I had also never heard of a Fort Knox at Vincennes, Indiana. I thought they might be referring to Fort Knox in Kentucky where the gold is stores, but thought that might be far for the survivors of the Attack at the Narrows to go.
I was already familiar with the George Rogers Clark Memorial at the site of Fort Sackville in Vincinnes, but not Fort Knox.
From Wikipedia.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the French, British and United States built several forts at Vincennes overlooking the Wabash River.
TRADING POST, 1702, France
FORT VINCENNES, 1731, France
FORT SACKVILLE, Replaced Fort Vincennes in 1761 and named after Lord George Sackville, the site was at the intersection of First and Main streets. It fell into disrepair after the French and Indian War.
U.S. forces seized it in 1778, but the British retook it. U.S. Lt. Col. George Rogers Clark captured it in February 1779 and renamed it Fort Patrick Henry. It was abandoned in 1787.
Fort Knox Up next. --Brock-Perry
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
Battle of New Orleans.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Another September 1812 Incident in Indiana: The Pigeon Roost Massacre-- Part 2
On September 3, 1812, Indians, mostly Shawnee, killed 24 settlers, including 15 children, in a massacre in the village. Two children were kidnapped and four Indians killed.
They first attacked the cabin of Elias Payne. His wife and seven children were killed and scalped. The Indians then found Elias and his brother-in-law Isaac Coffman in the woods and killed Isaasc. Elias Payne was wounded, but bled to death. His grave was later destroyed by I-65 construction.
Militia from nearby Charlestown gave chase, but lost the Indians.
Pigeon Roost was rebuilt, but later abandoned. The victims were buried in a mass grave.
In 1904, a $2,000, 44-foot obelisk was erected and in 1929, it became a state historic site.
More recently, markers of the event were placed on US-31.
I'd Never Heard of This Before. --Brock-Perry
They first attacked the cabin of Elias Payne. His wife and seven children were killed and scalped. The Indians then found Elias and his brother-in-law Isaac Coffman in the woods and killed Isaasc. Elias Payne was wounded, but bled to death. His grave was later destroyed by I-65 construction.
Militia from nearby Charlestown gave chase, but lost the Indians.
Pigeon Roost was rebuilt, but later abandoned. The victims were buried in a mass grave.
In 1904, a $2,000, 44-foot obelisk was erected and in 1929, it became a state historic site.
More recently, markers of the event were placed on US-31.
I'd Never Heard of This Before. --Brock-Perry
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Another September Incident in Indiana: The Massacre at Pigeon Roost-- Part 1
From Wikipedia.
This took place September 3, 1812, in southeast Indiana near the Ohio River as part of a coordinated attack on Fort Harrison and Fort Wayne.
The site is now an Indiana State Historic Site located between Scottsburg and Henryville, Indiana, near Underwood. A one-lane road off US-31 takes the visitor to the site of a village where Indians massacred 24 white settlers.
Pigeon Roost was established in 1809 by William E. Collins, by settlers primarily from Kentucky. It got the name Pigeon Roost from the great number of passenger pigeons living in the vicinity. It essentially was a single line of cabins running north-south about one mile east of present-day Underwood.
More to Come. --Brock-Perry
This took place September 3, 1812, in southeast Indiana near the Ohio River as part of a coordinated attack on Fort Harrison and Fort Wayne.
The site is now an Indiana State Historic Site located between Scottsburg and Henryville, Indiana, near Underwood. A one-lane road off US-31 takes the visitor to the site of a village where Indians massacred 24 white settlers.
Pigeon Roost was established in 1809 by William E. Collins, by settlers primarily from Kentucky. It got the name Pigeon Roost from the great number of passenger pigeons living in the vicinity. It essentially was a single line of cabins running north-south about one mile east of present-day Underwood.
More to Come. --Brock-Perry
Monday, October 1, 2012
War of 1812 Timeline for October 1812
OCT. 4-- Battle of Ogdensburg, NY
OCT. 7-- US General James Winchester's army arrives bear Fort Defiance.
OCT.9-- US Navy Lt. Jesse Elliott captures the brigs Caledonia and Detroit.
OCT. 13-- Artillery duel between US Fort Niagara and British Fort George.
Battle of Queenstown Heights. British General Isaac Brock Killed.
OCT. 18-- USS Wasp captures HMS Frolic
HMS Poictiers captures the USS Wasp.
OCT. 23-- Battle of St. Regis
OCT. 25-- The USS United States captures the HMS Macedonian.
