1860 2002 true xt7xgx44rj07 section xt7xgx44rj07 


























































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LIFE AND ADVENTURES



                oP


LEWIS WETZEL,


     THE VIRGINIA RANGER;

           TO WEICH ARE ADDED


    BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF

GENERAL SIMON KENTON, GENERAL BENJAMIN
    LOGAN, CAPTAIN SAMUEL BRADY.
       GOVERNOR ISAAC SHELBY,
         AND OTHER HEROES
           OF THE WEST.

       By CECIL B1. HARTLEY.

  ILLUSTRATED WITH ENGRAVINGS FROM ORIGINAL DESIGNS,

          BY G. G. WHITE.



            NEW YORK:
     D. W. EVANS  Co,
         No. G77 BROADWAY.

 

























  Entered aecording to the Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by
                     G. G. EVANS,
In the Clork's Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of
                         Pennsylvania.

 
                PREFACE.




  Tid biographies in this volume have been compiled
with great care, from the best authorities. They present
to the reader's view the actions of some of the most re-
markable men who took part in the great work of laying
a secure and solid foundation for the unbounded pros-
perity of the Great West. These men, too, were promi-
nent leaders in those splendid military actions which
broke down the power, not only of the aborigines, but
of the British in the western and north-western states
of the Union; and in their several. biographies as given.
in this volume, will be found records of the great bat-
tles by which the British and Indians were finally driven
from the soil of the western country.
  The characters and actions of these men will form a
                                            (3)

 
4                     PREFACE.

profitable study for the patriotic young men, who may
hereafter be called upon to defend the homes and fire-
sides of our country; and they will not fail to inspire
that noble and generous emulation, which has always
formed a striking trait in the American character.



 



                    CONTENTS.





              LIFE OF LEWIS WETZEL.

                        CHAPTER I.
                                                              PAGE
Lewis Wetzel's great fame as an Indian fighter-The estimation in
which he was held by his cotemporaries-The great defender of the
Virginia frontier-Little known of his personal history-John Wet-
zel, the father of Lewis-His settlement near Wheeling-Settlement
of Wheeling-Erebtion of Fort Henry-Dangerous situation of John
  Wetzel's residence-His family, of five sons and two daughters-His
  frequent excursions from home-Dangers, difficulties, and privations
  of the early settlers-Loss of horses and cows-Cares of the mother
  -Clothing and education of the family-Comparison of past and the
  present times.......................................................................... 13

                        CHAPTER II.
Birth of Lewis Wetzel-His birth-place uncertain-Major Fowler's ac-
  count of the family-Lewis and Martin captured by the Indians-
  Death of their father-The boys escape from the Indians and return
  home-The oath of vengeance-Mr. De Hlaas's statement respecting
  the death of John Wetzel, and the adventure of Lewis and Martin
  Wetzel ...............   .............................................  ' I

                       CHAPTER III.
Peculiar character of the period when Lewis Wetzel was a youth-Tur-
  balent times favorable to the formation of a bold and independent
  character-Martin Wetzel joins Col. Brodhead's expedition to destroy
  the Indian towns on the Coshocton-Its success-Treatment of the
  prisoners-Martin Wetzel's implacable conduct-He kills a iues-
  senger-He assists in killing the Indian prisoners-His capture by
  the Indians-His apparent contentedness with them-lie kills his
  captors and escapes to the settlements ......................................... 27

 



6



CONTENTS.



                        CHAPTER IV.
                                                               PASS
Lewis Wetzel engaged in Crawford's campaign-Notice of the preceding
  campaign of Williamson-The Moravian settlements-Some of the
  people taken to Fort Pitt-Prejudices against them-Warned by
  Delaware chief-Moravian settlements on Muskingum broken up-
  Removal to Sandusky-False charges-Willianmson's expedition-
  Treacherous conduct towards the Christian Indians-They are made
  prisoners-They are slaughtered in cold blood-Escape of the In-
  dians of Shoenbrunn..................                  .......37

                        CHAPTER V.

