The Matriarch of Fort Amanda - Amanda's Mother

 

Jane Hopkins Pogue - Amanda's Mother

In the year 2000, we learned that Fort Amanda was named for the builders 12 year old daughter, Hannah Amanda. During the long journey to discover that, I also discovered some interesting facts about Amanda's mother, a woman, who like countless numbers of other wives and mothers throughout history tend to be forgotten by history. What follows is my attempt to pay respect to a woman who is an integral part of the story of Fort Amanda. The woman; Jane Hopkins Pogue.

Jane Hopkins was born in Virginia on September 14, 1767, the daughter of John Hopkins and Jane Gordon. Jane and her family moved to the area of Mayslick Kentucky sometime prior to 1791. It was there she met and married young Robert Pogue on June 4, 1791. Their children born between 1792 and 1808 were:

John Hopkins Pogue - b. Sept 24, 1792
William Lindsay Pogue - b. May 24, 1794
Edwin Philander Pogue - b. Mar. 27, 1797
Amy Pogue - b. May 24, 1799
Hannah Amanda Pogue - b. Mar 4, 1801
Jane Isabella Pogue (a twin)- b. Apr. 1, 1803
Robert Pogue (a twin) - b. Apr. 1, 1803
Robert Cunningham Pogue - b. Aug. 20, 1806
Ann Eliza Pogue - b. Jun. 19, 1808

In the summer of 1794, Jane looked after their 2 young children John and William while her husband went to serve with Anthony Wayne's army and was engaged in the battle at Fallen Timbers in August of that year.

When war broke out again in 1812, as usual the Kentuckians were the first to rise to the occasion and they did so in glorious fashion. Most of the deaths suffered during that war were those of Kentuckians, but that's another story.


It should be remember that the dreadful winter of 1812 -1813 was just as brutal in Kentucky as it was in Ohio and all the while, Jane Pogue kept vigil over of family and farm.

We sometimes perceive frontiersmen and women as illiterate, usually signing documents with an "X" but as you'll see from the following letters, everyone in the family was not only literate, some if not all eventually went to the university, including Amanda.

While her husband was on active duty, Jane wrote several letters to her husband at Fort Amanda, including the following written November 30, 1812. No spelling has been changed but the meanings are clear. In it she wrote:

  November 30th, 1812

My deare husband I sent Edwin to see Mr. Marshall and showed him the agreement beetween Walker and yourself. I have enclosed his letter to you that he has writen to me. I sent Edwin to se the man that was owing you wheet a soon as the milldam and race was finished with a request to diliver there load. I would not have been so uneasy, but Mr. Walker has been threatening you with heavy damages. He has not said an illnatured word to me yet. But has talked very short to Bill and some of the neighbors. He wishes me to borrow the wheet and says he must start again Chrismes. Before wheet took a reise I purchased 200 bushels lest there should be some
failurs, same I got for half a crown A bushell but It cannot be got for less then three shillings in cash and will soon be three and sixpence. I have been reading of the gallent conduct of G. Tupper and I am much gratifide thareat, when our Mayslick horsmen came home, many of them said he ought to be shot, others that they would Rather kill him than an indian. But that is Mayslick patriotism you know. We are all in health and long very much to se you again. The children join in love to you and their brothers. I Add no more But remain you loving wife untill death
J. Pogue Col. R Pogue

P.S. we have not got all our corn in yet But we shall quit it and git our wheet out. I have done everything in my power to fulfill the contract with walker indeed more than was convenient. Your contract says as soon as you conveniently can after water comes But I will still persevere.

  

After the War

While on a business trip to Washington in 1816, Robert wrote the following to his wife Jane:
 

  Washington City, 29th Feby, 1816
Dear Jane:-- I suppose your anxious to hear from me. I have had very disagreeable weather on my journey, but enjoyed good health. Our friends in Rockingham is well. I did not call at Augustia. I have presented my petition to Congress on account of Berry's land and the prosepect at present is favourable but theri is no knowing hos soon that my be blasted. I shall be better able to judge on Saturday next. I have seen James Brown who tells me he is not hear prepared to pay me any money, but has no doubt but them notes sent by Wilson will be paid off. He says if I had written to him, he should have instructed his agent specially to take them up, and would write now if I thought Wilson would not have left Orleins before a letter could make out with the payment of two of the notes and forward the other two on next fall after he makes sail of his crop of sugar, but if I insist on it, the whole money shall be raised as soon as he gits home.

