Summer 1999 Publication of the Ruddell and Martin Stations Historical Association Vol. 1 No.1

Contents The Ruddlesforter is a publication by and for individuals interested in the preservation of the history of these significant Revolutionary War forts. For further information contact: British Attacks Against Ruddle’s and 2 Ruddell and Martin Stations Martin’s Stations in 1780 Historical Association PO Box 297 By Don Lee and Martha Pelfrey Alexandria, KY 41001 606 635-4362 News and Letters 4 Board of Directors

Don Lee Draper Manuscript Collection President [email protected] · The Scalping of Joseph Conway 5 · Draper’s Interview with James Chambers 6 Martha Pelfrey Vice President · Captain John Hinkson’s Narrative 6 · Draper’s Interview with John M. Ruddell 7 Peggy Warth Secretary/Treasurer · Maryland Journal, October 17, 1780 7 [email protected] · Early American Correspondence 8 Bob Francis · Draper’s Interview with Mrs. Ledwell, Archives [email protected] Miss Ferris and Joseph Munger Jr. 8 · The Ruddell Captivity 9 Jim Sellars Editor [email protected] The Pennsylvania Gazette, August 13, 1783 10 Jon Hagee Website Coordinator [email protected] Johann Leonhard Kratz 11 By Johannes Helmut Merz Membership application: http://www.webpub.com/~jhagee/ rudd-app.html Captain John Dunkin of Elk Garden 14

Ruddle’s and Martin’s Stations By Emory L. Hamilton Web Site: http://www.shawhan.com/ruddlesfort.hml

Join the Ruddlesfort discussion group at: [email protected] (send an e-mail with the word “subscribe” REUNION 2000 in the message and you’ll be on the Don’t forget to plan a summer vacation to attend the 220th mailing list – its free!) anniversary reunion to be held in June 2000.

British Attacks Against Ruddle's & Martin’s Stations In June 1780

by Don Lee and Martha Pelfrey

n the summer of 1780 a large force of his ability to recruit the Lake Indians. In hundred and fifty Indians and a total force British and Indians swooped down on the fall of 1779, he went among the tribal of about twelve hundred fifty men. With Ithe American frontier forts in councils winning them over to his plan. It the Shawnee came four white men: the Kentucky, killing more than 24 men, was easy since the Indians were already Girtys-Simon, James and George and the women and children. In just two days, the furious over American Colonel Bowman's Indian agent Alexander McKee. The four tiny forts of Ruddle’s and Martin’s burning of Indian villages and crops near kept the Indians keyed up in furious anger stations were destroyed and more than 400 Piqua and Chillicothe (old town) in July. by reminding them of the murder of their prisoners were taken on a death march to They were eager to retaliate against Chiefs Cornstalk, Pucksinwah and Black Detroit. Many of the old, the young and American intrusions upon their lands. Fish. the weak died during that grueling march There would be much plunder to be Captain Bird was confronted with a of 600 miles. gained by such an attack. May of 1780 problem. His plans called for him to go During the Revolutionary, war there was a very wet season in the Ohio Valley. south and attack the Fort at Louisville, were three invasions by the British and The streams were full to overflowing and however, the Indians wanted to go south Indians against the American Forts in navigation on the small rivers was good. and attack the small weaker forts in Kentucky. The most significant of these Captain Bird left Detroit in the middle of central Kentucky where there would be was the attack on Ruddle’s and Martin’s May with 200 Canadian Regulars, Tories more plunder. His intelligence sources forts by British Captain Henry Bird. This and about 300 Lake Indians, mostly told him that he would be more successful second invasion was a well-planned Ottawas, Hurons, Taways, and Mingoes. if he attacked Ruddles, Martins, Bryan's counter attack by the British Command He had with him several cannon. Some Stations and Lexington. From the mouth at Detroit in retaliation for General Clark's accounts say he had six, others accounts of the Great Miami, the army turned up victory at Vincennes and the capture of say he had three. stream to a point where Cincinnati now Lt. Governor Hamilton of Detroit. The Allan W. Eckert in his book The stands, across from the mouth of the plan was to destroy the Kentucky forts Frontiersmen says he had six. Five French Licking River. They went up the Licking and drive the settlers back over the swivels mounted on horseback and one about forty Miles to the forks of the mountains to the East Coast. large brass cannon on wheels. He went Licking where the City of Falmouth is Captain Bird was chosen because of south by boat on Lake Erie and entered now Located. Here huts were built to the mouth of the Maumee River where store most of their supplies. Here they left present-day Toledo is located and went up the River and traveled over land east of stream or south into central Ohio. At the and parallel to the South Fork of the mouth of the Auglaize River a force of Licking. As they went they carved a wide about 300 warriors of the Delawares, wagon road through the woods along a Hurons, Wyandots, Ottawas, Chippawaa, Buffalo Trace, now known as the Tawas, Miamis and Potawatomies met Broadford Road. Bird's War Road took him. From there, they paddled their boats them down the dry bed of Snake Lick south on the Auglaize to a portage point Creek past the abandoned Boyd's Station. called Wapakoneta by the Indians. Boats, They crossed the South Licking at a broad supplies and cannons were carried south ford in a great bend of the River. The over a portage trail to the Great Miami. place is still known as Bird's Crossing. The portage was difficult and took him They encountered much difficulty in the two weeks to travel the twenty miles. By crossing and built a temporary log the time he reached the mouth of the roadway to cross. The road paralleled the Great Miami at the Ohio River the South Licking and numerous Streams Shawnee had joined him giving him eight were crossed including Raven Creek and

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Mill Creek. Gray's Run was forded near Indians rode the horses taken from the the present City of Cynthiana. At Lair fort. station they again crossed the South Captain Bird and his men were so Licking and went south to Ruddles outnumbered by the Indians that he had Station. no control over the outrages that were In the dim light of morning in a committed. He was so disgusted with the heavy downpour of rain, they crept up to turn of events he wanted to return to the field in front of the fort. A guard Detroit right away, however, the Indians sounded the alarm and in a few minutes, were pleased with their success at the faces of 100 men peered over the wall. Ruddles and wanted to attack Martin's Some accounts say they exchanged rifle Station some five miles south on Stoner fire until Bird had his cannon in place. A Creek. Martin's were a new station with a shot was fired from a smaller cannon and large population. The American Captain the ball only imbedded into the wall of the Gatliff had been called up in March to stockade with little damage. Immediately defend Martin’s fort, but was away from Bird ordered the big wheeled cannon the fort with Simon Kenton hunting when loaded and aimed. Panic swept the fort at Capt. Bird and his men arrived. Martins dispatched the weak that fell behind. A the sight of the huge gun. The ground had heard of the Ruddles surrender and bounty of $5 was paid for each scalp or shook and the sound thundered up the decided to do the same with the prisoner. The Prisoners were forced to valley from the roar of the great gun. The assurances there would be no more cross the Licking River a number of north wall of the stockade was shattered killing. Again, the Indians broke their Times. At one of the crossings a Mrs. as the cannon ball torn it's way through promise. Bird was able to convince the Christian Spears was drowned. Later at the logs. It was the first time a cannon had Indians that he would take charge of the Detroit Mr. Spears married one of the been used against a Kentucky fort. prisoners from Martins and they could other prisoners. As Captain Bird ordered the Cannon have the prisoners from Ruddles. Many prisoners died along the way reloaded a white flag began to wave over By this time, Bird had seen enough of from exhaustion, illnesses, wounds and the stockade. The gate opened slightly and the barbarous conduct and feeling he starvation. Some prisoners stayed at several men emerged. They met outside could no longer trust his allies that he Detroit while others were taken to live the fort and talked in the rain. Capt. Bird gave orders for the whole force to return among the Indians and others were sent ordered in the name of King George III to Detroit. He wanted to take advantage of on to Montreal. Many families were that the fort be immediately and the high waters for his return trip. Word divided. At Detroit prisoners worked as unconditionally surrendered. had also reached him of General Clark's carpenters, farmers, stonemasons and It was agreed that Ruddell and his return to Louisville and being much other trades. Women worked at men would be taken prisoner and the encumbered by the large number housekeeping or sewing for the officers of women and children would be allowed to prisoners and plunder, he had no wish to the fort. Some lived as captives for years. travel on their own to the safety of the fight Clark at this time. Detachments of Samuel VanHook in an affidavit said he nearest settlement. There being no other Indians went on to other forts to plunder was held for four years and two months. choice, the surrender was accepted. The and steal horses. When the people of Some stayed in Canada while others agreement did not set well with the Bryan's Station heard of the defeats at continued to live among the Indians Indians because it did not give them the Martins and Ruddles they abandoned the The attacks on Ruddles and Martins opportunity to get revenge for the deaths Station and fled. The Indians burned it. represent a horrible and sad day in the of their Chiefs and for the burning of their On June 27, with some 400 captives yet it has been villages. As soon as the gate was opened, the British and Indians began a death forgotten by most people and remembered they rushed in, seizing people and march to Detroit. The Indians had killed by too few. Some years after the attacks a claiming them as prisoners. The old and all the cattle at the forts leaving little food landowner collected the remains of those sickly were killed while babies were and few supplies. Some records are very killed and placed them in a concrete vault pulled from their mothers arms, bashed critical of Bird saying he placed the cut out of the hillside. The Daughters of against posts and thrown into the fires. prisoners on a ration of 1 cup of flour per the American Revolution placed a marker Mrs. Ruddell's three-year-old baby was day for men and 1/2 cup for women and at the site, but that is all that remains of pulled from her arms and thrown into the children. They followed their old wagon Ruddle’s fort. They both sit on private fire. It is said the lives of 24 or more men, trail north to the forks of Licking. At the land. Martin's fort has only an abandoned women and children were taken in those place known as Bird’s Crossing one of the and overgrown graveyard to mark the spot brief moments. The prisoners, called canons fell into the River and could not be on which it once stood. This Nation and slaves by the Indians, were divided up as retrieved. Some say it is still there to this the Commonwealth of Kentucky owes a was the plunder from the cabins. The day. The captives loaded down with great debt to those who gave their lives prisoners were required to carry the loot plunder from their own homes were and their freedom here. They have never and plunder on their backs while the forced to walk as much as 20 miles per been commemorated for their suffering day. A blow from a tomahawk soon and that is the greatest outrage.

