USA > West Virginia > Harrison County > History of Harrison County, West Virginia : from the early days of Northwestern Virginia to the present > Part 16
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James Wood to Gov. H. Lee.
CLARKSBURG, May 10, 1792.
SIR :- On Monday last a party of Indians made an incursion into this neighborhood. They passed through a settlement generally supposed to be the most exposed, without any mischief and afterwards made an attack upon one Waggoner, who was ploughing in his field. They fired on him but he escaped and endeavored to get to the house, which he found surrounded by the enemy. A party of volunteers were soon col- lected, who found Waggoner's wife and three of the eldest children killed and scalped, and the other three taken prisoners. The party endeavored to follow their trail but without effect as they took no horses and appeared to be remarkably cautious. I am inclined to think they are still con- cealed in the mountains; will make another stroke and provide themselves with horses before they take their final departure, as they took from Waggoner pewter and many other heavy articles.
From the report of the scouts I am in constant expectation that a severe stroke will be made somewhere on the frontier. Where it will fall is uncertain as the last attack was made where least expected, and where the unfortunate people thought themselves in perfect safety. I have been along the frontier of this County and Randolph, have mustered the volunteer Militia and determine to see every man in service and to visit every exposed settlement in the district before I return, which will be about the 10th. of June.
I am your obedient servant,
JAMES WOOD.
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HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY
HARRISON COUNTY, July 21, 1792.
SIR :- Please accept my sincere thanks for your singular care and attention to the protection of our exposed frontier, and in particular for your sending one of your own body to view our situation and his being so able to make the necessary arangements. Since General Wood left this part of our country no person has been killed. They have stolen about twenty horse creatures. They were pursued each time but could not be overtaken. They have broke up some of the frontier people in taking of their horses, which must dispirit them. Should the Indians meet with no check this Fall, I am convinced many of our people will not expose their lives and property any longer on the frontier.
I am sir, your obedient servant,
BENJAMIN WILSON.
To the Governor, Richmond.
Pay abstracts for scouts ordered into service under instructions from the Executive in the year, 1792.
Commencement Time when
Counties.
Names.
of Services.
Discharged.
No. of Days.
Harrison-Elias Hughes
. March 15
Dec. 1
.262
Robert Lowther
. March 15
Dec.
262
David Carpenter
. March 15
Dec. 1
.262
Jonathan Coburn
March 29
Dec. 1
. 248
John Hall
. May 28
Dec. 1
188
Thomas Harbert
. May 28
Dec.
188
Watson Clark
June 22
Dec. :
163
William Haymond
June 22
Dec. 1
163
Christopher Carpenter
June 10
Dec. 1
165
Obediah Davisson
June 20
Dec. 1
165
Randolph-Valentine Stalnaker
March 15
Dec. 1
262
Charles Powers
March 15
Dec. 1
262
George Westfall
March 27
Dec. 1
250
John Jackson
March
27
Sept. 1st
159
Wm. Gibson
.June 12
Dec. 1st
173
Wm. Westfall
June 12
Dec. 1st
173
Thos. Caney
. Sept. 19
Dec. 1st
74
Monongalia-Edwin Pindall
.June 16
Nov. 30
168
Morgan Morgan
June 16
Nov. 30
168
Pay: 5 Shillings a day.
3755
In the spring of 1793 a party of warriors proceeding towards the head waters of the Monongahela River, discovered a marked way leading in a direction they did not know was inhabited by the whites.
It led to a settlement which had been recently made on Elk River by Jeremiah and Benjamin Carpenter and a few others from Bath County, who had been particularly careful to make any path which might lead to their discovery. But one of the settlers incautiously blazed the trees and the Indians found their way to the house of Benjamin Carpenter, whom they found alone and killed, having previously killed Mrs. Carpenter, who was a short distance from the house.
The remaining inhabitants of the neighborhood, remote from any populous settlement to which they could withdraw for safety, retired to
128
HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY
the mountains and remained for several days concealed in a cave. They then removed their families to the West Fork, and in the meantime the Indians burned the houses and furniture and killed all the stock.
Benjamin Wilson to Governor Henry Lee.
CLARKSBURG, March 22, 1793.
SIR :- I had the happiness to arrive safe home with the charge of money I brought from the Treasury. When I arrived home Colonel Low- ther was out in pursuit of the party of Indians, which had been doing mischief on our frontier, a detail of the affair is useless as Colonel Lowther will go minutely into it.
