Title: Life And Adventures Of Lewis Wetzel, The Virginia Rancher
First published: July 25, 2007
Description: Lewis Wetzel (1763-1808) was known throughout the frontier area during his own lifetime as one of the most famous and feared Indian-fighters in the Ohio River valley. He grew up not far from what later became Wheeling, WV, and was very frequently in action against Indians as a teenager during the Revolutionary War and for years afterward. Simon Kenton (1755-1836) was located further down the Ohio in Kentucky, and was famous for the same reason. However, they are normally portrayed quite differently. Kenton warmly supported settlers in Kentucky and often took the lead against Indian warriors who attacked them. He distinguished between combatants and non-combatants, and between friendly and hostile Indians. Wetzel seems to have had a ruthless and undiscriminating hostility toward all Indians.
Subjects: Indian Wars, American Revolution, Ohio Frontier, Border Wars
Places: Wheeling (WV), Ohio River Valley, Ohio, Northwest Territory, Kentucky
People: Lewis Wetzel (1763-1808), General Simon Kenton, General Benjamin Logan, Captain Samuel Brady, Governor Isaac Shelby
Time periods: 1770-1815