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News serve until an election can be held or Letters decided upon by the members:

President’s Report on Don Lee- President From Allan W. Eckert 1st Meeting Martha Pelfrey- Vice President Dear Mr. Lee, Peggy Warth- Secretary/Treasurer

The Meeting was held at Noon on Jim Sellars- Chairman Newsletter From all indications, you and your March 6, 1999, Biancki’s Restaurant, Bob Francis- Archives Chairman organization are doing a fantastic job and Cynthiana, Kentucky, with the following Jon Hagee- WebPages Chairman deserve a great deal of praise. Most in attendance: certainly you have it from me. It was decided the name of the new In regard to your question concerning Mildred Belew organization should be: what kind of boats Captain Byrd and his Demossville, Kentucky force used in their crossing of the Ohio Ruddell & Martin Stations River prior to the attack on Ruddell's and Jon Hagee Historical Association Martin's Stations, I must rely on my Lexington, Kentucky PO Box 297 memory alone here, since I no longer Conway family Alexandria, KY 41001 have any research notes or related data --

all of that material having been donated to Jim Sellars It was discussed and decided we the Filson Club in Louisville when I Okinawa, Japan would use “Ruddell” as the official retired from historical writing some six Sellers and Monger family Spelling of Ruddell since most documents years ago. use that spelling. After discussion we It seems to me that I recall that the Bob Francis decided to use the Word “Stations” boats used were large (20/24-person) Ft. Eustice, Virginia instead of fort based on Nancy canoes that had been constructed by the Hinkson and McCune family O’Malley’s definitions of stations and Shawnees specifically for this purpose at forts. Chillicothe (present Oldtown, near Xenia, Betty Hewitt Lair Wyatt Nancy O’Malley was present and Ohio) and which were transported to the Cynthiana, Kentucky spoke informally about her work on the Ohio River by being trussed to four horses Lair family forts and stations of Kentucky. She talked each -- two on opposite sides of the bow about Ruddell & Martin stations and a and two on opposite sides of the stern, Martha Pelfrey need to do a more complete study of these with the canoe slung between them. Cold Spring, Kentucky sites. She also answered question about These craft were carried empty, while Conway family her work with the University of Kentucky the goods to be ferried across the river Archaeological Research programs, a were transported by packhorses. It was a Ed & Joyce Lee most interesting and well-informed Lady. remarkably well-planned and executed Bristol, Tennessee After a discussed of the aims and effort. The large canoes, after being used Vanhook family goals of the new association we decided to cross the river, were skillfully hidden in on a Picnic to be held on Saturday, June large growths of dense brush close to the Peggy Shumate Warth 26, 1999. The meeting was adjourned and river and recovered and used again when Alexandria, Kentucky most hung around to socialize and get Bryd's force returned to the river after the Spears family acquainted. attacks. Again, please bear in mind that That was the beginning of Ruddell & this is strictly from memory, so it would Henry D. “Don” Lee Martin Stations Historical Association. need some verification before being Falmouth, Kentucky accepted as entirely factual. Also, as I Vanhook family Submitted, recall, some of the Indians supporting Don Lee Byrd hastily made their own elm-bark Nancy O’Malley President canoes upon arrival at the Ohio River, Lexington, Kentucky each of these capable of carrying 2-4 Archaeologist, University of Kentucky warriors. Most of the mounted Indians,

however, swam their horses across the With Don Lee acting as moderator, Send in Your Letters or river. all present introduced themselves and told Again, I think you're doing a wonderful what their interest was in the forts and/or Comments job and you have my heartiest who were their ancestor(s). After a nice congratulations. lunch we proceeded to business. [email protected]

Nominations were made and voted upon Sincerely yours, with the following officers elected to Allan W. Eckert

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Draper Manuscript Collection

The Scalping of Joseph Conway.

Joseph Conway (informant’s father) was born in Greenbriar Co., Va., in 1763 – Early moved to Kentucky with his father’s, Samuel Conway’s family, and settled in Ruddell’s Station. Henry Groff, one Purseley and others also resided there. About 200 Indians came and attacked the fort, found one side of the fort unfinished; and the whites hastened and finished it, putting up pickets; and that evening the Indians made a violent attack, and whites returned the fire; none were injured in the fort, and not certain that they killed any Indians. Next morning the Indians had retired, and the whites found many articles which they had dropped. The Indians continued to hover around for a couple of weeks altogether, and then retired. Joseph Conway and two others went out about a mile and a half reconnoitering, when Conway was shot by a party of their Indians, and wounded in the left side, and was caught and tomahawked, breaking his skull, and scalped, and left for dead. The others escaped unharmed. The reports of the guns were heard at the fort, and a party went out and met the two fugitives returning, who reported that Conway was killed; they went on, and brought in Conway, who was gradually recovering, when the Indians sent to Detroit for reinforcements and cannon. Two weeks after Conway was wounded, Colonel Bird and party appeared, with cannon. They first fired a cannon shot and missed; then a second shot, which knocked out one of the corners of a block-house, and then the inmates concluded the British and Indians could take the place, and listened to terms. The British pledged protection to the Draper Manuscripts, Papers, 17J:27-28 prisoners and their property, and were not to be surrendered to the Indians; but no bandage from Conway’s head, but he was family, father, mother and two daughters, effort was made by the British to fulfill repelled by the old Indian and his son as with their son and daughter already there, their pledge. interfering with their prisoner. They were all got together at Detroit. Conway with his head bandaged was taken direct to Detroit, and turned over to Draper Manuscript Collection, Draper’s taken by an old Indian and his son, who the British there, and remained there four Notes, 24S:169-171. were really kind to him; they also took an years. Conway was placed in the hospital, unmarried sister of Conway’s, older than and when recovered, was placed on the he was, who dressed his head. Before limits, and permitted to work as he could leaving Ruddell's, one Indian tore off the get employment. The rest of the Conway