 I expect to leave this place on Monday next for Richmond and from thence to Kentucky. I shall likely stay a few days in Augusta to rest and see my friends. This is one of the tirisomest places I ever was in and the poorest tables that ever I was at in what is called good tavern. Beef sells in market for 16 Dollars pr 100 not of a good quality, everything else is eatabel in proportion. I have heard no forin news that is interesting. Their is no part of the Union that is moure favoured with plenty than Kentucky nor no part that is less gratefull to the giver. 

The people for 50 miles round this city, it appears to me, is not able to supply this town with provitions without infringing on the necessities of their own families. You can scarecely walk the street without meeting a Beggar that is rely so through necessity. The Drawn butter that we use for the purpose of pouring over Boiled fish looks like grewel and can not in justice be called anything else and a small portion of tanted butter mixed with it. One family in Kentucky I am of opinion, uses as much solid food in one year as six of the same size does in this country. Take the country through. As for high living on fish and oysters their is but few Kentuckyians that would fatten on them. I discover my mind turns much more on any affairs at home when abroad, than it does when there, which teaches me this lesson that it is our duty and interest to turn our attention more immediately to the business that is within our reach, for the business that is done when the mind is absent might as well be let alone for nothing short of mistakes and disorder is the consequence. Give my love to all the family, etc. I ever remain your affectionate husband,

Robert Pogue

 

Family Tragedies

Deaths of Family Members

Aug. 17, 1800 - Daughter: Amy Pogue died at the age of 15 months

May 1804 - Son:Robert Pogue (twin of Jane Isabella) died at the age of 1 year.

Jan. 1, 1827 - Daughter: Hannah Amanda Pogue McDowell died at the age of 25.

May 21, 1827 - Daughter: Jane Isabella Pogue Mackey died at the age of 24 (4 months after the death of her beloved sister Hannah Amanda).

Aug. 14, 1833 - Husband Robert Pogue died at the age of 66.

Aug. 18, 1836 - Son: John Hopkins Pogue died at the age of 43 (yellow fever)

Sept. 1, 1836 - Son: Robert Cunningham Pogue died at the age of 20 ( 2 weeks after visiting his brother John)

Oct. 10, 1838 - Daughter: Ann Eliza Pogue Garrison died at the age of 30

Nov. 27, 1841 - Son: Edwin Philander Pogue died at the age of 44

NOTE: Jane Hopkins Pogue outlived 8 of her 9 children. Her second oldest son, William Lindsay Pogue outlived his mother and died at the age of 87 in 1881

Their lives

The Pogue's eventually became wealthy tobacco farmers at one time owning several thousand acres of land in Kentucky. Tobacco is still being raised on the site of the old Pogue homestead. Little is known about their day to day lives other than they were a very religious family and they owned several slaves, one of whom "Davie" accompanied Pogue to Fort Amanda. Several of their graves are located in the old family plot in a woods near the original farm.

Pointing to the wooded area where the graves were discovered

This is what the area looked like before we started clearing the area.

Jane Pogue's last will and testament was written the day before her death. From this we can assume that she had been ailing for sometime and knew the time was near. On October 15, 1846, she wrote the following will:

 Last Will and Testament of Jane Pogue
Wife of Lt. Col. Robert Pogue

I Jane Pogue of Mason County Kentucky, being of sound and disposing mind and memory do make and publish this my last will and testament.

First I desire my burial conducted and completed in the manner I have repeatedly desired and not necessary to be repeated and my burial and funeral expenses (including a plain monument for myself and late husband each) to be paid.

Second - I set apart out of the first money arising from my estate a fund sufficient to purchase the freedom of Charles Canterberry and direct that he be purchased and set free so soon after the collection of said fund as the same can be realized after sale on the usual terms and credits.

Third - I desire the real estate I now own to be rented out for four years after my decease and then to be sold to the highest bidders (desiring that some one of my grandchildren will prepare him or herself to purchase) on a credit of instal(l)ments equal to one year and this with all other moneys arising from my estate after specific legacies to be equally divided among my seventeen grandchildren, Eli, Elizabeth, Robert, Franklin, Amanda, and Maria, children of E. P. Pogue, Henry, Amanda Jane, Robert, William and Harriet, children of W. L. Pogue, Andrew W., son of Jane I Mackey. Eliza Jane daughter of John W. Pogue, Robert, Samuel, John and Gideon children of Ann E. Garrison. Should any money be left from my personal estate after the purchase of Charles it is to be lent out at interest until the money arising from my land is collected.
I have given to each of my granddaughters, Elizabeth Jane and Amanda Jane a feather bed and bedding, a carpet the former, the carpet now in the lower South room which beds and carpets are to be excluded from the computationin making the distribution as above provided, and they are now to be considered as forming no part of my estate.

