History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, and incidentially historical collection pertaining to border warfare and the early settlement of the adjacent portion of the Ohio Valley, Part 22

Author: Caldwell, J. A. (John Alexander) 1n; Newton, J. H., ed; Ohio Genealogical Society. 1n
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Wheeling, W. Va. : Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 728

USA > Ohio > Jefferson County > History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, and incidentially historical collection pertaining to border warfare and the early settlement of the adjacent portion of the Ohio Valley > Part 22
USA > Ohio > Belmont County > History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, and incidentially historical collection pertaining to border warfare and the early settlement of the adjacent portion of the Ohio Valley > Part 22

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).

"Well versed in woodcraft, unsurpassed as marksmen, and practiced in all the wiles of Indian war, "| these men seem the embodiment of all the qualities which fitted them to lead the van, and open up the unbroken wilderness to be the home of a race which should bring in its train the multiplied blessings of civilized life.

Their wives were brave and noble women-" proper mates for men stamped with such energy and fortitude in the iron mintage of border trial."@

To these noble men and women, who redeemed the land from its savage condition ; who stood for years the fire of continuous warfare with a merciless and unrelenting foe; who "caused the wilderness to bloom, and blossom, as the rose"; and who, by their courage, and fortitude, with indomitable energy and en- terprise, laid the foundations of what has since become the mag-

*Parkman's conspiracy of Pontiac. +Parkman's conspiracy of Pontiac.

#Logan and Cresap by Brantz Mayer.

¿ Parkman. |Parkman. Brantz Mayer.

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES, OHIO.

nificent empire of the West, is due our highest tribute of praise. They were the avant coureurs of that mighty tide of emigration which, in subsequent years, burst the barriers of the Alleghe- nies, and filled the fertile plains and valleys of the west with a teeming population. Posterity rises to do theni honor, and chronicle, with loving hand, the story of their toils, privations, sacrifices and deeds of noble daring.

Among the earliest, and most prominent of these attempts to effect a settlement on the broad and fertile lands of the Ohio and its tributaries-which proved such a magnet of attraction to the frontier settlers of Virginia and Maryland-was that at Redstone Old Fort, in 1767, by Abram Tegard, Capt. Cresap and others, and the simultaneous movement towards the Ohio below Fort Pitt, made by Col. Ebenezer Zane and his compan- ions the same season. Though the latter movement did not reach an immediate consummation, it led, shortly after, to the settlement of Wheeling by Col. Zane, at which place he became the original founder and proprietor.

Situated at the terminus of the most distinctly marked trail, leading from the castern frontier to the western border, Red- stone was soon a rallying point of the pioneers, and noted, to the early settlers, as the place of embarkation for western em- igrants.

The settlement at Wheeling, also, became widely known for its favorable location, and as the first and principal station be- tween Fort Pitt and the "dark and bloody ground of Kentucky." This locality, embracing the territory now comprised in the Virginia Pan-Handle and the counties of Jefferson and Belmont in Ohio, was destined soon to become the theatre of conflict be- tween the whites and Indians, where were enacted events which will always form one of the most interesting and thrilling chap- ters in the annals of the American frontier.

It was in December, 1767, that Col. Zane, "who was among the first to explore the country from the South Branch of the Potomac, through the Allegheny glades, to the Ohio river, set out on an expedition, thither to make a location. He was ac- companied on that excursion by Isaac Williams, two men named Robinson, and some others; but setting off "rather late in the season, and the weather being very severe, they were compelled to return, without having penetrated to the Ohio river."* While crossing the glades they were overtaken by a violent snow storm. This is always a cold and stormy region, but at this time the snow fell to an unusual depth, and put a stop to their further progress. It was followed by intensely cold weather, which, with the great depth of snow, disabled them from sup- plying the necessities of their camp by hunting, and they were compelled to subsist upon the peltries of the animals killed in the early part of their journey. Before they were able to re- traee their steps homeward, they were much reduced in health and spirits. "On their way home, such was the extremity of the cold, that one of the Robinsons died of its effects, Williams was much frost-bitten, and the whole party suffered exceed- ingly.t