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Draper’s Interview with returned to Virginia was tried on this charge and acquitted. Bird said he would James Chambers. never be engaged in another such expedition as that to Kentucky in 1780. James Chambers, a native of Ireland, was Draper Manuscript Collection, Draper’s born in 1749. He immigrated to America Notes, 4S:98-99. as a young man and during the Revolutionary War served in the militia of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. In June of 1781 he was taken prisoner by the Indians near Big Sewickley Creek and taken to Detroit. His interview reads: Captain John Hinkson’s Bird treated prisoners well. Chambers Narrative saw the 6 pounder at Detroit taken on Bird's expedition of '80, and saw the man Extract upon Capt. Hinkson's narrative, who drove the horse that drew it on the who was made prisoner on the surrender land part of the march. Also got of Ruddle's Fort; in Kentucky the 25th of acquainted with several of the prisoners June (1780), and made his escape on the taken by Bird - Capt. Ruddell and Simon 28th. Girty was with Bird. John Hinkston was On the 24th about sunrise, a heavy in possession of the Indians - Girty and fire was begun on the fort by small arms, Hinkston were old acquaintances - were which continued without intermission great cronies, and swapped clothes when until noon, when it was observed, that a he was prisoner - Girty went to Bird, and battery of two three pounders was erected said Hinkston was very supple and active, on an advantages spot. The first and if he did not take him from the discharged made such an impression on Indians and put him under a guard of the fort, that all within were convinced British soldiers, he would be certain to they could not hold out. A flag was sent Mythic image of Simon Girty (1741- effect his escape. Bird did so - that night out and the terms agreed to were that the 1818), found in A Sketch of the Life and Hinkston made his escape and it was garrison should surrender themselves as Character of Daniel Boone, by Ted thought Girty brought about this change prisoners, be permitted to retain their Franklin Belue. of Hinkston from the Indians to the wearing apparel, and conducted safely to British, in order to aid him in escaping. - a settlement near Detroit, where John Sellers, another prisoner taken at provisions should be found there until Ruddell’s or Martin’s escaped a little Lyman Copeland Draper they could raise corn for themselves. before Hinkston - they were the only ones On the 26th the white, with a party of (1815-1891) was the State who did escape. Girty, too, knew of Indians appeared before Martin's Fort, Historical Society of Hinkston's having killed Wipey, about seven miles up Licking Creek, which '74, who hunted on Conemaugh, and kept surrendered without resistance on the Wisconsin's first director. it from the Indians, who, had they known same terms as the other fort and previous He collected first-hand it, would have killed him. were in the hands of the enemy when accounts from men and When Bird returned with his Capt. Hinkson made his escape; who prisoners, a number of cabins were built further adds, that they consisted of a women involved in the outside the fort at Detroit for the prisoners company of regulars from Detroit, under early history of the trans- taken at Ruddell's and Martin's forts; men, Capt. Bird, a company of Canadians, women and children, Capt. Ruddell and thirty Tory volunteers, and about 700 Allegheny west. The family among them. And these cabins Indians from various tribes. Capt. Bird original documents are were familiarly called Yankee Hall. The informed Capt. Hinkson; that he had taken housed at the State men had their liberty and worked out the Governors dispatches going down the some of the time for wages. After a while, Ohio, which gave an account that no Historical Society of Du Poister [Arnet S. DePeyster] who expedition would be sent into their Wisconsin and microfilm commanded at Detroit gave the use of an country this summer; which seemed to island to Ruddell, some 3 miles above elate him much. The enemy came down copies can be found at Detroit, and in which were some Stoney River (on the Great Miami) up the various libraries across improvements - and he moved his family Ohio and Licking, without being the U.S. there, raised corn, etc. These favors led to discovered. S. C. Gazette, June 31, 1781. the suspicion that Ruddell was tinctured Draper Manuscript Collection, George with Toryism and Ruddell when he Rogers Clark Papers, 16J:82 – 83.

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their mother, an Indian had just killed her often said he had never the head or tooth Join the Ruddell’s and Martin’s child, & struck her over the forehead with ache in his life. He was a trifle short of six a club, & the blood was running from the feet in height, heavily formed weighing Stations Association at: wound – probably a blow to make her 200 pounds, until hel fell off in his closing relinquish her hold on her child. years. He was light complexioned, with a http://www.webpub.com/~jhagee/ At Detroit, the commanding British bluish-grey eye – round full, pleasant rudd-app.html officer [Maj Leinoult] discovered that countenance. Capt. Ruddell was a fellow Mason - & Abram Ruddell was spare & bony – then did all he could to befriend him - & six feet & one inch high. He was rough in sent out & had the Ruddell family brought his demeanor – never religious. His Draper’s Interview with in & redeemed – Mrs. Ruddell & her conversation betrayed the Indian, ever John M. Ruddell daughter & two youngest sons – paying a using “me” for “I.” He grew up among the keg of whisky for the daughter. She Indians, always seeming to have an From John M. Ruddell, 12 miles north of subsequently married John Mulherrin, & [illegible] hatred for them: would get Quincy, Illinois, Adams County. – born in settled & died in Pike Co. Mo., died about drunk, & in that state would frequently Bourbon County, Kentucky, 1811: 12 or 14 years ago leaving several kill some of the Indians - & under the removed with his father to Pike County, children – one Wm. Mulherrin, born guise of liquor it would be overlooked as Missouri, 1817 & in 1829 to Illinois. 1811, lives 4 miles below Clarksville, at a having occurred by a person morally Capt. Isaac Ruddell was born in Va. woodyard on Mo. Side - & his sister, Mrs. [illegible] Once he got a long hollow Valley, where the Bowmans & Hite were Ben Barton, Mrs. James Simes (near weed, & inserted one end in a kettle of – of Welch descent – no knowledge of Painesville Mo. Pike Co.) & Mrs. Denny boiling maple syrup, & appeared to bee any military service: married Elizabeth (Painsville) about 7 miles back of enjoying it busely, when an Indian asked Bowman, sister of Col. John Bowman: Clarksville – quite aged. Mrs. Rebecca him if it did not burn him. No, said moved to Kentucky in about 1779, & Grine will be most likely to write. Ruddell, it became cool while passing up settled Ruddell’s Station, with several Painesville P.O. the tube - & the Indian then wished to try families, with him from Virginia. But Stephen & Abram could not be it - & swallowed a large mouthful so On the 18th June 1780, Capt. Bird & found, & it was feared they had been burned him that he died in consequence. white, & Indians brought artillery – killed. Can’t say how long it was before So Ruddell got rid of another of the hated appeared & demanded its surrender, Capt. Isaac Ruddell, he and his wife, Red Skins. Draper Manuscript Collection, refused, & then fired on it with the cannon returned to Kentucky at Ruddell’s Mills – Draper’s Notes, 22S:41-52. – several days, & finally made a breach, there died about 1809 very near the same & got possession – A long shot killed a time – each mighty 260 lbs. These two Maryland Journal white of the British party - & when the sons John and Isaac grew up, but never guns were stacked, Bird desired Capt. married; - they had one son Cornelius October 17, 1780 Ruddell to point out the gun that had born after the captivity. Their son George performed the successful shot of three or Ruddell settled at New Madrid early in Philadelphia, Oct 10, 1780. four hundred yards & Bird had it largely this century, & lost property by the great Extract of a letter from Pittsburgh, Sept. 1. ornamented with silver on his return & earthquake - & left descendants. Abram “Since my last, the savages have killed kept it for his personal use. No knowledge Ruddell first settled on White River, Ind. and scalped ten men, about 60 miles up of names of Indian chiefs or of numbers A few years, then about 1820 moved to the Monongahela; and Capt. Bird, with a on either side. New Madrid region in Missouri – died few regulars and Canadians, and, they When taken, an Indian siezed the there about 1836, leaving descendants. report, 700 savages, hath entirely broke up infant child of Mrs. Ruddell and dashed Bird of Bird’s Point married a Ruddell. one of the Kentucky settlements, having its brains out against a tree. Of Capt. Stephen and Abram were adopted made prisoners 400 men, women and Ruddell’s family, his oldest son George and raised by the Indians – by different children. But this stroke may prove was not taken, being away on a tour of families in same village. Stephen knew serviceable to us, as it will, I hope, if not service under Col. John Todd. The rest 4 Tecumseh in his youth – played [illegible] finally stopped, give a check to the sons & 1 daughter, & the infant, taken; together at Piqua - & always said immigrations to the Ohio, which is Stephen, Elizabeth, Abraham, John and Tecumseh was honorable & humane – a prodigious, and which must weaken the Isaac. very remarkable man for ability. country below. The grasping hand of the Stephen the oldest, born in [continues with Tecumseh, very faded and covetous and avaricious, neomonopolizer, Shenandoah Valley Sept. 18, 1768, hard to read] not only of the American money but of Abraham about 4 years younger, the Stephen Ruddell was failing in health American lands, has in a manner put anus prisoners were at once seperated among for several years, but was confined but the into the hands of our enemies. The former the captors – so that Mrs. Ruddell did not last month or two, & died at his residence practice is now. I hope, Effectually know the fate of her family – nor they of on the high ground skirting the abolished, and tarish the latter war.” the others: the last, Stephen and Abram, Mississippi, a dozen miles above Quincy, Draper Manuscript Collection, George who were taken by the Shawnees, saw of Adams Co. Illinois Oct 16th 1845. He Rogers Clark Papers, 29J:19-20

