The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1858-11-19
ID Z T. I'D

On the 7th July last, at his residence in North
Huntingdon township, WestmoFeland County,
Pa, JACOB BYERLY, in the niuety-ninth year
of his age.
The deceased was born in Bedford Fort, in
May 176n- His father, ndrsw BverIy u no
had Oeen in Braddock's army: moved Vii.
iamiIy-wife and ten children across the Al
lrghanies in 1862, and built cabin on the land
now known as Harrison City. This cabin was
the only impr vem,.nt brtwern FCrt LgonIer
and Fort Pitt. 1t was gloomy period TO the
few settlers scattered west Of the mountains
The war between England and France for sup
rem1cv in the New u oGlI was OVER, and Can
ada, with all its dependencies, had been surren-
ei,red 10 the victor lous English. But the III
veterate hatred Of The Indians on the frontier to
The settlers was not aiayfd. Pontiac, the great
chief of the OuaHaS, had formed combination
Of all the tribes from the mountains 10 the Mis-
Sissippi The forts and stations were simulla-
neously attacked. "The most terrible border
war known in our history, was raging along the
whole western frontier. Everywhere were
experienced the same horrible cruelties OF saw
age warfare, the sudden surprise, the massacre,
the seal ping and burning. Everywhere Were
ashes OF cabins mingled with the charFed bones
If their tenants Egerywhrre the ripe harvest
StJ0Q WITHOUT tfte ItdiFiS. CGNu WIZ tI4'
perls that surrounded the family Of Jacob By
rrly. II is reported that Chapman, at the
mouth of the Big Sewicklv, their nearest Nigh
Dor on the south, is killed; Andrew Byrrly has
tens 10 his cabin. An Indian fTieadly 10 the
family, advises the mother 10 leave al once with
her children for Fort Ligonier. The advice Is
taken: the father oveftakeS them on the Ioute
and thev escape with safety into The Tort, which
is immediately attacked by the Indians From
the distinct recollection of Jacob Bytrly, as 10
the Incidents occurring in the fort doFng this
attack, tsuch as running nail IN his loot, and
from some data in possession OF his 6Totherz
Michael Byerly, Esq, who died many years
ago. il was generally supposed that his age
was greater than he himself represented.
In 1863, force under Col. Boquet released
The beltagued garrisons of Forts Bedford and
Ligonier, and marched 10 the relief OF Fort Pitt
Andrew By4rly Joined the expedition, and was
present at the battle OF Bushy Run. The en-
gagement continued for two days and the sava-
ges were defeated, Fort Pitt relra ed, and an
expedition organized by Boquet against the Ono
Indians, forced them into treaty OF peace
Andrew Byerly returned 10 his former settle
nent, and built cabin on the land now owned
by Peter Hlghbrrepr. During the RevoIutiona-
nv war, the froniiersmen were again summon
ed to defend their homes and hresldts against
their old foes-the Indian warriors lnolted 10
hosthles by the bIibcs and promises oi EngIish
emissares Jacob Byerly, then young man.
active and athletic, with an iron constitution,
and Of most indomltabe courage was early IN
the field. He was engaged in number ol
scouting parties; and in that most hazardous OF
services, be was always ready TO turn out at
the call of his distressed nrighbors. His scout
ing expeditions extended through Western W.
einia aud Pennsylvania, and into Ohio. He
went with aparty to bury 81 settlers who had
been killed at Wheeling; went to the relief 'of
Fort Lawrence and Fallaee's station; was 'on'a
scout to Punxatawney, and joinrd in pursuit OF
the party who killed the w Wizards; was on the
expedition against the Tuscaroras IN ohio' ana
served under Gen. Broadhead in the destruction
Of the towns of the Cornplanter Indians. In
this expedition, while following trail, IN com
pany with Jacob Smith and another scout, ne
Killed an Indian chief in a hand to hand en-