Mr. and Mrs. (John) Sellers, children

Mr. and Mrs. (John) Sellers, children

E-mail correspondence from James Sellars:

Bob,

Here's another brief account of the capture of Ruddell's Station.

James

Draper MSS 29J:18 - Draper's interview with Rhoda Ground

Bird's expedition - Ruddell's and Martin's Forts. >From Mrs. Rhoda (Long) Ground, Warren Co., Ky., Oct. 1844.

Ruddell's Station taken, June 1780 - The Indians first came and attacked with the (British?) - An old man named Goodknight was killed - Simon Girty and Micapah Calloway were with the enemy. Capt. Ruddell's family - John Long's family consisting of himself, wife and five children - one of the latter, a small boy, was scalped; John Denton, wife and one daughter, recollected and perhaps their children; also a family of Sellars.

Some of the prisoners were shortly after released; and others were kept in captivity till Wayne's Treaty of 1795.

Mrs. Ground (one of the children of Mr. Long) was a small girl when taken and can give no further information.


2 Feb 1998

To researchers of Hinkson.

My name is James Sellers and I have been researching the lives of Hinkson and McCune for some time. I'm not related in any way, but I do have an indirect connection to these men. My gr gr..... grand uncle, John Sellers, was living in Westmoreland County near Hinkson and McCune in 1775. I know about Hinkson coming to KY in 1775 and I am certain he returned to PA that same year. I Have a copy of a deed from Westmoreland Co. for John Woods that has John Hinkson and John Sellers as witnesses. (dated Dec 1775)

John Sellers was with Hinkson in 1776 when they were in KY. Sellers settled about 4 miles north of Hinkson's (aka Ruddle's) Station on Sellers Run. Sellers returned with Hinkson to PA in Aug of 1776 and lived with Hinkson and others at Palmers' fort in Fairfield Township, Westmoreland Co., PA. Sellers served as a Lieutenant under Capt. Hinkson from 1777 to 1780. He returned to KY in 1780 w/ Hinkson and McCune and was taken at Ruddles with them. According to a record I have Sellers was actually the first to escape Hinkson being the second as stated below:

Draper MSS 4S98-99 - James Chambers statement continued from book_______ of Westmoreland County Pa born in 1749.

Capt. Bird's Kentucky Expedition of 1780. - Bird treated prisoners well. Chambers saw the 6 pounder at Detroit taken on Bird's expedition of '80, and saw the man who drove the horse that drew it on the land part of the march. Also got acquainted with several of the prisoners taken by Bird - Capt. Ruddell and Simon Girty was with Bird. JOHN HINKSTON was in possession of the Indians - Girty and HINKSTON were old acquaintances - were great cronies, and swapped clothes when he was prisoner - Girty went to Bird, and said HINKSTON was very supple and active, and if he (Bird) did not take him from the Indians and put him under a guard of British soldiers, he would be certain to effect his escape. Bird did so - that night HINKSTON made his escape and it was thought Girty brought about this change of HINKSTON from the Indians to the British, in order to aid him in escaping. - JOHN SELLERS, another prisoner taken at Ruddells or Martins escaped a little before HINKSTON - they were the only ones who did escape. Girty, too, knew of HINKSTON'S having killed Wipey, about '74, who hunted on Conemaugh, and kept it from the Indians, who, had they known it, would have killed him.

When Bird returned with his prisoners, a number of cabins were built outside the fort at Detroit for the prisoners taken at Ruddell's and Martin's forts; men, women and children, Capt Ruddell and family among them. And these cabins were familiarly called Yankee Hall. The men had their liberty and worked out some of the time for wages. After a while, Du Poister who commanded at Detroit gave the use of an island to Ruddell, some 3 miles above Detroit, and in which were some improvements - and he moved his family there, raised corn, etc. These favors led to the suspicion that Ruddell was tinctured with Toryism and Ruddell when he returned to Virginia was tried on this charge and acquitted. Bird said he would never be engaged in another such expedition as that to Kentucky in 1780.

Here are some more records relating to McCune and Hinkson:

Draper MSS 11CC35 - Draper's interview with William McBride I was at Corn's, when Riddle, (that was taken at Riddle's,) got back. One McCune, who was at Bowman's Station when Riddle got there, went out & got a hoop-pole, of which he had a parcel, & wore it out on Riddle. McCune had been a prisoner with (fellow) Riddle and had been planning to run away, where Riddle went and told the British on him, who put McCune in irons. "Now," says McCune, "tell on me again."

Draper MSS 16j82 - 83 - Extract upon Capt. Hinkson's narrative, who was made prisoner on the surrender of Ruddle's Fort; in Kentucky the 25th of June (1780), and made his escape on the 28th.
On the 24th about sunrise, a heavy fire was begun on the fort by small arms, which continued without intermission until noon, when it was observed, that a battery of two three pounders (cannons) was erected on an advantages spot. The first discharged made such an impression on the fort, that all within were convinced they could not hold out. A flag was sent out and the terms agreed to were that the garrison should surrender themselves as prisoners, be permitted to retain their wearing apparel, and conducted safely to a settlement near Detroit, where provisions should be found there until they could raise corn for themselves.

On the 26th the white, with a party of Indians appeared before Martin's Fort, seven miles up Licking Creek, which surrendered without resistance on the same terms as the other fort and previous were in the hands of the enemy when Capt. Hinkson made his escape; who further adds, that they consisted of a company of regulars from Detroit, under Capt. Bird, a company of Canadians, thirty Tory volunteers, and about 700 Indians from various tribes. Capt. Bird informed Capt. Hinkson; that he had taken the Governors dispatches going down the Ohio, which gave an account that no expedition would be sent into their country this summer; which seemed to elate him much. The enemy came down Stoney River (on the Great Miami) up the Ohio and Licking, without being discovered.
S.C. Gazette, June 31, 1781.

Draper MSS 2S334-338
From John Hinkson - now (1845) about 72 - born on the Monongahela.
Son of Col. John Hinkson - who was a son of John (a native of Ireland) - emigrated to America a married man, died leaving John the pioneer and a sister - John (Col.) when young man went to Ireland to get some family patrimony, married Margaret McCracken, remained two years, and then returned to America, about 1765 - settled probably in Westmoreland Co. Pa on Monongahela, bringing from Ireland a store of goods.

In Dunmore's War, was a captain or lieutenant - probably the former, came to Kentucky in '75 - moved to Kentucky in Spring of '80, four or five boats came with him with about half a dozen families, stopped at Limestone about a week, built a block-house, the first erected there, and sent a message to his old station (better known as Ruddell's) to get help to aid in moving the families over, and while waiting at Limestone the Indians stole all the horses belonging to the company - some 20 in all. - At the old station there was not a sufficiency of men to share, and advised a continuation to the Falls of Ohio.

Went down there in his boats - got horses to transport some of the property leaving the family at the Falls, and he had been at Ruddell's but three or four days when Bird came - Shot a cannon and knocked the corner of a house down - The station was on the east side of Hinkson's Fork, 8 miles from Paris - located on low land, with a overlooking hill, which the British occupied and from which they fired the cannon. Capt. Ruddell surrendered - Hinkson was opposed to it. Hinkson was kept and escaped the third night. Col. Bird gave him permission to stay with the Indians (who captured him) or with him, Bird chose the latter, and [Hinkson] made a bargain with one of the prisoners to run off, and the latter betrayed him and told Bird - and Bird placed an Indian guard over him, and in the night when raining, going down Licking by land (as he came with wagons - Bird's Old Trace), knocked an Indian over and into the River, at the mouth of Bank Lick Creek (some 3 miles above the mouth of Licking, west side of the river) - and himself plunged into the river and swam over, and escaped. Bird had got bewildered, came to Hinkson and told him as he was an old woodsman, that it would be better for him to tell the best route to take (they were then camped) - and Hinkson said if he must tell he would do his best, and commenced directing and pointing when the Indians were collecting around him, he knocked the one between him and the river down the bank into the river and himself jumped in and swam over, and made his way to Bryan's Station; next morning (that night didn't go far, too dark and got into a tree top and went to sleep, and awoke in the morning within view of a camp of the Indians who took after him, but he outstripped them, but he, in running through briars got the most of his clothing torn off - and was nearly naked when he got to Bryan's.

Don't think Col. Hinkson went on campaign of '80 - nor in '82. Did go out with Logan in '86; was an officer under Col. Edwards on the Blackberry campaign. Was out with Gen. Ben Harrison (who died at New Madrid - some children living near St. Genevieve at the lead mines - Harrison died not long (2 or 3 years) before the War of 1812.) on his expedition. Also went out scouting with parties.

Went and settled at Mann's Lick and stayed there till '81; then moved to Haggin's Station, near Danville and about '83, re-occupied his old settlement on Hinkson's Fork. William McCune, a half brother of Hinkson's, moved with Hinkson to Kentucky in '80, and was captured with him; and was kept nearly two years.

Also:
Halderman Papers - July 1, 1780 - Capt Henry Bird to Maj Arnet DePeyster "Everything is safe so far, but we are not yet out of reach of pursuit - As a very smart fellow [Hinkson?] escaped from me within 26 miles of the enemy."

Halderman papers - July 24, 1780 - Capt Henry Bird to Maj Arnet DePeyster - "Capt Hinxon [Hinkson] who made his escape from us had candour sufficiant to tell Col. Clarke, he and the prisoners were treated in so different a manner from what they expected, that had not his family been at the Falls, he would have preferred going with us to Detroit."

Also in The Draper papers it mentions John Hinkson received a Captains commision in Jefferson County, KY (then Virginia) From records of Jefferson County copied by Draper.

I have several other references about John Hinkson that you may want. I'll list them and you can tell which ones you would like or I'll just send all:

1. Muster rolls of Capt. Hinkson of Westmoreland County (2 lists officers only, and 1 with everyone plus some pay records. All from PA archives)

2. Extracts of letters from Arthur St Clair to Gov Penn regarding Hinkson killing Wipey. (Frontier forts of PA)

3. Proclamation against John Hinkson and James Cooper.

4. Two depositions regarding Wm. McCune (not a lot of info in these) says he saw John Haggin at Lexington and he was his kinsman. He was 66 in 1810.

5. Deposition of John Sellers, says he went up South For Licking in canoes w/ Hinkson in 1776 and camped all night at Wm. Woods cave spring.

6. Reference to Hinkson being with Col. James Smith in a foray w/Indians.

7. Record of Hinkson being in Hand's expedition. (Nat Arch pay record)

8. Mentioned in Thomas Galbraith's journal when Hinkson was living at Palmer's fort. Galbraith was the one who bought HInkson's land in PA in 1774.

9. Reference in Westmoreland Co. records that Hinkson and others charged with "riot and assault" on John Burns (march 1775)

10. Other info I can't remember off hand, will find though.

In an old KY Gazette I saw it said Hinkson went to MO in 1789 w/Lawrence Harrison. I guess he died there too.

I hope I can help. I would like to share what I have and I would like to learn more about Hinkson and McCune as they were major characters in John Sellers' life. I'm not on the Hinkson list yet, so you can direct your comments to me or I'll catch them later in the archives. Thank you.

Sincerely,
James Sellars

3 Feb 1998

Bob,

Here are some more records I have. More to come.

Draper MSS 3 S 52
Deposition of Samuel Murphy - John Hinkson & Cooper killed Wipey in Westmoreland - made a great stir with the whites & Hinkson had a small party of rangers (8 or 10, or something like that) Cooper amongst them & were brave & useful, more so than most others. Hinkson and Girty were cronies.

Arthur St. Clair notified the Pennsylvania Assembly about the murder on May 29, 1774. (PA Archives First Series Vol. IV, pg. 503, 504, 520, 524). I may have this, I'm not sure.

Letter of condolence to the Delaware Indian tribe. (American Archives, 4th Series, I, pg. 676). I don't have this but you can get from Library.

PA Colonial Records, Vol. X, pg. 199
"A PROCLAMATION

"WHEREAS, I have received information that some Time in May last, a certain friendly Indian man, called Joseph Wipey, was barbarously murdered in the County of Westmoreland; And Whereas, there is great Reason to believe that John Hinkson, and James Cooper, of the same County, were concerned in the perpetration of the said Murder; And Whereas, it is at all Times, but more especially in the present Situation of our Affairs with the Western Indian Nations, of the utmost Consequence to the Peace of the Province, that the Perpetrators of such atrocious Offenses, not only against the Authority of Government, but in direct Violation of the Treaties with those Indians, should be brought to condign and exemplary Punishment; I have, therefore, thought fit, with the advice of the Council, to issue this Proclamation, And do hereby strictly charge and Command all Judges, Justices, Sheriffs, Constables, and other Officers, as well as all other His Majesty's liege Subjects within this Province, to make diligent Search and Enquiry after the said John Hinkson and James Cooper, and to use all lawful Means for apprehending and securing them, that they may be proceeded against according to Law. And I do hereby promise and engage, the Public Reward of one hundred Pounds shall be paid to any Person or Persons who shall apprehend the said John Hinkson and James Cooper, and deliver them into the Custody of the Keeper of the Gaol of either of the Counties of Lancaster, York, or Cumberland, or the Sum of fifty Pounds for either of them.

"Given under my Hand and the Great Seal of the said Provinces, at Philadelphia, the twenty-eighth day of July, in the fourteenth Year of His Majesty's Reign and in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-four.
"JOHN PENN.
"By His Honour's Command.
"JOESEPH SHIPPEN, Junr., Secretary.
"GOD SAVE THE KING."

Bourbon County Court Order Book B, January 1798
The deposition of John Sellers being of full age and duly sworn deposeth and saith that he saw Eneas McDaniel and his son frequently at work on the improvement mentioned in the preamble in the summer of 1776 and suppose they had between 2 or 3 acres cleared and have ever since known it by the name of said McDaniel's Improvement. And further this deponent saith not. Signed John Sellers. Teste David Clarkson, John Smith, Thomas Mahan

Bourbon County Court Order Book B, January, 1798.
The deposition of John Sellers being of full age and duly sworn, deposeth and saith that he was with John Townsend in the year 1776 at the place where the letters I.M. mentioned in the preamble was made and then there stood a cabbin which he told me there was his cabbin and that he built it the year before, and was generally known by the name of John Townsends Cabbin since. And further saith not. Signed John Sellers. Teste David Clarkson, John Smith, Thomas Mahan.

Harrison County Court Order Book A, pg 337, November 10, 1803.
The deposition of John Sellers of Full age & being first sworn deposeth and saith that some time in the year seventeen hundred and seventy six coming up the South Fork of Licking in Company with Capt. John Hinkson & others. I was informed by Capt. Hinkson of a Cave Spring that we would endeaver to get to that night to encamp at which place we got to a little before sunset which spring was on the south westardly side of the said South Fork which I believe to be the place we are now at between a half and a quarter of a mile below where James Wigglesworth now lives.