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Early Correspondence between three and four hundred people to Detroit and its neighborhood, where I am informed, the men are at present detained, Letter of and many of the poor women separated Col. from their husbands, and given to the Indians who use them as slaves. This to the piece of cruelty calls for redress, and I Governor of Virginia know of no person so proper to demand it August 31, 1782 as yourself with whom the power of negotiating things of this sort rests. I think “Your excellency and Council will please under the cartel settled By Gen. Greene to indulge me a few moments longer with the commanding officer in when I take the liberty to add the situation Charlestown, these poor people have a of 470 persons who surrendered just right to their enlargement. By it, all themselves prisoners of war to a British prisoners of war on both sides in the officer then on command from Detroit Southern States, taken before the 19th of with a great number of Indians. As well, I June, 1781, were to be set at liberty, and as I recollect, these unhappy people were those on parole were discharged from it. captured in June, 1780; and from The agreement extended to this State, and authentic intelligence that we have in consequence of it many persons that The Shawnee Chief Blue Jacket received, they were actually divided in the had fallen into the hands of the enemy most distressing manner that could be were discharged. If you think with me, I invented – many of the men were vtaken make no doubt you will take the necessary to detroit, and their wives retained among steps for their enlargement, and their the Indians as slaves. Some of the men are being sent under an escort either to Fort now at Montreal, and others in different Pitt, or to our own garrison at the Falls of Draper’s Interview with parts towards the Lakes. As the British the Ohio, which last place would be most Mrs. Ledwell, Miss Ferris were the perpetrators of this cruel piece of agreeable to them as being nearer home. mischief, I think by the articles of the Draper Manuscript Collection, Draper’s and Joseph Munger Jr. Cartel for the exchange and relief of Notes, 10S:81-84 prisoners taken in the Southern August 5, 1863, Mrs. Honn and daughter, Department, and subsequent measures Letter to the latter 18, were taken prisoners at the taken by the different commissaries for Commissioners of the capture of Ruddell’s and Martin’s that purpose. It is their business Stations, Kentucky, 1780 – Indians chased immediately to deliver up in this country Western Country Miss Catherine Honn half a mile in or at some American post all the prisoners November 29, 1782 running gaunlet, she was fleet, the Indian then taken – or retaliation be had on our finally knocking her down with a club. parts. Unless they are guarded back, they Speaks of demand through Gen. She married first Charles Munger (father will never get through the Indian Country. Washington for Kentucky prisoners of of Joseph Munger Sr., now deceased) who I have the honor to be, with the June, 1780, and carried to Detroit. was killed in Wayne’s battle; and then she highest respect and esteem Your “You have his [Gen. Washington’s] married Joseph Ferris, and died ten years excellency’s most obt. And most humble answer enclosed, which I beg the favor of ago some 85 years old. servant.” you to make public, that their friends may The mother, Mrs. Honn, was placed provide for them against their return. How in Blue Jacket’s family, and kept the cows Benjamin Logan, County Lieutenant they will effect it, I know not, as you will and made butter, she esteemed it a Draper manuscript Collection, Draper’s find they are to be sent to his army, from blessing that she was thus placed there Notes, 11S:15-16. which the distance to their own house is instead of in some other Indian family. so great, that I fear they will suffer much On the return of Bird’s army from capturing Martin and Ruddell’s Stations, Letter to before they can reach them. As soon as I am informed of the number belonging to some of the weak children were taken Gen. George Washington this State, and their names, I will aside and tomahawked, and scalps October 25, 1782 immediately forward the list to you.” produced. Some of the captives remained Draper Manuscript Collection, Draper’s and settled in the country around Detroit His Excellency General Washington Notes, 10S:90-91. and Western Canada / descendants left. Virginia, In Council, Oct 25th, 1782 Draper Manuscript Collection, Draper’s Dr. Sir: In June, 1780, a party of British Notes, 17S:200. troops and Northern Indians made an incursion into Kentucky, and carried off

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this unexamined - and the fort then him kindly, grew up and hunted - the then delivered up to Bird and the Indians. boy, her own son, dying in the mean time These were the terms. -with the meat he furnished, and the little The Indians entered the fort and field of corn they made, supplied their comenced a terrible slaughter - Governor wants. He grew to manhood, and became Morrow thinks some 20 were contented; and when the armies of the tomahawked in cold blood - the women white subsequently invaded the Indian and children, instead of being taken to the country he felt, conscientiously felt the neighboring station agreed upon, were wrong and inquiry - sided very naturally marched off as prisoners. Riddle escaped with the Indians in opposing the whites. the slaughter - went and remonstrated [Stephen Ruddell] was interpreter for with Bird, who expressed and seemed to the Shawnees at Waynes Treaty - there for feel regret that he had no control over the the first time learned that his mother was Indians. Hurried down Licking, crossed living - proposed to his Indian mother to The Ruddell the Ohio, and then feeling safe, camped go to Kentucky and live with his own up Mill Creek a short distance, hunted and mother - his Indian mother didn't like the Captivity rested themselves, and returned to their idea - then, having an affection for her, he towns at leisure. proposed taking her along with him and While camped on Mill Creek, Mrs. living with him among the whites. This By Governor Jeremiah Riddle received in some way a severe cut she declined - consented that she should across her forehead from an Indian's knife go and see his mother - knowing how Morrow - sent her little son with her, then about 8 much more his natural mother must feel July 22, 1843 years old, to get some ginson root for her for him, when his adopted one could - and had not proceed far when some scarcely hear to part with him sufficiently Indian, finding out his errand whipped long for even that. He went, spent several him for it. He was then out of sight of his weeks there, began to think after all the mother - and very soon hearing the report white lived best - and moreover, he had of a rifle near where he left her, and always made up his mind not to marry seeing no more, he painfully suspected among the Indians, and now thought that his dear mother was killed - for they pleasant it would be to get himself a white had already tomahawked such of the wife and settle down. prisoners as lagged by the way before [Stephen] returned to the Shawnees crossing the Ohio. Young as he was, the country - told his Indian mother of his little lad knew something of the Indians determination - assisted in removing her reared as had been chiefly among them, to the westward to some friends, she died and in constant fear and dread of them. He on the way. Riddle returned to Kentucky was taken to Piqua on the Big Miami - somewhere on Licking, was frequently and there had his ears stilled around the engaged as interpreter by government run, washed from head to foot, and during the war of 1812, in councils with olonel Bird and his Indian Allies formerly adopted into the nation. The last the Shawnee Indians, all of whom save, appeared before the station - of the ceremony was pass through a 30 under Tecumseh's influence, sided Cdemanded a surrender saying they double row of Indians, squaws and with the United Sates. Was selected to a had cannon. Riddle and those with him children - not to run the gaunlet - when a head a party of them taken into service. disbelieving it - Would not listen to any squaw took him by the arm and led him Subsequently became a "new light" such proposition. The fire opened upon out of the line. It was soon explained to preacher - and is probably yet living in the little fortress - "the pickets were cut him, that she was a widow and had a boy Kentucky - His father was taken to Detroit down like corn stalks" said Governor about his own age, and proposed - there complained of the breaking of the Morrow. Seeing the folly of attempting to becoming his mother. capitulation - Bird was tried, but acquitted maintain so unequal a contest, when Young Riddle said he wanted to go on the ground that he could not control convinced so effectually of the presence and live with his own mother if she were the Indians. What a evement is that to of cannon - raised the white flag, and living. The squaw then suggested to him, engage such allies! entered into written terms of capitulation how he would like to live with her if his N.B. These facts were communicated with Bird. The women and children were natural mother were not alive. Still he to Governor Morrow by Riddle himself, to be protected and taken to the nearest held off giving consent. Then she changed when Gov. Morrow with Governors station and there safely delivered. The the mode of inquiry, and asked if he Meigs and Wirthinton held a council to men were to be prisoners, with the wouldn't like to live with her as well as disuade the Indians from taking part in the privilege of taking each his gun, and a with any of the squaws he saw there. Yes, war. Draper Manuscript Collection, pack of such articles as they pleased, and was the reply, she took him home, treated Kentucky Papers, 8CC:23.