Now You Know. --Brock-Perry
OCT. 7-- US General James Winchester's army arrives bear Fort Defiance.
OCT.9-- US Navy Lt. Jesse Elliott captures the brigs Caledonia and Detroit.
OCT. 13-- Artillery duel between US Fort Niagara and British Fort George.
Battle of Queenstown Heights. British General Isaac Brock Killed.
OCT. 18-- USS Wasp captures HMS Frolic
HMS Poictiers captures the USS Wasp.
OCT. 23-- Battle of St. Regis
OCT. 25-- The USS United States captures the HMS Macedonian.
Now You Know. --Brock-Perry
Fort Wayne Today
The Fort Wayne site in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is at Clay and Berry streets and has a historical marker. Another marker in town shows the location of Fort Miami, a French fort on the east bank of the St. Joseph River at Delaware Avenue and St. Joseph Boulevard.
AnotherPlace to Check Out. --Brock-Perry
AnotherPlace to Check Out. --Brock-Perry
Fort Harrison Today
Without a doubt, the next time I'm in Terre Haute, I will go out to the site of Fort Harrison, "The Fort of the Two Presidents."
It is located north of the city in what is called The Landing at Fort Harrison, which has been built on the site of the old fort.
The Terre Haute Lodge #86 Benevolent & Protective Elks purchased the site in 1926 and established a country club there in 1925. Today, there is an 18-hole golf course, a 22,000 square foot clubhouse with restaurant, lounge and banquet hall. In 1959, they added an 8-lane bowling alley and in 1997, a swimming pool.
In 2008, it was sold to a group and it became The Landings at Fort Harrison, a no-membership required country club.
You can find it off North 7th Street and Fort Harrison Road, just off US-41 north of where it joins Ind-63.
In 1963, Fort Harrison was located and outlined by the William Henry Harrison Trail Commission.
The Tale of a Fort. --Brock-Perry
It is located north of the city in what is called The Landing at Fort Harrison, which has been built on the site of the old fort.
The Terre Haute Lodge #86 Benevolent & Protective Elks purchased the site in 1926 and established a country club there in 1925. Today, there is an 18-hole golf course, a 22,000 square foot clubhouse with restaurant, lounge and banquet hall. In 1959, they added an 8-lane bowling alley and in 1997, a swimming pool.
In 2008, it was sold to a group and it became The Landings at Fort Harrison, a no-membership required country club.
You can find it off North 7th Street and Fort Harrison Road, just off US-41 north of where it joins Ind-63.
In 1963, Fort Harrison was located and outlined by the William Henry Harrison Trail Commission.
The Tale of a Fort. --Brock-Perry
Perry's Ship, the USS Revenge, Discovered Off Rhode Island
From Jan.7, 2011, Yahoo News.
A team of divers say they've discovered the remains of the USS Revenge, commanded by U.S. Navy hero Oliver Hazard Perry, famous for his victory over the British at the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813 and his "I have met the enemy and they are ours." During this battle, he flew the equally famous flag, "Don't Give Up the Ship."
Charles Buffum and Craig Harger say the wreck changed history. Had it not sunk in 1811, Perry wouldn't have been sent to the backwaters of Lake Erie.
The Sunday was the 200th anniversary of the wreck.
Buffum has been interested in the USS Revenge ever since his mother gave him the book "Shipwrecks on the Shores of Westerly" which included Perry's account of the wreck where he hit a reef in a storm during a heavy fog off Watch Hill on Westerly. Perry was bringing his ship from Newport to new London, Ct.
Buffum, Harger and Mike Fournier used a metal detector and after several dives, came across a cannon and then another. They made their first discovery in August 2005 but kept it secret while continuing the search, finding four more 42-inch long cannons, an anchor, cannister shot and other metal objects. All the wood is gone.
They are 99% sure the wreck is that of the Revenge, but have not found the ship's bell which would be conclusive proof.
Many of the found objects were just 15 feet deep and they fear other divers coming to the site now.
Perry was demoted after the incident. His ship,the Revenge, was a schooner that had been purchased in New Orleans and mounted twelve 6-pdr. guns. The Revenge had been plotting coastal waters and harbors when it sank. The ship was initially pulled off the rocks, but the tow rope broke and the Revenge drifted into the rocks again and this time sank..
