USA > Kentucky > A history of Kentucky > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21
23
EARLY SETTLEMENTS IN KENTUCKY
The furnishings of the cabins were very rude, - a bed in one corner made of upright forks of trees, on which rested poles whose ends were thrust into holes in the wall of the building, and on these poles ings of the The furnish- were thrown for mattress and covering the cabins skins of wild animals; a rough-hewn dining table, and a few three-legged wooden stools. The windows were covered with paper saturated with bear's oil, through which the light penetrated, and an air of cheerfulness was gained by the huge fireplace which stretched nearly across one side of the room.
Shortly after the fort was completed, in September, 1775, Daniel Boone brought his wife and daugh- Pioneer women ter to Kentucky. At Harrodsburg, also, Hugh McGary, Richard Ho- gan, and Thomas Den- ton settled with their families. In Novem- ber of this year, John McClellan brought his family into Kentucky, and, in company with Colonel Robert Patter- son, built a station which was named Mcclellan's. Here, fifteen years later, the town of Georgetown was incorporated. With the coming of the women, home life began in the wilderness, with all of its hardships, its perils, and its inspiriting A Backwoods Girl
24
PIONEER DAYS
adventures. The women stood side by side with the men, and suffered and grew strong, labored and prospered, with them. To-day we look back to their lives of unselfish devotion, and are thrilled by admiration for their courage. There are no wild beasts for us to fight, no Indians, no dangers from hunger and cold. But if we would be true children of brave ancestors, there is a battle to enter far harder and more worthy of victory than any they were called upon to wage-a battle for the honor and purity of our own lives and of the State.
Daniel Boone can in no way stand as a type of the early Kentuckians. They were far more remarkable and clever men. He did not feel himself inspired by Character of any high motive, though he was always kind Daniel Boone
Simon Kenton
and courageous. He sought the unpeopled lands of Kentucky because he loved the wild life of the woods. With the coming of civilization, he de- parted. But he was an instrument in the hands of God to open the way for the foun- dation of a great State.
By the side of Dan- iel Boone there towers another picturesque figure, Simon Kenton, famous Simon Kenton as an In-
dian scout, and the hero of many startling adventures.
25
EARLY SETTLEMENTS IN KENTUCKY
His manhood began with a tragedy. He loved a girl who . was won by his friend. He fought a duel with his rival, and, believing that he had killed him, fled from his old home in Virginia, and under another name tried to forget his deed in the wilderness of Kentucky. But he could not forget. The burden of that thought weighed heavily
Running the Gauntlet
upon his naturally kind and simple-hearted nature. Long years afterward, he ventured to return to Virginia to visit his family and to bring them to Kentucky. To his over- whelming joy, he found the man he supposed he had killed, alive and ready to be his friend.
Once he was captured by Indians. Eight times he was made to run the gauntlet; that is, to run down a long line of Indian men, women, and boys, each armed with a tom-
26
PIONEER DAYS
ahawk, club, or switch, with which the runner was struck. Three times he was tied to the stake to be burned alive, . and every time he was saved through some unexpected deliverance. By his daring coolness, he filled even the Indians with terror, and thus he aided much in the settling of the new country. But he, too, like Boone, passed away before the advance of civilization in Kentucky.
For the most part, the pioneers of Kentucky were from that unsurpassed race of people, the Scotch-Irish, who settled in the valley of Virginia, and then
Character of the spread out into the neighboring States. Their Kentuckians ancestors had suffered religious persecutions in the Old World, and the pioneers brought into the rich, free land of Kentucky an intense love of God, of liberty, and of education, -three important factors in the great- ness of a nation as well as of an individual. Such men, seeking homes and prosperity for their children, were not to be daunted even by the fury of the savages.
Occasionally, the faint-hearted would grow weary of the hardships and dangers, and would depart; but they left behind them the strong and brave who were worthy to be Healthful life the possessors and founders of the beautiful
of the pioneers new country. The men could not safely plant the crops, nor could the women milk the cows, except under the protection of armed guards who stood ready for the attacks of Indians; yet none the less they perse vered in their determination to remain. An existence of healthful work with a steadfast purpose made them cheer- ful. The children played, and the young people laughed and were happy, although the only variety in their lives was the dread of a surprise or an occasional Indian raid.