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The Pennsylvania Gazette Calaway, Polly Whiteman and her sister, their tomahawks with the blood of Barbary Burger, Jonathan Calaway, Jones Americans, viz. August 13, 1783 Hoy, Peggy Paulin, Charles McLane, Timothy Dormin and his wife, Jonathan Chactaws, 6008 PHILADELPHIA, August 13. Wilson, Jonathan Hanna, Rachel Oneidas, 160 Captain Dalton, Superintendant of Indian McKutchy, Darkey Miller, Nancy Martin, Chickisaws, 400 affairs for the United State, arrived here James McSwine, Becky Lee, Sally Lee, Tuskeroras, 200 last week from Canada, which he left Thomas Lee, Jonathan Delong, James Cherokees, 500 about a month since, in company with 200 Crawford, Betsey McCaumin and son, Onondagas, 300 Americans, who are at length happily James Cain, ----- Miller, ----- Whitts, -- --- Creeks, 700 liberated from a cruel captivity with the Calaway, ----- Ward, Samuel Davis, Isaac Cayugas, 230 savages. But he is sorry to inform us that Riddle and two brothers, Elizabeth Frankishaws, 400 there are a number of unfortunate fellow Turner, Charles Mitchell, Polly Mitchell, Jeneckaws, 400 sufferers, who are still retained as Sally Whitenire, Andrew Armstrong and Oniactinaws, 300 prisoners by the Indians. The sufferings of his sister, Lasley Malone, Robert Nealie, Suiz and Southuze, 1300 Captain Dalton and his lady have been Elijah Mathews, Stephen Parish, James Kickapoes, 500 very great, both having been many years Davison, Henry Licters, Jacob Vingordor, Putawawtawmas, 400 prisoners with the enemy, and forced to Alexander Thomson, Jonathan Reddock, Munseys, 150 endure the most cruel treatment from their William Benjamin, Robert Cruders, Elijah Fulawain, 150 captors. For the satisfaction of their Hunt, Adam Templeman, Jonathan Shull, Delaware, 500 friends, Captain Dalton has given a list of ---- Pankburn, Samuel Proctor, Joseph Muskulthe or Nation Shawanaws, 300 the unhappy people who are confined Newman, Zephar Hawkins, Rudolph of Fire, 250 chiefly among the six nations, viz. the House and his brother, Nelly Smith, Katy Mohickons, 60 Shawanese, Delaware, Munseys, Rinkle, Betsey Doherty, Polly McCurdy, Reinars or Foxes 300 Ouiactenaws, Putawawtawmaws, &c. &c. Mrs. Hersler and four children, Joseph Uchipweys, 3000 Smith, David Price, Kijah Patterson. Puyon, 150 The List is as follows: Ottawaws, 300 James Grey, Jonathan Gold, James Stuart, Captain Dalton says, that on their Sokkie, 350 George Fulks, Elizabeth Fulks, Mrs. way home, through Canada, they Mowhawks, 300 Brown and three children, Jonathan Long, experienced the most polite treatment Abbinokkie, on the Mary Long, Barbara McFall, John from the English officers, but were more Oneidas, 150 McFall, Lucy Linn, Hugh Stear, Thomas than once abused by different parties of St. Lawrence 200 Williams, Katy Dundas, John Jones, Mary those wretches who had fled to Canada ------Jones, Mary McLee, Susy McLee, Ann from the back parts of the United States, 8160Warriors 11690 McLee, Abraham Whiteker, Kenmit to avoid the vengeance of their Morris, Hannah Burk, William Morgan, countrymen, for the many horrid murders A small vessel from one of the James Rogers, Jonathan Trimble, William and burnings committed by them in eastern ports arrived at Quebec a little Hitchkok, Edmund Keer, Sarah Wilson, conjunction with the English and Indians. time before Captain Dalton left it; but the Nicholas Wilson, Nicholas Oatman, As Captain Dalton has been among Captain being abused for keeping the Margaret Sheerer, John Turney, Joseph the savages for many years, has now American colours flying, and not suffered Wilson, William Bangle, John Barton, given his friends and the public an to enter, he left the port without breaking Adam Shoemaker, John Dumford, estimation of the different savage nations bulk, notwithstaning the articles he had to Ambrose White, Jonathan Troy, Adam they had to encounter with, the number of dispose of were much in demand at Brown, Francis Colaway, James Barley, warriors annexed to each nation that were Quebec, and he was offered a great price Abraham Coone, Mary Emerick, Silvester employed by the British, and have stained for them. Ash, George Ash, Henry Ash, Abraham Ash, Isaac Ash, Jesse Bland, Betsey Poke, Isaac Davis, Mary Denton, George Lech, Valentine Lawrence, Jonathan Hicks, Martin Coile, Barbury Coile, Cristin Coile, Barbary Coile, Margaret Baker, Betsey McCormick, James Cooper, White prisoner being dressed in Benjamin Brooks, Polly Francis, Betsey the Indian style. Plumer, Nancy Dalton, Mary Kennedy and two children, Peggy Pauland, Katy

Sicks, Katy Etelmaw, David Etelmaw,

Daniel Etelmaw, Elizabeth Fisher,

Frederick Fisher, George Mawfit, Henry

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n the 31st of May 1779 Leonhard objection, was his being a soldier from a Kratz for whatever reason far off land, a stranger. This, of course, Odecided, that he had enough of was quite a serious state of affairs to the this prisoner life and escaped from the lovers, and something desperate had to be Albemarle barracks. On his own and done. alone, he made it over the Blue Mountain He waited till the company were ridge to the Shenandoah valley. From now pretty well advanced into the wilderness, on Kratz had to depend on his own and under his guidance, when he suddenly survival instinct in a wild, rough, and brought them to a halt by declaring he tough pioneer environment. would go no further with them as a guide, After Leonhard's escape from the unless they consented to his marriage with barracks and his arrival in the Shenandoah their daughter. So, after due deliberation, valley, he met the Munger family, who they came to the conclusion that were planning to pack up and seek new "discretion was the better part", and settlement in Kentucky. consented. The marriage ceremony, The Munger's were an old German according to the requirements of the settler family, who had lived in the valley times, was performed in the open air by since long before the revolution, and with the side of the wagons that contained their the family growing, needed more land. all, as soon as a properly authorized Old William Munger had bought a person was found." 250 acres farm in 1771 on the Naked Creek, north of Staunton near the This is a very romantic story indeed, Page/Rockingham County line. He left and has been told time and again to this farm in trust to his sons David and Leonhard and Mary's grand- and great- Johann John, and prepared to hitch up his wagons grandchildren, I am sure, but a few and move with the rest of the family to the questions did come up, which needed to Leonhard Kratz new territory of Kentucky. He needed all be investigated and clarified. With the the manpower he could get, and in help of some other sources of information Leonhard Kratz, the escaped soldier, he I have reconstructed as it really must have A Hessian Soldier's Incredible found a strong and capable man. happened. Story of Hardship and Love This is how Mary Burch's Family Leonhard Kratz was a stranger in this Record of 1880 described the situation: country, he did not know it at all. Therefore, he had neither the experience By Johannes Helmut Merz "The years 1779 and 1780 were nor the knowledge to serve as a guide to distinguished by the vast number of lead new settlers from the Shenandoah emigrants who crowded to Kentucky for valley to Kentucky. He also had very little the purpose of settling and availing experience as an Indian fighter, except themselves of the benefits of the land law that he knew how to handle a rifle and by locating land warrants. Among the how to shoot. The other more important numerous bands which left Virginia for fact was, that old German settler families the Lone Land, was one in which there like the Munger's would not have trusted was a family named Munger, another their lives and all their worldly Toofelmeyer, and the ‘paroled’ soldier possessions to a "soldier from a far off Leonhard Kratz, he by his acquaintance land," which was their feelings toward with the country acting as a guide to the Leonhard. But the Munger's needed him party. Indian hostility was proportionally for one good reason alone, he was a active, and both movers and settlers were strong man and had a strong back, and in great danger. In the Munger family was that was his most appreciated asset. a daughter named Mary. It is not known Let me at this point introduce Captain whether any acquaintance existed Isaac Ruddle of the Virginia Militia from between the two previous to leaving the Shenandoah valley. Already back in Virginia or not, be that as it may, 1777 he and his brother George had gone somewhere on the journey young to Kentucky to check out the land and to Leonhard proposed to Mary, and she stake his land claim. Each of them staked accepted happily his proposal. out 1,400 acres of virgin land in the area The next step was to obtain parental which was later known as Bourbon sanction. This consent, upon application, County. was most positively refused, their chief