So, That's How He Got to lake Erie. Arrive Dejected and Then Win Big. --Brock-Perry
A team of divers say they've discovered the remains of the USS Revenge, commanded by U.S. Navy hero Oliver Hazard Perry, famous for his victory over the British at the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813 and his "I have met the enemy and they are ours." During this battle, he flew the equally famous flag, "Don't Give Up the Ship."
Charles Buffum and Craig Harger say the wreck changed history. Had it not sunk in 1811, Perry wouldn't have been sent to the backwaters of Lake Erie.
The Sunday was the 200th anniversary of the wreck.
Buffum has been interested in the USS Revenge ever since his mother gave him the book "Shipwrecks on the Shores of Westerly" which included Perry's account of the wreck where he hit a reef in a storm during a heavy fog off Watch Hill on Westerly. Perry was bringing his ship from Newport to new London, Ct.
Buffum, Harger and Mike Fournier used a metal detector and after several dives, came across a cannon and then another. They made their first discovery in August 2005 but kept it secret while continuing the search, finding four more 42-inch long cannons, an anchor, cannister shot and other metal objects. All the wood is gone.
They are 99% sure the wreck is that of the Revenge, but have not found the ship's bell which would be conclusive proof.
Many of the found objects were just 15 feet deep and they fear other divers coming to the site now.
Perry was demoted after the incident. His ship,the Revenge, was a schooner that had been purchased in New Orleans and mounted twelve 6-pdr. guns. The Revenge had been plotting coastal waters and harbors when it sank. The ship was initially pulled off the rocks, but the tow rope broke and the Revenge drifted into the rocks again and this time sank..
So, That's How He Got to lake Erie. Arrive Dejected and Then Win Big. --Brock-Perry
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Fort Harrison, the Aftermath
Fort Harrison is considered the first American victory of the War of 1812, coming after some disastrous and embarrassing losses.Shortly afterwards, Fort Wayne was also relieved and thus ended the last Indian threat to Indiana Territory.
In retaliation for the attack on the fort and the Pigeon Roost massacre, Colonel Russell continued into Illinois with the Indiana Rangers where they fought the Kickapoo Indians at Peoria Lake.
Fort Harrison's beleaguered commander, Captain Zachary Taylor, was breveted to major.
Since both Taylor and William Henry Harrison went on to become president, Fort Harrison is sometimes referred to as "The Fort of the Two Presidents."
Many years after the Attack At the Narrows, Lt. (Sgt) Fairbanks' sword was found stuck in a log and given to the Indiana State Museum where it is today.
In 1908, the Indiana Society of the Sons of the American Revolution attempted to make the site of Fort Harrison, long gone by then, a national historic park, but failed.
More to Indiana's War of 1812 Role Than I Knew. --Brock-Perry
In retaliation for the attack on the fort and the Pigeon Roost massacre, Colonel Russell continued into Illinois with the Indiana Rangers where they fought the Kickapoo Indians at Peoria Lake.
Fort Harrison's beleaguered commander, Captain Zachary Taylor, was breveted to major.
Since both Taylor and William Henry Harrison went on to become president, Fort Harrison is sometimes referred to as "The Fort of the Two Presidents."
Many years after the Attack At the Narrows, Lt. (Sgt) Fairbanks' sword was found stuck in a log and given to the Indiana State Museum where it is today.
In 1908, the Indiana Society of the Sons of the American Revolution attempted to make the site of Fort Harrison, long gone by then, a national historic park, but failed.
More to Indiana's War of 1812 Role Than I Knew. --Brock-Perry
Friday, September 28, 2012
Fairbanks, Indiana
Yesterday, I wrote that this town was named after Lt. Fairbanks, leader of the first group to be ambushed at the Attack of the Narrows. I looked up the town, and didn't find much about it other than it is unincorporated and has a population of about 100. It is in the Terre Haute Metropolitan Statistical Area, in Fairbanks Township in Sullivan County.
Plus, Fairbanks might also have been a sergeant and his first name was Nathan.
I did come across plenty of stuff about Fairbanks, Alaska, though. Also, there was no mention of who the Fairbanks in Indiana was named, but I'm fairly sure it must have been the lieutenant.
According to IMDB, an Indiana State Historical Marker was erected in Fairbanks in 1989 that reads:
A War of 1812 military action occurred in September 1812 three miles west of here. While escorting supplies from Fort Knox near Vincennes to Fort Harrison at Terre Haute, Sergeant Nathan Fairbanks and approximately a dozen soldiers were ambushed--and most killed-- by Indians."