Crawford's campaign-Its objects-The soldiers equip themselves-All
volunteers-Colonel Crawford chosen commander-The march-
  Early symptoms of want of discipline-Indians well informed of
  their movements-Attacked by the Indians-The battle-Retreat
  ordered and commenced-Dreadfully harassed on the retreat-Dr.
  Knights account of his own and Colotcl Crawford's retreat-They
  are captured by the Indians-Colonel Crawford seeks aid of Simon
  (irty, who makes fair promises to Crawford, and insults Dr. Knight
  -The Colonel stripped and beaten-Girty now threatens to burn the
  Colonel-Horrid circumstances attending the burning-Escape of
  Dr. Knight-End of the campaign-Remarks-Lewis Wetzel meets
  with Mills in the retreat, and goes with him after his horse-They
  are attacked by Indians, and Mills is killed-Lewis escapes, after
  killing two Indians and wounding a third in his retreat ...... ............ 49

                        CHAPTER VI.

Erection of Fort Ilarmar-Gencral Harmar attempts to conciliate the
  Indians-Lewis Wetzel goes to Fort Harmar, in hopes to kill an In-
  dian-Hle waylays and shoots one-Captain Kingsbury sent to arrest
  him-He returns without effecting his object-Lewis Wetzel goes on
  a visit to Ilnnailton Carr-He is made prisoner in Carr's house, and
  loaded with irons-Heo makes a singular proposition to General Hlar-
  mar, which is not accepted-Wetzel escapes from his captivity-By
  the aid of a friend he reaches Virginia, and then goes to Kentucky-
  General Harmar goes to Fort Washington, and issues a proclamation,
  offering a reward for the apprehension of Lewis Wetzel .67

                       CHAPTER VII.

Lewis Wetzel joins Major M'Mahnn's expedition against the Indians-
  They meet a strong party of Indians-The party retreats, leaving
  Wetzel-He comes to an Indian camp-Kills an Indian, and returns
  hoine with his scalp-He kills an Indian who imitates the turkey
  call, as a decoy to the people in the fort at Wbeeling..................... 70

                       CHAPTER VIII.
Lewis Wetzel goes down the Ohio towards the Kainawha-Meets Lieu-
  tenant Kingsbury, who does not arrest hin-Lewis goes to Limestone

 



CONTENTS.



7



                                                                PAGR
 and Washington-Goes on hunting excursions-Goes to Maysville-
 Is arrested and put in irons by Lieutenant Lawler-Delivered to
 General Harmar-Great excitement in the neighborhood on account
 of Wetzel's detention in prison-Wetzel tried and discharged-His
 personal appearance at this time ................................................ 82

                        CHAPTER IX.
Lewis Wetzel goes on an Indian hunt-He finds a camp with four In-
  dians-Watches them-Attacks them in the night-Kills three of
  them-The fourth escapes-Wetzel's characteristic remark on his
  return home-Lewis's adventure with six Indians in a cabin-Ile
  kilts one of them and makes his escape unhurt ............................. 86

                         CHAPTER X.
Lewis Wetzel's popularity not diminished by his imprisonment-He
  makes a visit to a friend on Dunkard's Creek-They find the house
  of his friend in ruins, and his intended wife is missing, having been
  captured by the Indians-Wetzel and his friend set off in pursuit of
  the Indians-A long march through the woods-They come upon the
  camp of the Indians at night-They watch them till morning-They
  attack the Indians-They recover the captive and kill all the Indians 99

                     1 CHAPTER XI.
Adventure of John Wetzel-He goes with six others to an Indian town
  to steal horses-They cross the Ohio and reach the town, where they
  obtain fifteen horses-They are detained at Wells Creek-An alarm
  -The party encamip for the night-The Indians attack them and
  kill three of their number-John Wetzel and the other three survi-
  vors make good their retreat-John Wetzel goes on a scout with
  Veach Dickerson-They meet two Indians-Wetzel kills and scalps
  one, and they capture the other-Ho refuses to go with them-They
  beat him with hickory sticks, but he still refuses to accompany them,
  and they finally tomahawk and scalp him .................................... 94

                       CHAPTER XII.
Adventure of Lewis Wetzel's brother, Jacob, and General Simon Ken-
  ton-They go on a fall hunt and fall upon an Indian trail-They
  seek and discover the Indian camp at night-They wait till morning,
  and then make the attack-Two Indians fall at the first fire-Wetzel
  kills a third-They then leave their ambush and rush on the remain-
  ing Indians, who take to flight-They pursue, and finally kill and
  scalp both of the other Indians .................................................. 102

                       CHAPTER XIII.
Lewis Wetzel starts for New Orleans-Ile is imprisoned there-Charge
  unknown-He is released by the intervention of the government, and
  goes to Philadelphia-Great change in his appearance-Ile returns
  to Wheeling Creek-lie returns to the South to revenge himself on

 



8



CONTENTS.