I hereby nominate and appoint William L. Pogue the Executor of this my last will and testement desiring that he should not be required to give security for the performance of his duties as such.
In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this 15th day of October 1846.
Jane Pogue (seal)

Signed sealed and published by the testatrix in presence of us and w have signed and witness and seal the same in presence of the testatrix.
John H. Shanklin
James H. Shanklin

Mason County 1st December Court 1846
The last will and testament of Jane Pogue deceased , was produced in court and proved by the oaths of John H. Shanklin and James H. Shanklin the publishing witnesses hereto and hesame is ordered to be recorded.
Sworn to by William L. Pogue the Executor therein named who executed bond in the penalty of four thousand dollars conditioned as the law requires. And upon his motion it is ordered that probate be granted him in due form.
Attach John James Key MC
Copy attach Robt. A. Cochran MCM CO. Ct.

The following day; October 16, 1846, 79 year old Jane Hopkins Pogue passed away. As a young girl, she had watched her father march off to fight in the American Revolution. As a young woman she saw her own husband march off to fight in 2 wars and countless engagements with troublesome Indians. In addition to tending to the needs of her young family, she had to manage the family farm while her husband was away. Jane raised 8 of her 9 children to adulthood and in the end buried 8 of them as well as her husband. The only child left to mourn their mother was John who survived his mother by 35 years, dying at the ripe old age of 87.


The stone to the left is that of Robert Pogue, builder of Fort Amanda. The stone on the ground to the right is that of his wife and the subject of this writing, Jane Hopkins Pogue (1767 - 1846)

The story isn't over yet for Jane Hopkins Pogue or the Pogue family itself. I will continue to learn more about this family because their lives are far too interesting and their contributions to our country far too many to condense to a small writing.

Grave of the namesake of Fort Amanda - Hannah Amanda Pogue

Looking For a Darn Trunk

Looking for the darn trunk

William Schillinger, an Ensign in a militia company stationed at Fort Amanda kept a daily journal of day-to-day activities beginning with the rendezvous in Cincinnati on February 5 to August 6,1813 when he returned home. His journal entries included everything from names of individuals, miles traveled and even the weather. It gives us insight into the life of what like for this soldier from the time he left home, his time at Fort Amanda and his return home. The journal is kept in the rare books department at the Cincinnati Public Library.

Cincinnati 1800

Cincinnati 1815

My original intent was to write a book about Fort Amanda and because I was going to use parts of the Schillinger journal in my writing I decided to do a transcription to ensure I had all the names, places, etc. correct. The transcription took several weeks. What I discovered was that while Schillinger was literate, he often misspelled words and names and wrote them as they sounded.

One error in particular became a crusade for me to and for the past 15 years I’ve worked very hard attempting to correct it. It wasn’t about a name, a battle or even about the war, it was about the purchase of a trunk. What follows can be mind numbing or it can be interesting. Either way, it's how I research. I need to know everything. That said, this is what I've been through to find out more about that "darn trunk".

The picture below is a copy of Schillinger's journal entry for February 14, 1813, while he was still encamped at Cincinnati. The men had been in camp for over a week and Schillinger had spent the past 2 days packing his belong in preparation for the march north.

The morning of the 14th, the company received word that they would be taking up the march at 10:00 that morning. Apparently Schillinger felt he needed more storage for his personal belongings so he purchased a trunk.

Now Comes the Mystery

At first glance it looks as though he wrote in his journal (underlined in red), "Bought a trunk for My Box." The first obvious question is, "what kind of box would he put in a trunk? A money box? A box for personal belongings?



I struggled for months trying to figure out what he was trying to put in the trunk. I gave up for a time And focused my attention on the word “My” thinking that might give me a clue.

What I discovered was that Schillinger used the word “My” (note the capital M) 12 times in his journal yet this "My" in reference to purchasing a trunk was unlike ALL of the others. The most noticeable difference was the letter “Y”.
What if it wasn't a Y after all but something else. I went page by page through the journal and none of the words that ended in the letter "y" looked anything like the letter in Schillinger's "My" He used the word, "My" many times throughout the journal and there wasn't a single instance where it resembled the "My" in the sentence about buying a trunk.