Question by John Smith agent of William Woods: How long have been living in this country?
Answer: Since the Spring Seventeen Hundred and Eighty.
Question 2nd: Did you ever know of any other spring on the other Main South Fork of Licking but this from first acquaintance to the present day.
Answer: No.
Question 3rd: Do you consider a Cove Spring & a Cave Spring to mean one & the samething.
Answer: I consider them the same. Signed John Sellers

Harrison County Court Order Book A, pg 356, June 8, 1804.
The deposition of Benjamin Harrison taken to Establish William Woods land on the South Fork of Licking.
I have known this Spring from between the first & ninth of May 1776. At the time I first saw it, there was an improvement at & near source thereof and from that time until this date it has been designated & known by the name or appellation of the Cave Spring. In the year of 1780 I was on this spot in the month of May or early in June in Company with John Hinkson & John Sellers and stayed all night & on the 24th day of June there after made two locations in the neighborhood thereof
............... signed Benjamin Harrison

Fayette County Circuit court Complete Record Book A pg 339
Deposition of Thomas Moore, taken on the west bank of Stoner's creek near James Patton's house in Clark county, on 20th November 1802 before D. Harrison and H. Chiles, J.P. deposes -

Early in the spring of 1776 this deponent in company with Benjamin Harrison, John Morgan, Belles Collier and one [Robert] Keene came down the Ohio to mouth of Licking River and from thence up Licking to Hingston station and from thence we proceded up this stream now called Stoner's Fork, being pilated by John Morgan, who had been in this country the year before, till he informed us we were about [Christopher] Gist's military survey and sometime, as this deponent thinks, in the month of April we built a cabbin covered it over and made it fit for habitation. At this spot we cleared about a half an acre or 3/4 of an acre of land and planted corn. This improvement we made for John Morgan and after making several other improvements on the right hand fork, which puts in about 300 yards above this place, Harrison, and this deponent returned up the river, leaving Morgan and Collier at Morgan's cabbin, who were to remain there and to endeaver to prevent others from making improvements to interfere with ours, and we were to return the ensuing fall, and bring to Morgan and Collier such necessaries as they had sent for. The spring near this spot had the appearance of a lasting one -- was intended by Morgan as his useing spring.

p.265, Deposition of William McCune, aged 60 years (taken at dwelling house of James Ruddell in Bourbon County on May 1, 1811, before George Mountjoy and Joseph L. Stevens, Justices of the Peace):

He came to this country in the spring of the year 1780 and settled at Ruddell's Station which stood on the bank of the South Fork of Licking, and he continued to reside at said station until it was taken by the Indians during the same year. Said Ruddell's Station was well known throughout the western country at the time he came to it. Thinks it consisted of thirty or Forty men, ladies, women and children, and it was much resorted to by adventurers to this country. John Haggin was his kinsman and informed him at Lexington when on his way to Ruddell's Station, that he had settled a place near said station but was compelled for danger of Indians to leave it. He had been informed of Haggin's cabin before he came to this country, and when he got to said station, he often heard the cabin where John Haggin lived in the year of 1776 spoken of, and believes there was scarcely a man at the station who was ignorant of said cabin. The stream passing Millersburg was known in the year of 1780 as Hingston above the junction with Stoner and below the junction was called South Licking.

p.267, Deposition of Thomas Dunn, aged 71 years (taken at dwelling of James Ruddell in Bourbon County on May 1, 1811, before George Mountjoy and Joseph L. Stevens, Justices of the Peace):
Deponent came to this country in the year 1776 and lived on Hingston's above the junction with Stoner. John Hingston had a settlement or improvement on the south side of South Fork of Licking opposite the place afterwards called Hingston's Station by some and by others Ruddell's Station. Deponent was frequently in the year 1779 at Hingston's settlement which was resorted to by a number of adventurers to this country and deponent was frequently, during the spring and summer of said year, at this place, where John Haggin had built a cabin, cleared and located some lands, and resided with his wife and family at the period named. I returned to this country in the year 1785 or 1786, after leaving it in 1776, and was shortly afterwards at this place, and heard it frequently called Haggin's cabin.

p.268, Deposition of David Wilson, aged 63 years (taken at James Ruddell's in Bourbon County on May 22, 1811, before George Mountjoy and J. L. Stevens, Justices of the Peace):

Deponent came to this neighborhood after the new year of the same year that Hingston erected the station below this place, after the Indians took it while under the said Ruddell, the year the deponent does not recollect. Deponent assisted in the settlement of said station, and at that time he frequently saw the improvement at this place settled by Haggin some years before.
Note: David Wilson was an Ensign in Capt John Hinkson's company in PA.

Draper 8CC2, 16J26 - Pennsylvania Gazette, Sept. 11, 1776.
Williamsburg VA, August 30, 1776. By William Harrison (Benjamin Harrison's brother and the same man killed at Crawfords defeat in 1782), nine days from Fort Pitt, we have advice; that Capt. John Hinkson, with a number of settlers, arrived from Licking Creek, near the Kentucky, the very day he left home. Capt. Hinkson gave the following account, that one James Cooper, and another person, a Dutchman, being on their way to a buffalo lick, were fired upon by a couple of Indians, who shot down Cooper and frightened the Dutchman's horse so that he flung him; his foot hanging in the stirrup, one of the Indians walked up to him, to tomahawk him, but although in that disadvantages situation he found means to aim his gun so well (which he never gritted) as to shoot the savage dead on the spot and seeing the other Indian walking up to him, he disengaged himself from his horse, mounted Coopers, and got clear off to the inhabitants.

Upon his arrival, many of the Kentucky settlers immediately went about forting themselves at Boonesborough and Harwoodstown (Harrodstown); and numbers agreed to come into the neighborhood of Fort Pitt with Capt. Hinkson.

Draper MSS ?? The following is from a letter written from Col. Floyd of Boonesboro to Col. Preston in Virginia, July 21, 1776:
The situation of our country is much altered since I wrote you last. The Indians seem determined to break up our settlement, and I really doubt, unless it was possible to give us some assistance, that the greatest part of the people must fall prey to them. They have, I am satisfied, killed several which, at this time, I know not how to mention. Many are missing who, sometimes ago, went out about their business who we can hear nothing of. Fresh sign of Indians is sure almost every day....

The seventh of this month they killed one Cooper on Licking Creek....

A settlement known by the name of Hinkston is broke up; nineteen of which are now here on their way in, himself among the rest, who all seem deaf to anything we can say to dissuade them. Ten at least of our own people, I understand, are going to join them which will leave us with less than 30 men at this fort (Boonesboro). I think more than 300 men have left the country since I came out, and not one had arrived except a few cabbiners down the Ohio... Draper MSS

PA Archives 6th Series, Vol 3, pg300
Return of Officers of the First Battalion of Westmoreland, SS (c.), June 10, 1777.
Third Company
John Hinkson, Captain
John Wood, Lieutenant
John Sellers, Lieutenant
Thomas Wood, Ensign
Court Martial Men: Joseph McCartney, Samuel Johnston.
Privates: 55

Thomas Galbraiths Journal from frontier Forts of Pennsylvania

September 28, [1777] 12 o'clock an Express from Palmer's fort that George Findlay come in wounded and some more men missing. In the evening Capt Shannon with 16 Men was ready to march, but the night's being very dark thot it most advisable to wait till day break. (Thomas Galbraiths Journal at Ligonier).

On September 28, 1777, George Findley, a nearby resident on the Conemaugh River, and his bound boy, fourteen or fifteen years of age, but large and strong, started back from Palmer's Fort, whether they fled, in hopes of recovering a lost mare that had left them and which they supposed had returned home. They kept in the woods, not venturing into clearings, but notwithstanding this they were fired upon by some Indians, the boy falling. Findley, shot through the arm and bleeding much, effected his escape, and returned to Fort Palmer, bringing back with him, however, a girl who had remained about the Rogers settlement.

September 29, 1777 - When day appeared the Men Marched to Palmer's Fort and were reinforc'd with 9 Men more then proceeded for Findlays about Twenty Miles distance from Ligonier. 4 Miles from Palmers we met with CAPT. HINKSTON & 12 Men returning from burying a Boy that the Indians had Kill'd & scalped at Findlays.

October 1, 1777 - Memorand: On our return to Ligonier 4 Miles Distance we were inform'd of THOMAS WOODS being kill'd about five miles from the Town, which occasioned us to make a forc'd March after Dark into the Town to have the greater certainty. (Thomas Galbraiths Journal at Ligonier).

At 3:00 PM on October 22, 1777 two children were killed and scalped and two more were scalped alive within 200 yards of Palmer's Fort. A party of Hinkson men pursued the Indians and a short time later the people at Palmer's Fort fired off their guns to give those persons notice who had gone to their plantations, which the party in pursuit hearing, imagined the Fort to be attacked, immediately quit the pursuit and returned. Ft Ligonier and it's Times, p388

On November 3, 1777, as a party was returning to Palmer's Fort from a Scout about a mile from that, one of the party being a small distance behind was called on to stop - first in a low voice, a second time louder, & a third time very loud. The person made up to the party, but being dusk did not return to the place until the next morning........found the......[Here the manuscript is illegible. Probably the meaning is that the next morning the scouting party returned to the place where the voice called, and found the tracks of Indians.]

Frontier Defense on the Upper Ohio, Thwaites, Draper MSS 1 U 130
Dr General From Col'l Proctor's, November the 8th, 1777

Whereas I am persuaded that you had not heard of Wallace's fort being invaded and other damages done by the Indians near this place when you gave orders to the Bedford militia to return and whereas there is a loud call for men here at present to defend and protect this distressed frontier; I have ordered the Bedford militia to march in connection with a party of my men over Conemaugh to reconnoiter and scour the woods and if possible to annoy the enemy or drive them over the Allegheny [mountains]; and I hope sir I will be justified by you in so doing. I am sir your most obedient humble servt.

James Smith

To His Excellency General Edward Hand, Fort Pitt
N.B. my intention is to Detain those men but about ten Days; and by that time your pleasure may be known.

An Account of the Remarkable Occurances in the Life and Travels of Col. James Smith, pg. 136, Lexington, 1799.
In the year [1777], I received a colonel's commission, and after my return to Westmoreland, the Indians made an attack upon our frontiers. I then raised a body of men to pursue them. We likewise took four scalps, and recovered the horses and plunder which they were carrying off. At the time of this attack, CAPTAIN JOHN HINKSTON pursued an Indian, both their guns being empty, and after the fray was over he was missing;- While we enquiring about him, he came walking back, seemingly unconcerned, with a bloody scalp in his hand - he had pursued the Indian about a quarter of a mile, and tomahawked him.

I remember one of your letters mentioning the five men who were "denounced from the pulpit" for attending the Cane Ridge Revival in 1801. One of the five with John Shawhan was Nathan Sellers, John Sellers cousin. he evetually removed to Preble Co., OH where he and David Purvience and Barton Stone started a Christian Church congregation at Sellers' home. Another fact that is what made me bring this up is that Col. James Smith from above was the one who founded the Cane Ridge Church in the 1790's.

This all I have for now, more to come later. I just got your message. Yes I'm in the Air Force Stationed at Kadena AB in Okinawa. I'm a flight engineer on a special operations C-130. I've been researching my family history for about 8 years now. I came across Col. Hinkson when I was doing research on John Sellers my gr gr...grand uncle. I descend from his brother Isaac Sellers who lived in Harrison Co. KY until his death in 1799.

It seemed every time I found something on John Sellers, Hinkson's name was close by. So I was able to retrace the foot steps of both men by finding records on either one of them. I think Hinkson and Sellers were close friends Hinkson being more of a father figure. John Sellers father, Samuel, died in 1776 and his mother before that. Hinkson was about 20 years older than Sellers. Well, you will be hearing more from me real soon. Take care.
Sincerely,
James Sellars


4 Feb 1998

Bob,
Here's some more on Hinkson, Haggin, and Ravenscroft. I hope I'm not overloading your mail box.

MORE ON THE WIPEY MURDER
The following is from Arthur St Clairs letters to Gov Penn in 1774. (The ref. for these were in my last e-mail)

"Two of the persons concerned in this murder are John Hinkson and James Cooper. I had got information of their design some time before they executed it, and had wrote to Hinkson, whom I knew to be a leader amongst them to disuade them, and threatened them with the weight of the law if they persisted, but so far from preventing them, it only produced the inclosed letter. The body was discovered hid in a small run of water and covered with stones. I immediately sent for the coroner, but before he had got a jury together the body was removed, so that no inquest could be taken. I have issued warrants on suspician, but they are so much on their guard I doubt they cannons be executed. Your Honor will please to consider whether it may be proper to proclaim them - It is most unlucky at this time; the letter may perhaps be made use of as evidence. n (Historians have never found the mentioned letter, could be in Penns papers if they exist???)

St Clair to Gov Penn from Hannastown, July 12th, 1774: "Hinkston, with about eighteen men in arms, paid us a visit at Court last week, and I am very sorry to say, got leave to go away again, tho' there was a force sufficient to have secured (the) two such parties (Hinkson and Coope.) At the Sheriff's direction I had got intelligence that they were to be there and expected to be joined by a party of (Michael) Cressap's people for which reason the ranging party's, that were within reach, had been drawn in, but none of the Virginians appeared." (What he is referring to is Hinkson going away to serve in Dunmores war.)

Continued from my last e-mail:

(The Frontier Forts of Western Pennsylvania) Col. Lochry reports to Pres. Wharton, under the date 6th of December, 1777, the following:

I have sent five Indian scalps taken by one of our scouting party, Commanded by Col'l Barr, Col'l Perry, Col'l Smith, & Cap't Hingston. being volunteers in the action. The Action happened near Kittaning, they retook six horses the savages had taken from the suffering frontiers; for encouragement to other parties I hoop your excellency will make a retaliation for these scalps.

THE SQUAW CAMPAIGN - 1778

Abstract of Westmoreland Militia ordered out on an expedition to the Indian Country by Brigadier General Edward Hand, commanded by Col. Alexander Barr, from 10 Feb - 10 March, 1778, generally credited for, some to March 8: (Draper MSS. 3 NN 9-10.)

Alexander Barr, colonel 1st Battalion
John Pomroy, lieutenant colonel 1
Adam Guthrey, quarter master 1
Capt. Charles Foreman & company 1st Batn 28
Capt. Robert Knox & company " 17
Capt. John Hinkson & company " 18
Capt. Richard Williams & company " 8
Lieut. Edward McDowell & company " 15
Capt. Andrew Lovars & company " 18
Capt William Love & company " 24 128
Capt. John McClelland & company 2nd Batn 19
Capt. David Marchant & company " 34
Capt. Hugh Martin h company n 18
Capt. Christopher Truby & company " 20
Providence Mounts, lieutenant colonel 3d Batn 1
John Brannon, [Major] Adjutant " 1
Capt. James Leetch & company " 13
Capt. David Vance & company " 25
Capt. John Christey & company " 32
Capt. William Sparks & company 4th Batn 15
Capt. John Kyle & company " 19
Capt. James Clark & company 2nd Batn 21
Capt. James Mitchell & company 31 Batn 13
Total Officers and men 362
Total pay and subsistence £1307. 3.6

A Return of the Militia in their ranks belonging to Westmoreland County in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. (c.), First Battalion, April 25, 1778. (PA Archives, Series 6, Vol 3, p. 307-308.)

