The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1896-08-27
John SCHELL'S STRATAGEM
A True Story of the Revolution by
Evere tt T. Tomlinson-
How q Sturdy German and His Bravo
Wife and Sons Repulsed tho MUIR"
derous Attack of q Band OF
Tories and Indians.
[coPYRIGHT. 1861

Tn the summer of 1881, in the Mohawk
valley, between Schenectady and Fort
SCHUYLER, there were 20 rude forts,
which the scattered settlers had erected
for their defense against the Tories and
Indians, who were very hostile IN al
that region. These ''forts' were rude,
log blockhouses, and most of then.
were capable of sheltering Is or 20 fam
flies. Many of the settlers were Ger
man or Dutch, and their bravery ana
loyalty to the cause of the struggling
colonies is we'll known.
i :. About five miles north of Herkimer
wealthy German named John Christian
Schell had erected fort or blockhouse
in the little settlement, which in honor
of it's founder was named SchelIs oush.
His fort was two stories high, and SO
built that the upper story projected
over the lower, thereby enabling its de-
tenders, if the occasion required, to fire
direct down upon any assailants.
But at this time Schell's neighbors
had abandoned their homes and sought
the shelter of Fort Dayton, for rumors
were rife of the cruel deeds of Donald
OCOLCl1HdA AAOAA ~
town, and one of the most Jealous of
the followers of Sir William Johnson
and his band of 60 Indians and Tories.
But the phlegmatic Schell had been un-
moved by the fears of his neighbors,
and sturdily held to his place.
On the day when the events of this
story occurred he and his eight sons
were busy in their fields and working
at a considerable distance from his
house. The summer air was hot, and,
as it was near midday, Schell stopped
Tor moment to rest and glance at the
sun. He was beginning to feel that din
ner time could not be far distant, and
he glanced towards the house to see il
he could not discern his wife coming
forth to give the welcome summons on
the conch shell.
Yes, there she was now; and he
dropped his scythe and prepared to
call his boys to dinner. But suddenly
he stopped and gazed in surprise at his
wife. She had no conch shell, and was
running at the top of her speed, wav-
ing her sunbonnet in her hand and call!
ing in her loudest tones. Soon she was
near enough for him to hear her warn
ing words: 'McDonald is coming. The
woods are full of Indians and Tories"
He looked III the direction in which she
pointed, and there, on the farther side
of the settlement, he could see Melon
aid and his band running towards the
blockhouse. They were little farther
from it than Schell and his boys, and in
a moment the German and his sons
were following Mrs. Schell who had
turned and started for the fort.
What race it was. The Indians as
soon as they perceived that their pres
ence was known sent forth their blood
curdling yells, and tried to increase
their speed. But the "hying Dutchnan"
needed no further encouragement, for
it was race for life. On and on they
ran with painting breath, and putting
forth all their strength. Suddenly one
of the younger boys, who was close he
hind his father, stumbled and fell.
6chell groaned, he stopped for a mo-
ment to assist his son, and then the mad
race was renewed. Mrs. Schell had ar
rived at the fort, and was standing by
the open door ready to close it the mo-
ment they arrived. Swift as was their
pace, that of the Indians was swifter;
but never faltering for moment the
sturdy men swept on. Soon the father
had gained the door and turned about
to see how it Jared with his sons. Two
Joined him in moment, and soon :our
more were will, him. ''Run, boys!
Rum" he shouted to the two who had
been farthefest from the fort when the
alarm was, sounded; but he was too late.
"A band OF the Indians had intercepted