Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-04-03

constantly forming between it and the
Ohio River, and the Indians were too
wise to pass beyond these and attack a
station more powerful than all the
others combined.
The Indians occupied elsewhere
seemed to have ceased their
usual watchfulness, and many hardy
pioneers, taking advantage of this
peaceful state Of affairs, embarked with
their families and household goods on
hat-boats and barges, and made their
way to the various stations along the
river.
Many of these parties, however,
were greatly harrassed by Indians
along the banks OF the river, and de-
coys, in the shape Of white renegades,
would suddenly appear upon the bank
and implore the emigrants in the most
beseaching tones of distress, to land
and take them Oh board, making the
false statement that they were escaped
prisoners from the Indians, aud that
anless aid were extended them they
were likely to be recaptured.
But woe betide the unsuspecting
emigrant who would listen to those be-
seeching appeals and undertake to land
his boat to take on these seemingly un-
fortunate victims to savage cruelty, for
they We're almost sure to find the whole
proceeding a cunning and fatal strate-
gem. No sooner would the boat land
than a horde Of ambushed savages
whole crew.
In the autumn Of the aforementioned
year two fiat boaSa, with barge in
low, might have been seen slowly drift
ing down the Ohio River, destined for
one of the many stations then being
built along that stream.
The occupants Of the coats con-
sisted of two families of
wealthy Virginia planters and
their slaves; besides, they had num-
Der of horses, cattle and swine, with
which they intended to stock other
farms in Kentucky.
young man OF about four and twenty
years OF age, of q robust, sinewey
frame. and keen, piercing blue eyes,
which lit up countenance of more
than ordinary Intelligence His dress
was of the description usually worn at
that period by all frontier rangers. He
answered to the name of Samuel
Worth, and was known to many of the
renowned border scouts of that time,
such as Brady, Wetzel, Kenton and
others.
He was acting in the capacity OF
pilot and guide to the two boats, being
well acquainted with the various
windings OF the river; besides, another
incentive to his being passenger was
the pretty face of Miss Ada Wright, the
daughter OF one Of the gentlemen of the
present expedition.
Three years previous young Worth
4 had visited Kentucky, and had spent
the greater part of the intervening time
IN hunting and scouting in the then
Western wi'ds. and had returned the
preceding summer with glowing &C
counts of their fertility and beauty.
He had purchased fine tract of land
IN the new country, aud had returned
with the hope Of finding companion
70 take back with him, to help make
ms home cue Of comfort and happiness.
To Mr.. Wright he gave glowing &C.
count OF the wonderful countly-of its
fertile lands, its majestic rivers, it's for
ests teeming with deer and buffaloes
and thousands of smaller game.
These accounts filled Mr.. Wright
Eith an irresistible desire to emigrate
to the new country; young Worth was
conceded to be entirely trustworthy,
and as his stories were corroborated by
others who had visited the wonderful
land, Mr.. Wright finally decided to
make the move.
Accordingly, he began to make ar
engagements for the journey, but be-
lore he had these completed he was
joined 10y one of his neighbors, Mr..
Cannon by name. and. like himself, q
wealthy planter. The arrangements
finally being on.pleted, they embarked,
being we'll furnished il. all respects.
'Aey preceded in high spirits, no