3rd Company.
John Hinkson, Captain
John Woods, Lieutenant
John Sellers, Lieutenant
David Wilson, Ensign
Sergeants: 3
Corporal: l
Privates: 11

Accounts of County Lieutenants, Colonel Archibald Lochery, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. (PA Archives, Series ?, Vol ?, p. 118-119.)

Paid Capt John Hinkson for paying his company for the defense of the frontiers, October 15, 1777 - 150/0/0 (pounds/shillings/farthings?) - John Hinkson, in part for pay due his company, October 17, 1777 - 100/0/0 - John Hinkson, Captain, a balance of pay due his company, October 24, 1778 - 135/16/0

Gen. Edward Hand to Col. Wm. Crawford
Headqtrs., Ft. Pitt
February 5th, 1778
Dr sir

As I am credibly informed that the English have lodged a quantity of arms, ammunition, provision & clothing at a small Indian town about 100 miles from Fort Pitt, to support the savages in their excursions against the inhabitants of this and adjacent counties, I ardently wish to collect as many brave active lads as are wiling to turn out, to destroy this magazine. Every man must be provided with a horse, & every article necessary to equip them for the expedition, except ammunition, which, with some arms, I can furnish.

It may not be unnecessary to assure them, that everything they are able to bring away shall be sold at public venue for the sole benefit of the captors, & the money equally distributed, tho' I am certain that a sense of the service they will render to their country will operate more strongly than the expectation of gain. I therefore expect you will use your influence on this occasion, & bring all the volunteers you can raise to Fort Pitt by the 15th of this month.

I am, dear Sir, Yr Obdt humble Servt. Edwd Hand

Col. Wm. Crawford.
N.B. The horses shall be appraised, & paid for if lost. (Eckert, Alen W., "That Dark and Bloody River," p. 152)

Fort Pitt 7th March 1778
Dear Yeates,

I omitted writing to you by the last opportunity because I had nothing material then to communicate, & expected by this to have mighty feats to declare, having recd. intelligence that a quantity of stores were lodged at Cayahaga, I formed a project of seizing them by surprise, during the season in which the savages might suppose us to be inactive. A party nearly amounting to 500 chiefly Westmoreland Militia offered themselves for this service, but unluckily the heavy rains that fell soon after we set out, together with the melting of the snow raised the waters to such a degree, that after swimming some creek's & joining round the heads of others we were obliged to relinquish our design. about 40 miles up Beaver Creek we discovered Indian tracts & sent out reconnoitering parties some of them returned & informed they had found a camp containing between 50 & 60 Indians, I conjectured they were warriors coming into our settlements & proceeded to attack them but to my great mortification found only one man with some women & children. the men were so impetuous that I could not prevent their killing the man & one of the women. another woman was taken & and with difficulty saved. the remr. escaped.

The prisoner told us that ten miles higher, ten Moncy [Munsey] men were making salt. I detached a party to secure them, they turned out to be 4 women & a boy, of these one woman only was saved. Notwithstanding this savage conduct I verily believe the party would behave well if they had men to contend with. You will be surprised in performing the above great exploits I had but one man (a Captn.) Wounded, & one dround'd.

I cant yet give the information you desire of your Indian brother but will inform myself if I can.

The Virginia Commissioners have not arrived here nor can I learn any thing of them. I beg my love to all your family. My respects to Mr. Shippen & Cn. & am dear Dear Yeates your affectionate Kinsman.

Edwd Hand
To Jasper Yeates Esgr, Lancaster.
(MS, in New York Public Library; Hand Papers - A.L.S.)

RECOLLECTIONS OF SAMUEL MURPHY

General Hand's expedition. This was in the winter 1777-78 with slight fall of fresh snow. About 400 men tweet out]. Col Providence Mounts, of Mounts Creek. which empties in Youghiogheny, was out. Col. William Crawford, Major Brenton, Capt. John Stevenson, captain Scott, etc. William Brady, a blacksmith of Pittsburgh, was chosen pilot. Simon Girty was out, and wanted the appointment.

On the way out, Major Brenton lost his horse, and he got Simon Girty to remain with him, they found the horse, and rejoined the army just at the close of the fight, or rather firing, on the Indian town, in the forks of Neshaneck and Shenango and on the eastern bank of the latter. Orders had been given as they approached the town to surround it, but Colonel Mounts did not fully accomplish his part, and left a gap, and Pipe's wife and children got off, a little fall of snow on the ground. This Pipe was a brother of Captain Pipe. The mother of the Pipes, an old squaw was pursued and shot at repeatedly, when [Lieutenant] Thomas Ravenscroft ran up to the old squaw and tried to pull her away, but the bullets still flying, and had a ball through his legging; when a Major came up and put a stop to firing, when it was ascertained that the only injury she had received was the loss of an end of the little finger. An old squaw was shot by Lieut. [John] Hamilton and wounded in the leg, mistaking her for a warrior; and a soldier ran up and tomahawked her, and a second ran up and shot her. Pipe shot and wounded Captain Scott and disabled his arm, and when nearly ready to shoot again, some one shot Pipe, and Reason Virgin passing sunk the tomahawk in his head. Then commenced a wild yelling and shooting , without giving the least heed to the officers. A few cabins only were there, a little plunder obtained. This was about midday in February or March.

That afternoon a party started off for a small Indian settlement several miles up the Mahoning at a place called the Salt Licks. Simon Girty went as pilot. They did not reach the place until in the night, found the warriors all absent hunting, found a few squaws there, and took [one] prisoner and brought her off, the others were left. A small Indian boy out with a gun shooting birds was discovered and killled, and several claimed the honor; and it was left to Girty to decide, and his decision that one Zach Connell killed the lad.

At the first town, the mother of Pipe was left in the town. An old Dutchman scalped the squaw that had been killed, and put the scalp in his wallet with his provisions, and in swimminq a stream on return the Dutchman lost off his wallet, and exclaimed pathetically "O, I loss my prosoc and my sculpt" This was long a byword with the troops. (Draper 3 S 28-32)

A list of Captain John Hinkson's Company. (c.), circa 1779. (PA Archives 6th Series, Vol II, pg 272.) John Hinkson, Captain John Sellers, Lieutenant David Wilson, Ensign Privates: John Hanna, James Clifford, Robert McInoe, George Finley, High Knose, Samuel Cunning, James McDonald, Robert McDonald, William Lemmon, John Lemmon, Joseph Lemmon, Edward Burns, Wilson Buck, John Callet, Samuel Sellers, Hugh Gibb, John McMillan, Alexander Barlantine, John Burns, James McClennachan, James Staut.viii

DANIEL TRABUE'S NARRATIVE (Draper and published in a book called Westward into Kentucky)

The land office was opened this spring at Wilson's Station for entering land warrents.

So he [James Trabue] went to Licking and got to Ruddle's Station at night. And when morning [June 24, 1780] came their fort was surrounded by Indians; and Col. Byrd, a british officer from Detroyt, soon arrived with a cannon. He [Byrd] sent in a flag to the fort, Demanding them to surrender to him as prisoners of war, etc., to which they Refused. The cannon was fired twise. Done no Damage except knocked one cabin log so it moved in about 6 inches.

Capt. Ruddle insisted it would be best to Cappitulate. Capt Hinkston and James Trabue insisted to Defend the fort. At length Capt. Ruddle got a Majority on his side and petitioned Col. Byrd to capitula[ate]. The flag was sent Back and forward several times before they agreed and the articles was sighned and agreed to. James Trabue was the man that Did wright in behalf of Ruddle and the people in the fort. The termsof Cappitulation was that Col. Byrd and his white soldiers should protect the people that was in the fort and march thim to Detroyt as prisoners, and that the Indians should have nothing to Do with them, that the people's Cloathing and papers should be kept sicure to themselves with some little exceptions.

The fort gate was opined. The Indeans came rushing in and plundered the people, and they evin striped their cloaths of them and Dividing the prisoners among the indians. In a few minute the man Did not know where his wife or child was, nor the wife know where her husband or either of her children was, nor the children where ther parrents or brothers and sisters weare, all contrary to the cappatulation. Nor they had no chance of seeing Col. Byrd, as the Indians kept them to themselves. They went and took Martain's station also.

Capt. Hinkston made his escape from them and came home and told the knews. The men was mostly took to Detroyt and some woman, but the children was mostly kept with Indians. My brother [James Trabue] with many others was taken to Montreal.

Extract of a letter from Capt. Bird to Major De Peyster dated Ottawa Village first landing on the Glaize. 24th July 1780.

Col. Clarke arrived within a day or so of the time I marked for his certain arrival [Ohio River]. Capt. Hinxon who made his escape from us, had candour sufficient to tell Col. Clarke, he and the Prisoners were treated in so different a manner from what they expected, that had not his Family been at the Falls, he would have preffered going with us to Detroit.

I have much news from the private conversation with the Prisoners, and other means, respecting the situation of the country, their Force and manner of making Levies &c. &C. Many of the Prisoners would not take the oath to Congress, I don't believe we have more than two Families really Rebels, their names McGuire and Mahon - the rest are desirous of being settled in Detroit with some Land. They fled, they say, from persecution, & declare if Government will assist them to get them on foot as Farmers, they will, as Militia, faithfully defend the country that affords them protection. (Collections and Researches made by the Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society, vol.XIX, pg544.)

FLOYD'S DEFEAT from Kentucky Settlement and Statehood, p. 264-265. (mentions Thomas Ravenscroft who later became Hinkson's son-in-law)

Early in September, 1781 the settlers of Squire Boone's (Daniel Boone's brother) Station on Brashear's Creek (Shelby County), moving to the Low Dutch Station near Louisville for greater protection were intercepted and defeated with considerable slaughter, near Long Run Creek, they having been caught in an ambuscade.

Colonel John Floyd immediately collected a party of twenty-seven men, and hurried to the relief of the survivors. His party was also drawn into an ambuscade, in spite of the precautions of dividing his forces and marching with great care. And a desperate fight ensued. The Indians, it was reported, were engaged to the number of two hundred. The battle lasted for several hours. Fourteen of the whites and thirteen of the savages were killed. Floyd was severly wounded in a foot and, almost exhausted, was about to be killed by an Indian. In the nick of time Samuel Wells, a young man of twenty, quickly rode up, dismounted, gave Floyd his horse, and ran along by the side, holding to the stirrup. Colonel Floyd, out of gratitude to Wells, with whom he had been on bad terms, gave him a hundred acres of fine land. Another description of Floyd's Defeat is given in Draper MSS 5 B 64.

Another version written in 1880 by G. T. Wilcox to Thomas W. Bullit , appears in the Louisville Courier-Journal, July 28, 1880. It is republished in the Filson's Club's eight-page program of a "Pilgrimage to the sites of Floyd's Station, etc.," April 24, 1921, printed in 1921.

That night, Friday, at ten-thirty, Floyd hastily penned a note to General Clark, who was probably at Fort Nelson. The letter, dated September 14, 1781, indicates considerable perturbation. No-doubt the kind-hearted man was anguished from grief because of the loss of friends, and his wound must have given him intense pain:

"I have this minute returned from a little Excursion against the Enemy & my party 27 in number are all dispersed & cut to pieces except 9 who came off the field with Captain [Peter] Asturgus mortally Wounded and one other slightly wounded. I don't yet know who are killed. Mr. RAVENSCROFT was taken prisoner by Ithe side of] me. A party was defeated yesterday near the same place& many Women & Children Wounded. I want Satisfaction. Do send me 100 men which number with what I can raise will do. The Militia have no good powder, do send some I am & & & I can't write guess at the rest"
(George Rogers Clark Papers. Vol. III, 604.)

Draper Manuscripts 15J125 - February 21, 1885 - Chapman, T.J. Pittsburgh , Pa. Letter to L[yman] C. Draper. Encloses clipping from Johnstown, Pa. newspaper giving account of career of Capt John Hinkson; acknowledges information sent him by Draper. A.L.S. l p.

Marginal note by Draper says references to Hinkson's Run in T.J. Chapman, Conemaugh Valley (Altona, Pa., 1865) led him to send information about Hinkson to author.

CAPTAIN JOHN HAGGIN (1753-1825) Draper MSS llCC257-263 Interview of William McBride in Bourbon County Kentucky.

John Haggin was the man whose family escaped to the fort (Harrodsburg), while the Indians were burning the cabin. Haggin was on this side of the Kentucky River somewhere, I think on Licking, and Pendergrass with him. They got back while the cabin was about half burned. The others in the fort, seeing them coming, hung out a handkerchief or a flag at the east end. They made for Harrodsburg, but Pendergrass was killed. (Hugh) McGary went out and brought in Mrs. (Nancy) Haggin on a sled. Mrs. Haggin said she felt uneasy, the turkeys walked about the yard and yelped. She said she would go if she could get their. McGary went to the fort and fixed up a sled and moved them, (the wife and two children,)(one of afterwards my wife) Just as they entered the fort-gate, the Indians fired the cabin.

In April 1775, John Haggin settled about 8 miles above Cynthiana, on Hinkston, or Stoner, I don't know which, and planted a crop there. Col. John Hinkston was uncle to Mrs. (Nancy) Haggin. Hinkston had come there that same spring, only a little before Haggin. Hinkston had built some block-houses, and had (not his family, but) some hired men with him. It had been a time of peace with the Indians and a good many Indians Haggin had seen. He had come up Licking in a canoe. His wife and child (afterwards my wife, then three months old, born 5th January,) and two men only were with him. They went along, some eight or ten canoes. They stopped and talked with the Indians, but was in nowise interrupted. (of these two men, one was Alexander McMillan.) The first they heard of any Indian depredations, one Sunday Mrs. Haggin was picking beans. Perhaps two men were on their way to Haggins, through the woods. When five or six miles from there, one of them was killed. The other came in. haggin now went to Hinkstons, and from there to McClellnads fort, and thence to Harrodsburg. Hinkston brought out his family to Haggin's Station, some six or seven years after. Hinkston's Station was then burned.

Bourbon County Court Order Book (this is the same ref. as the deposition by John Sellers in my last e-mail, this deposition came after Sellers') The deposition of William McCune being of full age and duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was at the place where the letters aforesaid were marked in the [year] 1782 and that there then stood a cabbin which was called Townsends Cabbin. Question by Palmer: When was the covered cabbin which was built by John Townsend where you now live Burnt & Answer I believe in the fall 82. And further saith not. Signed William McCune. Teste David Clarkson. John Smith. Thomas Mahan.

Other records 1 haven't seen yet: John Hinkson, James Cooper, John Woods, John Townsend and William Huskins mentioned in Bourbon County office of the Clerk, Box 757.

Ivezan, Isabelle Giu, "Some Reports of Benjamin Harrison: A Revolutionary War Soldier," Ashton, Missouri, 1973. I've been trying to find this book for some time, U of KY may have it. Benj. Harrison was with Hinkson and Sellers in 1776 and 1780.