                                                             PAUX
  the enemy who had caused his imprisonment-He returns to Wheel-
  ing-Goes to the woods to hunt-Encounters an Indian-Singular
  stratagemn-Kills the Indian-Lewis Wetzel goes on a land survey
  with the brother of President Maldison-Madison killed-Wetzel
  engaged in the famous expedition of Lcwis and Clarke-He quits the
  expedition and returns home-He goes to the neighborhood of
  Natchez-Ilis death-His personal appearance and character .......... 105


  BRIGADIER GENERAL SIMON KENTON.

                        CHAPTER I.
Birth and early life of Kenton-No school education-Unfortunate ad-
venture-Kenton flogs a rival, and leaving him for dead, flies from
his home-Falls in with Johnson-Kenton takes the name of Simon
Butler-Joins an exploring expedition-Meets Yager and Strader-
Goes down the Ohio-They hunt for cavo years on the Kanawha ...... 113

                       CHAPTER II.
Kenton's party attacked by Indians-Kenton and Yager escape-Suf-
ferings in the woods-Relieved by traders-Joins Dr. Wood's party
-Adventure-The party breaks up-Kenton serves in Dunmore's
war-Expedition to the Lower and Upper Blue Licks-Meeting with
Fitzpatrick arnd Hendricks-Terrible fate of Hendricks .................. 119

                      CHAPTER III.
Zenton at Boonesborough--He goes on an expedition with Boone-Ad-
venture with Indians-Kenton and Montgoipery steal horses, and go
to Logan's Fort-Kenton sent on a scouting expedition by Colonel
Bowman-Horse stealing-Flight,-Capture of Kenton-Tied to a
horse, Mazeppa fashion-Taken to Chillicothe-At the stake-Runs
the gauntlet-Attempt to eseape-Council on Kenton's fate-Recog-
nized and saved by Simiion Girty-Lives with Girty-Another coun-
cil-Kenton condemned-Sent off with a guard-Meets Logan, who
intercedes for him in vain-He is sent to Detroit ........................... 126

                       CHAPTER IV.
Kenton works for the garrison at Detroit-Escapes from captivity by
the aid of Mrs. Harvey-Goes to Vincennes and Harrod's Station-
Commands a company in Clark's expedition-Fights at Chillicothe-
Hears joyful news from home-Again commands a company under
Clark-Fifty years' anniversary appointed-Account of the anniver-
sary-Kenton's letter............................................................... 152

                        CHAPTER V.
Kenton returns to Harrod's Station-Builds houses and plants corn-
  Death of his father-Kenton removes the family to Kentucky-Set-

 



                          CONTENTS.                            9

                                                            PAOl
 tles near Maysville-Parts with some land-Commands a company
 in Logan's expedition, and in Todd's-Last incursion of the Indians. 160

                       CHAPTER VI.

Kenton a Major under General Wayne-Kenton's wealth-How it was
  lost-Settles at Urbana-His magnanimity--Moves to Mad river-
  lie applies to the Legislature for aid-General Floyd's kindness to
  hlon-His lands are released, and a pension granted to him-His
  death-Personal appearance and character ................................... 165



          GENERAL BENJAMIN LOGAN.


                       CHAPTER I.

Parentage of General Logan-Relinquishes his paternal property to his
noother, brothers, and sisters-Removes to the Holston-Engages in
Durznmore's war-Removes to Kentucky-His education imperfect-
Settles at Logan's Fort-Removes to Harrodsburgh-Returns to
Logan's Fort-Attaek on the fort-Logan rescues Harrison from the
Indians-Siege of the fort-Logan goes for a supply of ammunition
and returns safely to the fort-Fort relieved by Colonel Bowman's
party....                                                 173

                       CHAPTER II.