I definitely Will Have to Do a War of 1812 Tour the Next Time I'm On US-41 Driving Through There. --Brock-Perry
Plus, Fairbanks might also have been a sergeant and his first name was Nathan.
I did come across plenty of stuff about Fairbanks, Alaska, though. Also, there was no mention of who the Fairbanks in Indiana was named, but I'm fairly sure it must have been the lieutenant.
According to IMDB, an Indiana State Historical Marker was erected in Fairbanks in 1989 that reads:
A War of 1812 military action occurred in September 1812 three miles west of here. While escorting supplies from Fort Knox near Vincennes to Fort Harrison at Terre Haute, Sergeant Nathan Fairbanks and approximately a dozen soldiers were ambushed--and most killed-- by Indians."
I definitely Will Have to Do a War of 1812 Tour the Next Time I'm On US-41 Driving Through There. --Brock-Perry
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Two Attacks At the Narrows
From Wikipedia.
While not a huge fight, it was part of the overall action at Fort Harrison in Terre Haute, Indiana.
A group of 13 soldiers under the command of Lieutenant Fairbanks of the 7th Infantry escorted a supply wagon with flour and meat from Vincennes' Fort Knox to Colonel Russell at Fort Harrison.
On September 13th, they were ambushed by the Pottawatomi at a part of the trail called the Narrows near present-day Fairbanks, Indiana (named after the lieutenant), which had many ravines from the tributaries of Prairie Creek.
The draft horses panicked and ran away with the wagon. Only two Americans, wagoneer John B. Cook and Private Edward Perdue, managed to escape back to Fort Knox alive, but Perdue was later discharged because of severe wounds. Fortunately, the Pottawatomi had elected to pursue the wagon instead of them.
Eleven soldiers were killed and all provisions lost. Several Indians were killed or wounded as well.
Two days after the first relief wagon left, a second group also headed for Fort Harrison. Lt. Richardson had 15 soldiers and two wagons and followed the same trail, unaware of the fate of the first group. The Pottawatomi ambushed them September 15th and the Americans retreated, losing the wagons, seven men were killed and one wounded.
Beware the Narrows. --Brock-Perry
While not a huge fight, it was part of the overall action at Fort Harrison in Terre Haute, Indiana.
A group of 13 soldiers under the command of Lieutenant Fairbanks of the 7th Infantry escorted a supply wagon with flour and meat from Vincennes' Fort Knox to Colonel Russell at Fort Harrison.
On September 13th, they were ambushed by the Pottawatomi at a part of the trail called the Narrows near present-day Fairbanks, Indiana (named after the lieutenant), which had many ravines from the tributaries of Prairie Creek.
The draft horses panicked and ran away with the wagon. Only two Americans, wagoneer John B. Cook and Private Edward Perdue, managed to escape back to Fort Knox alive, but Perdue was later discharged because of severe wounds. Fortunately, the Pottawatomi had elected to pursue the wagon instead of them.
Eleven soldiers were killed and all provisions lost. Several Indians were killed or wounded as well.
Two days after the first relief wagon left, a second group also headed for Fort Harrison. Lt. Richardson had 15 soldiers and two wagons and followed the same trail, unaware of the fate of the first group. The Pottawatomi ambushed them September 15th and the Americans retreated, losing the wagons, seven men were killed and one wounded.
Beware the Narrows. --Brock-Perry
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
The Siege of Fort Harrison-- Part 2
Captain Zachary Taylor, future U.S. president, was ordered to Fort Harrison and had a garrison of 50 men, but only 15 were fit for duty.
On September 4th, a group of 600 Indians arrived at the fort. It was agreed that the two sides have a parley the next day, but that night, an Indian warrior crawled up to the fort's blockhouse and set it on fire. Taylor's men fought the blaze and managed to put it out, but it left a huge hole in the outer walls.
News of the attack reached Vincennes and Colonel Russell and 1000 militia and regulars, who happened to be marching through the town on their way to Illinois, responded and rushed to Fort Harrison. In the meantime, Taylor's men gamely held on to the fort despite the overwhelming odds.
Russell's force arrived September 12th and the Indians retreated.
Then Came the Attack on the Narrows. --Brock-Perry
On September 4th, a group of 600 Indians arrived at the fort. It was agreed that the two sides have a parley the next day, but that night, an Indian warrior crawled up to the fort's blockhouse and set it on fire. Taylor's men fought the blaze and managed to put it out, but it left a huge hole in the outer walls.