That's all the records I have that I can e-mail. I do have many others I can snail mail to you (i.e. Deeds of McCune and Hinkson from PA, deposition of Wm. Steele and others mentions Hinkson's party in KY in 1775. Abstract of deed from "Humphrey Lyon, and wife, Margaret, late Margaret Hinkson, widow of John Hinkson deed." to Samuel Hinkson (her son) and some Lairs.

I have two other records that I will mail to you that you will certainly like. One is a photo copy of a promissary note from Mr. Mills to John Hinkson. (3 cows) On the back is Hinkson's handwriting and signature. He signed the note over to John Haggin. It was dated Jan. 1789, just prior to Hinkson going to MO where he died. The other is the signature of William McCune I noticed on a petition he signed. Some Sellers names were nearby.

My next e-mail will be what I know on Hinkson from many books and records I have read. I may not be able to give you the exact references but the information is correct and may be helpful. I don't know why I saved so much info on this family but I'm glad it's going to good use. One last thing. Did you know that in Paris, Kentucky there is a man named John Hinkson living there? Take care. James Sellars

4 Feb 1998

Bob,

You're pretty close in connecting these men to the Last of the Mohicans. I read in an article on Col. James Smith which I believe said the book was partly based on his exploits during the French and Indian War. Aiso the affair in Kentucky when Daniel Boone's daughter was kidnapped played a part in the story. There is a book still in print by Neil Swenson called First Rebel, which is book of fiction based on Col. James Smith's life during the French and Indian War.

I don't know if there is a connection or not between the Coopers. I do know that James Cooper's widow and son eventually settled in Bourbon County on Coopers run.

I have a copy of the article on Ruddles Station you talk about, it's pretty good. I've been to the area in Kentucky but I never made it to the actual site of the fort. I do know there is a monument at the site. I'm not sure if it is accessible or not to the public.

Now I'll try to give some of what I have seen in books and records relating to the family of John Hinkson. This should point you in the right direction in you search.

We know Col. Hinkson's father came from Ireland, more correctly, Northern Ireland. This would most likely make the Hinksons Scotch-Irish. There are many good books in print on this subject if you want to learn about these people. In one book, John and Elizabeth Hinkson (don't quote me on the wife's name) were living in Philadelphia around the 1740's or '50. Could be Col. Hinkson parents.

I'm pretty sure John Hinkson was living in Cumberland Co. PA near Shippeneburg at least by 1764. he was listed in the tax records as living in Hopewell Twp. w/ no land. He was in the tax list until about 1769 or '70. Also around 1768 in the same township there was a John Haggin. This is the same place that my Sellers family were living at the time. Hinkson purchased land on the Conemaugh River near the present town of Johnstown in 1769. I'm pretty sure he wasn't at this location before 1769. Before the Treaty of Stanwix was signed in 1769, which opened up this area to settlers, the only people living there were Indian traders and the military.

I don't think the name Johnstown has anything to do with Hinkson, but there is a Hinckston Creek and a Hinckston Dam in this town. This was named after him. Between 1769 and 1774 the only thing I read about Hinkson was that he was ordered to oversee the construction of a road between Ligonier and Squirrel Hill Old Town, this being the place he lived. May of 1774 was the time of the Wipey affair and it angered Arthur St. Clair, a neighbor, but really didn't bother the people in the area, though. Most people didn't care too much for the Indians. As far as family connections, Col. Hinkson's mother married a McCune, probably before 1750. There were several McCunes living in Hopewell Twp. in Cumberland Co. Actually they were one of the founding families who came there in 1733. There were at times according to tax records a John, John Jr., and Robert McCune living in that area. Hinkson's niece married John Haggin according to some records.

Hinkson served in Dunmores war in 1774 commanding a company of about 10-15 men. He was a Lieutenant in the Yougheigheny Co. VA militia despite some accounts saying he was a Major. This was after the Wipey affair. Yougheigheny Co. doesn't exist anymore and actually overlapped with Westmoreland at that time. There is a Book called Virginia records in Pennsylvania which has the muster roll and a record of Hinkson being in court in 1779 proving his service as a lieutenant in that war.

Hinkson came to KY in 1775 returned to PA that fall and went again in '76 and again returned to PA. He returned in 1780 and you know the rest. One myth about Hinkson written in many books is the capture and escape of him in 1775 while in Kentucky. I saw one version in the Bio of John W Hinkson on the Hinkson-L archives. The one thing that makes the story incorrect is that it states the renegade Simon Girty captured him and gave him his uniform and then Hinkson escaped. All that is true except it took place in 1780 and not 1775. Simon Girty was a friend of Hinksons and they served together in the Squaw Campaign in Feb-Mar 1778. Girty didn't go to the British side until Apr of 1778. This was because no one would give him a Captain's commission.

Hinkson was at Mann's Lick in 1780, an old salt station located near the present town of Sheppardsville, KY. He was in Jefferson County Court in April of 1781 w/ John Sellers and appeared on a poll to elect delegates. In the Draper Man. there are some Court records from the same day which show that Hinkson also received a Captain's commission. Also receiving Commission's was Squire Boone, Daniel Boone's brother. By Sept of '81 he moved to Haggin's Station near Harrodsburg.

Hinkson's son didn't think he was out on Clark's campaign of '82 but he was listed as a private in Capt. John Smith's company that did go on the Campaign. (Lincoln Co., Nov 1782) It was not uncommon for an officer to serve sometimes as a private. He was in a different county anyway. James Harrod was angered one time for receiving a Maj.'s commission instead of a Lt. Col's so he turned it down and served as a private. Capt. Smith settled near John Sellers on the So. Fork Licking River. Also, in Jan 1783 in Lincoln County, Nathan Sellers, John Smith and William McCune were ordered to settled Francis McBride's estate after he was killed in 1782.

Hinkson was surveying land w/ Sellers and others around Ruddles Station in 1783 and 1784. He moved back here about that time. Bourbon County was formed in 1785 and Hinkson was elected Major in the militia. Benj. Harrison was Lt. Col. Hinkson was in Harmar's Campaign in 1785 or 86. He was made Lt. Col about 1788 and was the Sheriff. in 1789 he was a Col and went to MO with Lawrence Harrison, brother to Benj. Harrison. to look at the country. He died at New Madrid Is his grave marked? The Draper Manuscripts have many brief accounts about Hinkson during the years of 1784 to 1789 regarding his forays with the Indians.

Another myth in the books is that Ruddles Station and Ruddles Mills are one in the same, this is not true. Two different places but near each other. the Cedars didn't exist until after Hinkson died, found by the Lairs. Also some accounts state that Hinkson's family were prisoners of the Indians after the capture of Ruddles Station, this is also not true.

Well, that's about all I can think of right now. If anyone has any questions let me know and I'll try to answer them. Sincerely, James Sellars
4 Feb 1998

Bob,
The book I told you about regarding John Hinkson's service in Dunmore's War was actually Virginia Records In Southwestern Pennsylvania. Some of the members of the company were John Haggin, James Cooper, John Townsends, William Sheilds, and others.

Another book which has a brief mention of Hinkson and the killing of Wipey is the Documentary History of Dunmore's War by Thwaites and Kellogg.

Take care,
James Sellars
6 Feb 1998

Bob,

I'll do my best to answer your questions. I made the assumption that John Hinkson's mother remarried before 1751 because of the age of William McCune. I also made the assumption that she married a McCune because William is not a Hinkson. I just put two and two together. I'm not sure if that answers the question. Hinkson's interview will give you the best clues. I'll have to sit down and read the interview and see what I come up with.

If I told you that John Hinkson was born in the colonies I may be incorrect. The best information on that may come from the interview Draper did with John Hinkson's son, John. His birth date is closer to 1729 to 1730 based on his son's estimation that his father was 58 or 60 when he died. He died some time after June of 1789 in MO, but before June (I think) 1790 when his wife remarried to Humphrey Lyon. I say after June of 1789 because in the Kentucky Gazette on that date there was an article that said Hinkson and Harrison went down the Ohio to MO. The marriage record of Margaret Hinkson and H. Lyon should be in the Bourbon or Harrison County Court records. Another record from the Draper Man. said that Hinkson "sickened and died" in MO..

There is another bio in a book about prominent men from Ohio. I can't remember the exact title but it was a book with many short biographies of Ohio people of the 19th century. There is one on a General Thomas Hinkson, Col John Hinkson's son. I do believe it said that Col John Hinkson was born in Ireland. If you can find that it should give you some clues.

I don't know what book I saw John Hinkson and wife in Philadelphia but if you start looking at books with Philadelphia records you may find something. The one thing I do remember is that the date was far enough back that it wasn't Col. John Hinkson. I also remember that the wife listed wasn't Margaret.

As far as coming from Northern Ireland, I based that on John W. Hinkson's bio saying that the family came from near Belfast. Also, if you know the religion of the Hinksons that will help too. If my guess is right they were Protestant and Presbyterian. Most if not all Irish Presbyterians were Scotch-Irish from Northern Ireland. In those days people didn't make a distinction between north and south. Another name for these people were Ulster Scot, in those days the term Scotch-Irish didn't exist. So basically if they are Protestant they are from the north and if Catholic they are from the south. There's never any guarantees though.

I remembered some more references for you. In a book called Virginia Soldiers in the American Revolution there is a record of Lt. Thomas Ravenscroft receiving bounty land and it mentions Col John Hinkson. I saw a letter in a book, which I can't remember, but it had a letter from and individual that was in MO in 1789. It was interesting because the person said they had met a "Col. Hinkston" who was in the area looking at the land. It was an early book on Missouri History.

I'll be going to San Antonio and Dallas, Texas next week and I will take some leave to visit my father. I plan on going to the Dallas Library one day to look a few things up. I'll see what I can find. I can look for some Hinkson material and try to find some of those references that I
have seen in the past. If you have any questions at all, I'll be glad to answer them. Take care. Sincerely, James Sellars

7 Feb 1998

Bob,
I have everything ready to mail to you but I have lost your address. I think I accidentally deleted it before I could write it down. So if I can get your address again I will mail this package out on Monday. Don't worry about the postage because I've received much information from other people and I'll send more out. It evens out in the long run.

I just received a book in the mail called "The Scotch Irish" and it has part of a diary by Reverend David McClure. He was a Presbyterian minister who traveled through western PA in 1772 and 73 preaching to the people there. There is mention of him preaching the first sermon at Squirrel Bill, where Hinkson and McCune were living. It even mentioned Wm. McCune twice in the diary. I'll send it to you. You'll enjoy reading it because it will give you the general character of the people living in that area at the time.

Here is what I have regarding land deeds in PA on Hinkson, McCune, and others. I thought I kept the records but I didn't. I just have this from my notes.

Westmoreland Co. PA Deed Book Volume A Part 1 1773-1784 p.52 - John Hinkson for 200 pounds to Thomas Galbraith of Ligonier in Westmoreland, 2 improvements adjoining the lands of Joseph Brady, Samuel Gibb, Michael Huffnagle, George Finley (or Findley), Abraham Hendricks, Robt. Johnson and George Cummins. dated Aug 29, 1774.

p.53 - John Haggin to John and Thomas Woods of Fairfield adjoining Enos McDonald, John Haggin's improvement. June 8, 1773.

p.53 - John and Thomas Woods to John Thompson of Cumberland Co. for 50 pounds. Mar 28, 1774.

p.64 - John Hinkson to T. Galbraith 400 pounds, 270 acres on Conemaugh bounded by William McCune, John Woods, being the Squirrel Hill Old Town. Aug 29, 1774.

p.146 - William McCune to Barnard Dougherty, 750 pounds on north side of Conemaugh. Jan 10, 1780.

p.146 - William McCune to B. Dougherty, 2000 pounds, on north side of Conemaugh bounded by David Wilson on the east. 336 acres. Jan 10, 1780.

take care,
James Sellars

13 Apr 1998

JOHN ZINN - Kentucky Ancestors, Winter 1990, Vol. 25, No. 3, Pg 153-156.
Kentucky Ancestors in Pioneer Days - The Taking of Ruddle's Station, 1780, by John Zinn. (Contributed by Dr. Roseann R. Hogan (4504 Arvice Ct., Lexington, KY 40503)

In this sworn declaration (recorded in Grant County, Kentucky, Order Book A, p. 453), John Zinn recounts the attack on Ruddle's Station, the arduous wilderness trek, and his ultimate imprisonment in Detroit with others taken in Kentucky. Transcribed here verbatum is Zinn's original pension application contained in his revolutionary War service file in the National Archives (Secretary of War papers Pen. 3 KY 96; pension W-6379; Bounty Land Warrant, B.L.Wt. 34520-160-55). The clerk's spellings have been retained, except for his misspelling of "Riddle," which has been corrected to "Ruddle" throughout the transcription. Punctuation necessary for clarity has been added to the text.

Born June 21, 1763, in Berks County, Pennsylvania, John Zinn came to Kentucky and married Elizabeth Kiser (1765-1844) in Pendleton County on August 10, 1795. He died in Grant County, kentucky, on April 17, 1847. In his will, John named his sons Joseph, William and Hiram Zinn (married Zerelda Conyers); his daughters Rebecca (married James Tayler) and Sarah (married William Hazelwood); his grandson, John P. Harrison (child of Mary Zinn, who predeceased her father); and his granddaughters Elizbeth Taylor and Harriett and Louisianna Hazelwood (will dated 21 June 1841; proved 10 May 1847; recorded 5 July 1847, Grant Co. Will Book C, pp. 53-54).

State of Kentucky
County of Grant

On this 12th day of may 1834, personally appeared in open court before the Justice of the County Court of Grant now sitting, John Zinn a resident of the county of Grant and State of Kentucky aged about seventy-one years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 1832.

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated that is to say: He arrived in the month of January 1780 at a station called Ruddle's Station which is situated at or near the junction of Hin[k]ston and Stoner which forms what is called the south fork of Lickin[g] River, the place of the station being now in the county of Bourbon and state of Kentucky but then the district of Kentucky and State of Virginia. And was immediately enrolled as a minute man in the militia of the state of Virginia under the command of Captain Isaac Ruddle, L[i]eutenant Casper Casner and an ensign whose name is not now distinctly recollected but he thinks his name was David Patton.

He does not know to what regiment he belonged nor who was the field officer of the same as during his service there was not any field officer at the said station nor was there any other company there save the one to which he belonged but he has understood that Colonel Benjamin Logan was the Colonel of the Regiment but he can not say whether he ever understood this before his return from captivity.

Some time in the latter part of the month of February 1780 in consequence of a suspicion of being attacked by the Indians the aforesaid Captain Ruddle called on this declarant to enter upon military
duty and this declarant did immediately in a regular manner enter upon the same and served under the said Ruddle with the aforesaid L[i]eutenant and Ensign in the aforesaid Ruddle's Station (he at the time residing in said station) and continued so to served until, as well as this declarant now recollects, until the 24th day of June 1780 or near that time.

His service consisted in guarding the station and hunting for the support of the station. Says he guard[ed] his turns and hunted his turns. There was however some times during the aforesaid period that the guarding was very slack, rather a guarding in name than a guarding in fact. But this declarant considered himself as regularly in the service all of the aforesaid time and actually under orders of his officers.