One day in the summer of 1776, Jemima Boone and the two daughters of Colonel Richard Callaway were out
27
EARLY SETTLEMENTS IN KENTUCKY
on the Kentucky River, in a canoe, when they were cap- tured by five Indians. The girls tried to beat A romantic off the. savages, while they screamed for help. episode
Being unsuccessful in their efforts, they dropped broken twigs or torn bits of their gowns to mark the way they were carried. Boone and Floyd, with a party of men
Beating off the Savages
from the fort, went in pursuit. They searched for two nights and days, but did not overtake the Indians until they had gone about forty miles from Boonesborough. There they found the girls, thoroughly frightened, but unharmed. It is entertaining to learn that three weeks later the first wedding upon Kentucky soil took place when Squire Boone united in marriage Betsy Callaway, the eldest of the girls, and young Samuel Henderson, one of the rescuing party.
28
PIONEER DAYS
RECAPITULATION
Permanent homes in Kentucky. Harrod and his company return.„ The McAfees again at their station. Boone's account impresses influential men of North Carolina. Their desire to buy the region.
The Cherokees' claim.
Hart and Henderson form a com- pany.
Colonel Henderson elected presi- dent.
Conference with Indians at Wa- tauga.
Indians sell their hunting ground. Colony of Transylvania in America. Boone cuts the Wilderness Road. His company attacked by Indians. Boonesborough fort erected. Arrival of the proprietors.
Other stations previously settled.
Delegates appointed to frame laws for the colony.
Boonesborough parliament meets, May 23, 1775-
The proprietors' purchase annulled. The compensation made by Virginia. The Boonesborough fort, a strong fortification against Indians.
The rude furnishings of the cabins.
Daniel Boone's family arrive.
Other families come to Harrodsburg. McClellan's station built.
Pioneer women.
Character of Daniel Boone.
Simon Kenton's adventures.
The pioneers mostly Scotch-Irish. Character of the early Kentuckians.
Healthful and happy life in the wil- derness.
Indian raids the only variety.
Capture of Jemima Boone and the Callaway girls.
Their rescue by Boone and Floyd. First marriage on Kentucky soil.
CHAPTER III
THE COUNTY OF KENTUCKY, 1776-1780
ALTHOUGH it was not until 1778 that the title of the Transylvania Company was legally annulled, it had long before ceased to be considered valid. On the 4th of July, 1776, the Continental Congress Kentucky County adopted the Declaration of Independence, and established
in December of that year Kentucky1 County was estab- lished by Virginia. Before this time, the region was a part of Fincastle County, Virginia, and so remote a part that the settlers had no voice in the government of the State. But now they were entitled to choose for them- selves two representatives to the Virginia legislature, and to have local courts of justice and military pro- tection. The change brought greater stability to the colony. Harrodsburg was selected as the county seat, and the first court was held there in September, 1777. It was composed of the ablest men of the time. Among the number were John Floyd, John Todd, Benjamin Logan,
1 After the Transylvania Colony was abolished, the name "Kentucky " was adopted by the pioneers. "Kentucky is from the Iroquois word Kentake, meaning prairie or meadow land. The name probably originated in those treeless stretches of country between the Salt and Green rivers, which our ancestors called barrens. The Indians in early times burnt the trees off these lands and then designated them by Kentake, meaning the meadow or prairie lands." - Centenary of Kentucky, by R. T. Durrett; Filson Club Publication No. 7.
29
30
PIONEER DAYS
John Bowman, and Richard Callaway, all men of character, who became distinguished in the pioneer struggle for exist- ence. Levi Todd was appointed clerk, and John Bowman colonel of Kentucky County.
For the next two years, the different stations were dis- Repeated turbed by frequent raids from Indians, which, Indian raids however, did not result in any serious loss of life to the whites, but proved extremely distressing to the
Fleeing from the Indians
women and children and unfavorable to the growth of the country. Harrodsburg was first attacked, and then, in quick succession, Boonesborough and Logan's fort. An incident in connection with the latter siege is worthy of remembrance, as it illustrates the sagacious heroism of a man whose every act was honorable and courageous.
.