Incursions of the Indians-Logan serves as second in ccmmand under
Colonel Bowman, in the ekpedition against Chillicothe-Logan at-
tacks the town-Bowman fails to support him, and orders a retreat-
Logan rejoins Bowman-Disorder-Bowman's strange conduct-
Second action with the Indians, who are defeated and dispersed-
Logan conducts an expedition against the North-western Indians-
Affair of Moluntha-Logan returns to his farm-Assists in conven-
tion for framing constitution of Kentucky-Member of the Legisla-
turc-Death of Logan .............................................................1



            CAPTAIN SAMUEL BRADY.

                       CHAPTER I.

Birth and parentage of Brady-His father moves to the West Branch
of the Susquebanna-Samuel Brady's gallantry at the siege of Bos-
ton-Appointed First Lieutenant-His father a Captain-Samuel
hears of his father's death-Vows vengeance against all Indians-
At battle of Princeton-At Paoli massacre .................................. 191

 



10



CONTENTS.



                        CHAPTER II.
Captain Brady sent on a scout to the Indian country-Arrives at San-
  dusky-Makes his reconnoiseance-Sufferings on his return-Singular
  adventure-Brady kills an Indian, and saves the squaw and child-
  11rady returns to Pittsburg-Anecdote of his retreat through the
  woods................................................................................... 196

                       CHAPTER III.
Captain Brady sent with a party to catch Indians-Watches an Indian
camp-Surprise and destruction of the Indians ............................. 204

                       CHAPTER IV.
Captain Brady commands the advance guard under General Brodhead
-Battle-Insolent Indian punished-Brady's vow of vengeance ...... 200

                        CHAPTER V.
Some details respecting Captain Brady's father-Fort Augusta garri-
  soned-Treaty with the Seneca and Muncy tribes attempted-A rum
  affair at Derr's trading house ............................................... .... 214

                       CHAPTER VI.
Fort Freelyng a rallying point-Alarm of Indian hostilities-Captain
  Dougherty in command-Attack of the Indians-They force the
  works and massacre the garrison-Escape of Brady and Dougherty.. 21S

                      CHAPTER VII.
Efl-Tts of the massacre of Fort Freelyng-Retreat of the Indians-
  Captain John Brady commands the fort at the Muncy Hills-James
  Shady commands a small party of men-Attacked by Indians-
  Scalped-Hlis narrative and death-New war with the Indians-
  Particular account of the death of Captain John Brady-Captain
  Samuel Brady kills the Bald Eagle ............................................. 222

                      CHAPTER VIII.
Captain Samuel Brady proposes to a Dutchman, Phouts, to go on a
scouting expedition-Phouts accepts the proposition, and they set
  oat--Discover an Indian camp-Capture an Indian, who is left with
  J'!louts-His treachery and its punishment-Captain Brady reports
  to the General ...........................................................   228

                       CHAPTER IX.
Captain Brady acts as leader of a scouting party in the French Creek
  country-Falls on a trail-Attacks the Indians in front and rear-
  Peril and flight-Brady's famous leap-Return to Pittsburg-Amu-
  Ping instance of Indian superstition-Brady's marriage and family-
  IIis character ..     ......................................................... 235

 



                          CONTENTS                           11

            GOVERNOR ISAAC SHELBY.

                        CHAPTER I.
Birth and parentage of Isaac Shelby-The old French war-Evan
  Shelby, Isaac's father, serves in it as a Captain of Rangers-Isaac
  Shelby's education-Appointed deputy sheriff-Removal of the family
  to the West-Dunmore's war-Isaac and Evan Shelby at the battle
  of Point Pleasant ...........................................................   245

                       CHAPTER II.
Shelby in favor of the Revolution-Appointed commissary of supplies
-Ferguson's riflemeni-Shelby raises a force and marches into thu
Carolinas-Shelby, Clark, and Sevier, capture the British garrison
at Pacolet-The march towards King's Mountain-Affair at Cedar
Spring-Affair on the Enoree river-News of the battle of Camden-
Retreat to the mountains-A force raised and marched to attack
  Ferguson-Arrival at King's Mountain-The battle of King's Moun-
  tain-Total defeat of Ferguson-Shelby's important services ........... 219