On or about the day of 11th day of March 1780, as well as this declarant can now recollect, the Indians attacked the said station at or near day break and continued to operate against station until late in the night and succeeded in wounding one man only named Andrew Beard who was shot in the right side of the breast and the ball lodged inside the skin on the back and Captain Ruddle cut it out and he recovered. The Indians, although they did not succeed in killing any person in the station, did succeed in killing a number of cattle, sheep and a few dogs and carried off a number of horses.

On or about (as well as this declarant can now recollect) the 24th day of June 1780, Captain Byrd of the British Service accompanied by about 150 or 200 British regulars, [illegible] pieces of cannon and near about 500 Indians arrived and attacked the said Ruddle's Station Beginning the attack about sunrise and ending about three o'clock when the forces in the station surrendered. There was no one in the station either killed or wounded before the surrender but as this declarant was informed by others there was some 3 or 4 who was old and sick killed by the Indians afterward.

On the second day after the surrender aforesaid, the British and a part of the Indians marched for Martin's Station which they succeed in taking as this declarant afterwards learned from prisoners who said they were taken in said Martin's Station, and also from the British soldiers he learned the same fact. At the time that the British set out for Martin's Station, the prisoners taken at Ruddle's Station (say about fifty or sixty effective men bound to military duty and between one hundred and one hundred and fifty others consisting of old men, women and children) was apportioned out in small parties among the Indians who was to proceed in small parties to Detroit.

This declarant and one other prisoner (soldier was given in charge of three Indians who tied us and proceed down the south fork of Licking River to the mouth of Raven Creek (by land) where we took bark canoes and descended the River to its mouth and crossed the Ohio River and landed about where Cincinnati, Ohio, now stands. Then we passed over by land to Detroit where we arrived near the first. Although we were tied when we first set out, we were tied only about five or six days. The balance of the way, we were guarded without being tied. After this, declarant had arrived at Detroit. The other which had been taken at Ruddle's Station continued to come in detached parties for several weeks. (This declarant does not think that all ever arrived.)

When the British Captain (Bird) [Byrd] and his company altogether with some Indians arrived with the prisoners which they had taken at Martin's Station (say about near the same number which had been taken at Ruddle's station) when all was kept guarded in a ring of a picketed fort for a considerable time (time not recollected) when something like half was sent off to work for their support but was watched in such a manner as totally to put it out of their power, situated as we were, to make our escape. And if there was any who would not work for their support, it was understood that they would be still confined but all who was left did work for their support so far as this declarant was informed.

We were scattered about among the inhabitants, just in proportion as they could make our labour profitable to themselves. Thus those of us who was left remained until about Mat 1781 when there was a considerable number of those who were left last fall taken on board of the shiping and was, or was intended to be, conveyed to Quebeck.

The balance still remaining as before, still working for their support at Detroit and neighborhood, but so arranged among the inhabitants as to make it impossible for them to leave and return home so that this declarant and those who remained was kept as prisoners of war until the close of the Revolutionary war and until the news of peace reached Detroit which this declarant now thinks was some time in the year 1783. The period of the year not now recollected but when the news of peace did reach Detroit in an official manner, this declarant as well as all of the other prisoners that remained were informed that they were at liberty to return home or remain at their pleasure and many did return so soon as they could obtain the means and some remained.

This declarant and seventeen others after having obtained the means and provided themselves in such a manner as they thought they could with safety encounter the wilderness did on the 28th day of June 1784 set out for the United States (the names of all of the seventeen not now recollected) and traveled to the head waters of the Alegany [Allegheny] and then down that stream until it could be naviaged with canoes when we made bark canoes and then descended in the canoes to Pittsburgh where we separated and went in different directions.

This declarant and four others descended the Ohio River to a place then called Lime Stone, now Maysville, and then went by land to Lexington, State of Kentucky, where we arrived on the 14th day of August 1784. The four who accompanied him was Richard Rue, Benj. Cottingkon, Ransom Tinsley and Thomas McGuire.

.... [Text deleted here is concerned with calculations by Zinn of the time which he served.] This declarant will say.... That in all he was in the said service two years and eight months leaving out the year 1783....It will be perceived that the declarant cannot give all of the dates but this cannot be expected as many years have passed since and this declarant, not knowing that it would ever be of any advantage to him, did not chargehis memory with any of the events except such as was of such importance to him as to make a lasting impression on his mind. He has no record evidence of his service having received no discharge from his officers nor does he know of any person now living by whom he can prove all or any of his service except Michael Leonard and Elizabeth Franks neither of whom can I with any convenience have at court nor do I know whether (from their age and circumstances) they will be able to recollect the service circumstantially but I will procure their depositions at a future day.

He has no record of his age nor has he any other data by which he can ascertain his age except that his uncle John Link told him in February 1780 that he was over the age of sixteen. Therefore, he must have been born in the year 1763, but the time of the year was not ever known to this declarant which is the reason that he says that he is about seventy-one years.

He was born in the County of Berks and State of Pennsylvania and lived in said county and state with his father until he was about twelve years old when his uncle John Links took him to the county of Augusta, State of Virginia, and he has not seen his father since about September 1779 when he moved with his said uncle to Ruddle's Station then in the District of Kentucky, now in Bourbon County, Kentucky, where he resided in the month of January 1780 and where he entered the service and was taken prisoner as before stated and detained. And he arrived at Lexington, Kentucky, from his captivity as before stated on the 14th day of August 1784, where he remained until May 1785 when he removed to what is now Bourbon County, Kentucky, where he remained until the month of May or April 1789 when he removed to what was then Pendleton County, now Grant County, and State of Kentucky, where he now ever since resided and does now reside say forty five years.

His services was in the militia of Virginia. He never served with any other troops than the company to which he belonged and consequently as he was taken a prisoner and remained until the war was over. He never knew any of the regular officers or continental troops. For the reputation in his neighborhood of his having been a revolutionary soldier here refers to the certificates which follows this declaration of James How and James Winnans of the County of Grant, there being in my neighborhood no clergyman whose attendance he can procure. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension Role of the agency of any State or Territory whatever. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid,

John Zinn

17 Apr 1998

Bob,

A while back I sent you a bio on Col. Hinkson written by Lyman C. Draper as to told to him by Hinkson's son, John. I didn't relized it until yesterday, but I didn't send the entire bio. Here it is:

"In '89, Col. Hinkson went to New Madrid to look at the country, and there died. - He was probably about 58 or 60 years old: 6 feet and 1 inch - raw boned, dark complexion : leaving a wife and nine children. He and James Cooper killed Wipey, who had some figure against Hinkson and threatened his life - once came with two other Indians and wanted Hinkson to go a hunting with him - Hinkson went a little distance and knowing of Wipey's threats fell a little behind, and presenting his gun told them he knew their object and to move off or he would shoot some of them. They went off - and a few days after, with Cooper, came upon Wipey in a trail and shot him - expecting he would watch Hinkson and kill him. A party of Indians came to the region of Hinkson's Station and stole horses (after '83) and wounded John McCord in the chin riding to meeting on Sunday - Hinkson raised a party of 7 or 8 and pursued the Indians, and near mouth of Locust, came upon them encamped, and Hinkson killed one, David Wilson killed another just as he was getting into his canoe - the third escaped. This occurred the same spring Kenton waylaid and killed Indians at mouth of Locust; and of these latter Kenton rescued a horse they had stolen from Hinkson."

This David Wilson was the same man who served as Hinkson's ensign in the Westmoreland County, PA militia in 1777-1780. Here's another story of the attack on Ruddle's Station in 1780 by Hinkson's crony, Simon Girty, from "History of the Girtys, by Consul Willshire Butterfeild, Cincinnati, 1890, pg. 89. "Capatin Bird arrived at noon with the rest of the force and smaller of the two feild peices. After two discharges of this gun, the captain sent Simon Girty with a flag of truce demanding the surrender of the fort. According to Girty's story, many rifles were pointed at him as he entered the stockade. he declares he kept cool, and informed those inside the pickets that, unless they surrendered, they would all be killed: a determination they clearly saw would be carried out, in the event of longer resistance, as the other field peice was now brought up. The two would soon, of course, batter down the frail stockade."

Here's another account by Simon Kenton, from "Simon Kenton" by Edna Kenton. This is from Kenton's narrative in the Draper Manuscript collection "Kenton Papers." "In the spring of 1780, the Indians with Captain Bird, a British officer and his men, came into Kentucky, and took Riddle's and Martin's Stations. The Kentukians then sent on a request to George Rogers Clark desiring him to command us against the Indians. He sent an answer that he would. Charles Gatliffe and myself went on to Riddle's and Martin's Stations, and found them both taken, and a number of people lying about killed and scalped. We then took Captain Bird's trail from there on to the South Fork of Licking, where Falmouth now stands; and when we got there, we found Captain Bird had built a block-house, and made a stockade fort - and Bird and the Indians had both left there. We returned to Harrodsburg."

Charles Gatliff's wife and five children were at Martin's Station when it was captured. One child was killed. Charles was out hunting at the time. I had a 5th great-grandfather, Jonathan Sellers, who served in the War of 1812 and was killed at the Battle of River Raisin in Michigan in 1813. I noticed when looking over some muster rolls of other companies that were there I saw a Private John Hinkson in Capt Maurice Langhorne's company of Bourbon County Militia. It didn't say whether or not he was in the battle. A majority of this company was taken prisoner while a third were either killed or missing. Also in the company was a Private James McCune who was taken prisoner. Also, I remember seeing in an index of Revolutionary War pensions a John Hinkson listed. The Hinkson listed was probably Col. Hinkson's son, and it stated his pension was for service in the Indian Wars, probably in 1790's.

That is all. James

19 Apr 1998

Bob,
I forgot to answer your e-mail the other day regarding records that you wanted to send. Yes, if you don't mind I would like copies of the records you found on Hinkson. Thanks.

Here are a few items on Hinkson I have found in my notes.

1. Draper Manuscript Collection, 3BB1 "According to Gen. Wm. Lytles narrative; on April 11, 1780 - Capt. John Hinkson and others arrived at Limestone - probably soon discovered it was unsafe with so small of a colony."

There was a notation regarding Flint's geography of the West and Flint's Miss Valley 1st ed II, pg 459. These are books written by Timothy Flint in the 1830's or 40's. I looked at both books and didn't find anything on Hinkson. Will have to look again.

I remember reading in a book of Kentucky families the story of the family of Ash Emerson, Moses Cherry, and Stephen Archer. It mentioned that these men came back to Kentucky in 1780 with Hinkson and Lytle and arrived at Limestone on April 11th. In Capt. Hinch's tax list which
lists Hinkson and McCune it also has listed Moses Cherry and Ash Emerson. I have never found the referenced narrative of Gen. William Lytle but it may be found in Draper's Manuscripts.

Also, there is a book called "The Movers," not sure of the auther. It's a fictional account of the family of Ash Emerson et al from Ireland to Pennsylvania to Kentucky. Pretty good book.

2. Draper Manuscript Collection - 51J104
Jefferson County Court Records copied by Draper mentions that on April 3, 1781, John Hinkson, Peter A'Sturgis, Squire Boone (Daniel Boone's bro.), and four others received Captain's commissions. New captains were elected in Aug of 1781; Hinkson wasn't one of them.

Also, I remember seeing in the Jeff. Co. records that John Hinkson and John Sellers appeared on a poll to elect delegates. (dated April 3, 1781) Hinkson was in a few other records where he and Peter A'Sturgis were ordered to settle the estate of a man named Westovell. (abt 1780)

3. Lincoln County Court Records. May 18, 1786 - John Hinkson v. Patrick Callighan. No other info listed, probably a land dispute.

4. Draper Manuscript Collection - 1S18
"Col. Hinkson sickened and died near New Madrid Missouri in 1789."

5. The Kentucky Genealogist V 10, pg 102-107
Lincoln County Court Order Books
August 20, 1783 - John Hingston Pltf. against Elias Fisher, Deft. In trespass. "the deft. is in no wise guilty of the trespass in the declaration mentioned. It is therefore the opinion of the court that the plaintiff take nothing by his bill but for his false clamour be in mercy, etc., and that the said deft. go hence without day and recover against the pltf. his costs. by him about his defense in this behalf expended."

Elias Fisher ordered to pay Joshua Barbee and George Campbell each fifty pounds of tobacco for two days allowance as witnesses for him at the suit of John Hinkson.

Hinkson and John Sellers also appeared several times as jurors in other cases.

5. The Kentucky Genealogist V11, pg34
Lincoln County Court Order Book
August 20, 1783 - John Hingston Pltf., against Patrick Jordan, Deft, In debt. Ordered that the suit be discontinued.

6. Based on the entry books at the libray in Frankfort Kentucky the following lands were entered at Wilson's Station on June 24, 1780 (same days as the Ruddle's St. attack) There were about 100 names to include the following.

Pat Callaghan (in Johnston and Garrett's name)
Dan Callighan (same)
John Woods (in Moses Moore's name)
John Haggin
William McCune
John Hinkson
John Sellers
William Huskins
Benjamin Harrison (he also made entries for Wm Harrison, Benj Johnston, and Thomas Moore based on a depostion he made)

I always thought this was kind of interesting because of the date. I know Wm. McCune stated he saw John Haggin at Lexington while on his way to Ruddle's St. Another fact is that John Haggin was at Harrodsburgh in Feb of 1780 and received the settlement certificates for Hinkson, Sellers, McCune, and Woods (they were still in PA). So I'm thinking that John Haggin entered the land at the land office for these men so they could go to Ruddles. I'm sure these arrangements were made at Lexington when these men saw Haggin there. Haggin wasn't at Ruddles when it was taken but the others, except Wood, were. Based on Harrisons deposition, he made the entries for his brother and others, so he wasn't at Ruddles either. He must have spent a short time there because he stated he was at the "cave spring" on the So. Fork Licking in May or June of 1780 with Hinkson and Sellers. Also McCune deposed that he and Hinkson were at Thomas Moore's and Benj Johnston,s improvement in the spring of 1780 while living at Ruddle's St.

Based on the various depostions I'm sure that with Hinkson in 1780 when the left PA were William McCune, David Wilson (Hinkson's ensign), Benjamin Harrison (resigned his Capt's commission to go to KY), and probably John Sellers (Hinkson's Lieutenant). regarding Sellers, I base this on the fact that he was with Hinkson and Harrison at Ruddles and was taken prisoner. Anyway one thing I know for sure is that there was a great push towards Kentucky in 1780 because of the opening of the land office to receive the settlers entries.

All of these little clues are starting to fit together regarding who was where at the time the station was attacked and how it got that way. If you have any ideas please let me know. When I get it all figured out I'll put it to paper so it's some sort of logical order as to the events leading up to the Ruddle's St. attack.

7. One last thing. I think this is from one of the Colonial Records of PA references I gave you earlier regarding some letters of Arthur St. Clair.