3I
THE COUNTY OF KENTUCKY
In the spring of 1777, some women were milking cows outside the fort, guarded by armed men, when they were fired upon by Indians. All fled toward the Logan's fort, but one man was killed, another slightly heroism wounded, and a third so severely injured that he was unable to escape. The Indians left him where he fell, while they lurked within gunshot. Secure of his scalp, they hoped
Logan rescuing his comrade
to entrap others who might venture to his rescue. In- side the fort his wife and children wailed in apprehen- sion for his fate, and still none dared face the certain death of going to his assistance. When twilight came on, Logan tied over his body the loose feather bed his wife had brought from Virginia, and getting down on all fours he crept outside the fort, grunting like one of the hogs which roamed around the inclosure. Suddenly he seized the wounded man, and darted toward the fort, before the sur-
.32
PIONEER DAYS
prised and puzzled Indians had time to recover sufficiently to take sure aim at him. Balls and arrows flew about him, but he and his companion reached the fort in safety.
The Indians continued their resistance to the settle- ment of Kentucky, and yet the population slowly grew.
Indian Boonesborough suffered a second attack, July,
hostilities 1777. At this time there were only twenty- two fighting men to defend the fort; but toward the end of the year that station was increased by fifty men and their families, and Logan's fort had an addition of thirty- eight families. There were now between five hundred and six hundred people in Kentucky; and only the stout- hearted came, for it was known that the Indians were powerfully aided by the English in their warfare upon the Kentuckians, and that it would probably be long continued.
We have seen that the country west of the Alleghanies and east of the Mississippi had been in the possession of the French, who began to settle it as early, probably, as The British 1688, after the celebrated La Salle (who made
aid the Indians explorations there) had returned to his native land with accounts of the great river and the fertile country. Later on, a conflict arose between the French and English colonists in North America that developed into what is called the French and Indian War. After a long and fierce struggle, the French surrendered to the English in 1763. The old French villages, Kaskaskia, Cahokia, etc., in Illinois, and Vincennes, on the Wabash, were fortified by the conquerors, and, at the outbreak of the Revolution, these posts were the military strongholds of the English king. It was from them that the Indians, who had allied themselves with Great Britain against the Americans, received the supplies which enabled them to besiege the Kentuckians.
33
THE COUNTY OF KENTUCKY
George Rogers Clark had been contemplating an attack upon these British possessions that would subdue the power of the Indians, and open the west to the Americans. About this time he received an order from the Virginia legislature to lead his expe- dition into the Illinois coun-
George
Rogers Clark's try, as that region was then expedition indefinitely called. Clark
had visited Kentucky in 1776, and had determined to throw in his fortunes with that colony. He was a young George Rogers Clark Virginian of striking bearing and bold, unwavering char- acter. He possessed precisely the order of talent fitted for the expedition to which he was called. His plan of conquering the Illinois country was adroit and vigorous. His victorious march from Kaskaskia to Cahokia, and the final capture of Vincennes, February 25, 1779, distin- guished him as a man of high military genius. An account of these campaigns belongs properly to the history of the United States. Their result, however, was of inestimable benefit to the settlers in Kentucky and they rejoiced in the glory attending them; for most of the men who served with Clark either had lived in Kentucky or in- tended to make their homes there. John Todd, already a prominent Kentuckian, was made county lieutenant or governor of the Illinois country.
When Clark and his troops came down the Ohio in flat- boats, on their way to the Illinois country, they brought with them about twenty families who intended to settle in Kentucky. They landed upon a Clark the founder of
small island at the Falls of the Ohio, May 27, Louisville
1778, and proceeded to erect a fort. Here they remained KENT. HIST. -
34
PIONEER DAYS
until the following autumn, when they removed to the mainland and built a fort at the foot of the present Twelfth Street. In 1780, this settlement, which grew to be the largest city in the State, received the name of Louisville. On Christmas day a party was given in the old Twelfth Street fort. Everybody assisted. They called it a house-
A Christmas Party
warming, and they made merry together, dancing the Virginia reel to the music of an old negro fiddler.
While Clark and his Kentucky captains were carrying on their conquests in the West, a very important event had Boone's cap- taken place at home. In February, 1778. ture Boone and twenty-six men, who had gone to the Blue Licks to make salt for the different stations, were
35
THE COUNTY OF KENTUCKY
captured by a party of Indians on their way to attack Boonesborough. The Indians were so elated with their prize that they abandoned the idea of going to Boones- borough, for the time, and returned in triumph with their prisoners, to their village, Chillicothe. There Boone re- mained until early in the following June, when the savages again assembled to carry out their delayed plan. Then he
Boone's Escape
determined to escape, and to warn his fort, whatever might be the danger to himself. He reached his friends, un- harmed, in four days, after a journey of 160 miles, during which he had but one meal.