                       CHAPTER       III.
Shelby sent on special service by General (treere-Shelby at Monk's
Corner-Shelby a member of the North Carolina Assembly-His
services there-Ills marriage-Settles in Kenrtueky-Civil services-
Elected first governor of Kentucky-Serviues in the war of 1812-
Governor Shelby raises an armny :iind mnarchcs to Canada-Governor
Shelhy at the battle of the Thamoes-Testitimonies of General 1harrison
and President Madison to Shelby s merit-tie retires to private life
-Declines to be Secretary of WVar-Assists at the Chiukaaaw treaty
-His death ...........................................................  256


    JESSE HUGHES AND ELIAS HUGHES.

                        CHAPTER       I.
Jes.ie llughes and his brother, Elias, among the frontier heroes of
  Western Virginia-Elias the last snrvivor of the battle of Point Pleat-
  sant-Thomas Hughes settled at Clarksburg-Jesse and Elias in :
  company of Rangers-Surprise Und escape-Affair with the Idlians
  at, West's Fort-Jesse Hughes appointed Captain, to succeed Captain
  Booth-Relieves the garrison at West's Fort-Surprise of the party
  at Leading Creek--Chastisement of the Indians-A party of horze-
  stealing Indians punished-Elias Hughes's contest with an Indian-
  Capture and ransom of Jesse Hughes's daughter ........................... 263

                        CHAPTER II.
Jes-se IHughes in a party of drovers attacked by the Indians-Narrow
  escape-Story of the boy snvel from arl Indlian by flughes-The
  turkey call-Jesoe joins a party in purbuit of Indians maraudters-

 



12



CONTENTS.



                                                              PAIG
  Advises a change of course to avoid ambush-His advice disregarded,
  and two men shot in consequence-They come upon the Indian trail,
  and all refuse to go on except Hughes, who follows the Indian party
  -Kills one of them and brings off his scalp-Recent death of Jesse
  Hughes-Elias Hughes settles on the Licking river-He goes in pur-
  suit of Indian marauders-Singular stratagem-Last days and death
  of Elias Hughes ........................................................   271


                   ISAAC WILLIAMS.

                        CHAPTER I.
Early reminiscences should be preserved-Isaac Williars' birth and
  adventures-A distressing occurrence-Settlement and explorations-
  Land entries-Marries Rebecca Martin-Her prowess-Her medical
  skill-Their wedding-Indian troubles ........................................ 281

                       CHAITER II.
Capture of John Wetzel-His release-Williams settles opposite Fort
Harmar-New settlements-Great famine among the settlers-The
  benevolence of our hero-Famine ends-Beaver trapping-Peculiar-
  ities in Mr. Williams' character-His death ................................. 290


         COLONEL ROBERT PATTERSON.

                        CHAPTER I.
Birth of Colonel Patterson-His father a Ranger-Robert emigrates to
  Kentucky-Helps to build a house at Georgetown-Settles at Lex-
  ington-Settling of McLelland's Station-Patterson assists in de-
  fending the fort-Starts for Pittsburg-Attacked by Indians on the
  way-Subsequent adventures ......................................... I ........... 307

                       CHAPTER II.
Patterson joins Clark's expedition to Illinois-Taking of Kaskaskia-
Patterson settles at Harrodsburg-He lays out the town of Lexington
-Joins Bowman's expedition-Serves as Captain under Colonel
Clark against the Shawanees-Battle of Pickaway-Destruction of
Indian settlements and crops-Colonel Patterson second to Colonel
Boone in the battle of Blue Licks-His peril-His life saved by
Aaron Reynolds-His gift of land to Reynolds-Colonel Patterson
serves as Colonel in Clark's expedition to the Miami-Serves under
General Logan in an expedition against the Shawanese towns-
Severely wounded-Settles near Dayton-Death of Colonel Pat-
terson.....                                                 312



ANECDOTES............................................................................... 316


 


      LIFE OF LEWIS WETZEL.




                  CHAPTER I.