Arthur St. Clair to Gov. William Penn, June 12, 1774 "All that great country between the road (Forbes) and that River (Allegheny), being totally abandoned, except a few who are associated
with the people who murdered the Indian (Wipey), and are shut up in a small fort on Connymack (Conemaugh), equally afraid of the Indians and officers of Justice."

I think we know who he's talking about. That is all for now.
James


Mon, 04 May 1998

Bob,

This is an account of the attack on George Findley in Sept. of 1777. John Hinkson and 12 men were the "squad of men" who buried Findley's apprentice boy.

The Frontier Forts of Western Pennsylvania, pg 284-285, foot note 72.

"The fact of this boy's killing is corroborated in a letter to Jeff W. Taylor, Esq., of Greensburg, Pa., from William reynolds, Esq., of Bolivar, Pa., Nov. 15th, 1894, and given for reference here. Mr. Reynolds is a grandson of George Findley, spoken of, and is now seventy-six years of age. His account is from direct report. he says that George Findley and his bound boy, fourteen or fifteen years of age, but large and strong, started back from Palmer's Fort, whither they had
fled, in hopes of recovering a mare that had left them and which they supposed had returned home. They kept in the woods, not venturing into the clearings, but notwithstanding this they were fired upon by some Indians, the boy falling. Findley, shot through the arm and bleeding much, effected his escape, and returned to Fort Palmer, bringing back with him, however, a girl who had remained about the Rogers settlement. This girl subsequently became the mother of the Hills, of near Ninevah. 'The next morning a squad of men went back and found the boy scalped, his brains knocked out, and stripped naked. They buried him.'

Fort Palmer was about six miles from Ligonier, on the line of the flight of the settlers from Conemaugh and upper Ligonier Valley."

Also pg 284, foot note 71 mentions John Hinkson.

"Capt. Hinkson (otherwise Hinkston) is spoken of before. It is altogether probable that he is the same person who was connected with the murder of the friendly Delaware, Wipey. Some of the whites of the neighborhood condoned the murder in their suspicians and distrust of all red men. Hinkston, Hinckston or Hinkson, as the name is variously spelled, was from that neighborhood. To the conveyance of a location he had made on Conemaugh - he spells his name Hinkson."

I found the commission of Ensign John Lemmon in his pension record. Lemmon served in the 1st company of the First Battalion of Westmoreland County, PA when Hinkson and Sellers served in the 3rd company at the same time. All of the commissions were dated the same, June 10, 1777. The commissions were returned to the individuals in September of that year. If you change the name and rank in the commission you have the exact verbiage that was on Hinkson's and Sellers' commissions. I thought you might find it interesting. John Lemmon later served as a private in Capt. Hinkson's company (abt. 1779) The words in paranthesis are hand written, the rest is type set. This is how it would have read:

In the NAME and by the AUTHORITY of the FREEMEN of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, The SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL of the said Commonwealth, To (John Hinkson) WE, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, DO, by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to be (Captain of a Company of Foot in the First) Battalion of Militia, in the County of (Westmoreland) You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of (Captain) by doing and performing all Manner of Things theretunto belonging. And We do strickley charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your Command, to be obedient to your Orders as (Captain). And you are to observe and follow such Orders and Directions as you shall from Time to Time receive from the Supreme Executive Council of this Commonwealth, or from your superior Officers, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, and in Pursuance of the Acts of Assebly of this State. This Commission to continue in Force until your Term, by the Laws of this State, shall of Course expire.

GIVEN under the lesser Seal of the Commonwealth, at Philladelphia, this (tenth) Day of (June) in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and (seventy seven)
Test. (T. Matlack, Esq.) (Tho Wharton jun Pres)


Wed, 06 May 1998

Bob,

I found these two references on the web. They are located at the State Library in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The first is a microfilm copy of the proclamation offering a reward for the apprehension of Hinkson and Cooper. It was printed by Hall & Sellers. The Sellers is Nathan Sellers a printer during the Revolutionary War, no relation though. The other reference is an 11 page pamphlet on the Wipey affair.

James

BAN 59589728
FIXED LEN 870605s1774 pau s00010 eng dnam a
C AUTHOR Pennsylvania. Governor (1773-1776 : Penn).
TITLE By the Honourable John Penn, Esquire, governor and
commander in chief of the province of Pennsylvania... a
proclamation. [microform] : Whereas I have received
information that, some time in May last, a certain
friendly Indian man, called Joseph Wipey, was barbarously
murdered in the county of Westmoreland... Given... at
Philadelphia, the twenty-eighth day of July... one
thousand seven hundred and seventy-four..
PUB/DATE Philadelphia: : Printed by Hall & Sellers., [1774].
DESCRIPT 1 sheet ([1] p.) ; (fol.).
NOTE Offering a reward for the apprehension of the murderers,
believed to be John Hinkson and James Cooper.
NOTE Signed: John Penn.
NOTE Royal arms at head of title.
INDEXD IN Evans 13519.
INDEXD IN Hildeburn, C.R. Pennsylvania, 3087.
NOTES Microopaque. Worcester, Mass. : American Antiquarian
Society, 1955-1983. 23 x 15 cm. (Early American imprints.
First series ; no. 13519).
SUBJECT Cooper, James.
SUBJECT Hinckson, John.
SUBJECT Wipey, Joseph, d. 1774.
SUBJECT Crime--Pennsylvania--Westmoreland County.
SUBJECT Murder--Pennsylvania--Westmoreland County.
SUBJECT Indians of North America--Pennsylvania.
SUBJECT Bounties--Pennsylvania.
SUBJECT Criminals.
GENRE Broadsides.rbgenr.
ADD AUTH Penn, John, 1729-1795.
PUBLICTN United States Pennsylvania Philadelphia.
ADD TITLE Early American imprints. First series ; no. 13519.
LOCAL HGS StateLibrary PA PDE ROOM 102 - Main Closed Stack
Microcard Evans 13518
LOCAL HGS StateLibrary PA PDE ROOM 102 - Main Closed Stack
Microcard Evans 13519
LOCAL HGS StateLibrary PA PDE ROOM 102 - Main Closed Stack
Microcard Evans 13520
LOCAL HGS StateLibrary PA PDE ROOM 102 - Main Closed Stack
Microcard Evans 13521
LOCAL HGS StateLibrary PA PDE ROOM 102 - Main Closed Stack
Microcard Evans 13522
________________________

BAN 59103493
FIXED LEN 760430r19751956xx 00000 eng dnam i
AUTHOR Stephenson, Clarence D. (Clarence David), 1919-
TITLE The Wipey affair : an incident illustrating Pennsylvania's
attitude during Dunmore's war / by Clarence D. Stephenson.
PUB/DATE [s. l. : Mahoning Mimeograph and Pamphlet Service, 1975?].
DESCRIPT 11 p. ; 23 cm.
NOTE "Reprint from Pennsylvania history, quarterly journal of
the Pennsylvania Historical Association, vol.XXIII, no.4,
Oct. 1956."
BIB NOTE Includes bibliographical references.
SUBJECT Wipey, Joseph, d.1774.
SUBJECT Indians of North America--Pennsylvania--Government
relations.
SUBJECT Pennsylvania--History--Colonial period,
ca.1600-1775.
LOCAL HGS StateLibrary PA PDE ROOM 102 - Main Closed Stacks 974.802
St 45w 1975

Sun, 03 May 1998

Bob,

This letter was written by Thomas Galbraith to the president of the Continental Congress. It goes to show how bad things really were back in those days. It is found in the papers of the Cont. Cong. Thomas Galbraith was the one who purchased Hinkson's farm in 1774.

The Sept. 27 incident is the attack on George Findley, where Hinkson and 12 men buried Findley's aprenticed boy who was killed. Findley was a neighbor of Joseph Wipey near the present town of Cramer, PA. I have a short narrative of the incident written by one of Findley's descendants. As soon as I find it I will send it. The Oct. 1 incident is the killing of Thomas Woods, Hinkson's ensign.
James

November 14, 1777
Sir,
As it is a matter much doubted whether the Indians have invaded the County of Westmoreland. I will lay before you such instances as I have noted since my return from the Assembly the 25th Sept last to Ligonier -

Sept. 27 - a boy killed and scalped on Blacklick Creek and a man wounded 20 miles North East from Ligonier.

Sept. 28 - Col. Campbell and 5 men taken prisoners , by their tracks the party was very large 20 miles north from Ligonier.

Sept. 30 - Eleven Indians fired upon 170 men, killed one man and escaped untouched altho' fired upon by our men.

Oct. 1 - One man killed 5 miles North East from Ligonier.

Oct. 12 - A man killed and scalped 21 miles south east from Ligonier on the great road leading to Bedford.

Oct. 13 - An Indian shot at Ligonier within a quarter a mile of the town by a hunter his body carried off by his party.

Oct. 22 - Two children at Palmers Fort 6 miles North East from Ligonier killed and scalped 2 other children scalped alive at the same place, likely to recover.

Oct. 24 - A man's house and grain burnt 5 miles from Ligonier the same night one Indian discovered 2 miles from Ligonier, tracks seen in several places.

Oct. 27 - A man shot at, 10 miles South West of Ligonier.

Nov. 1 - One man killed within three miles of Ligonier 2 men more killed 1 man and 1 woman missing 6 miles dist.

Nov. 3 - A man returning from scouting was ordered to stop there appeared on examing the ground 7 tracks.

Nov. 4 - Wallaces Fort attacked by a large body of Indians (the evening before 2 children were killed and scalped within 200 yards of the fort) the firing continued from 11 o'clock till dark, killed one Englishman they got him several Indians [illegible] but carried off by their companions, 5 tracks were seen 1/4 of a mile from Ligonier, Palmers Fort fired on and five several parties seen in the Valley this day.

Nov. 6 - Expected the attack at Ligonier left it on my journey to Assembly at 8 o'clock P.M. -

Nov. 8 - Coming thro' Bedford I was informed a man been killed a few minutes after I passed the Alleghenny Mountains/ upon it -

I am Sir Yours
Thos. Galbraith
Lancaster November 14, 1777
The Honble the President in Council.


03 May 1998

Bob,

Here's an account of Floyd's defeat where Lt. Ravenscroft was taken prisoner. I found this on the Lincoln County, KY genealogy page.
James

Following is an account of the Long Run Massacre and Floyd's Defeat as told by G. T. Wilcox, Squire Boone's Grandson in a letter to Hon. Thos. W. Bullitt. (from the Register of The Kentucky Historical Society.)

Eden post office (Jefferson County), Ky., July 23, 1880. Mr. Thos. W. Bullitt

Dear Sir:
Having made your acquaintance at the unveiling of the monument erected to the memory of the dead of G. John Floyd's defeat on Floyd's Fork, now in Jefferson County, you requested me to give you a narrative of what I knew of the massacre and Floyd's defeat. I am a representative of Squire Boone, being his grandson, and what I know I learned from Isaiah Boone, my uncle, a son of Squire Boone. He was at Floyd's defeat. He said that his father had built a station on Clear Creek, two miles east of where Shelbyville now stands, and that his father, with several families, left Boonesborough in 1779, settled in this, then called Boone's station. There was a station on Beargrass, three miles east of Louisville, Called Beargrass (or Floyd's Station), and one eight miles from Louisville, called Lynn's Station. Lynn's Station was on the place afterward owned by Col. R. C. Anderson. Boone's Station at that time was the only station between Harrod's and Lynn's Station. Squire Boone's station was about twenty-two miles east of Lynn's Station. Bland Ballard and Samuel Wells at that time lived in Lynn's Station, while Gen. Floyd lived in Beargrass Station.

There were two couples to be married in Lynn's Station. Bland Ballard and a man named Carris went from Lynn's Station to Brashear's Station, near the mouth of Floyd's Fork, now Bullitt County, after a Baptist minister, John Whitaker, to marry them. This was to be the first legal marriage in this part of the country. In going over, Ballard discovered an Indian trail and was satisfied there was a large body of them. He retraced his steps to Lynn's Station, sent word to Beargrass Station, and then went to Boone's Station that night. They held a meeting and agreed to leave the station and go to Lynn's Station. There were a large number of families in Boone's Station at this time, viz: the Hintons, Harrises, Hughses, Hansboro, Bryans, Van Cleves and many others. They could not all get ready to move the next day, but some were determined to go. Squire Boone was not ready and could not prevail on them to wait another day. So Major Ballard conducted this party, leaving Squire Boone and a few families in the station to come the next day. When Ballard's party reached Long Run he was attacked in the rear. He went back to protect the rear. He drove the Indians back and held them in check as long as he could. In going back he saw on the ground a man and his wife, by the name of Cline. He told Cline to put his wife on the horse and hurry on. They were in the bed of Long Run. Ballard returned in a short time, to find Cline and his wife still on the ground. He put her on his horse and gave the horse a tap with his wiping-stick and as he did so an Indian pulled a sack from her horse. Ballard shot the Indian and hurried to the front.

Here he found a great many killed and the people scattered, leaving their cattle and losing their baggage and many horses. Some reached Lynn's Station that night, and a few Boone's. Boone remained in his station for several days after that before he and his party went down to Lynn's Station. I'll give the name of a few of those that were killed on Long Run: Two Misses Hansboros, sisters of Joel Hansboro; a Mr. McCarby, a brother of Mrs. Richard Chenoweth, and a Mrs. Van Cleve, an aunt of my mother's. The next day General (then Colonel) Floyd, Colonel (then Captain) Wells, and Bland Ballard (afterward Major Ballard) and thirty-four others from Lynn and Beargrass Stations, went up to bury the dead. When they reached Floyd's Fork, Ballard said to them: 'You send a few men and ascertain where the Indians are.' He, however, was overruled and on they went. At the head of the ravine they were surrounded and sixteen of their men were shot down at the first fire. Fourteen of these were buried in one sink. They began to retreat. Isaiah Boone said that when he reached the Fork he discovered an Indian following him. He raised his gun. The Indian stepped behind a tree. Just at this time General Floyd and Colonel Wells came in sight, Floyd on foot and Wells on horseback. Wells said to Floyd: 'Take my horse.' Floyd, being large and fleshy, was much exhausted.

June 20, 1998

Bob,

Some other books you may be interested in are ones written by Allen Eckart. They're very good reading. The two that mention Hinkson are: "The Frontiersman," and "That Dark and Bloody River." Both of these books cover the time period of the Rev War and both make brief mention of Hinkson and of Ruddles Station. The first book is mostly about Simon Kenton and Kentucky history while the second covers the same time period but in the Ohio Valley area.

The second book made some errors in history related to Hinkson. Ekart briefly talks about the killing of Wipey but says that a Thomas Hinkson killed Wipey on a river in Kentucky. The books are well written though. Only a Hinkson historian could pick out those mistakes.

I've copied the material from Bradford's notes and some from The Frontiersman relating to Hinkson and Haggin. I'm going to take Eckarts sources and try to find where he got his info when I go to the states.

take care. James

Bob,

I found this information on the internet. You may or may not have seen this.