I shall only bring to your view the present alarming views of our expired people, to-wit: First that the Indians being disappointed last fall in their expectations of a campaign which kept them at home in a state of suspense and activity.
2nd. That they appear by their early approach to wish to make up that time.
3rd. The reports they have of parties of Indians crossing the Ohio River.
4th. Their not having a sufficient defense on the frontier.
5th. The want of confidence in the Federal Army, and
6th. That faith cannot be put in treaties made with the Indian tribes previous to the communication being cut off with the British Posts. I am sir, Yours with esteem,
BENJ. WILSON.
Captain Bogard to Captain William Lowther.
HARRISON COUNTY, Oct. 3, 1793.
Neal's Station.
Reports the Indians have been near Neal's Station and taken three horses. They crossed the river at Devil's Hole and we followed them to Raccoon Creek, which is about 60 miles, but did not overtake them. Spies report of a line of Indians were seen going up big Elk River and wishes the people in the head of the Valley notified.
Colonel James Wood to Captain William Lowther.
May 29, 1793.
Instructions as to station of troops, Lieut. Willis detacht. of Captain Bogard's Company at Holliday's Cove, Mingo Bottom and at mouth of Shoal Creek. Captain Mccullough with his company will. occupy posts on the West Bank of the Ohio, above the mouth of Wheeling Creek, opposite the mouth of Grave Creek : mouth of Fish Creek, and at Martin's Station at the mouth of Fishing Creek. Would like to station men at mouth of Middle Island, but as there are no inhabitants cannot subsist them.
Will station 25 men at mouth of Little Kanawha, either commanded by Captain Bogard or Ensigns Cobun or Jenkins.
129
HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY
In your quarter (Lowther's) with the scouts already appointed with thirty men to be divided as follows: Mouth of Freeman's Creek, Salem or at the mouth of Ten Mile to be posted immediately.
A Sergeant and 10 men at the upper end of Tygart's Valley and the same number in the Buckhannon settlement.
I have nominated Jonathan Coburn and Bartholomew Jenkins to succeed Brown and Davidson. They have raised their quota of men, which will enable you to make the dispositions as soon as possible.
The detachment of your Company commanded by Ensign Evans to be posted in the most advantageous manner for the protection of Monon- galia County.
Ensign Morgan with his detachment is to join Captain Mccullough's Company on the Ohio where he will receive his instructions. Order them to march at once.
To you as Senior officer on this frontier will be confided the command and direction of all the posts in the district of the Monongalia, and the Junior officers will be directed to make reports to you.
You are to take station at the point that will answer the interest of your command. Report to Winchester, and the Post Master there will forward to the Governor, or to Pittsburg, thence by regular post, via Philadelphia to Richmond.
Avoid the use of Expresses except in urgent cases.
Captain Wm. Lowther to Governor.
HARRISON COUNTY, Sept. 15, 1793.
Reports that since last of July the Indians have not made any incursions in Randolph or upper parts of Monongalia County.
Between the middle of June and last of July three (3) incursions were made, took 22 horses but no lives. A party of my men stationed on the Ohio overtook this last party of Indians, wounded one (1) re-took six (6) horses all they had.
A few days afterwards they captivated one man, who has since escaped, before they got to the towns. He says they intended to burn him.
I keep strict look-out and hope if they break in past my Rangers and scouts that they shall meet the deserved.
SIR :- Your kindness and uncommon attention to our frontiers by send- ing out General Wood has much spirited our destroyed frontiers, and his arrangements give satisfaction to every quarter.
Captain Wm. Lowther under date of January 25, 1793, accepts com- mission as Captain by hands of Hezekiah Davisson.
Speaks of complaints being made against him and Lieut. Whitman were threatened by one of the Scouts, whom they turned out and docked.
Captain Lowther.
CLARKSBURG, Jany. 26, 1793.
Asks an allowance of 7 pence half penny per ration for troops stationed at Mouth of Little Kanawha, 75 miles away.
.
130
HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY
Lieutenant Levi Morgan to the Governor.
March 26th. 1793.
Reports the situation as alarming. The inhabitants are preparing to move away. Has employed two more spies.
Has just returned from over the river and saw several trails of Indians and asks for reinforcements.
Captain Wm. Lowther to the Governor.
March 26th. 1793.