"The succeeding spring, 1768, Col. Zane finally left his home on the South Branch, with his family and household goods, ac- companied by two younger brothers, some negro slaves and other laborers, to found a new home somewhere in these Western wilds. Taking the trail of the Indian traders from Fort Cum- berland, his journey brought him to the waters of the Monon- gahela, at Redstone Old Fort, now Brownsville, Pa. Here he remained a year, but not liking the country, nor the quality of the land in that vicinity, he concluded to make a wider excur- sion in search of a more eligible location. Leaving his family at Redstone he pushed forward through an unbroken wilderness, in company with his brothers Jonathan and Silas, carrying a pack of meal, which, together with the game their guns and dogs could provide, furnished their means of subsistence. After many days journeying they struck the headwaters of Wheeling creek. Col. Zane at once concluded to follow the course of the stream, as it would necessarily conduct them to an outlet into larger waters, where he might find the location he desired. Approaching the mouth of the creek, he climbed the neighbor- ing hill to obtain a wider outlook and determine his course. When he gained its summit and caught the first sight of the majestic river rolling at its base, then saw the broad expanse of rich bottom lands, the island, and the opposite shore, covered with the primeval forest and bright with the morning sun, he burst into an exclamation of delight, and promptly decided to stake out his claim and pitch his tent in this favored spot.

" He was accustomed in after years to describe the impression of this scene as like a vision of Paradise. The sun had just

dissipated the rising mists of a beautiful September morning, and his delighted vision swept over the wide and varied land- scape glowing in all its pristine loveliness, before ever the hand of man had marred its fair visage. Innumerable waterfowl sported on the broad bosom of the river, the timid deer quenched his early thirst at its banks, the dense foliage of the forests gleamed in the morning light, the birds sang from every bough, and all nature seemed to lend her every grace and charm to decorate the scene and enchant the sense.

"Descending to the river, the brothers set about constructing a log raft with which to pass over to the other side. Their tomahawks soon supplied them with the necessary timber, which they lashed together with hickory withes. Long and slender poles for navigating their rude craft were readily pro- cured from the surrounding forests, and, without much difficulty, they succeeded in ferrying themselves across to the opposite shore. Here, on instituting an examination, they were sur- prised to find an island, where they had expected a large and compact body of land connected with and forming part of the western shore. They were so much pleased with its situation and appearance, as well as with the evidences of its fertility, that they immediately commenced blazing trees to mark the boundaries of their claim, and took possession in the usual method of making what is called 'an improvement.' Return- ing to the eastern side they marked out other claims of the choicest land, and set about such 'improvements' as would confirm their title until the regular State patent could be ob- tained. When a rude cabin had been built, sufficient clearing made, and all the preparations made for future occupancy, it was determined to leave Silas Zane in charge of their interests while the others returned to Redstone for the family, household goods, horses and cattle, with which they were to begin a new life in the wilderness. Thus, in September, 1769, was laid the foundations of what is now the large, populous and prosperous City of Wheeling.

"When navigation opened in the spring, Col. Zane embarked with his family and their effects in the rough description of boats then used by cmigrants for his new home. He was ac- companied by Jonathan Zane, Isaac Williams, some domestic servants and laborers, who had charge of the live stock, which were transported in separate boats. On their arrival they at once sought the place agreed upon as a rendezvous with Silas Zane and were very much alarmed at finding no trace of him. They instituted a careful search along up the creek, supposing he had been scared away by the Indians, and that he might still be lurking somewhere in the neighborhood. When they reached the forks of the creek they came upon him, while mak- ing an excursion for supplies, and found he had become alarmed at the abundant signs of the presence of Indians and had con- cealed himself as far as he could from their regular thorough- fares of travel. The brothers returned to their cabin, and by diligent work made an extensive clearing both on the island and the eastern side of the river .* They severally proceeded to select positions for their future residence. Col. Zane chose for his an eminence above the mouth of Wheeling creek, near to the Ohio and opposite a beautiful and considerable island in that river. The spot selected by him is now (1831) occupied by his son, Noah Zane, Esq., and is nearly the centre of the present flourishing town of Wheeling. Silas Zane commenced improving on Wheeling creek, where Col. Moses Shepherd now lives, and Jonathan resided with his brother Ebenezer. Several of those who accompanied the adventurers likewise remained with Col. Zane in the capacity of laborers.+

"These gentlemen were descendants of a Mr. Zane who ac- companied William Penn, to his province of Pennsylvania and from whom one of the principal streets in Philadelphia derived its name. Their father was possessed of a bold and daring spirit of adventure, which was displayed on many occasions in the early part of his life. Having rendered himself obnoxious to the society of Friends (of which he was a member), by marry- ing without the pale of that society, he moved to Virginia and settled on the South Branch, where the town of Moorefield has been since erected. One of his sons (Isaac) was taken by the Indians when he was only nine years old, and carried in cap- tivity to. Mad river in Ohio. Here he continued till habit reconciled him to his situation, when he married a squaw, be- came a chief and spent the remainder of his life with them. He was never known to wage war against the whites, but was on several occasions of infinite service by apprising them of medi- tated attacks of the Indians. His descendants still reside in Ohio.