Thinking back about many of the other journals of the time, I remembered learning that when writers during that time period wrote words that had 2 consecutive letter "S" the first always looked like the letter "f". I looked through the journal and sure enough, every time Schillinger wrote a word with a double "S", it looked like the figures below.

Figure A

Figure A is how Schillinger wrote the word "message". There were several times he wrote words with the double "s" including; permission, expression, commission, necessary, cross, crossed, commissary, possible and express. The double letter "s" looks exactly like the double "s" in the word message.

Figure B

The word shown in Figure B is from the sentence, "Bought a trunk for ........ What looks like a letter Y, is actually the double S. He wasn't writing "My", he was writing the word "Miss"

Now lets look at the word, "for". Was Schillinger saying he bought a trunk “for” a Miss ? That didn't seem likely as why would he be buying a trunk for someone when he'd be leaving town in a matter of hours. I think what he was saying was that he bought a trunk "from" a "Miss" someone.

Ok, so now I think it's safe to assume he bought a trunk from Miss somebody, but who was that somebody. The last letter of the persons name is blotted out with ink (Figure A). I second letter of the word in Figure A looked like the letter "u" so I scoured the census records for individuls in Hamilton County named Buc, Buck, and Burk, and found nothing.

Figure A

Then I wondered, what if the second letter wasn't a "u" but was in fact the letter "o"? Going back through the journal again I found many instances where he didn't close the top of the "O" thus giving the appearance that it was the letter "u"

Mystery Solved? I think so

I again went to the census records to see if I could find someone in Cincinnati by the name of “Bos.” Why Cincinnati? Remember, Schillinger was in Cincinnati, preparing to march with his company so it had to be someone within reasonable walking distance from the courthouse where he was camped. The census records showed nothing so I found the City Directory for Cincinnati in 1825.

What I found was there was a woman named “Lydia Boss” a milliner whose shop was located on Sixth st. between Main and Walnut (just 1 block north of where Schillinger was camped) In 1825, the shops located along Sixth st. between Main and Walnut sts. were:

Lydia Boss, -milliner,
William Alter, merchant,
Daniel Ashton, -druggist & Methodist Minister
Ann Boswell,-tutoress
William Dodson, -grocer
William Hildreth –draman
Jonathan Hildreth –drayman
Sarah Horner, -seamstress
William Parsons –turner
Roge Seldon -merchant
Thomas Thatcher –carpenter
George Warren, George-mason

I am convinced that what Schillinger was writing was that he “bought a trunk from Miss Lydia Boss.”  So do we know that Schillinger had a trunk. Yes. Here's is his journal entry from July 26, 1813 as he was preparing to go home.

 Monday July the 26th
Warm & sultry, this morning pack,d up our baggage to send home ½ past meridian, Mr. Abbot (Abbott) & Mr. Patterson two of our company started with our trunks, Went by way of Fort Logan, Showery this afternoon - had a very severe turn of the face & headach

Bad news is Schillinger was ill when he went home in May and he was ill again. At least half dozen others were also ill and 1 they were sent to St. Marys, one so ill he had to be taken on a cart. The good news is 3 days later he reported that his temperature had broke and he was feeling better

The Area Today

Below is an aerial picture of the area today showing 6th street where Schillinger bought his trunk and it's proximity to the courthouse where he was camped.

From Main st. Looking west.

Lydia Boss' show was located in this block

Now that that mystery is solved, another one emerges. Who was Lydia Boss? The quest continues.

Capt. Samuel Brier - Ft. Amanda

Captain Samuel Brier

A Fighter From a Very Early Age

Samuel Brier was born on June 25, 1777 in Williamsburg, Pennsylvania. His father David Brier had served as a Captain in George Washington’s army during the Revolutionary War. The older Brier served Washington again in 1794. With the war with Great Britain over, Americans began to flex their muscle over how much authority the newly formed government had over citizens personal lives. The issue came to a head in 1794 with what became known as the "Whiskey Rebellion."

Ironically, the government troops led by General George Washington was now called to quell a rebellion of citizens he had led in battle against the British just a few years earlier. The Whiskey Rebellion wasn't simply a matter over citizens rights, it was the first real test of the federal governments authority.