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Captain Ruddle went back to Virginia (The Register of the Kentucky remainder of his life. Starvation almost and received a commission to raise a Historical Society, Vol.54, No.189, ended his sufferings. An Indian squaw company of volunteers, and in 1779 began October 1956 - "Destruction of Ruddle's named Mona du Quatte is said to have to assemble a wagon train for the move to and Martin's forts in the Revolutionary secretly provided him with food. Years Kentucky. The Munger's, their son-in-law War. Pages 302-304, by Maude Ward afterwards he was able to repay her Martin Toffelmeyer with his wife and Lafferty.) kindness by providing care in her old age, family, and Leonhard Kratz joined up whenever she visited his homestead on with the wagon train, and Captain Ruddle The war with Great Britain was still going Lake Erie. led them to Kentucky. With the love affair on. From the British strong point of On 4 August 1780, Major Arent S. developing between Mary and Leonhard, Detroit at the far west end of Lake Erie, a DePeyster, British commander at Detroit, the Captain most likely was the man with force of 200 English soldiers and wrote to Lt. Col. Mason Bolton: authority to perform the wedding Canadian volunteers under the command ceremony at the side of the wagons in the of Captain Henry Bird of His Majesty's "Captain Bird arrived here this morning open air. An actual wedding certificate 8th Regiment of Foot, plus some 600 with about one hundred and fifty was in all probability never made out, and Indians led by Simon Girty, swooped prisoners, mostly Germans who speak if, it was never found. down upon the unsuspecting new English. The remainder coming -- for in Captain Ruddle's wagon train reached settlements of Kentucky. The intent of the spite of all his endeavors to prevent it, the the Licking river in Kentucky, and the mission was to destroy the settlements, to Indians broke into their forts and seized whole group settled in or near a fort discourage the flow of settlers coming many -- the whole will amount to about which had been abandoned three years west, and to prevent the area from three hundred and fifty. Their chief desire earlier by the pioneer Hinkson because of becoming an agricultural supply base for is to remain and settle at this place as you Indian trouble. Here in this fort Ruddle the Colonial army. will see by the enclosed letter ...." established what is known in later history The invading force, equipped with as the Ruddle's Fort. some six pound cannons, on the 22 June The enclosure, written by Captain Henry He enlarged and fortified it, making it 1780 attacked Ruddle's Fort and forced Bird on 24.July 1780, says in part: one of the strongest forts in the Kentucky Captain Ruddle to surrender, after Captain wilderness, capable of accommodating Bird promised that no harm would come "..... many of the prisoners would not take from two to three hundred people. His to them. The same fate awaited the the oath to the (American) Congress. I do garrison was composed of forty-nine men, Martin's Fort nearby. Despite Bird's not believe we have more than two and on his list were Charles Munger Sr., promises, the Indians were hard to families who are really rebels. The rest William Munger Jr., Martin Tuffleman control, they killed and scalped some of are desirous of being settled in Detroit (Toffelmeyer), and Leonard Croft (Kratz). the inhabitants, and destroyed all the with some land. They fled, they say, from It is not quite clear whether this list livestock and food supplies. Most of the persecution and declare if the Government contained just the names of settlers at the settlers were taken prisoner. In all this will assist them to get them on foot as fort, or whether it was a list of men of confusion and tragedy Mary Kratz gave farmers, they will, as Militia, faithfully Ruddle's Virginia militia company, in birth to her first child. It was not a good defend the country that affords them which case they would have had to take time for such an event. protection. ...." an oath of allegiance and to swear to Leonard and Mary were separated uphold the Constitution of the United from each other. Mary was taken with the After arrival of the male prisoners, States of America. If this was indeed the other women. They traveled by water in the Indians turned them over to the case, it would explain the rather harsh canoes, going north by day, and resting on Detroit landowners Alexander and treatment these men received later at the the river's shore by night. Several nights William Macomb, sons of John Macomb hands of the British and the Indians. It later, while preparing to camp, Mary from Albany, N.Y. John Macomb had would also mean that the Hessian soldier accidentally fell and struck her baby's purchased land from the Potawatomi Leonhard Kratz broke his oath to his head against a tree, it died instantly. Mary Indians on 6 July 1776, which included Prince and to King George III. hollowed out a grave with her bare hands several islands in the Detroit river, among The spring following the hard winter and buried her first-born child. which were Hog Island, later renamed of 1779 was unusually fine, and the The captive men were herded north to Belle Island, and Grosse Ile. The same inhabitants of Ruddle's Fort saw their Detroit on a strenuous overland march, year Lt. Governor Henry Hamilton cattle grow fat on the luscious bluegrass, burdened with whatever possessions the granted William Macomb permission to and the rich soil gave promise of Indians saw fit to appropriate as spoils of occupy Grosse Ile. In 1780 the original bounteous crops. Everywhere there was war. Leonhard told the story himself deed was acknowledged as a "volunteer an atmosphere of peace and prosperity many times in later life, that he was act of the chiefs of the Potawatomi and general well being. There was no loaded down with a huge copper kettle, Nation" before Arent S. DePeyster, the premonition of the tragedy that awaited extending over his head and secured to his newly appointed commander at Detroit. them. That's how later a Kentucky back. The weight of the kettle scraped The Macombs, who maintained historian had described the scene. into his flesh, causing infected wounds, friendly relations with the Indians by which left him with scars for the trading with them, are claimed to have

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"bought" the prisoners. There is no County, Kentucky, in 1784. In 1788 Sources evidence at all that such a deal has taken Ruddell built a gristmill near his new Burch, Mary J. A Family Record of the history place. The Indians may have received home on a branch of the Licking river. He of the Scratch, Wigle, Fox, Friend, some presents in appreciation of bringing died about 1808 and is buried in the old Wilkinson, Shepley, McCormick, Malotte, the prisoners safely to Detroit. Presbyterian graveyard, located outside Coatsworth, Iler families and other early settlers of the County of Essex, Windsor, Once released at Detroit, Leonhard Ruddell's Mills. Ontario, printed 1880. Kratz kept watching for the arrival of the There is a plaque standing just at the Commemorative Biographical Record of the women down at the boat docks along the crossroads a little north of the cemetery, County of Essex, Ontario. Published by river. Finally, Mary arrived. He did not erected by the Commonwealth of J.H. Beers & Co., Toronto, 1905. recognize her until she called out his Kentucky: Swan, Isabella E. The Deep Roots, a history of name. He took her into his arms and Grosse Ile, Michigan, Grosse Ile, carried her to camp quarters, where she RUDDELLS'S MILLS Michigan, 1976. could be cared for. The joy of their Lafferty, Maude Ward, “Destruction of reunion was saddened by the story of the Near his home Isaac Ruddell built a Ruddle's and Martin's forts in the Revolutionary War,” The Register of the loss of the baby. gristmill in 1788 on the north side of Kentucky Historical Society, Vol.54, With no earthly possessions but their Hinkson bridge, and a sawmill in 1795 to No.189, October 1956, pp 302-303. mutual love and devotion, Leonhard and be operated by his son Abram. A 720- Peter, Robert, M.D., edited by William H. Mary accepted the Macomb's offer to spindle cotton mill erected 500 feet west Perrin, History of Bourbon, Scott, farm for them on Hog Island. In 1781 a by Thomas and Hugh Brent in 1828, Harrison, and Nicholas Counties, son Peter was born, named in honour of burned 1836. Soon rebuilt by Abram Kentucky, 1882. Art Guild Reprints, Inc., Leonhard's father. The Munger and Spears, it also spun wool until about 1855. Cincinnati, Ohio. Tofflemeyer families settled nearby. Ruddell gave land for Stoner Mouth Quaife , Milo. M., “When Detroit invaded Captain Isaac Ruddell and his wife Church and cemetery. Kentucky,” The History Quarterly, Vol.1 No.2, January 1927. remained prisoners of the British until after the war. They returned to Bourbon

Johannes “John” Helmut Merz, a native of Radolfzell/Baden, Germany, is the author of several books on Hessian soldiers in the American Revolutionary War. His latest book is The Hessians of Upper Canada.