*Withers' Chronicles of Border Warfare. +Ibid.

*W. C. Brockunier-Centennial Historical Sketch in Daily Intelligencer July 4, 1876. +Withers' Chronicles.

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES, OHIO.

"The brothers, Ebenezer, Silas and Jonathan, who settled Wheeling, were also men of enterprise, tempered with pru- dence, and directed by sound judgment. Ready at all times to resist and punish the aggression of the Indians, they were scrupulously careful not to provoke them by acts of wanton outrage, such as were then, too frequently committed along the frontier. To the bravery and good conduct of these three brothers the Wheeling settlement was mainly indebted for its security and preservation during the war of the revolution."*

In 1770 other families emigrated from the South Branch to the Wheeling settlement, many whose names became identified with the early history of the country. Prominent among them " were Col. David Shepherd, father of Moses Shepherd, John Wetzel, the father of Lewis Wetzel, and the McCollochs"t- "four brothers Abraham, George, Samuel and John, and several sisters, one of whom, Elizabeth, was the wife of Coi. Ebenezer Zane."#

"Soon after this other settlements were made at different points, both above and below Wheeling, and the country on Buffalo, Short, and Grave creeks, and on the Ohio river, became the abode of civilized man. Among those who were first to oc- cupy above Wheeling, were George Lefler, John Doddridge, Benjamin Biggs, Daniel Greathouse, Joshua Baker and Andrew Swearinger. Benjamin Tomlinson also settled opposite Yel- low creek and Joseph Tomlinson at Grave creek.

"The settlement thus made constituted a kind of advance guard, through which an Indian enemy would have to penc- trate before they could reach the interior, others were less re- luctant to occupy the country between them and the Alleghany mountains. Accordingly various settlements were soon made in it by adventurers from different parts of Maryland, Pennsyl- vania and Virginia; and those places in which settlements had been previously effected, received considerable accessions to their population.">

Such were the beginnings of the earliest and principal settle- ments on the border of the Ohio within the jurisdiction of Vir- ginia. Hundreds flocked to them from all parts of the coun- try, so soon as their success was established. Exchanging the comforts of civilized life, with all its arts and refinements, for the rude cabin of the frontier, the labor and hardship incident to a new and unsettled country, and the dread proximity of savage tribes where treachery and cruelty were the best known traits of their barbarous natures.

Some difficulties were experienced by the infant settlers from incursions of the Indians, who would carry off their hogs or cattle and horses, but in the main friendly relations were preserved with them, and the affairs of the settlement pros- pered until succeeding events stirred up the bad passions of the savages, who, many times afterwards, sought its destruction.

THE GOSPEL PREACHED ON WHEELING CREEK IN 1772-EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL OF REV. DAVID JONES' TOUR TO THE WESTERN INDIANS.

The first occasion on which the gospel was preached on Wheeling creek, according to authentic account, was in the summer of 1772-just two years after the arrival of the family of Ebenezer Zane. The minister was the Rev. David Jones, then residing at Freehold, New Jersey, and who made two visits to the nations of Indians on the west side of the Ohio in the years 1772 and 1773. IIe kept a journal of his missions, from which we extract the facts here related. After arriving at Fort Pitt, he set out from that place on the 9th of June, 1772, to descend the Ohio in a canoe in company with George Rogers Clark and several others. The first place he mentions after leaving Fort Pitt is "a place called the Mingo town, where some of that nation yet resides." He then adds :

"Some of this town were wont to plunder canoes, therefore we passed them as quietly as possible, and were so happy as not to be discovered by any of them."

He then descended to Grave creek, where he met some In- dians, and from thenec to Captina. We quote from his journal as follows :

"Saturday June 13th. Moved to a creek, by the Indians called Caapteenin, i. e., Captain's creek. This creek comes into the the river from the west side and is supposed to be about seventy- five miles E. S. E. from Newcomerstown, which is the chief town of the Delaware Indians. We encamped opposite to Caaptecnin on the east side of the Ohio. Here were some families of Indians -we went over and conversed with them, and in the evening some of them returned the visit. Mr. Owens was well ac- quainted with some of them, and let them know what sort of a

*Wither's Chronicles.

+Withers.