Boone's escape delayed, for several weeks, the plan of the Indians; but on the 8th of August, a formidable band of savages, painted and bedecked with all their Siege of
war equipments, and with French and British Boonesborough colors flying, surrounded the fort. They were commanded
36
PIONEER DAYS
by a French officer, Captain de Quindre, who demanded, in the name of his Britannic Majesty, the surrender of the garrison. Strange to relate, two days were granted for the consideration of this proposition, during which time all the horses and cattle were collected in the fort, and then Boone announced, with many jeers at the discom- fited captain, that they were ready to defend their fort while a man was living.
De Quindre now determined to entrap Boone, if possible. He asked him, with eight other men, to come outside the
De Quindre's fort to treat with him, and this was agreed to.
ruse But before the conference was over, the cun- ning officer said that it was a custom, when concluding a treaty, for two of the Indians to shake the hands of each white man. Thereupon two powerful Indians seized Boone and his men with the intention of capturing them ; but the hardy Kentuckians wrung themselves free and fled into the fort. Soon the firing began. The Indians made an unsuccessful attempt to burn the fort, while de Quindre ordered a trench dug to undermine its walls ; but his purpose was discovered in time and frustrated.
The siege lasted nine days. The stoutest hearts were tried, but no one thought of surrendering. On the 20th day of the month, the warriors took their de- Result of the
siege parture. Only two men among the whites were killed and four were wounded. The Indians prob- ably suffered no greater loss; but they were discouraged by the resistance of the garrison, and never again at- tempted an attack upon Boonesborough. Clark's victories in the West, coming about this time, weakened the power of the Indians and inspired confidence in the hearts of the Kentuckians. Immigrants streamed into the country, and new stations sprang up everywhere.
37
THE COUNTY OF KENTUCKY
News traveled slowly into the wilderness in those days; but the spirit of the pioneers was in ardent sympathy with the great struggle for independence which was Founding of going on beyond their borders. In April, Lexington 1779, Colonel Robert Patterson, in company with James Masterson, the McCon- nels, Lindseys, Morri- sons, and others, began a settlement in the most beautiful part of the Blue Grass Region, to which the name of Lex- ington was given, in honor of the first battle of the Revolution.
The same year, in May, the land laws were passed by the legis- lature of Virginia, and commissioners were ap- pointed to consider all Robert Patterson claims and settle all disputes on the subject. The court was opened at Logan's fort, October 13, 1779, with Wil- liam Fleming, Edmond Lyne, James Barbour,
and Stephen Trigg as commissioners, and John Land laws
Williams as clerk. The bold hunter, whose greatest desire had been for romantic adventure, was now joined by the speculator, who sought fortune in the new country -- Virginians, largely, in whom the love of land was bred as a passion.
Altogether, the year 1779 was a notable one in the his- tory of Kentucky. But following close upon its growth and prosperity came what is known in the annals of
38
PIONEER DAYS
the State as the "Hard Winter." Unmelting snows lay deep over the land. Horses and cattle perished, and
The " Hard even the wild animals shrunk to the bones.
Winter" Only the bears, living in the hollows of trees, withstood the severity of the cold. Life in the roughly built cabins of the pioneers was trying during the mildest of winters ; but it was torturing now. Because of the in- creased population, the supply of corn gave out. The only food was lean game, which was secured with the greatest difficulty. But the sufferings of the travelers who had been overtaken by the storms on their way to Kentucky were even greater. Crowded into the cabins, the settlers could manage to have some amusement for the time and could hope for the future. The women spun and wove, and the men made the utensils necessary for daily use. They turned their attention, also, to the education of their children. During this winter, a school was opened at Boonesborough by Joseph Doniphan.
As early as 1776, Mrs. William Coomes taught a school in the fort at Harrods- burg. She had no text- books. Smooth boards of wood were used for paper, and the juice of oak balls for ink. The children learned to write and work ex- First schools in amples from Kentucky copies set them by the teacher. When they could A Schoolhouse in the Backwoods read, they had Bibles and hymn books to study. Little private schools of this kind, where the pupils were taught to read and write
39
THE COUNTY OF KENTUCKY
and calculate, were opened in the different stations. Per- haps the children studied as hard (being grateful for any opportunity to learn) as the boys and girls do to-day, who have cultured teachers and attractive text-books.
