Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1891-07-30
A DETERMINED WOMAN.
How She Avenged Her Sons Death
in Revolutionary Times

IN hBVOluJlOnary limos
In one OF the back settlements OF
South Carolina, in the days which rem
dered the names of Marion and other
heroes forever glorious in the annals OF
their country, dwelt a brave and de-
voted family of patriots named Hart
Abijah and Abigail Hart were scarce
ly past tho prime of life, although they
had been blessed with a large family of
children. only three OF whom, however
two boys and a girl--had survived the
common ills incidental to childhood.
The elder son would have been two
and twenty had his life been spared;
but eight months before he had gallen
an innocent victim to the rage and
malice of the Tories, who swarmed in
predatory bands throughout this sec
tion.
Upon these numbering wretches who
had thus wantonly deprived them OF
their eldest born at time when he
might have been of inestimable service
TO them, the father and mother and
only remaining son, Silas, now in his
nineteenth year-afterwards the cele-
brated Indian fighter Of Hardin County,
Ky.-swore to be revenged, whenever
and wherever an opportunity should Of
fer to wreak their vengeance.
Leah, their second remaining Off
spring, was beautiful and warm
hearted maiden OF seventeen, and the
aflanced bride OF Randolph Darrell.
brave young officer at one time upon
the staff of General Marion.
Young Darrell was in the habit now
and then, whenever he could make an
excuse to obtain a furlough. of paying
a flying visit to Gum-Tree farm, the
humble, though comfortable, home OF
the Harris.
On ono Of these occasions a party OF
seven mounted Tories pursued him
nearly the entire distance from the
American camp to the residence Of the
Harris, he. however, contriving to elude
them in piece of woods just before
reaching tho farm.
An abrupt bend in the road had fav.
orod him, and the Tory rangers, not
dreaming of this adroit move on tho
part of the flying fugitive, dashed furi-
cusly on till they camo to the farm
house, whore they unanimously de-
manded of Mrs. Hart, who was standing
in the doorway, If She had seen horse
man pass by who wore the uniform OF
an American officer
The woman. shrewdly surmised who
the officer might be who would be com
ing alone in that direction, and prompt
~ inquired II the horse he rode was a
sorrel one. To her seemingly careless
question the Tories promptly gave ar
affirmative reply.
Then he has rid into the swamp yon-
der by eart-Path that leads onto the
Beechknoll road, answered the quick
witted woman, with an admirable pres
ence OF mind, and an apparently cool in.
difference 10 the subject which carried
instant conviction TO tho minds or the
Tories, who again spurred on in sup
posed pursuit OF the fugitive; but, to
their great disappointment, the cart
road presently terminated in a bog, and,
on careful examination, they discov-
cred that no other horse tracks had been
left there but those of their own ami.
mails.
He must have taken to the thicket."
said the leader, after fully satisfying
his mind on the subject. There is no
use at all in beating the aground farther,
for he has had ample time already to cs
cape. We may as we'll make virtue OF
necessity, and go back and see what is
to be got of the squint-eyed old woman
at the farmhouse in tho way Of eata-
bles. But isn't she Z big ono in size,
thought"
And uglierlooking than sin, thun-
derin' sight" added one OF the men.
The Tory horsemen now wheeled
about and retraced their way to the
farmhouse, which was only a short dis
lance, just as Randolph Darrell was on
the point Of emerging from the wood;
but luckily he discovered them in sea-
son to escape their notice, by abruptly
retreating back again under cover
Alighting once mors at the door OF the
farmhouse, the Tory leader ordered
Mrs Hart to prepare dinner for the par
", and bestir herself
"How can ! give you dinner when
I've nothing to cook?' retorted the res.
olute-looking woman, augrily. Il
should need full larder to satisfy a
half-dozen such dirty rascals as yoe are. :
"Silence, woman" Numbered the
Tory, in a commanding voice, and do