# Doddridge.

¿ Withers.

man I was. They all showed respect to me; even when some of them afterwards were drunk, they were civil to me, and would take me by the hand and say 'You beminsta.' Here we spent the Lord's Day ; in the evening instructed what Indians came over. The most intelligent orator is called Frank Stephens. He could speak no English."

The party then set out for the Little Kanawha, where they arrived on the 18th, and remained there until the 24th, when they started on their return up the river. Arriving at Grave creek, they left their canoes and started across the country for Ten Mile creek, on the Monongahela, reaching that place on the 2d of July. After remaining a few days they started to return to the Ohio and resume their journey back to Fort Pitt. We again quote from Jones' journal :

"Tuesday, July 14th, in company with Messrs. Clark, Hig- gins and my interpreter, set out for Fort Pitt; and, as it was some time before the Indians would be at Fort Pitt, took an- other tour through the deserts to Ohio. Preached on the Lord's day in a cabin near to a creek called Wheeling to about fifteen auditors. In the afternoon, having sent word, a few Indians met me, one of which was Frank Stephens. Having all set down on deerskins presented to us for that purpose by the Indians, addressed them on these subjects, viz: 1. The state in which GOD created man. 2. His fall. 3. The promise of a savior; his coming and sufferings. 4. The work of GOD in renewing our souls to qualify us for heaven, and enabling us to believe on the Savior. On this occasion was very sensible of the great difficulties of speaking on such important subjects to these poor heathens, who were strangers even to the historical accounts thereof."

GROWTH OF THE SETTLEMENT AT WHEELING.

In the early part of 1774, a year memorable as that of the Dunmore War and the general opening of hostilities between the whites and the Indians, the settlement at Wheeling re- ceived considerable and notable accessions to its population, and became moreover a rendezvous-perhaps from its central and favorable location-for those persons who were largely engaged in entering lands on the borders of Kentucky and the Ohio, with reference to its future value when it should come into market. Among these emigrants was Mr. John Caldwell, from Baltimore, who became one of the leading and influential citizens of the place. Capt. Michael Cresap, whose name un- fortunately and unjustly became connected with a dastardly out- rage which occurred shortly afterwards, also removed to Wheeling in the early part of this year. The son of Colonel Thomas Cre- sap, of Maryland, who had been well and favorably known as an Indian trader near Fort Cumberland and subsequently at Red- stone, through some means became financially involved, and sought to mend his fortunes by new ventures in the West. "Urged by necessity, as well as by a laudable ambition, and allured by the rational and exhilirating prospect before him, he saw, or thought he saw, in the rich bottoms of the Ohio an ample fund, if he succeeded in obtaining a title to those lands, not only to redeem his credit and extricate him from difficulty, but to afford a respectable competency for his rising family. Under this impression, and with every rational prospect of success, early in the year 1774 he engaged six or seven active young men at the rate of £2 10s. per month, and, repairing to the wilderness of the Ohio, commenced the business of building houses and clearing lands; and, being among the first adven- turers into this exposed and dangerous region, he was enabled to select some of the best and richest of the Ohio levels."*

In April of this year, while Cresap was engaged with the party of men in his employ, making improvements on lands he had taken up near Middle Island creek, he received word which put an end to his agricultural experiments.

Other traders, surveyors, or "land jobbers" as they were sometimes called, were also, at that time, largely engaged in the same enterprise of improving and taking up, or locating new lands in the vicinity below. Col. Zane and party were at the mouth of the Sandy, and Col. George Rogers Clark, who af- terwards became so celebrated in western annals, was with a party of hardy pioneers at the mouth of Little Kanawha, where they had engaged to meet other parties, and, together, descend the river to Kentucky.

PRECURSORY EVENTS OF THE DUNMORE WAR.

Reports of mischief and danger from the Indians, which were current along the river-claimed as coming from the In-

*Jacob's Life of Cresap, p. 49, as quoted by Brantz Mayer.

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES, OHIO.

dian towns-reached the ears of these pioneers. This decided some of them to remain at home, so that only eighty or ninety assembled at the rendezvous.