News of the attack reached Vincennes and Colonel Russell and 1000 militia and regulars, who happened to be marching through the town on their way to Illinois, responded and rushed to Fort Harrison. In the meantime, Taylor's men gamely held on to the fort despite the overwhelming odds.
Russell's force arrived September 12th and the Indians retreated.
Then Came the Attack on the Narrows. --Brock-Perry
The Siege of Fort Harrison-- Part 1
I came across this other War of 1812 that took place this month, 200 years ago.
From Wikipedia.
The Siege of Fort Harrison took place September 4th to 15th, 1812 and is regarded as the first American land victory of the war even though U.S. forces were greatly outnumbered. This was great for morale, especially after the fall of forts Mackinac, Detroit and Dearborn.
Fort Harrison was located near Terre Haute, Indiana.
In 1811, Gen. William Henry Harrison marched from Vincennes and met the Indians at the Battle of Tippecanoe. His army encamped on high grounds at Terre Haute overlooking the Wabash River and there he constructed a fort to protect his army's supply line and to protect Vincennes, the capital of Indiana Territory.
The site was located in present-day Vigo County at the northern edge of Terre Haute, just two miles from a Wea Indian village.
The fort was finished October 28, 1811, with a 150-foot stockade encircling the post and named for Harrison.
Captain Josiah Snelling was in command Nov. 11, 1811, to May 1812 when he was transferred to Fort Detroit.
And, I've Driven By It Many Times, But Knew Nothing About It. --Brock-Perry
From Wikipedia.
The Siege of Fort Harrison took place September 4th to 15th, 1812 and is regarded as the first American land victory of the war even though U.S. forces were greatly outnumbered. This was great for morale, especially after the fall of forts Mackinac, Detroit and Dearborn.
Fort Harrison was located near Terre Haute, Indiana.
In 1811, Gen. William Henry Harrison marched from Vincennes and met the Indians at the Battle of Tippecanoe. His army encamped on high grounds at Terre Haute overlooking the Wabash River and there he constructed a fort to protect his army's supply line and to protect Vincennes, the capital of Indiana Territory.
The site was located in present-day Vigo County at the northern edge of Terre Haute, just two miles from a Wea Indian village.
The fort was finished October 28, 1811, with a 150-foot stockade encircling the post and named for Harrison.
Captain Josiah Snelling was in command Nov. 11, 1811, to May 1812 when he was transferred to Fort Detroit.
And, I've Driven By It Many Times, But Knew Nothing About It. --Brock-Perry
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
And Then, There Was "Carrot Top": William Wells-- Part 4
In 1812, Wells led a group of Miami Indians to Fort Dearborn. Among the Americans in the fort was his niece, Rebekah Wells, the wife of the fort's commander, Captain Nathan Heald. Both Nathan and Rebekkah were wounded in the massacre, but managed to escape and later surrender to the British.
Wells was not so fortunate, Dressed in Indian fashion with his face also painted black in anticipation of death, he was shot and killed. The Pottawatomi, considering him a traitor, reportedly ate his heart to gain some of his courage.
Wells Street in Chicago is named for him. Wells County in Indiana also is named for him as is Wells Street in Fort Wayne.
William Wells played a major role in Indian-American relations in the Old Northwest Territory. Sadly, his body was lost.
Quite a Person. --Brock-Perry
Wells was not so fortunate, Dressed in Indian fashion with his face also painted black in anticipation of death, he was shot and killed. The Pottawatomi, considering him a traitor, reportedly ate his heart to gain some of his courage.
Wells Street in Chicago is named for him. Wells County in Indiana also is named for him as is Wells Street in Fort Wayne.
William Wells played a major role in Indian-American relations in the Old Northwest Territory. Sadly, his body was lost.
Quite a Person. --Brock-Perry
And Then There Was "Carrot Top": William Wells-- Part 3
William Wells married a Wea woman (a member of a Miami-Illinois tribe) and had a child. His wife and child were captured in a raid by US General James Wilkinson. Enraged, Wells organized a 300-man suicide squad that fought with distinction at St. Clare's defeat, the Battle of the Wabash, Nov. 4, 1791.
His fighting attracted the attention of Miami War Chief Little Turtle and Wells eventually married his daughter and had four children and served as a scout in his father-in-law's wars with the United States.
In 1793, at Vincennes, Indiana Territory, he met his older brother Samuel, and traveled to Fort Nelson and met General Rufus Putnam and warned him that the British were inciting Indians to fight in the Northwest Territory.