Many of the soldiers who served at Ft. Amanda were of the Presbyterian faith, including several who were abolitionists. A large number of others appear to have subscribed to the practice of "teetotalism." (yes that's a real word). It means total abstinence from alcohol. It's impossible to know whether or not Samuel Brier was a teetotaler, but what we do know is he and his father supported the government. Both served in a local militia company to help Washington put down the new rebellion, or "insurrection" as many called it.

Here's a brief history of what the fuss was all about.

The Whiskey Rebellion

It all started with a tax. What came to be known as the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794, or the Western Insurrection, took place over a period of time beginning in 1791 by most accounts. While some would say the roots go back much further, it was not until March 3, 1791 that Congress instituted an excise tax on distilled liquors that set the rebellion of 1794 in motion.

What was the root cause of this rebellion?

 

 

Famous Whiskey Insurrection in Pennsylvania. A large mob with tarred-and-feathered tax collector riding on a rail. 1794.  The western part of Pennsylvania at this time was separated from the east by the Allegheny Mountains. With the majority of the population being farmers, there was often a limited market for the sale of their grain locally and it was difficult to transport the grains to the east for sale. The goods had to be transported by pack horse over the mountains and along dirt roads and the horses could only carry limited amounts at a time. Converting the grain to whiskey made it more transportable and there was a better market for this product.

Having assumed the debts of the colonies from the Revolution, the government found itself deep in debt. In 1791 Congress approved a bill putting an excise tax on all distilled spirits. The tax, based on the capacity of the still rather than the quantity produced, was required to be paid in cash - something unusual for the time as whiskey was often the monetary unit westerners used to pay for their goods and services - not cash. The tax for the smaller producers was required to be made throughout the year and their cost was about nine cents per gallon. The large producers in the east took less exception to the tax, their cost to get the goods to market was less and they could decrease their tax by increasing their volume, something the farmers in the west were not able to do. They were also able to make annual payments for the tax that amounted to six cents per gallon.

Already at odds with the government with regard to Indian attacks, the farmers felt that this interference into their business was unjust and encroached upon their rights. A meeting at Redstone Fort in July of 1791 began the organized resistance to the collection of the excise tax. Many of the westerners refused to pay the tax and those coming to collect the tax were often ambushed or humiliated, some were tarred and feathered.

Violence continued to escalate and spread to other counties over the next few years. President Washington's proclamation, in 1792, condemning interference with the "operation of the laws of the United States..." did not calm matters. Despite appeals for a peaceful resolution, a militia gathered at Braddock's Field during the last week in July 1794. On August 7, 1794 the President issued another proclamation calling for the rebels to disperse and return to their homes as well as invoking the Militia Act of 1792 which allowed the President to use State military (militiamen) to put an end to the rebellion.
Approximately 13,000 militiamen from surrounding states marched with President Washington to put down the rebellion. While no real battle ensued, about 150 rebels were arrested. Most were released due to lack of evidence, 2 were convicted of treason and then later pardoned.

Why was this rebellion significant in our history? The Whiskey Rebellion was the first test of federal authority in the United States. This rebellion enforced the idea that the new government had the right to levy a particular tax that would impact citizens in all states. It also enforced the idea that this new government had the right to pass and enforce laws impacting all states.
http://www.loc.gov/rr/business/businesshistory/August/whiskeyrebellion.html

1804

On June 25, 1804, Brier married 23 year old Betsy Campbell, daughter of William Campbell. They married in Williamsburg, Pennsylvania. Five years later (1809), Samuel and his young family migrated to Ohio and settled in Dayton Township (now a "defunct township) Montgomery County. Traveling with them was Nancy Brier, Samuels younger sister who he had guardianship over until she became of age.

1812

When the War of 1812 broke out, 35 year old Brier took command of a local milita group and constructed Fort Brier, 8 miles northeast of Greenville, in Darke County. In Brier commanded a company of infantry in a battalion under the command of Major Henry Price attached to the 2nd regiment of the 3rd detachment of Ohio Militia.

Note: I've wondered for years about where Fort Brier was located and now thanks to Ronald Irick, Logan County Historian, that mystery has been solved. Ron says it was probably nothing more than a blockhouse and it was located on the bend of Stillwater Creek, in the southwest corner of Section 27, Richland Township in Darke County.

