The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1895-03-15
Our family Story,
A HEROINE OF 70.

Cupleu Dy the city OF w nrcllng. ne
fort was surrounded by the cabins OF
the settlers and was named in honor Of
the great Virginia orator and patriot,
Patrick Henry.
On tho morning of the first of Sep
tcmber, 1I77, a scout appeared in the
fort, announcing the near approach OF
the dreaded Simon Girty with Il large
band of savagcS. Having the night
before received an intimation of dan
ger from an Indian raid, the families
of the settlers had removed to the fort.
The fort at this time was but lightly
garrisoncd, a portion o. its forces hav-
ing been sent to reinforce posts that
were more exposed, they being in no
apprehension Of danger from British
or Indian foes. II WAS in charge OF
Colonel Sheppard.
The dwelling of Colonel EbcucZcr
Zane stood about sixty yards distant
from the palisadc. In this building
were stored supplies OF various kinds.
which it was very desirable to pre-
serve, and, the house occupying "a fl
vorable position to aid in resisting the
attack, it was decided to make the dc.
fence from both points. In the dwell
ing, when the attack was made, there
were but eight persons, four men and
four women, including the negro cook
and his wife.
The first attack was made upon Il re-
cOnn0itcring party under the com
mand of Captain Mason. The Indians
were ambushed q short distance from
tho fort and fell upon the little band
without "a moments warning. More
than onc-half Of them pcrishcd. Cap
tain Oglc, with twelve mon, hurried
out to tho assistance OF Mason,
and only four Of his men ever returned.
The others were ruthleGsly butChcrcd
by bullets and tomahawk. The garri-
son was now reduced to Il mere hand
full OF determined defenders, mostly
young men. They numbered about
twelve, with the brave Colonel ShCp-
pard.
The women and children were hud-
died together inside the pickct.. over
whelmcd with grief and fear. for ali
hope for the safety of the fort now
seemed lost. At this critical moment
Simon Girty appeared with Il white
flag, and demanded the unconditional
surrender of the fort. Although the
besiegers outnumbcrcd the hcsiCG"d
thirtyfold, the Indians numbering over
three hundred, the bclcagucrcd garri-
son resolved to resist. for they well
knew what their fate would he if they
fell into the hands Of the trcachcrouS
ficnd, Girty. So Colonel Sheppard
promptly told the scoundrcl that the
fort would never be surrcndcd to him.
nor to any other man, while there was
IL person left to defend it.
Girty became cnragcd, and ordered
an attack "Girty," says the his
tOrian Losing was the offspring of
crime. His father was Il settler in
Pennsylvania, an outlaw and Il sOt, amt
his mother was disgrace To hUr sex
Simon and his two brothers, when
youths, were captured by the Indians.
His brother James was adopted by the
D"lewarcs, and became the ticrcr- /
savage OF the tribe. Simon was adopt
ed by the Scnccas, became u great
hunter, and finally powerful leader
among the Indians, exercising his in
nate wickcdncsS to the fullest rXtInt.
and declaring eternal cnmity toward
his own race. For many years the
name of Simon Girty was Il terror To-
the settlers OF the Northwest. H." WA,
as bloodthirsty and unrclcnting ;,a Il IL
ger, cxcelling the s;lvagcs in tn"
cruelty he inflicted upon those who
fell into his clutches. Male and e.
male. old age and helpless infancy sui
fercd alike.
The bcsicgers for several hours k"pt
up an Intellectual fire against the fort,
and dwelling, from the cabins in which
they were sheltered. Whenever Il
rcdskin showed himself. the never
failing rifle Of the sharpshuutcr~ wrr,
sure to bring him down. Several
times the Indians advanced upon the
gate of the palsadc, hoping to he able
TO force 1t, but cach time were com
PEELED to retreat under Il CALLING tire.
The few men IN the fort were enabled
To keep up constant iirin". lnr TIA"
women moulded the bullets ana tUajrG
the guns as fast as they could he used.
Night coming on, the firing ceased.
Quietncss now rclgncd, and the dark
ness became intense. Ahout midnight.
the attention OF the negro cook. Sam.
was attracted by small stream Oi
light that found It's way through Il Gre
vice in the Kitchen wall from tic out
side. An investigation revealed an In
Ilan with lighted brand, cnH"avor-
ing 10 set fire To the Kitchen. Sam.
watching his chance, sent Il hu!Ic:
through him.