The Somerset reporter., 1894-12-06

At this jancturo it was discovered
that the supply of powder in the fort
was about exhausted Etenezer Zane
remembered that he had a key slowed
away in his house, but how was 1t TO
be obtained? Whoever ventured to pro
cure it was almost certain to be cut
down by the bullets of the Indians,
who were SO near and always on the
alert. Only one man could be spared
for the service from the defense of the
fort Colonel Sheppard, not being will
ing to order any one to the duty, asked
for a volunteer. Every man present ca
gerly offered to undertake the hazard
GUS duty, and while they were contend
ing for the honor it was feared that be-
fore the question was settled and the
powder obtained the sayages would re-
new the attack. At this moment Eliza
beth Zane-or Patty, as she was usually
called-a young girl just returned home
from school in Philadelphia but little
accustomed to the horrors of border
warfare, came forward and asked TO be
permitted to go for the powder alleging
as a reason for her going that not man
could be spared from the defense of the
fort. Whoever undertakes the duty
will be in great danger of being killed
or seriously wounded, and if | fall |
will not be missed in the defense of
the fort. / have no fears for the result
God will protect me. y
So earnest was tho appeal Of the
young heroine that consent was reluc-
family given. There was no timo to lose
Kneeling fer moment i'll prayer, she
arose with smile upon her beautiful
face, saying, II am ready. The gate
was thrown open. She sailed forth
and soon cleared the space between the
fort and her brothers. house, which she
reached in safety. Not one shot was fir
ed at her Such action on the part of
the savages could not be accounted for
unless the movement was SO sudden and
rapid that they had not time to realize
the situation, and then it was only a
'squaw A tablecloth, containing the
contents of the key of powder was hur-
riedly fastened about her waist, and she
started upon her return trip, running
with the fleetness of fawn toward the
fort, her long glossy curls floating back
from her bare head, upon which the
mild rays of the early autumn sun fell
SO cheerinSly. The wary savages, who
were watching her movements, now sent
a volley of bullets after her, but not one
Of them touched her. The noble girl
entered the fort in safety with her val
liable prize A prolonged shout of well
come greeted her, and every man, in
spired by her heroism, resolved to re-
pulse the foe or die in the attempt.
During the following night Colonel
fought their way into the fort without
losing man. And at daylight MAJOR
McCulloch arrived with 40 mounted
men, His followers entered the inclo-
sure in safety, but he, becoming sepa
rated from them, was obliged to flee to
the open country and narrowly escaped
falling into the hands of the savages,
who thirsted for his blood, for he was
one of their most determined enemies
Girty entertained a bitter hatred for
him and yearned to subject him to the
keenest of his tortures. After this in
crease to the forces of the garrison Cir
ty and his followers abandoned all hope
of capturing the fort, and after setting
fire to the houses outside the pickets
and killing the stock belonging to the
settlers they raised the siege and with
drew to the Wilderness.
Elizabeth Zane lived to be very old
woman, beloved and respected by al
who knew her. she resided on the banks
of the Ohio river near the scene of hel
daring exploit. Cincinnati Enquirer