The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-03-22
From the Staunton Spectator.l
Simon Girfy.


There has always been great desire to
know what was the end OF this notorious
man, who did more than any one in his day
to harass the settlements in Northwest Flr-
rinla and Western Pennsylvania, by lead
ing hostile bands OF Indians into those set
Elements, burning, numbering, and carry
ing into captivity the inhabitants. Glrty
resided in Tygart's Valley, in what is now
Randolph county, before he took up his
abode with the Indians. He was notorious
as a spiteful and malignant man in his
neichborhood, and when it became known
that he was with the savageS fears were
entertained that he would vent his spite
upon those toward whom he entertained
malignant feelings. The result proved that
these fears were well founded, and not only
toward those whom he personally disliked,
but he took savage delight in leading the
Indians into all the frontier settlements,
and, with them, delighted in infiictins the
most cruel tortures on those who fell into
their hands. This continued for num-
bcr of years. About the close Of the
war, and when the Indians became less
troublesome Girty seemed to have lost
his influence with them, and it IS said
became discontcnted and Incorporate;
about that time he disappeared among
the indians, and it has generally been
thought they killed him. But l have re-
Gently learned, in way which makes me
believe it, his end was very different one.
And now for the history OF that end: When
Girty left the Indians he came back As near
as he dare venture to his former home
amongst the white people. There was
log-rollng in the Little Levels, now Poca-
hontas county. He was not recognized ut
first, as his former home had been in Ty-
CARTS Valley. But as was customary in
those days, they had plenty OF liquor on
hand, and Girty imblbcd freely, and as 4
consequence began to feel very large.
s.Ny hen wine is in, wit IS out-' He be-
gan to tell OF some of his feats with the
Indians. 1t 50 happened that some OF the
men present were near relatives of Mrs.
Currence, who had lived near neighbor
to Girty in the Valley, and had been taken
prisoner in one Of the Indian excursions,
with Girty ut their head, and her child mur-
dered, though she made her escape and got
back. Suspicious were Immediately excited
by the boasting OF Girty, and the men
gathered around him, and, pressing the
matter upon him, soon ascertained that he
was the veritable Simon Girty. At once
they seized him, bound him, and opened a
large log-heap, placed him in the middle OF
it, and, setting fire to it, burned him up.
My author for the above history is Mr.
Jamer Wood, who lives near Millboro'
Springs, in Bath county, now in the nine
tieth year Of his age, and no one who knows
him will question his veracity. He in
formed me that he was, years ago, repeat
edy told the above facts by three men who,
when youths, were present and took part
| in the transaction. These men were Joseph
and David Harner and John Griffin, all
men OF unquestionable veracity, and the
first one named was, when he told it to Mr..
Wood, local preacher In the Methodist
Church. NV own opinion is that the fact
is well and sufficiently authenticated, and
fills q gap in our early history which was
heretofore left in uncertainty.
s. Brown.