Little Turtle gave Wells permission to join the Legion of the United States, a subgroup of the U.S. Army. he was wounded at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. After the Treaty of Greenville, Little Turtle asked that Wells be appointed Indian Agent to the Miami and he moved to Fort Wayne where he pressed to government to establish a trading post there. His wife died in 1805.
In 1809, he married his third wife, and first white woman, Mary Geiger, daughter of Col. Frederick Geiger.
William Wells Certainly Had Important Connections With Both Sides.. --Brock-Perry
His fighting attracted the attention of Miami War Chief Little Turtle and Wells eventually married his daughter and had four children and served as a scout in his father-in-law's wars with the United States.
In 1793, at Vincennes, Indiana Territory, he met his older brother Samuel, and traveled to Fort Nelson and met General Rufus Putnam and warned him that the British were inciting Indians to fight in the Northwest Territory.
Little Turtle gave Wells permission to join the Legion of the United States, a subgroup of the U.S. Army. he was wounded at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. After the Treaty of Greenville, Little Turtle asked that Wells be appointed Indian Agent to the Miami and he moved to Fort Wayne where he pressed to government to establish a trading post there. His wife died in 1805.
In 1809, he married his third wife, and first white woman, Mary Geiger, daughter of Col. Frederick Geiger.
William Wells Certainly Had Important Connections With Both Sides.. --Brock-Perry
Monday, September 24, 2012
And, Then, There Was "Carrot Top," William Wells-- Part 2
Again, I've hard of Wells Street in Chicago many times and been on it as well, but I never knew the name was connected to the Fort Dearborn Massacre as one who died that day.
And, this William Wells led quite an interesting life.
From Wikipedia
WILLIAM WELLS (c1770-Aug. 15, 1812)
Also known by his Indian name, "Apekonit," meaning "Carrot Top." (I imagine because he had red hair.) He was the son-in-law of Chief Little Turtle of the Miami tribe (who were escorting the people from Fort Dearborn). Though a white man, Wells fought for the Miami Indians in the Northwest Indian War.
Wells was born at Jacob's Creek in Pennsylvania, son of Samuel Wells, a captain in the Virginia militia during the American Revolution. As a young child, his family moved to Kentucky where his father was killed in an Indian raid near Louisville. He was then sent to live with a family friend, but captured by the Miami at age 12.
Wells was adopted by the chief and raised as a son, getting the name Apekonit. He adapted to Indian life very well and often accompanied war parties, sometimes as a decoy. Sometime between 1788-89, he was located by his brothers and William visited them in Louisville, but chose to remain with the Miami.
An Indian Life for a White Man. --Brock-Perry
And, this William Wells led quite an interesting life.
From Wikipedia
WILLIAM WELLS (c1770-Aug. 15, 1812)
Also known by his Indian name, "Apekonit," meaning "Carrot Top." (I imagine because he had red hair.) He was the son-in-law of Chief Little Turtle of the Miami tribe (who were escorting the people from Fort Dearborn). Though a white man, Wells fought for the Miami Indians in the Northwest Indian War.
Wells was born at Jacob's Creek in Pennsylvania, son of Samuel Wells, a captain in the Virginia militia during the American Revolution. As a young child, his family moved to Kentucky where his father was killed in an Indian raid near Louisville. He was then sent to live with a family friend, but captured by the Miami at age 12.
Wells was adopted by the chief and raised as a son, getting the name Apekonit. He adapted to Indian life very well and often accompanied war parties, sometimes as a decoy. Sometime between 1788-89, he was located by his brothers and William visited them in Louisville, but chose to remain with the Miami.
An Indian Life for a White Man. --Brock-Perry
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Pretty Nasty War in Southern Maryland
From the September 21, 2012, SoMdNews.com "War returns to Jefferson Park" by Joseph Morris.
"There's something a little macabre about celebrating the 200th anniversary of an event as devastating as the War of 1812 in Southern Maryland. We're not talking about 'Finding Nemo' here, more like 'Reservoir Dogs.'"
On their way to Washington, DC, the "Brititsh left a swath of destruction from St. George's Island to Chaptico, burning plantations, carrying off livestock, property and slaves, smashing up the tombstones in the cemetery at King and Queen Parish in Chaptico and using the church to stable their horses."