The spring brought many men of talent and education to Kentucky; it brought, also, continued warfare with the British and Indians. Captain Henry Bird, a Capture of Ruddle's and
British officer, with six hundred Canadians Martin's and Indians, invaded the settlements on the stations Licking River, June 22, 1780, and captured Ruddle's. and Martin's stations. These garrisons offered no resistance to an army so formidable in numbers and supplied with artillery. Everything valuable that the forts contained was carried off by the savages. The inhabitants were captured and taken to the Northwest, where they were scattered among the Indians. Many of the women who could not travel fast enough were tomahawked.
RECAPITULATION
Kentucky County established. Harrodsburg the county seat. Men of ability compose the first court. Indians attack Harrodsburg, then Boonesborough. Logan's fort attacked.
Second attack of Boonesborough.
Population increases. The British aid the Indians. Clark's expedition. His military genius.
He conquers the Illinois country.
John Todd made governor of the Illinois country. Clark the founder of Louisville.
Christmas party at Louisville.
Boone and others captured at the Blue Licks.
A third siege of Boonesborough planned by the Indians.
Boone escapes to warn his fort. Boonesborough attacked. Indians commanded by Captain de Quindre.
Boone declines to surrender.
De Quindre's tricks unsuccessful.
The siege ended after nine days. The population increases.
Lexington founded. Land commissioners appointed.
Court opened at Logan's fort.
Speculators come to Kentucky. The " Hard Winter."
First schools in Kentucky.
Capture of Ruddle's and Martin's stations.
CHAPTER IV
DIVISION OF THE COUNTY, 1780-1782
THE population steadily increased. In 1780, the legis- lature of Virginia thought it advisable to divide the County Division of of Kentucky into three counties, - Jefferson, the county Fayette, and Lincoln. John Floyd, John Todd, and Benjamin Logan were appointed colonels of their respective counties, and William Pope, Daniel Boone, and Stephen Trigg, lieutenant colonels. Colonel Clark was raised to the rank of brigadier general.
The most important consideration of the newly settled country was military protection from the Indians. The next interest was the proper distribution of
Eagerness for land its lands. Each county had its special sur- veyor, - George May for Jefferson, Thomas Marshall for Fayette, and James Thompson for Lincoln. So great was the desire to gain property in this beautiful Kentucky country that on one occasion when General Clark had planned an attack upon certain Indian towns, he was obliged to order the surveyor's office to be closed, and to state that it would not be opened until after the expedition was over, before he could induce any one to listen to his call for volunteers.
Raids were no less frequent during the year 1781, but they were less carefully planned than formerly. The Continued Indians were preparing for war on a larger warfare scale, which they hoped would drive out the
40
41
DIVISION OF THE COUNTY
intruders from their hunting ground. But through all this tale of disheartening warfare runs the invigorating story of the valor of the Kentuckians, and pictures of noble magnanimity stand out to refresh us.
John Floyd, the colonel commandant of Jefferson County,
Wells assisting Floyd
had gone with a number of men to the assistance of a neighboring settlement. He was wounded, Wells's and was retreating on foot before the pursu- magnanimity ing Indians, when he was overtaken by Captain Samuel Wells, who was also fleeing for his life. Floyd and Wells had been enemies, but the past was forgotten. Instantly the
42
PIONEER DAYS
generous captain sprang from his horse, lifted Floyd into the saddle, and ran by his side to support him, thus risk- ing his life for his enemy. Both were saved and were friends ever afterward.
The following spring opened with a fierce conflict which has always been known as Estill's defeat. A party
of twenty-five Wyandots were seen passing Estill's defeat Boonesborough. News of the fact was brought
Captain James Estill at his station on the south of the Kentucky River, near where Richmond now stands, and he started in pursuit of the Indians, with forty men. Shortly after his departure the savages came upon his unguarded fort, killed and scalped a young girl, and destroyed the cattle, before they departed. Two boys were sent as runners to bear the news of the tragedy to Estill. A party of the men returned to protect the women, while the rest, to the number of twenty-five, pushed on and overtook the Indians, not far from the present town of Mount Ster- ling. The fight which then occurred required hearts of unwavering courage. It was not a battle, but a combat of man with man. For nearly two hours the struggle lasted, each one of the company from behind a tree shooting toward the Indian he had selected. At last the whites were overcome. Nine were killed, including the brave Estill, and four were wounded. The latter, however, escaped with those who were uninjured.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.