James

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Volume 99 page 147

Mrs. Grace Smart Swortfiguer.
DAR ID Number: 98464
Born in Dallas Center, Iowa.
Wife of Arthur Claghorn Swortfiguer.
Descendant of Maj. John Hinkson, as follows:
1. David Smart (b. 1828) m. 2nd 1866 Mary E. Jett (1842-95).
2. Hezekiah Smart m. Margaret Hinkson.
3. Samuel Hinkson m. 1st Nancy Wilson.
4. John Hinkson m. Margaret McCrackan.
John Hinkson (1740-1810) served as major in the warfare of Kentucky. He was captured by the Indians, but being an experienced woodsman, made his escape and brought the first news to Lexington. He was born in Virginia; died in Kentucky.
Also No. 82512.

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Volume42 page 98

Miss Mary Bess Henry.
DAR ID Number: 41251
Born in La Harpe, Illinois.
Descendant of Maj. John Hinkston.
Daughter of Dr. James Henry and Caroline Smart, his wife. Granddaughter of Hezekiah Smart and Margaret Hinkston, his wife. Gr.-granddaughter of Samuel Hinkston and Nancy Wilson, his 1st wife. Gr.-gr.-granddaughter of John Hinkston and Margaret McCracken, his wife. John Hinkston, (1740-1810), served in the warfare of Kentucky. He was captured by the Indians but being an experienced woodsman made his escape and brought the first news to Lexington. A station is named after him. He was born in Virginia; died in Kentucky.
Also No. 26790.

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Volume 43
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
page 323

Miss Margaret Birdenia Henry.
DAR ID Number: 42868
Born in Columbus, Illinois.
Descendant of Major John Hinkston.
Daughter of Dr. James Henry and Caroline Smart, his wife.
Granddaughter of Hezekiah Smart and Margaret Hinkston, his wife.
Gr.-granddaughter of Samuel Hinkston and Nancy Wilson, his 1st wife.
Gr.-gr.-granddaughter of John Hinkston and Margaret McCracken, his wife.
John Hinkston, (1740-1810), served in the warfare of Kentucky. He was captured by the Indians, but being an experienced woodsman, made his escape and brought the first news to Lexington. A station is named for him. He was born in Virginia; died in Kentucky.
Also Nos. 26790, 41251.

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Volume 45
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
page 368

Mrs. Frances Ellen Kiser Dodge.
DAR ID Number: 44919
Born in Keokuk, Iowa.
Wife of Frank Dodge.
Descendant of Major John Hinkston.
Daughter of Oscar Kiser and Jeannette Lafavor Wright, his wife.
Granddaughter of Dr. William P. Kiser and Elizabeth Hinkston, his wife.
Gr-granddaughter of Thomas Hinkston and Elizabeth Foos, his wife.
Gr-gr-granddaughter of John Hinkston and Margaret McCracken, his wife.
John Hinkston (1740-1810) served in the warfare of Kentucky. He was captured by the Indians but being an experienced woodsman, made his escape and brought the first news to Lexington. A station is named for him. He was born in Virginia; died in Kentucky.
Also Nos. 26790, 41251, 42868.

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Volume 53 page 268

Miss Ellen Lea Hillis Miller.
DAR ID Number: 52567
Born in New Orleans, La.
Wife of Ray G. Miller.
Descendant of Major John Hinkston and of Lieut. Edward Bussey.
Daughter of Isaac Lea Hillis and Cora Bussey, his wife.
Granddaughter of Cyrus Bussey and Ellen Kiser, his wife.
Gr-granddaughter of Amos Bussey (1806-65) and Hannah Tyler (1811-1901),
his wife; William P. Kiser and Elizabeth Hinkston, his wife.
Gr-gr-granddaughter of Edward Bussey, Jr. (b. 1781), and Nancy Smith, his 1st wife; Thomas Hinkston and Elizabeth Foos, his wife.
[p.268] Gr-gr-gr-granddaughter of Edward Bussey and Ruth Colgate, his wife; John Hinkston and Margaret McCracken, his wife.
John Hinkston (1740-1810) served in the Indian warfare of Kentucky. He was captured, but, being an experienced woodsman, made his escape and brought the first news to Lexington. A station is named after him. He was born in Virginia; died in Kentucky.
Edward Bussey (1740-82) served as lieutenant in the company commanded by Capt. John Ashmead, 1777. His brother, Bennet, served as captain and Jesse as member of the Committee of Safety. He was born in Harford County, Md.; died in service.
Also No. 26790.

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Volume 83
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
page 197

Mrs. Anna Thomas Talbot.
DAR ID Number: 82512
Born in Bourbon, Ky.
Wife of William Gerrard Talbot.
Descendant of Abraham Frye and of Major John Hinkston.
Daughter of Keller Thomas (b. 1844) and Martha Anderson (1844-1902), his wife, m. 1866.
Granddaughter of William Henry Thomas (1818-1900) and Nancy Keller (1821-86), his wife, m. 1838.
Gr-granddaughter of Abraham Keller (1777-1834) and Margaret Anderson (1784-1866), his wife, m. 1799.
Gr-gr-granddaughter of Jacob (or Abraham) Keller and Elizabeth Frye (1757-1837), his wife; William Anderson (b. 1763) and Margaret Hinkston, his wife.
Gr-gr-gr-granddaughter of Abraham Frye and Agnes Ann Frye, his wife; John Hinkston and Margaret McCracken, his wife.
Abraham Frye served as private, 1778, in the 1st battalion of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania militia, Capt. Charles McClay's company. He was born in Pennsylvania; died in Fallowfield, Pa.
John Hinkston (1740-1810) served in the warfare of Kentucky. He was captured by the Indians, but being an experienced woodsman, made his escape and brought the first news to Lexington. A station is named after him. He was born in Virginia; died in Kentucky.
Also No. 41251.

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Volume 86 page 3

Mrs. Mattie Edwards Clark.
DAR ID Number: 85006
Born in Bourbon County, Ky.
Wife of Walter Clark.
Descendant of John Edwards, John Kennedy, Thomas Bedford, Col. John
Hinkston and Abraham Frye, as follows:
1. Ossian Edwards (1827-69), m. 1849, Patsy Kennedy (b. 1830).
2. John Edwards, Jr. (1761-1853), m. Elizabeth Keller; Washington
Kennedy (1779-1832), m. 1812, Elizabeth Bedford (1794-1834).
[p.3] 3. John Edwards, m. - Wroe; Abraham Keller (b. 1777), m. 1799,
Margaret Anderson (b. 1784); John Kennedy, m. Esther Stilly (1745-1820);
Littleberry Bedford (1769-1829), m. Mattie Clay (1772-1864).
4. Abraham (or Jacob) Keller, m. Elizabeth Frye (d. 1837); William
Anderson, m. Elizabeth Hinkston; Thomas Bedford, m. Mary Coleman.
5. John Hinkston, m. Margaret McCracken.
John Edwards (1748-1837), a resident of that portion of Virginia now a part of Kentucky, served in the legislature, 1780. He died in Bourbon County, Ky. Also No. 51614.
John Kennedy (1742-81) enlisted, 1781, from Bedford Co., Virginia, in the Revolutionary War. He was born and died in Virginia. Also No. 81279.
Thomas Bedford (1730-85) was chosen, 1777, a member of the Committee of Safety of Charlotte County, Va. Also No. 72851.
John Hinkston (1740-1810) served as colonel in the warfare of Kentucky. He was captured by the Indians, but made his escape and brought the first news to Lexington. A station is named after him. He was born in Virginia; died in Kentucky.
Abraham Frye served as private, 1778, in 1st battalion of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania militia. He was born in Pennsylvania; died in Fallowfield, Pa. Also No. 82512.

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Volume 106 page 307

Mrs. Clay Thomas Ewalt.
DAR ID Number: 105955
Born in Bourbon County, Ky.
Wife of Joe H. Ewalt.
Descendant of Abraham Frye, Maj. John Hinkston, John Strode, Moses Thomas, and Thomas Pope, as follows:
1. Keller Thomas (b. 1844) m. 1866 Martha Anderson (1844-1902).
2. William Henry Thomas (1818-1900) m. 1838 Nancy Keller (1821-86); John Miller Anderson (1795-1866) m. 1829 Helena Pope (1808-91).
3. George Thomas m. 1817 Susanna Strode; Abraham Keller (1777-1834) m. 1799 Margaret Anderson (1784-1866); William Pope (b. 1785) m. Mary Fair (1788-1839).
4. Moses Thomas m. Elizabeth Whaley; Jacob Keller m. Elizabeth Frye (d. 1837); James Strode (b. 1765) m. 1791 Margaret Forman; Thomas Pope m. Phyliss Ann Bland.
5. Abraham Frye m. Agnes Ann Frye; John Strode m. Mary Bayles (b. 1739). Abraham Frye served, 1778, as private in the 1st battalion of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania militia, Capt. Charles McClay's company. He was born in Pennsylvania; died in Fallowfield, Pa.
John Hinkston (1740-1810) served in the warfare of Kentucky. He was captured by the Indians, but made his escape. A station is named after him. He was born in Virginia; died in Kentucky. Also No. 82512.
John Strode, a patriot, built Strode's Station, which, in 1780, was besieged by Indians. He was born in Virginia; died in Clarke County, Ky. Moses Thomas (1756-1821) was a private in Capt. John Payton Harrison's company, 2nd regiment of Virginia troops. He was born in Loudoun County,
Va.; died in Bourbon County, Ky.
Thomas Pope served in the navy as a mariner. He was born in Virginia; died in Lancaster County, Ky.

Revolutionary War Records VIRGINIA
SECTION IV

Ravenscroft, Thomas, Lieut. Cav., Capt. Benj. Field's Co. (Corps. Light Dragoons), "Troop of Horse," Ill. Regt., Va. State Line; Brig. Gen. Geo. R. Clarke. (Nos. 2,503, 4,648.) Mentioned: Maj. Thos. Quick; Capt. John Gerault, 1777, regular service in Burgess' (?) Regt. (later 8th Regt.); Col. John Gibson, Maj. Richard Taylor, Capt. Robert Bell, Com.-in-Chief, Col. Henry Han (late Adj. Gen. of Regular Forces of U.S.), Col. John Hinkston, Col. Benjamin Whaley.

Revolutionary War Records VIRGINIA SECTION IV page 561:

Ravenscroft, Thomas (A.G. 50,139), Lieut. of Cavalry in Capt. Benjamin Field's Co. of Light Dragoons, Ill. Regt. Va., under George Rogers Clark. Benjamin Field was appointed Capt. of Va. Horse May 28, 1781. He was taken prisoner Sept. 12, 1781 and returned on parole Jan. 20, 1783. He m the daughter of Col. John Hinkston, and d May 27, 1827, in Harrison Co., Ky., near Hinkston Station. He also served in the 13th and then in the 8th Va. Regts. as Ensign under Col. John Gibson, Major Richard Taylor and Capt. Robert Bell. His children were: Thomas, Robert, James, William, Polly, who m Aaron Miller; Betsey, who m John Ewatt; Nancy, who m Humphrey Hinkston and Peggy, who m Carnet Humble. In 1827 Peggy and Betsey were dead, leaving infant children, and two of his sons, Samuel and John, were also dead leaving infant children. In his will, dated May 15, 1827, he mentions his wife, Margaret; sons James, Thomas, William, Samuel and Robert; Sally Milton, heir of his son John; and Betsey, daughter of John. The will was witnessed by S. W. B. Carnagy and Conard Custer, and the admr. was Humphrey Hinkston, with William H. Todd of Frankford as atty.

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Volume 13 ADDITIONAL ANCESTORS. page 65

Mrs. Virginia Lyndall Dunbar.
DAR ID Number: 12172
Born in Indiana.
Wife of Horace Bernard Dunbar.
Descendant of Capt. John Haggin, Lieut. Benjamin Johnson and Cornelius Bybee, of Virginia.
Daughter of Joseph King and Nancy Johnson Haggin, his wife.
Granddaughter of George Washington Fairfax Haggin and Sarah Ann Norman Bybee, his wife.
Gr.-granddaughter of John Haggin and Mildred Margaret Johnson, his wife; Cornelius Bybee and Mary Lee Norman, his first wife.
Gr.-gr.-granddaughter of Rev. Samuel Haggin and Mary Floretta Fairfax, his second wife; Benjamin Johnson and Elizabeth Barbour, his wife; Benjamin Beebe and Nancy Vaughn, his wife.
John Haggin was a pioneer of Kentucky and was active in the warfare against the Tories and Indians. In 1779 he was under Col. John Bowman and served in Capt. Isaac Ruddle's company in Gen. George Rogers Clark's expedition. He died in Scott county, Ky., about 1825.
Benjamin Johnson served under Col. George Rogers Clark in the Indian
pioneer warfare of Kentucky. In the same regiment was his brother Robert.
Cornelius Bybee enlisted when a lad in the Virginia Continental Line of Infantry and was awarded a medal for bravery. He removed to Montgomery county, Ky., and 1832, aged seventy-one, was placed on the pension roil.

Abstract of Graves of Revolutionary Patriots: Volume 2

HAGGIN John Spring Hill Cem, Cane Run Ch, Mercer Co KY 52

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Volume 67 page 54

Mrs. N. Anna Gordon.
DAR ID Number: 66132
Born in Frankford, Mo.
Wife of Joseph P. Gordon.
Descendant of John Penix, Sergt. John Shannon and George Reading.
Daughter of James J. Penix (b. 1841) and Cynthia A. Reading (1852-92), his wife, m. 1869.
Granddaughter of William Penix (1801-91) and Nancy H. Thompson (1813-92), his wife, m. 1829; John Shannon Reading (1821-99) and Mahala Ann Nalley (1820-1903), his wife, m. 1842.
Gr-granddaughter of John Penix and Martha -, his wife; William Reading (1792-1869) and Margaret Shawhon (1787-1860), his wife, m. 1816; Gilbert Thompson (1772-1825) and Jennie Shannon (1778-1821), his wife, m. 1809.
Gr-gr-granddaughter of George Reading and Nancy McCune (1765-1843), his wife, m. 1790; John Shannon and Susan Alexander, his wife.
John Penix (1757-1839) was placed on the Missouri pension roll, 1833, for service as private, Virginia and Georgia troops. He was born in Virginia; died in Missouri.
John Shannon (1743-80) served as corporal in Captain Davis' company and a sergeant in the 9th Pennsylvania regiment. He was born in Ireland; died in Kentucky.
George Reading (1761-1846) volunteered, 1777, in Westmoreland County, Pa., serving in Captain Knox's company. In 1833 he applied for a pension. His claim was allowed. He was born in New Jersey; died in Missouri.

[Bob, Capt Robert Knox was stationed at Fort Preservation (Ligonier) when Hinkson was at Palmer's fort from 1777-1780. Robert Knox also is the same man who served under Hinkson in Lord Dunmore's War.]

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Volume 97 INDEX page 178

Mrs. Jennie Rule Reading.
DAR ID Number: 96570
Born in Louisiana, Mo.
Wife of Charles L. Reading.
Descendant of George Reading, as follows:
1. Dr. E. B. Rule (1848-93) m. 1873 Narcissa T. Reading (b. 1855).
2. John S. Reading (1821-99) m. Mahala Nalley (1820-1903).
3. William Reading (b. 1792) m. 1816 Margaret Shawhan (b. 1797).
4. George Reading m. Nancy McCune (1771-1842).
George Reading (1761-1846) was placed on the pension roll, 1833, of Pike County, N. Y., for service, 1777, in Captain Knox's company, Pennsylvania Line. He was born in New Jersey; died in Missouri.