"Chaptico citizens were forced to stand naked in the hot August sun in 1814 while Redcoats threw candlesticks and other ossessions down the town well. Many of the region's oldest homes were lost to flames as Admr. George Cockburn oversaw the destruction of as many plantations as he could lay fire to."
The populations of St. Mary's and Charles counties diminished after that as many left. Entire communities left to settle in Kentucky and Indiana. A lot of those heading for Kentucky went on the Ohio Trail and settled in what became Bardstown. Some even went as far as Missouri and even Texas.
The article writer's mother's great grandmother and father died along the way to Kentucky and her grandfather was returned to Maryland with some of those who gave up the new life.
Jeffersn Patterson Park and Museum at 10515 Mackall Rd. in St. Leonard has been hosting a War of 1812 reenactment for 14 years and will have another one this weekend.
I Believe the Proper Word Is Commemoration. All War Is Nasty. --Brock-Perry
"There's something a little macabre about celebrating the 200th anniversary of an event as devastating as the War of 1812 in Southern Maryland. We're not talking about 'Finding Nemo' here, more like 'Reservoir Dogs.'"
On their way to Washington, DC, the "Brititsh left a swath of destruction from St. George's Island to Chaptico, burning plantations, carrying off livestock, property and slaves, smashing up the tombstones in the cemetery at King and Queen Parish in Chaptico and using the church to stable their horses."
"Chaptico citizens were forced to stand naked in the hot August sun in 1814 while Redcoats threw candlesticks and other ossessions down the town well. Many of the region's oldest homes were lost to flames as Admr. George Cockburn oversaw the destruction of as many plantations as he could lay fire to."
The populations of St. Mary's and Charles counties diminished after that as many left. Entire communities left to settle in Kentucky and Indiana. A lot of those heading for Kentucky went on the Ohio Trail and settled in what became Bardstown. Some even went as far as Missouri and even Texas.
The article writer's mother's great grandmother and father died along the way to Kentucky and her grandfather was returned to Maryland with some of those who gave up the new life.
Jeffersn Patterson Park and Museum at 10515 Mackall Rd. in St. Leonard has been hosting a War of 1812 reenactment for 14 years and will have another one this weekend.
I Believe the Proper Word Is Commemoration. All War Is Nasty. --Brock-Perry
Friday, September 21, 2012
The 200th Anniversary of the Raid on Gananoque, Ontario
From good old Wikipedia.
On this date, about 200 American regulars and militia under Captain Benjamin Forsyth, attacked Gananoque, Ontario, an important forwarding point for supplies moving up the St. Lawrence River from Montreal to Kingston.
It was garrisoned by a detachment of the 2nd Leeds Militia under Colonel Joel Stone. After a brisk fight, the Canadians withdrew. The Americans seizd the military stores and burned the government depot down and withdrew back across the river.
A month later, work began on a blockhouse which was completed in 1813.
Joel Stone established the settlement in 1789. During the American Revolution, he served with the loyalist militia.
The Bicentennial. --Brock-Perry
On this date, about 200 American regulars and militia under Captain Benjamin Forsyth, attacked Gananoque, Ontario, an important forwarding point for supplies moving up the St. Lawrence River from Montreal to Kingston.
It was garrisoned by a detachment of the 2nd Leeds Militia under Colonel Joel Stone. After a brisk fight, the Canadians withdrew. The Americans seizd the military stores and burned the government depot down and withdrew back across the river.
A month later, work began on a blockhouse which was completed in 1813.
Joel Stone established the settlement in 1789. During the American Revolution, he served with the loyalist militia.
The Bicentennial. --Brock-Perry
And, Then, There Was "Carrot Top", William Wells-- Part 1
Growing up around the Chicagoland area, I was very aware of one particular street in Chicago that was famous. It is Wells Street. I had no knowledge of for whom it was named, it was just Wells Street, a great place to party and eat even back in the 60s and continuing into today.
As it turns out, it was named for William Wells who died at the Fort Dearborn Massacre on August 15, 1812. And, this guy had a very interesting life before his untimely death, which I will get to tomorrow.
Wells Street is a major north-south road in Chicago with Comiskey Park (in Chicago,we don't call it by that "other" name) to the south and a whole lot of restaurants and bars north of the Loop. For several blocks downtown, Wells Street is under the famous Chicago "L" elevated train tracks. This would be where Jackson and Adams cross under it for you Route 66 fans.
If I recall right, during the old hippie days, Wells Street to the north of downtown was considered the Haight-Asbury of Chicago. Lots of hippie folk, head shops and people looking at them hanging around.