Lelwis Wetzel's great fame as an Indian fighter-The estimation in
which he was held by his cotemporaries-The great defender of the
  Virginia frontier-Little known of his personal history-John
  Wetzel, the father of Lewis-His settlement near Wheeling--Set-
  tlement of Wheeling-Erection of Fort Henry-Dangerous situa.
  tion of John Wetzel's residence-His family, of five sons and twa'
  daughters-His frequent excursions from home-Dangers, difficul-
  ties, and privations of the early settlers-Loss of horses and cows
  -Cares of the mother-Clothing and education of the family-
  Comparison of past and the present times.

  LEWIS WETZEL was one of the renowned among the
heroes who signalized their valor in the Indian wars of
of the western country. He was not among the earliest
settlers of the western wilderness. When Daniel Boone
was engaged in exploring the beautiful, but wild hills,
vales, and forests of Kentucky, Lewis Wetzel was a
child; and his great feats of war did not take place till
after the Revolution. But his life was, nevertheless, passed
for the most part in the frontier country, where Indian
                                              (13)

 


LIFE OF LEWIS WETZEL.



wars were almost continually raging, from the close of
the Revolution till the successful expedition of General
Wayne brought a temporary peace to the western and
northwestern frontiers, to be succeeded by other wars
at a later period. While hostilities continued, however,
his services were of the utmost importance. One of his
recent biographers says:
   Within the recollection of many of our readers, Lewis
Wetzel was regarded, by many of the settlers in the
neighborhood of Wheeling, as the right arm of their de-
fence. His presence was considered as a tower of
strength to the infant settlements, and an object of ter-
ror to the fierce and restless savages who prowled about
and depredated upon our frontier homes. The memory
of Wetzel should be embalmed in the hearts of the peo-
ple of Western Virginia, for his efforts in defence of
their forefathers are without a parallel in border wai-
fare. Among the foremost and most devoted, he plunged
into the fearful strife which a bloody and relentless foe
waged against the feeble colonists. He threw into the
common treasury, a soul as heroic, as adventurous, as
full of energy, and exhaustless of resources, as ever ani-
mated the human breast. Bold, wary, and active, he
stood without an equal in the pursuit to which he had
committed himself, mind and body. No man on the
western frontier was more dreaded by the enemy, and
none did more to beat him back into the heart of the
forest, and reclaim the expanseless domain which we now
enjoy.
 De Ilaas. History of the Early Settlement and Indian Wars of
Western Virgiuia.



14

 
                  PERSONAL UISTORY.                15

   Unfortunately for the memory of Wetzel, no reliable
account of him has ever been published. The present
generation know little of his personal history, save as
gathered from the exaggerated pages of romance, or the
scarcely less painted traditions of the day. With many,
lie is regarded as having been very little better than a
semi-savage; a man whose disposition was that of the
enraged tiger, and whose only propensity was for blood.
Our information warrants us in stating that these con-
ceptions are all false. Lewis Wetzel was never known
to inflict unwonted cruelty upon women and children, as
has been charged upon him; and he never was found to
torture or mutilate his victim, as many of the traditions
would indicate. Ile was revengeful, because he had suf-
fered deep injury at the hands of that race, and woe to
the Indian warrior who crossed his path. Lewis Wetzel
was literally a man without fear. He was brave as a
lion, cunning as a fox-" daring, where daring was the
wiser part-prudent, when discretion was valor's better
self." He seemed to possess, in a remarkable degree,
that intuitive knowledge which can alone constitute a
good and efficient hunter; added to which, he was saga-
cious, prompt to act, and always aiming to render his
actions efficient. Such was Lewis Wetzel, the celebrated
Indian hunter of Western Virginia.
  John Wetzel, the father of Lewis, was a German by
birth, and one of the earliest settlers on Wheeling, Creek.
The town of Wheeling was settled by Ebenezer Silas and
Jonathan Zane, in 1769.    Fort Henry, so called in
honor of Patrick Henry, was afterwards erected on the
left bank of the Ohio, about a quarter of a mile above

 
LIFE OF LEWIS WETZEL.