For more information on Hessian soldiers visit Johannes’ website at: http://www.cgocable.net/~hessian/index.html

If you have a story or record on someone who lived at Ruddell’s or Martin’s Stations please submit it for a future issue of the Ruddlesforter.

[email protected]

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everal years ago the writer was most forays from 1774 to 1778. When Powell fortunate in procuring a copy of the Valley was evacuated in 1776 because of Sdiary of Samuel Harvey Laughlin, the Cherokee War, he led a party of born in 1799, and a grandson of Captain settlers and militia into the valley and John Dunkin. The diary was written in guarded the settlers while they brought 1845 by Laughlin, a well-educated man, out their personal property, which they from details related by his mother and had been unable to do because of the grandparents who were prisoners of the sudden evacuation of the valley. British in Canada during the Samuel Harvey Laughlin states: Revolutionary war. The contents of this paper are the unedited words of James H. "On one occasion while he (Capt. Laughlin, and a copy of the diary is filed Dunkin) lived on the Clinch, a predatory in the Southwest Virginia Historical band of Indians came into the settlement Society Archives at Clinch Valley and murdered a man named Bush and his College, Wise, Va. wife, and took their children, three Captain John Dunkin (1743-1818), who daughters and a son, prisoner. The son settled in Elk Garden about 1769, was an was nearly grown. Captain Dunkin with a only son of Thomas Dunkin. Earlier in few men followed the trail and, by hard life, this Thomas Dunkin had immigrated marching, overtook them, killed three of from Scotland to Ireland, where he later the Indians, and rescued the prisoners married Elizabeth Alexander (born about without losing a man. 1710), also of Scottish descent. About "Further to the northwest where Powell 1740 he emigrated to Pennsylvania, Valley had begun to be settled, in what is eventually settling in Lancaster County now Lee County, Virginia, the Indians Captain John where he died in 1760, leaving a wife, one were in the habit of murdering travellers. son, and four daughters. Before settlement had become permanent, Captain John Dunkin, subject of this the great buffalo trace to Kentucky, or that Dunkin sketch, married Eleanor Sharp, daughter part of Virginia forming Kentucky - by of John Sharp, and sister of John, Jr., way of Cumberland Gap, from 1766 to Thomas, and Benjamin Sharp. The latter 1775 was a route for hunters and of Elk Garden was a King's Mountain soldier. The Sharp adventurous explorers on whom numerous family were also immigrants from murders and robberies were committed by By Emory L. Hamilton Pennsylvania, who settled near Wallace, various tribes of Indians, but mostly by in Washington County, Virginia, before Cherokee and Shawnee. Captain Dunkin moving on to Kentucky and farther and his little faithful band frequently went westward. Captain Dunkin died on Spring out and remained for different periods on Creek in Washington County, Virginia, in tours of duty in protecting the settlers of 1818. His wife Eleanor had died in 1816. this valley and on the road. The sisters of Captain John Dunkin "On one of these tours, he and his were Elizabeth, who married Samuel company fell in with a band of Indians Porter and lived at Castlewood, in Russell whom they instantly attacked, killing four County, Virginia. Martha married and wounding a fifth. They followed the Solomon Litton and lived at Elk Garden, wounded Indian some distance to a place Russell County. Mary Jane married James where he had entered a cave. Captain Laughlin, son of John and Mary Price Joseph Martin (builder of Martin's Station Laughlin, and lived in Washington in Lee Co., VA) was along with other County, Virginia. There was a younger Rangers, having met Capt. Dunkin, and sister (name unknown) who married a Mr. was with him when it was agreed between Robinson in Russell County, Virginia, and the two that while others kept guard later returned to Pennsylvania. outside, they would enter the cave and By 1769 young John Dunkin, with his take the Indian or kill him. mother, his wife and children, three of "They entered each with a blazing torch whom were born before leaving in one hand and a pistol in the other, Pennsylvania, had reached Elk Garden, cocked and primed. After going in sixty or where he was made first a Sergeant, and seventy yards, Captain Dunkin saw the later a Captain in the frontier militia of Indian's eyes shining in the distance and Washington County, and was very active taking deliberate aim, not knowing but in protecting the frontier against Indian that the Indian had a gun, and supposing

The Ruddlesforter V1-1 : 14 others to be with him, was so lucky as to had admonished them of the necessity of of artillery and the overwhelming number shoot him through the head. making as much provisions for the next of the enemy appalled the stout hearts. "In the year 1777 he went to Kentucky, winter as possible. In the spring there Therefore they surrendered on pledges of raised corn, and made improvements by seemed to be but little danger from the personal safety from the Indians, but the raising a cabin in the forks between Indians. In the vicinity of the forts, the whole of their property was given up to Hingstons and Stoners Forks of Licking planters pitched or planted large crops and the plunder and rapine of the savages. River. After thus preparing in Kentucky everything seemed to smile and promise After the fort was sacked, and the march in 1777 and 1778 he moved his family, future prosperity. They seemed to be was commenced, many prisoners were including his aged mother, and two sisters removed from the constant dangers and forced to carry the spoils on their backs and their husbands, Samuel Porter and troubles with the Revolutionary War, still for their captors. Every kind of property Solomon Litton, out from the Clinch to in progress, brought to the neighborhood was taken. Kentucky in 1779. I say he removed of their brethren in all the country east of "Hearing the roar of artillery at Martin's them, for besides being the head of his the mountains. Station which greatly surprised the family, he was the commander and leader "Early the crops of corn began to ripen people, two runners, a man named of the immigrants, though Porter and and heaven seemed to be suspending the McGuire, and Thomas Berry, a relation of Litton, and others who went along, were cornucopia over the famished land. There my grandfather, were dispatched to men of enterprise and good soldiers and was a smile on every man's countenance, ascertain what was the matter at Ruddle's woodsmen. These two (Porter and Litton) as he looked out upon the luminescence of Fort. They were met on the way by the had farms begun also by improvements the growing Indian corn. There was enemy, and on attempting to retreat were near Martin's Station. Martin's Station happiness and security in the forest. fired on. McGuire's horse was killed and was on Stoner's River (or fork of Licking) Happiness there really was, and security he was taken prisoner. Berry, escaped five miles above its confluence with there seemed to be where they all lived, back to the fort. Hingston or Licking River. Ruddle's each fort like a great family. While living "On the next day (June 23, 1780) the Station (pronounced Riddle's) was three there in the snug and fancied security, enemy appeared before the fort and miles below the junction or forks, they sang their domestic tedeums around summoned them to surrender. Two hours consequently the forts were eight miles blazing wood fires. While this happy were given these brave men in Martin's apart. sylvan state of things existed upon the fair Station to consider - and they were "The winter of 1779 and 1780 was frontier Colonel Byrd was busily notified if they did not surrender that the unusually severe and is remembered in employed at Detroit, plotting their Indians would be let loose upon them to the history of the time, and traditionally destruction in combination with the deal with as they pleased. They as the "hard winter." The rivers and the northern nations of Indians in alliance surrendered without firing a gun. (Withers streams were all frozen - cattle and with Great Britain in our Revolutionary in his History of Border Wars, says that domestic animals died by the hundreds War, a conspiracy against the peace and Colonel Byrd took pain and had to exert and thousands, as doubtless did the wild happiness of these unoffending frontier all his authority to save the prisoners from game, Wild meat, when it could be settlers which was soon to turn all their slaughter.) procured by the border settlers, was very rejoicing and supposed security into a "The prisoners taken at Martin's were poor, and the corn and grain were early scene of sorrow and mourning. united with the prisoners from Ruddle's. consumed, and the people put to great "On or about the first of June, 1780, There was understood to be an agreement straits to procure subsistence of any sort, Colonel Byrd, a British officer, collected a between the British and Indians that the however common or coarse. Settlers were body of about 600 Canadians and Indians prisoners taken at Ruddle's should belong reduced to the very point of starvation, so at or near Detroit, and after marching by to the Indians, and those at Martin's to the much so that they were compelled to live land to the Great Miami where it was British. Let this be as it may; according to on the most unwholesome meats without navigable, they took canoes, boats, Marshall, Butler, Withers, and other bread. priogues, etc., and floated down the river historians of these times the hole of the "Many families traveling out to to the Ohio. They rowed up the latter river property of the Americans, including their Kentucky by way of Cumberland Gap and to the mouth of Licking River, opposite to Negroes, was given to the Indians. the Wilderness road were compelled to where Cincinnati now stands, and on the "My grandfather Dunkin likely had ten encamp, erect huts and such other shelter banks of which at its mouth now stands or twelve Negroes, and a fine personal as they could obtain, and subsist on the the thriving town of Newport and property in stock and furniture, etc., of dead carcasses of their cattle, sheep, etc. Covington; thence up the Licking River to which he was althogether plundered. After as died from the effects of the weather the north fork of that river, a short the treaty of Greenville, he got back an and want. distance below Ruddle's Station and old African woman named Dinnah, and a "When the spring of 1781 was ushered thence by land. On the 22nd of June they boy. This robbery and captivity reduced in there was an unusual bustle among the appeared suddenly before Ruddle's Station my grandfather to poverty. new settlers of Kentucky. They had the as if they had fallen from the clouds or "The prisoners were all taken down the finest land in the world to cultivate, much rose out of the ground by enchantment. Licking River, by the route which the of it easily cleared so as to fit it with corn The people hastily closed their gates and British had ascended to the Ohio, down crops, potatoes, etc. The previous winter began to prepare for defense, but the show that river to the mouth of the Great