Thinks the Indians will give trouble during the approaching season. Has accounts of a great number of Indians crossing the Ohio and antici- pates a blow struck on the frontiers of Harrison or Randolph. Indian signs discovered in lower end of Harrison. They have also paid us a visit as you will discover by my former letter, to the proof of which I have sent you the skin of one of their heads.
Thinks that General Wayne's army nor the talk of peace can be of any safety to him.
Captain William Lowther to Governor.
March 22, 1793.
Reports on the 3rd. day of this instant a party of Indians stole 6 horses within about 7 miles of Clarksburg. I quickly raised a party of 16 men exclusive of myself and pursued on horseback near to the Ohio River : there left our horses and got a reinforcement of 5 men and went by water from Williams Station down the river to about four miles below Belleville then took the trail and followed fifty miles in the Indian coun- try and came up with a part of them at their camp in the day time. One we killed and the other got much wounded. He dropped his gun in the pursuit, which we got, but unfortunately for us he got into the thick bushy woods and we lost him. We re-took four of the horses, before we got up a party of Indians had left the camp and took off two of the horses. My men were so fatigued and our provisions exhausted that I pursued no further.
In following the different windings taken by the Indians our journey down the river and the distance we marched in the Indian country, we computed on a moderate scale to be 186 miles. Then nearly the same distance to return took up fourteen days. We have all returned home safe but much fatigued, with only the loss of one valuable horse of Captain John Haymond, who was along himself in company. One other horse strayed from us in the woods. Him we expect to get.
I refer you to a letter of Colonel B. Wilson in which he mentions the fears of our frontier people.
Captain William Lowther, under date of October 28, 1893.
Reports visiting posts in Ohio County, and that no mischief had been done in that county.
Has received late returns from posts on the Ohio River. Some of the men are unfit for duty by bad colds.
Will visit station at the mouth of the Kanawha next week.
131
HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY
In March 1894, a party of Indians crossed the Ohio River, and as they were advancing towards the settlements on the upper branches of the Monongahela met with Joseph Cox, then on his way to the mouth of Leading Creek on the Little Kanawha for a load of furs and skins, which he had left there at the close of his hunt the preceding fall.
Cox very unexpectedly met them in a narrow pass, and instantly wheeled his horse to ride off. The animal became stubborn and refused to move, and Cox was forced to dismount and seek safety on foot. Seeing that he was being rapidly overtaken he turned to face his pursuers, but his gun missing fire he became a prisoner.
He was taken to their towns and detained some time in captivity, but at length made his escape and returned to the settlements.
In the 24th. of July, 1794, six Indians visited the West Fork River and at the mouth of Freeman's Creek, now Lewis County, met with and made prisoner of a daughter of John Runyon. She was taken off by two of the party and put to death. The four Indians who remained proceeded on down the river and the next day came to the house of William Carder below the mouth of Hacker's Creek. Mr. Carder discovered them ap- proaching in time to fasten his door, but in the confusion shut out two of his children, who, however, ran off and arrived safely at the house of a neighbor.
Mr. Joseph Chevuront, who lived near by, hearing the shouts of Carder came to his assistance, and helped him remove his family to a place of safety.
On the next day a party of men assembled, but the trail of the Indians could not be found and pursuit was abandoned.
Two days afterwards when it was believed that the Indians had left the neighborhood, they came on to Hacker's Creek, near to the farm of Jacob Cozad, and finding four of his boys in bathing took three of them prisoners and killed the fourth.
The three boys taken prisoners were at once taken to their villages in the Ohio Country, and kept in captivity until the treaty of Greenville in 1795. Two of them were then delivered up to their father, who attended to inquire for them. The third one was not heard from for some time after, but was at length found at Sandusky by his elder brother and brought home.
NOTE: The capture of the Cozad boys took place on Hacker's Creek at the mouth of Lawson Run near the present town of Berlin.
After the disastrous defeat of the Indians by General Wayne on August 20, 1794, one of the Cozad boys was condemned to be burned at the stake in revenge for the losses sustained in the battle, but was saved by the kindly disposition of some of his Master's family.
Since 1782 the inhabitants of Tygart's Valley, now Randolph County, had been exampt from invasion and thus had become less vigilant than formerly, and upon an alarm they would collect at some particular house instead of going to a fort. In consequence of the reports which reached them of the occurrences at Cozad's and other places on the West Fork several families had gathered at the house of Joseph Kinnan for mutual
132
HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY
safety, and while utterly unprepared and off their guard were attacked by a party of Indians.
