Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1869-04-16
POOR MATTY KILBURN.

In Walpole, N H., there is a. very an.
ciont tree, which is an object of interest to
visitors, for there is sorrowful tale con-
nected with it.
Long ago. when the settlers lived in
fear of the Indians, who often came down
the river to rob and kin, fort was built
near the town, and there the people hur
ried for protection the moment an alarm
was given.
Between this fort and the town stands
the old tree, which was vigorous young
oak at the time the story begins.
For long while the settlers had been
at peace, and began to think that the In
dians would never come again, for their
| last repulse had been q most disastrous
one.
But one autumn day, when the men
were busy harvesting in the fields, q boy,
who had been fishing, came flying home,
pale and frightened, to report that the In
dians were coming in whole feet of
canoes, padding down the long river OF
pines," as they called the Connecticut.
Then the panic began, and ell hurried
to the fort, taking their women and child
rem, their cattle, and as much of their pre-,
cious harvest as they could gather in that
short time.
The inmates of few solitary houses on
the outskirts of the town were lett to their
late, for there was no time to warn them
except by the bell.
| Some of the women fled to the fort
leaving the men who were away in the
fields, or on the hills, to defend themselves
as they knew how.
Some hid in the woods, fearing to try tc
reach the fort, for the canoes were very
near now, and the keen eyed savages
could see the fugitives.
Ia one of these lonely houses lived John
Kilburn and his twelve year Old daughter
Matty, who kept house for him like q
notable little woman as she was.
On that sad day John was looking after
his sheep at the foot of Fall Mountain
and Matty alone at home. He did moi
hear the bell, but he saw the Indians
thought of his dear little girl all alone in
the solitary house, and leaving his sheep
to their fate, he ran home through byways
hoping to reach the settlement before the
fight began. He knew it would be q
bloody one, for the revengeful Indians
had not forgotten their last defeat, anc
had turned out in full force to destroy
their coDQuerors.
They were already on shore when Johr
Kilburn, breathless and exhausted, reach
ed his house to find brave little Matty pre-
pairing to defend herself with his gun il
her hand and the dogs at her side
"Why didn't you run to the fort, child !?
he painted, as she let him in.
al waited for you | knew you'd come
and now well 90 together" she said
showing him her pockets full OF the few
precious things they owned; a littl
money, her mothers gold beads, the silve
spoons and the queer, big watch, which
her father only wore on Sundays.
Away they ran, leaving the dogs be
hind, lest they should betray them.
1t was not far, but when they reache,
the hill that lay between them and tn
. fort, they saw that it was too late to e
in, for the fight had begun.
Glancing back, they also saw that RI
treat was cut off, for some of the Indain
were already skulking about their house
John Kilburn was brave man, but h
trembled as he stood there among tn
bushes, so helpless in the midst of his re
{ lentless enemies. He trembled not fo
himself, but for the little girl who clupg {
. him, full of faith that he could save he
from every danger. -..-.-..
. A shout from the hills made him loo
up see party of settlers, armed witt
, sickles, scythes and guns, charging dow
|
way into the fort.
If he were alone, John could Join ther
and do good service with his gun bu
Matty could do nothing, and would onl
impede his steps and endanger herself
he thought minute, then swung him
self up into the oak under WHICH they ha
paused. Leaning down, he drew the chill
after him, and without word let he
carefully down into deep hollow, mad
by the breaking of great limb struck b.
lighting some years before.
The tree had decayed inwardly, Will
outwardly it looked hale and strong, fu
young shoots had sprung up around tn
broken place. and hid the hole with thic
green branches.
AREN'T you coming, too, fatherf" ask
ed Matty, looking up from her dark hid
mo, dear, I'm going to fight; you ar
, safe here; no one knows of the hole bu
me. Stay quiet till come for you. Kee
, a good heart, my lass and trust to father,
answered John, leaning down TO kiss tn
brave little face that looked at him from
the green gloom.
, Mstty let him go without word TO
/ those perilons times taught stern lesson
even TO the children. She sat quite still
solu ucl prayers WIN al uSA uSAlt1 au'
waited patiently for father.
} All that afternoon and night shots an
! from fort and forest, flames rose from tn
( lonely farm houses, and blood flowed
But by dawn the fight was over, and tn
Indiana skunk away, defeated.
John Kilburp was mortaly wounded
and only reached the fort to die, tryipl
vainly IA tell something which kept hin
, from departing in peace.
No one understood his broken words
I his imploring looks and feeble gesture
toward the hill. G..r.