Wheeling Creek. John Wetzel, in opposition to the ad-
vice of his friends, chose a spot on Big Wheeling, about
fourteen miles from the river, in a situation exposed to
attacks from the Indians, and out of the reach of prompt
aid or protection from the main settlement, and fort at
Wheeling. He was a man of the most daring courage.
a quality which seems to have been hereditary in the
family.
  At his residence on the Big Wheeling, John Wetzel
reared a family of five sons, Martin, Lewis, Jacob, John,
and George, and two daughters, Susan and Christina.
The father of this numerous family spent much of his
time in locating lands, hunting, and fishing. These pur-
suits led him to long excursions in the woods, infested
often with hostile Indians, and thus exposed himself to
great risk of his life. His neighbors expostulated with
him for this hardihood, as well as for leaving his wife
and growing family exposed to danger; but he disre-
garded their advice, and ultimately fell a victim to his
rash valor, as we shall relate in the sequel.
  The families of settlers had many hardships, dangers,
and privations to encounter in those times.
  Besides their exposure to Indian depredations and
massacres, they had other trials to endure, which at the
present day cannot be appreciated. One of the most
vexatious was, the running away of their horses. As
soon as the fly season commenced, the horses seemed re-
solved on leaving the country, and recrossing the moun-
tains. The river was no barrier. They swam the Mo-
nongahela, and often proceeded one hundred and fifty
miles before they were taken up. During the husband's



16

 
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.



absence in pursuit of his horses, his wife was necessarily
left alone with her children in their unfinished cabin,
surrounded by forests, in which the howl of the wolf was
heard from every hill. If want of provisions, or other
causes, made a visit to a neighbor's necessary, she must
either take her children with her through the woods, or
leave them unprotected, under the most fearful appre-
hension that some mischief might befall them before her
return.
  As bread and meat were scarce, milk was the princi-
pal dependence for the support of the family. One cow
of each family was provided with a bell, which, if good,
could be heard from half a mile to a mile. The woman
left alone, on getting up in the morning, instead of la-
cing up her corsets, and adjusting her curls, placed her-
self in the most favorable position for listening to her
cow-bell, which she knew as well as she did the voice of
her child, and considered it fortunate if she heard it
even at a distance. By her nice and never-failing dis-
crimination of sounds, she could detect her own, even
among a clamor of many other bells; thus manifesting
a nicety of ear which, with cultivation, might have been
envied by the best musicians of the present day. If her
children were small, she tied them in bed, to prevent
their wandering, and to guard them from danger from
fire and snakes, and, guided by the tinkling of the bell,
made her way through the tall weeds, and across the ra-
vines until she found the object of her search. Happy
on her return to find her children unharmed, and regard-
less of a thorough wetting from the dew, she hastened
to prepare their breakfast of milk boiled with a little
    2



17

 


LIFE OF LEWIS WETZEL.



meal or homminy, or in the protracted absence of her
husband, it was often reduced to milk alone. Occasion-
ally venison and turkeys were obtained from hunters.
Those settlers who were provided with rifles could, with
little loss of time, supply their families with fresh meat,
but with the new settlers rifles were scarce. They were
more accustomed to the musket.
  The labor of all the settlers was greatly interrupted
by the Indian wars. Although the older settlers had
some sheep, yet their increase was slow, as the country
abounded in wolves. It was therefore the work of time
to secure a supply of wool. Deerskin was a substitute
for cloth for men and boys, but not for women and girls,
although they were sometimes compelled to resort to it.
The women had to spin, and generally to weave all the
,cloth for their families, and when the wife was feeble,
and had a large family, her utmost efforts could not
enable her to provide them with anything like comfort-
able clothing. The wonder is, and I shall never cease
to wonder, that they did not sink under their burthens.
Their patient endurance of these accumulated hardships
did not arise from a slavish servility, or insensibility to
their rights and comforts. They justly appreciated their
situation, and nobly encountered the difficulties which
could not be avoided. Possessing all the affections of
the wife, the tenderness of the mother, and the sympa-
thies of the woman, their tears flowed freely for other
griefs, while they bore their own with a fortitude which
none but a woman could exercise. The entire education
of her children devolved on the mother, and notwith.
standing the difficulties to be encountered, she did not



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EA