Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1889-04-23
in THE REVOLUTION.
CAPT ROBERT KIRKWOOD, ONE OF WASH
lNGTON'S AIDBS-DB-CAMP.
An Early Settler at Bridgeport O.-Fercs Attack by
Indians on the Cabin-A Dream and lis
VeriacatOn-Hs Death at st.
Glars Defeat.

If those New Yoikers who cant really
remember" who their ersndfathers were
have been reading revolutionary history as
preparation for their approaching cele-
bration, tLey will know something of the
life Of Captain Robert KirkwOOd, who was
An aid-de-camp of George Washington,
and who with mis- wife is buried across the
river in that part of Bridgeport to which
his name was given.
Robert KiTkNOOd became a captain in
the army regiment that the State OF Dele
ware furnished during the Revolutionary
war. At the defeat of Camden in the
dreadfal slaughter this regiment was re-
duced to a single company. In cense-
quenCe, although KirkwcOd served with
distinguished bravery in the bloody fight,
Of Camden, Holkirks, Eutaw and Ninety
Six, he came out Of the war with his title
unchanged, for under the army regulations
it was impossible for him ~ be promoted.
In 1889 Capt. KirkwOOd came west and
settled IN what is now Pease township,
Belmont county, Ohio, built cabin and
began TO open farm. A year later work
was begun on a block-house, but before it
was completed, in the following spring, Il
gang Of Indians swOopad down upon
Capt KiIkwOOd's cabin. A party of
soldiers passing through happened TO be
enjoying his inequalities, and they made
a vigorous defense. The approach of the
redskins had been stealthy, and before
their presence Was known the roof of the
cabin burst into flames. While the Cap
tain and soldiers were pushing of the
blazing roof the Indians, under cover OF
the unfinished blockhouse, opened fierce
fire. The strong oak door was braced
nom within, and preparations made for
ssige. They were none too soon, for with
a wild cry the red warriors danced abOnt
the house, and with their tomahawks at
tempted 10 cut DOWN the door.
Some OF the soldiers within, not ac-
customed to this style Of warfare, became
and wished to escape. Cap
tain KirkwOod, familiar with the inevita-
bic result of such course, declared tina!
he would shoot down the first man to at
temp. desertion. Besides, he assured
them that the Indians would surely t0ma-
hawk anyone who left the cabiu.
TIE rapid exchange of shots aroused the
people of Wheeling who were too power
les TO dare 10 attempt aid. But in order
20 teIrify ,he Indians a swivel wss heavily
charged and fired When the echo rolled
back from the hills the Indians became so
enraged that with terrific yells they piled
brush about the cabin and set il en- fire
while they from ambush were ready to
shoot down any of the brave defenders
who exposed himself With the water
and milk ia the house the flames were
fought, and then almost IN despair the
damp earth Was dug from the floor and
thrown upon the burning brush. At dawn
the Indians retTeated and the fire was
speedily put out. One of the soldiers
within the cabin was mortally wounded.
The next day be WIS buried at Wheeling
with military honors.
A singular incident is related in regard
to the affair. A niece of Captain Kirk
wood, who lived twenty miles away on
Buffalo creek, dreamed that her uncle's
cabin was in flames, and it produced so
deep an impression that she mounted q
horse and rode hastily toward his home.
She arrived an hour after the departure Of
the Indians, 10 receive a verihcatlon OF
her dream in impression.
A short time afterward be remove
again to Delaware. On the journey he
met General St. Clail's troops, who were
moving against the enemy. Joining
them, he was present at st. Clair's mem
orable defeat, falling in brave bayonet
charge against the enemy that disap-
psared like the wind.
In 1906 Joseph KtrkwoOd, an only son,
came from Delaware and settled upon the
Belmont county land entered by his father
lust before his departure for Ohio he was
married TO Miss Margaret Gillespie, by
whom he had several children. Doe OF
them, Mrs. Elizabeth KennoD, of ST. Glars
vile, widow of Hon. William Kennon, Jr 3,
a lawyer OF distinction, who represented
his district in the National House Of Rep
resentatives, has in her possession Captain
Robert KirkwOOd's commission, signed by
Washington "a COmmander-inC Chief.