A man and his road.
Like I Said, Wells Had a Very Varied Life. --Brock-Perry
As it turns out, it was named for William Wells who died at the Fort Dearborn Massacre on August 15, 1812. And, this guy had a very interesting life before his untimely death, which I will get to tomorrow.
Wells Street is a major north-south road in Chicago with Comiskey Park (in Chicago,we don't call it by that "other" name) to the south and a whole lot of restaurants and bars north of the Loop. For several blocks downtown, Wells Street is under the famous Chicago "L" elevated train tracks. This would be where Jackson and Adams cross under it for you Route 66 fans.
If I recall right, during the old hippie days, Wells Street to the north of downtown was considered the Haight-Asbury of Chicago. Lots of hippie folk, head shops and people looking at them hanging around.
A man and his road.
Like I Said, Wells Had a Very Varied Life. --Brock-Perry
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Ceremony to Commemorate War of 1812 Veterans in Fayetteville, NC
From the Sept. 15th Fayetteville (NC) Observer.
Bronze markers will be unveiled September 22nd at Cross Creek Cemetery No. 1 in downtown Fayetteville. They will be placed at the graves of four War of 1812 veterans including General Thomas Davis, Lt. John Eccles, Sgt. John Huske II and a private.
Afterwards, there will be a tour of the Fayetteville Transportation Museum's War of 1812 exhibit.
I was able to find out that Davis was a brigadier general of militia.
Remembering the War of 1812. --Brock-Perry
Bronze markers will be unveiled September 22nd at Cross Creek Cemetery No. 1 in downtown Fayetteville. They will be placed at the graves of four War of 1812 veterans including General Thomas Davis, Lt. John Eccles, Sgt. John Huske II and a private.
Afterwards, there will be a tour of the Fayetteville Transportation Museum's War of 1812 exhibit.
I was able to find out that Davis was a brigadier general of militia.
Remembering the War of 1812. --Brock-Perry
Fort Dearborn-- Part 5: The American Column
From the August 12th Chicago Tribune Chicago Flashback Page. Well worth looking at it for the draeing of Fort Dearborn, map of the area in 1812 and diagram of the column. Kyle Bentle and Rick Tuma did an excellent job on the page.
MAKE UP OF THE COLUMN: HOW THE SETTLERS FLED
It is unclear exactly how the column was ordered, but enough information is available to show the groupings within the procession.
INDIAN ESCORTS Of the 30 Miami Indians (led to Fort Dearborn fom Fort Wayne by William Wells), 15 were at the head of the column and 15 at the rear. Nothing has been said whether the Indians were mounted or on foot. Some accounts have Captain Wells on a horse with the Miami in front. (He had a very long and close relationship with these Indians.) I'll have an entry on Wells soon. Quite a story.
U.S. SOLDIERS
Following the Miami in front were about 56 U.S. soldiers, led by Captain Nathan Heald. The exact marching formation used is not known.
WAGONS
Following the soldiers were 12 civilian militiamen, 9 women and 18 children and two wagons with supplies, guns and ammunition. Some of the women may have walked alongside the wagons. There is no information about who was driving the wagons, whether militiamen or one or more women. John Kinzie is said to have ridden with the wagons.
Outstanding Job and Much More Than I Ever Knew Before of the Massacre. --Brock-Perry
MAKE UP OF THE COLUMN: HOW THE SETTLERS FLED
It is unclear exactly how the column was ordered, but enough information is available to show the groupings within the procession.
INDIAN ESCORTS Of the 30 Miami Indians (led to Fort Dearborn fom Fort Wayne by William Wells), 15 were at the head of the column and 15 at the rear. Nothing has been said whether the Indians were mounted or on foot. Some accounts have Captain Wells on a horse with the Miami in front. (He had a very long and close relationship with these Indians.) I'll have an entry on Wells soon. Quite a story.
U.S. SOLDIERS
Following the Miami in front were about 56 U.S. soldiers, led by Captain Nathan Heald. The exact marching formation used is not known.
WAGONS
Following the soldiers were 12 civilian militiamen, 9 women and 18 children and two wagons with supplies, guns and ammunition. Some of the women may have walked alongside the wagons. There is no information about who was driving the wagons, whether militiamen or one or more women. John Kinzie is said to have ridden with the wagons.
Outstanding Job and Much More Than I Ever Knew Before of the Massacre. --Brock-Perry
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