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Volume 100 page 65

Mrs. Mary Downing Wood.
DAR ID Number: 99212
Born in New London, Mo.
Wife of Roy Scarborough Wood.
Descendant of George Reading, as follows:
1. Thomas Jefferson Downing (b. 1851) m. 1878 Sarah Campbell Hays (b. 1859).
2. William Casey Downing (1812-94) m. Margaret Anne Reading (1819-77).
3. William Reading (1792-1868) m. 1816 Margaret Shawhan (1797-1860).
4. George Reading m. Nancy McCune (1771-1842).
George Reading (1761-1846) was placed on the pension roll, 1833, of Pike County, N. Y., for service, 1777, in Captain Knox's company, Pennsylvania Line. He was born in New Jersey; died in Missouri. Also No. 96570.

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Volume 102
INDEX page 175

Mrs. Ruby Cash Patton.
DAR ID Number: 101582
Born in Pike County, Mo.
Wife of Lowell Russell Patton.
Descendant of George Reading, as follows:
1. J. William Cash (b. 1851) m. 1884 Minnie Adams (b. 1863).
2. Heber Adams (1816-1905) m. 1841 Elizabeth Reading (1825-1910).
3. William Reading (1792-1868) m. 1816 Margaret Shawhan (1797-1860).
4. George Reading m. 1790 Nancy McCune (1770-1842).
George Reading (1761-1846) was placed on the pension roll, 1833, of Pike County, New York, for service, 1777, in Capt. Knox's company, Pennsylvania Line. He was born in New Jersey; died in Clarke County, Mo. Also Nos. 96570, 100743.

Kentucky Land Grants
McCune, Wm - Bourbon, 400 acres, 4-25-1789, book 11, Grays Run.
McCune, Wm - Fayette, 900 acres, 1-21-1783, book 2, Hinkstons Cr.

June 21, 1998

Bob,

Hello again. John Haggin's wife's name was Nancy. I don't think her maiden name would be Hinkson. William McBribe said that Col. John Hinkson was Nancy Haggin's uncle. She couldn't be the daughter of William McCune, because of the age, so she must have been the daughter of Col. John Hinkson's sister. Just need to find out what her name married name was.

One other thing about William McBride, he was married to the daughter of John and Nancy Haggin. I'm not sure of her name but she was born January 5, 1775 or 76. William McBride's parents were Capt. William and Mrs. Martha McBride. Capt. McBride was killed at the Battle of Blue Licks in 1782. Capt. McBride had a brother, I believe, named Francis who was also killed at the Battle of Blue Licks. Nathan Sellers, William McCune, and John Smith were ordered to settle the estate in Jan of 1783.

I was looking through your notes about the birth place of John Hinkson. The way I read John Jr.'s (maybe it should be John III) statement is that his father was Colonel John Hinkson and his grandfather was John Hinkson (native of Ireland). I don't think it ever said that Col. Hinkson was the immigrant, he was probably the son of the immigrant. Then John Hinkson (native of Ireland) had two children: Col. John Hinkson and a daughter. When John Hinkson (native of Ireland) died his wife remarried a McCune, before 1751 (when William was born) The statement said that John Hinkson emmigrated to America a married man, died leaving John the pioneer and a sister. Then Col. Hinkson returned to Ireland to get part of his fathers estate and then married Margaret. Thats the way I read it. I hope it makes sense.

This is how I interpret the relationship of these people:

John Hinkson (native of Ireland) marr. ?? died before 1751.
----Col. John Hinkson m. Margaret McCracken (in Ireland abt.
1764/5)
----Daughter (name??) m. ??
----Nancy m. John Haggin
wife of John Hinkson (native of Ireland) 2nd marr. to ?? MCune
----William McCune m. Elizabeth ??

In your search for McCune's I would look in Cumberland County,PA where Hinkson lived for a while. There were many people with this last name (McCune) from 1751 onward.

Take care,
James

June 22, 1998

Bob,

This is the way I interpret this info. I don't think they actually identified the relationship of Capt. John Haggin here or misidentified the John Haggin (very common). I think that Rev. Samuel Haggin was Capt. Haggin's son (no proof) and the John Haggin who married Mildred Johnson was his grandson. Just my theory. Usually in the DAR records they don't go any further back than the ancestor who served in the Rev War. So I don't think that Rev. Samuel Haggin is the father of Capt. John Haggin. I think this makes sense. One thing to note about the DAR records is that usually contain errors, the cause of poor research. So, in most cases you have to really do your home work to verify the data.

I can give you one example regarding my family. John Sellers who was with Hinkson during the Rev War had a brother named Samuel. Samuel enlisted in 1778 at Shippensburg and served in the 8th PA Regt. and helped build Fort Laurens in Ohio. He was discharged in 1779 and moved to Westmoreland where he served ion Hinkson's Co. a short while. Several people joined DAR as a descendant of Samuel. One problem though, he never married and never had a family according to his pension record. So now I check and double check.

James

25 June 1998

Bob,

Here's the excerpt from "The Frontiersmen" by Allan W. Eckert. He says in his introduction that this book is not a work fiction. He uses a technique of taking people's words out of letters and diaries and turning them into dialogue. I would like to find the source of these stories. I think they may be found in the Simon Kenton Papers of the Draper manuscript collection. Eckert says that Hinkson named his settlement "The Cedars." I think this is false, I thought it was the name of the Lair home, named years later. I'll type the other stories in a day or two from Thomas Clark's book. His story is a similar version of the Haggin story below.

James


The Frontiersman by Allan W. Eckert

Page 111.
[May 15, 1775]
On his return, Simon [Kenton] was near the South Fork of the Licking River when a stampeding herd of buffalo made him take to a tree and while they were passing he saw another man in a tree some distance away. An hour later, when the herd had passed, he held his rifle ready and called, "Come out - show yourself!" In a voice filled with relief, the man replied, "By golly, you come out yourself!"

It was introduction enough for each to know the other spoke the common language and both descended. The stranger was John Hinkson who had, a month ago, come up the Licking with fifteen other men, some with families, and built fifteen good cabins at a lovely place he called The Cedars, about forty miles from Kenton's place.

Simon went with him to the new settlement, stayed a day and then returned to his own camp to help Williams with further planting, cultivating and clearing.

Page 134.
[March 6, 1777]
Simon Kenton had met a number of men in his twenty-two years whom he considered fools, but few were the rival of John Haggin, a diminutive man with a pinched expression and a seemingly endless amount of nervous energy seldom expended in constructive directions. From the moment they left the gates of Harrodsburg he had been aggressive and domineering, particularly where Simon was concerned. It seemed likely he detested the big young man who had brought him meat for weeks simply because of Simon's large size and well-earned reputation on the frontier.

As if he were a banty-hen caring for a brood, Haggin kneed his horse round and about the other five men, exhorting them to stay in line, to speed up or slow down. It amused rather than angered Simon and he winked at Stoner who grinned and winked back. Abruptly putting his horse into a gallop and shouting something over his shoulder about needing a scout up ahead, Haggin swept out of sight along the buffalo road. It was the consensus of the others that John Haggin would not last long in this country. If the Indians didn't kill him, some angry settler was sure to.

A few hours later Haggin showed up again, galloping toward them with all the speed his poor lathered horse could muster. The party pulled up and clods of earth flew in all directions as Haggin jerked his mount to a stop. His eyes were alight with a strange fire and he told them in a jerky, nearly incoherent manner that hundreds of Indians had surrounded Hinkson's and were camped only a short distance away.

"Then its time we get back to Harrodsburg," Simon said."Back! Haggins voice was a shriek. "The big brave scout sticking his tail between his legs and running, eh? Well I say it's our duty to spy on 'em and anybody who's not afraid can come with me. We'll leave our horses here."

He leaped down lightly and, amazingly, all but Simon and Michael Stoner followed. Simon couldn't believe it when the dismounted men tied their horses and started slinking down the road. He held up a hand for Stoner to wait and vaulted off his horse, tied the reins hurriedly to a bush, then ran to catch the men and , if necessary, knock some sense into their heads. They were just going around a bend in the road when he reached them and spun Haggin around. Haggin flushed and brought his
fists into position, his legs braced wide apart.

Before either man could speak there came the thunder of hooves and with a wave of his arm Simon motioned Stoner to go on back. He clapped a huge hand over Haggin'' mouth and dragged him into the bushes, whispering to the others to following. They weren't an instant too soon. Ten mounted Indians led by Chief Black Fish swept past them and broke into shrill cries when they saw the horses ahead. Stoner was already crouched low over his own mount's neck as he raced away.

For a moment, as they thundered past the riderless horses, the Indians seemed bent on chasing Stoner; but after only a hundred yards Black Fish raised a hand and they wheeled about and returned to the animals. Puzzled, they looked around sharply for the riders, glanced back in the direction in which Stoner had disappeared and held a muttered conference. It was apparent they were worried that this might be advance indication of a large army of whites and without delay they loosened the reins and led the horses after them in the direction from whence they had come. Only when they were out of hearing did Kenton release his hand from over Haggin's mouth.

"You want to be a big man," he said icily, "so now's your chance. Those Shawnees'll be back soon. You get back to Harrodsburg fast with word they're coming. Likely the Injens'll try to pick up our trail. Backtrack every now and then to throw them off. Walk in water where possible. Stay off soft ground. Go in twos, stay off the road. Two on one side, two on the other. Don't stop for rest or anything. If Mike doesn't get through, the lives of everyone at Harrodsburg'll depend on you. Get through! Tell Clark I've gone on to Boone to warn him."

With that he took on last look down the road and then loped away in that mile-eating run towards Boonesboro.

End.

26 June 1998

Bob,

I saw this e-mail on the rootsweb page. I e-mailed this lady and gave her a little information on James. Hopefully we can add another researcher to our mission.

James


Seeking information on John or James {Per Draper} Cooper who died in an Indian raid on Licking Creek in Kentucky, near to Hinkstons Station in 1776. Per Draper this James Cooper helped Col Hinkson kill the Indian Wipey in Pennsylvania in 1774. I believe that this John or James Cooper
was an early settler in or near Turkeyfoot in Fayette Co PA in 1768.

I found this on the Net Hinkson's Settlement Hinkson's Settlement, later known as Ruddle's Fort, was built one month prior to the Battle of Lexington by Captain John Hinkson and his company
of fifteen men. Captain Hinkson's company was composed of:

Captain John Hinkson
John Martin
Pat Callihan
George Gray
Silas Train
John Townsend
William Hoskins
John Woods
John Cooper
Dan Callihan
William Shields
John Haggin
Matthew Fenton
Thomas Shores
Samuel Wilson

Hinkson's s Company came down the Ohio and up the Licking River in canoes as far as the forks where Falmouth is now. There they tarried a few days, then proceeded up the Licking to the Blue Licks and came over the Buffalo Trace to the point they selected for their future homes, one of the most beautiful spots in all Kentucky. They immediately took for themselves land and built fifteen cabins, named for members of their company. John Townsend on Townsend Creek, and John Cooper on Cooper's Run, raised corn in 1775 in sufficient quantities to furnish seed for the 1776 harvest.

About four miles away on Stoner Creek, John Martin built his cabin in 1775 which became a fortified station about 1779. He brought his family from Uniontown, Pennsylvania, down the Ohio to Limestone and with other families settled first at Hinkson's Settlement. then at his own station on Stoner Creek in Bourbon County where the Buffalo Trace crosses the creek.

This is from McKinley family records
James Cooper, born ca. 1755; died in KY (Source: The Ancestry and Descendants of Jesse McKinley: Compiled by Betty and Dennis Bourquein).
He married 327. Mary.
327. Mary, born ca. 1755.

Notes
James was one of fifteen men in the Hinkson Expedition who came from PA to KY. He was killed by Indians. His wife and children remained in PA until 1786 when they moved to KY.

Child of James Cooper and Mary is:

163 i. Martha Cooper, born 1775 in PA; married James McMillan February 24, 1795 in Harrison CO. KY.

162 i. James McMillan, born ca. 1775; died 1840 in Decatur CO. IN; married Martha Cooper February 24, 1795 in Harrison CO. KY.

Can anyone help me with this Cooper line? Thanks so much if you can and thanks for reading it if you can not. Please keep it mind and let me know if you ever run across any info on him.

Janice Severns
jseverns@mail.win.org


26 June 1998

Note from Bob Francis: I contacted Janice Severns on the same day and following was her response:

Dear Bob

Thanks for your reply. I have been tracking James Cooper now for several months and have begun to get some info about him and John Hinkson in Pennsylvania. I found where they each had a price on their heads from the Wipey murder. I also have been trying to get info on the other men who
went to Kentucky with Hinkson because I believe that surely some of them were kin of Cooper. It would have been rare for that size of group to track so far together (I believe that most of them were in Hinkson party that fought in Dunmores war) without some of them being related.

I believe that James Cooper lived in Armstrong Township of Old Westmoreland county PA now Indiana county and that Hinkson lived in Wheatfield Township on a branch of the Conamaugh River called Hinksons Run. The place he lived at was called Squirrel Hill (In some refs called Old town) Was this an old Indian town??

I found several nice references to Hinkson in a set of two volumes called the Frontier Forts of Western Pennsylvania by George Dallas Alpert printed in 1916. In vol 2 I found in it a story told by W. Horace Rose of Johnstown, PA., who talked about the murder

Mr. Rose said about our ancestors Hinckston, like Cooper, was a renegade, and tramped about the country, subsisting principally on game. Such is the account I have of the men who murdered the last of the Delawares.

My husband and I just returned from a trip to the east coast and did some research on some of his families in Pennsylvania and I did a little digging as I had time on the Westmoreland co. connection.

James Coopers daughter married a McMillan and she had a daughter who married a McKinley (this in Kentucky) but I believe that these families were all associated in Westmoreland Co and probably Bedford County PA.

Now this is where the hunting gets good. The McMillans were supposed to have been an Irish Quaker family who lived for a time in Bucks County PA. My husband has a Cooper connection to some of his Severns in Bucks County and there is an Abel Hinkson in Bucks county as early as 1688 associated with all of the old Quaker lines. I think it is possible for these families to have been associated for a long time.

Of course this could have been parallel migration but my husband Severns line has tracked from Salisbury Mass, to Long Island, to Trenton NJ to Bucks Co, to Monongahela Co WV, to Beaver Co Pa to Coshocton Ohio over a time frame of 200 years with many of the same families, intermarrying again and again.

I have all sorts of xeroxes that we made on the trip. We are in the process of analyzing them in relation to another family line but if you are interested in copies of the stuff on Hinkson and Westmoreland Co PA I will send to you, when I have time.(After the Fourth of July) If you want, please send me your address.

I must go as my time is running out for this session.

Later

Janice Severns