The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1881-02-11

The wicledest white man Of the early Pc
Rod Of Ohio history was Simon Girty, who
sided with the British in the woT of the Rev
olution, and commanded the Indian allies
which were induced to fight against the Col
onists Girty was as cruel as the worst red
savage. and there are many traditions in the
Scioto and Sandusky Valleys Of his raids and
outrages. a beautiful picture still shows
Elizabeth Zane in the act OF checkmating
Girty at the seige of Fort Henry, which was
situated on the Ohio river, near Wheeling
The story runs thus.
In 1777 the fort, which was garrisoned BY
fOTty-two men, was suddenly attacked by
Girty with force Of five hundred Indians.
lie succeeded in ambuscadlng and slsugh-
tering thirty Of the garrison, leaving only
twelve to defend the fort. Among the Wo-
men and children was young Elizabeth Zane,
beautiful girl OF seventeen. The twelve
/ soldiers, commanded by Colonel Shepherd,
were good marksmen, and knowing that
surrender meant death for their wives and
children as well as for themselves they re-
solved 10 sight to the last. But alas brave
/ " availed them little, for it was not long be-
. fore the small stock Of powder in tie fort was
almost exhausted and only a lev charges re-
/ mained to each man. In despair the Colonel
called his brave little band together, and told
them that at q house some sixty yards out
yet dared to approach, there was keg Of
/ gunpOwder. Whoever should try TO bring it
into the fort would be in peril Of his life
from the Indians. He had not the heart to
+ order any man to such task, but the pow
der was their only hope, and therefore it was
/ his duty TO ask if any one Of them was brave
I enough to volunteer the undertaking In
stantly three or four young mCn avowed
themselves ready, but only one man could
. be spared. And while they were generously
disputinG among themselves FOR the perilous
erTand, Elizabeth Zane approached the Col
onel and begged that she might be allowed
TO go for the powder. Her request was
very promptly refused, but she persisted
earnestly, even against the remoustrs noes
and entreaties Of her parents and friends. -
. In vain they pleaded and reasoned with her
urging more than once that a young man
would be more likely TO succeed through his
power of running swiftly. She replied that
she knew the danger but that if she fsiIed
her loss would not be felt. while not a single
man could be spared from the little garrison
Finally it was agreed that she should make
the frst trial When all was ready the gate
. opened and Elizabeth walked rapidly across
the open space toward the house where the
powder was stored. Those inside the fort
could plainly see That the eycs Of the Indians
were upon her but either from curiosity or
. mercy they allowed her 10 pass safely and to
enter the house. Her friends drew q breath
OF relief, and watching even more anNiously
. Tor her reHppearanCe, saw her come out soon
after bearing the powder in table cloth tied
around her waist. BY this time the Indians
suspected her burden, and i'm moment more,
as she was fastening toward the fort they
sent after her a shower of bullets and arrows.
They all whistleG by Eer harmless, and with
wild, startled eve, but uudaunted heart she
sped on with her treasure through the deadly
missiles until a. last she bore it in triumph
inside the gate BY the aid Of the powder
and the enthusiastic courage which Eliza
beth'S self sacrifice inspired, tie little garIj-
son was enabled 10 hold out until relief came
TO them And 50 this noble act Of a Young
girl saved the lives OF all within the fort, and
vauqUished its five hundred ousky assailauts
. We have no account Of the subsequent ca
reer of the heroine. Tie family became well
known in Southeastern Ohio. and gave their
name TO the beautiful city Of GAINESVILLE. We
shall be glad 10 hear, on behalf of our read
ers, from some of our friends in that section
who can tell Us more about Elizabeth zane
. Chicago Interior.