Mr. Kinnan was shot dead. A young man named Ralston, who was in the house, struck the murderer over the head with a drawing knife inflicting a severe injury, and escaped by running though fired at repeat- edly as he fled.
Several others in the house escaped. Three children were killed and Mrs. Kinnan made prisoner.
The wound inflicted on the head of the Indian by Ralston caused the war party to lay for several days on the head of the Middle Fork, until he was able to travel, but such was their caution that their presence was not suspected by the whites.
Mrs. Kinnan remained with the Indians until after Wayne's victory and was redeemed from captivity by a brother from New Jersey.
The Border Warfare in giving an account of this affair spells the name "Canaan" and puts the date in 1794.
Maxwell's history of Randolph County spells the name as "Kinnan" and puts the date as 1791. The last name is probably correct as it is taken from the Court records, though the spelling of names at that day was conducted in a very careless manner.
The paste adhering to the underside of the four corners of the follow- ing copy of a paper found in the County Clerk's office indicates that it had been posted up.
HARRISON COUNTY, October, 1794.
If the officers and all other inhabitants especially those most exposed, would please to meet and make choice of proper persons to command the troops, which may be granted for the protection of our frontiers the ensuing year, and make such arrangement in the case as they shall deem proper, the same would be thankfully received and solicited for by the public.
Most obedient and very humble servant, JOHN HAYMOND.
N. B .- It is suggested that at November Court (next) will be a proper time for the above meeting, as Thos. Wilson, Esq. will then be here on his way to Richmond when the said proceedings can be sent to Richmond by him.
Wm. McCleary to Lt. Gov. Wood.
Feby. 21, 1794.
I am requested by Lt. Lewis Morgan to inform you that the five Indian prisoners that he took last Fall on expedition he and his men made to the Indian town are yet in his custody, and he knows not what govern- ment means to do with them. The expense in maintaining them hath yet been defrayed by him. He prays instruction how to dispose of them and how the expense of their maintenance is to be paid be sent him by the bearer, Joshua Wayman.
One of the women offers to go home this spring and to return with an equal number of white persons to exchange for the Indians left.
133
HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY
Captain Wm. Lowther to the Governor.
July 16, 1794.
States that he is making arrangements for the prompt compliance with orders as to the station of troops on the Ohio River.
Although orders direct troops to be stationed between Holliday's Cove and Little Kanawha has ventured to direct Captain Bogard to take his stand at the mouth of Great Hock Hocking.
Men are uneasy because their pay is so long delayed. Has been informed that three men of Capt. Mccullough's command had been killed on the West Side of the River at the mouth of Cross Creek.
Captain Cornelius Bogard to Governor.
RANDOLPH COUNTY, August 16, 1794.
On receiving your orders I raised a company of Volunteers for the defense of the Monongalia District. On the 17th March last I received orders from Captain William Lowther to station the troops raised in this County at the head of the Tygart's Valley and Buckhannon Rivers. I acted agreeably to his instructions and kept the troops stationed at these points until I received another letter from Captain Lowther with orders to march the troops under my care to the mouth of the Great Hock Hock- ing, or a little settlement about four miles above Hock Hocking I received said orders on the 8th of July. On consideration of the distance I had to march I thought it would be impractable to march before the first Monday in August, but on the 29th of July I had an express from Buck- hannon, giving the intelligence that the Indians had taken a young woman prisoner from the West Fork. I immediately marched part of my Com- pany to the place where the mischief was done, but did not overtake the enemy. I got back to the Valley the 10th August where I found the people much alarmed. I think it my duty to try to detect the enemy if they be in the settlement before I march to the Ohio. Says the vacancy on the Ohio River between Belleville and the mouth of the Big Kanawha he thinks is the worst inlet to the Indians he knows of.
Captain Wm. Lowther to the Governor.
HARRISON COUNTY, September 8, 1794.
States that the people of this County have discerned no disposition to aid or abet the lawless Pennsylvanians. The Posts on the river are not all fixed. Captain Bogard has been ordered to march to Newberry a few miles above the mouth of Great Hock Hocking, but he has not complied owing he supposed to alarms in his own County, Randolph. However, I learn he is now on his way. I had appointed the mouth of Middle Island for Ensign Coburn's station. He marched but the place being uninhab- ited and he destitute of camp kettles was under the necessity of returning, and is now stationed in a very exposed part of the country. Asks for instructions as to furnish implements to erect a garrison. Thinks he can- not impress them.
