Last Survivor of the Battle of Fort Stephenson: -- Part 1

From the Proceedings at the Unveiling of the Soldiers Monument on the Site of Fort Stephenson, 1885.

Sgt. William Gaines is the only surviving soldier from the Battle of Fort Stephenson 72 years ago.  He later became a sergeant in the Army and now lives at Wilson Station, Ellsworth County, Kansas.  An invitation was offered for him to attend the dedication but he declined because of age and infirmities.

William Gaines was born in Frederick, Maryland, on December 25, 1799.  His parents were natives of Virginia.  In 1810, he went with his uncle, Col. Davis, to Lexington, Kentucky, where the uncle raised a regiment in the Indian War of 1811.  They joined General William Henry Harrison.

William went with his uncle to take care of the uncle's horse.  His uncle, unfortunately, was killed at the Battle of Tippecanoe.

Pretty Young to Be Without a Guardian.  --Brock-Perry