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Miami, up that river as far as navigable, "My great grandmother, the mother of At a court held for Washington County, and thence to Detroit, and then to my grandfather Dunkin, came from Virginia, on the 20th of March, 1781, Montreal. My grandfather and my mother Pennsylvania with him, removed to there is entered this interesting order: who was old enough to remember, often Kentucky with him, was a prisoner with described to me the sight of the falls of him in Canada, and returned to Holston "On motion of James Litton (brother of the Niagara, as they passed round by a with him, being seventy when captured, Solomon) and James Laughlin, and by portage on their way to Detroit. In and lived many years after their return. consent and order of the Court they are recounting these adventures to me and my "On return from Canada the prisoners appointed guardians of the estates of brothers, my mother used to dwell upon came by way of Lake Champlain, by Captain John Dunkin and Solomon Litton, the hardships of the whole journey from Saratoga, down the Hudson by water and prisoners of the enemy in Canada, and to Kentucky. When the march started, my across New Jersey to Philadelphia. My use all legal methods for saving and grandfather carried one of his children. mother has often told me of the securing the said estates, whereupon they, All packed what few clothes were astonishing scenes of rejoicing in together with William Davidson and John allowed them. She said the British treated Philadelphia at the final achievement of Vance entered into and acknowledged them humanely. The Indians who had the our national independence as they passed their bonds for eight thousand pounds for Ruddle's Fort prisoners sold most all of through that city, and of the kindness the faithful performance of the same." them to the British for trifles. The British everywhere of the people to them on their wanted them to exchange for their own journey. After returning from captivity Captain prisoners, then in possession of our "On the march to Canada and at Detroit Dunkin went to live on Spring Creek near armies in the colonies. and Montreal, my grandfather often saw Abingdon, Va. Solomon Litton returned to "I do not know, nor do I remember among the Indians, and associating with his old home at Elk Garden, and Samuel from the relations of my grandfather, or the British officers of rank the renegade Porter to Temple Hill, Castlewood, VA, from the statements of my mother or her and incarnate devil, Simon Girty. This but the latter was not returning to the older sister, Aunt Betty Laughlin (wife of demon in human shape dealt in the scalps peace he probably anticipated. Shortly James Laughlin), whether all the of American men, women and children, after his return Samuel Porter was charged prisoners were carried on to Montreal. bought and paid for by the British by Col. Arthur Campbell for Courts My grandfather was, however, with his authorities. Girty's influence among the martial on charges of treason while a family, and a letter from Uncle Benjamin Indians was very great. In history his prisoner in Canada. Sharp gives the reason why he was name descends embalmed in the Campbell's reasons for charges of imprisoned in jail at that place. His eldest execrations of all mankind. treason seem vague and obscure and many son, John Dunkin, Jr., made his escape "My grandfather Dunkin, ever after I have been groundless, for none other than from the British at Montreal, and his knew him, was a taciturn, serious, and that great patriot General William Russell father who was known to have been an rather melancholy man. He was a large very indignantly interceded to the officer of standing, was suspected of stout man, and in his younger days, and Governor of Virginia on behalf of Porter, having aided his son to escape to carry until his spirit was broken and his health who was his closest neighbor. To history communications across the wilderness impaired by his Canadian captivity, and buffs the record of this charge found in through New York to General the loss of his property, had been a man of the Calendar of Virginia State Papers Washington's army, the headquarters great vigor of mind and body, and fond of should make an interesting study. being then perhaps in Pennsylvania. John hazardous and arduous adventure." Dunkin, Jr. reported personally to General From: Historical Sketches, Volume 10, Washington, by whom he was well Historical Summary: 1976, pages 22-28, The Historical Society provided for until his father and family The first mention of John Dunkin is of Southwest Virginia. were exchanged and met him in found in an old Fincastle County Court Pennsylvania on their return home, they record for May 5, 1773, when he was having come through western New York appointed on a road commission to "view" and by Philadelphia, through a road from the Townhouse (Chilhowie, Pennsylvania and Maryland and to that VA) to Castlewood. Then on January 29, part of Washington County in western 1777 he was recommended by the court of Virginia where, or nearly where he had newly formed Washington County, moved from when he went to Kentucky, Virginia, as a member of the Commission and there he continued to live for the rest of Peace, serving on that body through of his life. November, 1778. He was recommended "After his return he never went back to by the court of Washington County for a Kentucky to look after his land and Captain of Militia on February 26, 1777, improvements, and thereby lost a "head although he had long been in the frontier right" to one of the best tracts of land on militia for we find him as a Sergeant in Licking River. command of Glade Hollow Fort when it was first garrisoned in 1774.

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Certificate of Lieutenant John Mahan, February 25, 1783 Governor’s Letters Received, June 29, 1776 – November 30, 1784. Library of Virginia Digital Collection, GLR04395, http://www.aries.vsla.edu/GLR/04395

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From Your Editor . . . In the Next Issue of

Ruddlesforters, The Ruddlesforter . . .

I would like to first welcome all the new members to the • News from the 1999 Ruddell and Martin Stations Historical Association. This is reunion your association and your newsletter. The purpose of this newsletter is to present all available articles, stories, legends • More from the Draper and records of the people who lived and died at Ruddell’s and Manuscripts Martin’s Stations during the Revolutionary War. I invite any interested person to submit whatever they feel • Revolutionary War would benefit the association and interested researchers. Our Pensions ancestors lived through some trying times and their story deserves to be told. Lets all pitch in and make this possible. • Newspapers from the Past We hope to hear from you soon and don’t forget to attend the 220th anniversary reunion next year. • Daniel Trabue’s Narrative

Sincerely, • And More!

Send in Your Stories or Jim Sellars Records! Editor

Ruddell and Martin Stations Historical Assocition PO Box 297 Alexandria, KY 41001 606 635-4362

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