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HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY
The upper settlement of the West Fork in this County is the only part that has suffered this season, and in order to prevent the people from abandoning their habitations, I have been under the necessity of granting them a guard of ten men, and left them two scouts.
During the absence of Coburn and his men, the Indians made different attacks on the settlement above alluded to, took prisoner a young woman at one place, at another killed a lad, and took three prisoners, attacked a third house were repulsed and returned after taking a number of cattle etc., taking horses and observing the greatest caution in their retreat.
The party that attempted to pursue them could not. I immediately sent an express to Ensign Jenkins at the mouth of the Little Kanawha, who discerned where they crossed the river below Belleville, pursued, overtook two Indians, killed one and wounded the other, and recovered the scalp of the young woman mentioned above to have been taken.
I have lately visited all the stations already fixed on the Ohio, and to my great satisfaction found no defect either in spirit, discipline, pro- visions or anything else, but believe the men do their duty like alert soldiers.
The bearer Elias Stilwell is duly empowered by me to receive the money due this County for 1793.
Captain Wm. Lowther to Lt. Gov. Jas. Wood.
CLAKSBURG, Nov. 19, 1794.
In performance of your orders, Capt. Bogard with his detachment, took his post at Newberry 12 miles below the Little Kanawha, and as he informs me the community failing to supply provisions, was under the disagreeable necessity of leaving it; he returned a few days since. Ensign Jenkins remains at Neal's Station, Lt. Morgan at the mouth of Fishing Creek and Lt. Evans was posted at Fish Creek, but as I understood has left it and discharged his men. Ensign Hedges continues at the mouth of Grave Creek, Captain Mccullough at the mouth of Short Creek and Lt. Wells opposite the Mingo Bottom.
The savages have made no incursions on our frontiers since my last. I yesterday was informed by Mr. Williams a gentleman of reputation that a few days ago he saw Lt. Morgan on his return from an incursion into the Indian country.
He with 30 men went near 200 miles up the Muskingum, destroyed a small town, took one scalp and brought in 5 prisoners, viz: 3 squaws and 2 children.
I purpose in a few days to take a tour around the different posts and if anything worthy of communication occurs you shall have it by first opportunity.
In the summer of 1795 the trail of a large party of Indians was dis- covered on Leading Creek, heading towards the settlements on the West Fork or on Buckhannon or in Tygart's Valley.
Messengers were hurridly dispatched to these settlements warning them of the approach of danger, but as was so often the case they neg-
135
HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY
lected to take necessary precautions as they had so long been exempt from attacks that they were lulled into a false security.
As John Bozart and his sons, George and John, were engaged in hauling grain from the fields to the barn near the present town of Buckhannon, the agonizing shrieks of the family at the house rent the air around them, and they hastened to ascertain the cause. The elasticity of youth enabled George to approach the house a few paces in advance of his father, but the practiced eye of the old gentleman first discovered an Indian only a short distance from his son with his gun raised to fire upon him. He called out "See George, an Indian is going to shoot you." Young Bozart was too near the Indian to think of escaping by flight. He looked at him steadily, or as he afterwards expressed it "watched the crook of his elbow' and at the moment he supposed the trigger would be pressed he dropped to the ground and the ball whistled by him. Thinking the ball had taken effect the Indian passed by him and pressed on after the father.
The old gentleman proved a good runner and the Indian dispairing of overtaking him threw his tomahawk at him, which passed harmlessly by and he got safely off.
When George Bozart fell as the Indian fired he lay still as if dead, and supposed the scalping knife would be next applied to his head, determined on seizing the savage by the leg as he would stoop over him and endeavor to bring him to the ground, when he hoped to be able to conquer him.
Seeing the Indian pass on in pursuit of his father, he arose and took to flight also. On his way he overtook a younger brother, who was slowly hobbling along on a sore foot. George gave him every aid in his power to facilitate his flight until he discovered another of the savages was pur- suing and pressing close upon them. Knowing that if he remained with his brother both must inevitably perish, he was reluctantly forced to leave him to his fate. Running rapidly he soon overtook his father, who hearing some one behind him supposed it was an Indian, and seizing a heavy stick he turned to face his pursuer, and to his astonishment saw it was his son, and broke out with an exclamation "Why George I thought you were dead" and manifested even in that sorrowful moment a joyful feeling at his mistake.
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