A small party of hunters, encamped below Clark's emigrants, are stated to have been fired upon by the Indians, which seemed to give some confirmation to the rumors afloat. Accordingly, the whole band was regularly enrolled, and it was determined to attaek the Indian town of Horsehead Bottom, on the Scioto, but at that time none of the party was sufficiently experienced in Indian warfare to be willing to assume command of the ex- pedition. Knowing, however, that Michael Cresap was on the river, about 15 miles above, they decided to secure his services as their leader, and despatched a messenger forthwith to bring him down. The messenger met him on his way to the camp, and within a short time a council was called, and very much to their surprise their new leader discouraged the enterprise. He told them that while there were doubtless suspicious circum- stances connected with the movements of the savages, yet no war was declared, and if the whites were the aggressors, war would result, and they might be blamed. He advised them all to return to Wheeling, a convenient point to obtain intelli- gence of what was going forward, and that a few weeks would determine the matter, leaving them ample time-as it was early spring-if the Indians should prove not to be hostile, to prose- eute their settlement in Kentucky. The advice seemed good and was adopted, and in two hours the whole party was under way.

Col. Zane and the others engaged in making improvements and locating lands also ascended the Ohio to Wheeling about the same time.

The return of such a large body of settlers and jobbers, to- gether with the flying rumors of impending hostilities, so alarmed the inhabitants of the neighboring country that they flocked into the camp at Wheeling from every direction, refus- ing all offers of protection from scouting parties if they would return to their plantations.

The arrival of these men at Wheeling was soon known at Fort Pitt and the surrounding country, of which, at that time, Virginia claimed jurisdiction. Lord Dunmore's officer, at this post, was the notorious John Connelly, who held the commis- sion of Royal Captain Commandant of West Augusta, com- prising all the district of Virginia west of the Blue Ridge. "When Connelly heard of the pioneers approach to Wheeling, he sent a message to the party, informing it that war was to be apprehended, and requesting that it would remain in position a short time, inasmuch as messages had been sent to the In- dians and a few days would solve the doubt. Before a comply- ing answer could reach Fort Pitt, however, a second express arrived from Connelly, addressed to Captain Cresap, apprizing him that the messengers had returned from the Indians, that war was inevitable, that the savages would strike as soon as the season permitted, and begging him to use his influence with the party to cover the country with scouts until the in- habitants could fortify themselves. This message reached Cresap about the 21st of April, and its reception was the signal for open hostilities against the Indians .*

A council was called, and the letter read, and war was for- mally declared on the 26th of April. "It being reported about this time that a canoe containing two Indians and some traders was coming down the river, and then not far from the place, Captain Cresap proposed taking a party to go up the river and kill the Indians. The project was vehemently opposed by Col. Zane, the proprietor of the place. He stated to the Captain that the killing of those Indians would inevitably bring on a war, in which much innocent blood would be shed, and that the act in itself would be an atrocious murder and a disgrace to his name forever. His good counsel was lost. The party went up the river. On being asked at their return what had become of the Indians, they coolly answered, 'they had fallen over- board into the river.' Their canoe, on being examined, was found bloody, and pierced with bullets."++

On the same day, or the day afterwards, some canoes of In- dians were discovered on the river, keeping under the cover of an island, to screen themselves from observation. They were chased by Captain Cresap and party about fifteen miles down the river to Pipe creek, driven ashore, and, a battle ensuing, three of them were killed and scalped, and some stores and In- dian plunder captured. Cresap's party had three men wounded, one of whom died shortly after. This was the first blood shed, and a war inaugurated which brought forth a fearful vengeance.

The same night, according to the account of Colonel George Rogers Clark, who was of the party, "On our return to camp a resolution was formed to march next day and attack Logan's camp, on the Ohio, about thirty miles above Wheeling. We actually marched about five miles, and halted to take some refreshments. Here the impropriety of executing the proposed enterprise was argued, the conversation was brought forward by Cresap himself. It was generally agreed that those Indians had no hostile intentions, as it was a hunting camp, composed of men, women and children with all their stuff with them. This we knew, as I, myself, and others then present had been at their camp about four weeks before that time, on our way down from Pittsburgh. In short, every person present, partic- ularly Cresap, (upon reflection) was opposed to the projected measure. We returned, and on the same evening decamped and took the road to Redstone. It was two days after this that Logan's family was killed, and, from the manner in which it was done, it was viewed as a horrid murder by the whole country."*

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History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, and incidentially historical collection pertaining to border warfare and the early settlement of the adjacent portion of the Ohio Valley, Part 22

Author: Caldwell, J. A. (John Alexander) 1n; Newton, J. H., ed; Ohio Genealogical Society. 1n Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Wheeling, W. Va. : Historical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 728

Author: Caldwell, J. A. (John Alexander) 1n; Newton, J. H., ed; Ohio Genealogical Society. 1n
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Wheeling, W. Va. : Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 728