Captain Briers company roster while stationed at Ft. Amanda was as follows:

Brier, Samuel                          Captain                        

Lighty, Jacob                           Lieutenant                   

Hearton, Daniel                      Ensign

Miller, William                       Sergeant   (1st Sergeant)

John, Joseph R  Sergeant        Ganasdol, Corneilus  Sergeant   Arnold, Samuel  Sergeant

Heaston David  Corporal         Dodds, Matthew M  Corporal    Blair, Joseph  Corporal   

Hatch, Daniel  Corporal         Slagle, Conrad Musician            Walker, Isaac  Drummer

PRIVATES                                PRIVATES                                            PRIVATES

Arnet, George                        Bay, William                                       Blair, James S.

Brunbough, George              Bucken, Michael                               Coffman, Jacob   

Cox, William                            Crull, Daniel                                       Casfidy, Simon       

Cronn, Daniel                          Deiterick, Peter

Dice, Paul                                Enoch, John                                         Edomes, Edmond

Coblentz. Jacob                      Gelelant, Emanuel                            Hester, George   

Henry, George                       Harshman, Joseph                             Jones, Price                            

Kader, Phillip                          Kelsen, Daniel                                    Lawrose, John

Lechlider, George                 Haman, Solomon                              McDonald, Archibald

McCreary, Nathan                Overholser, Jacob                             Phillips, Thomas

Pettit, James                          Phlweyn, Charles                               Pickle, Simon   

Reed, William                        Rickey, John                                        Shelly, Jacob   

Studebaker, John                  Statler, William                                 Parks, Jacob

Swart, John                            Shively, Isaac                                      Talbot, James   

Wood, Ashbury                     Wolf, Jacob                                          Westfall, John   

Wood, Samuel                       Woodhouse, Henry

On August 2nd, 1813, Brier and his company arrived at Fort Amanda to assume command of the fort. Schillinger wrote that Brier’s company had been raised in Montgomery County. Briers company had entered service on April 12, 1813 and their tour of duty (6 months) was to expire on Oct. 11, 1813. A mystery that remains is why Briers company was ordered to Fort Amanda when it had less than 2 months active service remaining.


Military pay records show that Brier’s pay as Captain was $40 a month. While he was at St. Marys on his way to Fort Amanda, he purchased a pair of shoes and a pair of socks from the Quartermasters department. The total price was $3.00

His mustering out pay was $237 which he received on Oct. 11, 1813. He had served 183 days and was allotted 2 rations per day at a value of 20 cents per ration.
He apparently did not use the rations because on March 30th, 1814, he was paid $73.20 for his allottment. The paperwork read: Sustenance account of Captain Samuel Brier commanding a company of Infantry in a Battalion under the command of Major Henry Price attached to the 2nd Regiment of the 3rd Detachment of Ohio Militia in the service of the United States for six months.

After the War

After returning from his duty at Fort Amanda, Brier returned to his farm in Montgomery County. In 1828 Brier moved his family moved once again, this time to Shawnee Township in Fountain County, Indiana. Several other men from Hosbrook and Briers companies eventually migrated to Fountain County so it is assumed that they were awarded land grants there for their military service.

Records show that Brier served as a trustee for a number of years at the Rob Roy Presbyterian church beginning in 1839. They also indicate that his political affiliations aligned with the Whigs.

Brier's Son Samuel Brier II

Samuel A. Brier, farmer, Rob Roy, is descended from Scotch and Irish ancestors, he being the fourth generation from those who came to this country. His grandfather, David Brier, was a soldier under Washington, and his father, Samuel, was one of the force called out in 1794 to suppress the whisky insurrection in western Pennsylvania, and served also in the war of 1812, as a captain nnder Gen. Harrison, by whom he was sent eighty-five miles west from Dayton, Ohio, where he built Fort Brier, on the frontier, and commanded the garrison during his term of about one year.
Mr. Brier was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, February 11, 1822, and was the youngest son of his father's family. His mother's name before marriage was Elizabeth Campbell. On September 27, 1828, they arrived in Shawnee township, and settled where Mr. Brier resides. A part of the land, the W. ½ of N.W. 1/4 Sec. 31, T. 21, R. 7, was bought from Wilson and Abel Claypoole, and his father received the patent in his own name. His parents died here; his mother in April, 1849, at the age of sixty-three, and his father in 1858, aged eighty-four.

By will of the latter, Mr. Brier was permitted to receive the homestead and buy out the other heirs. He has increased the estate to 300 acres, 240 of which are under cultivation. Besides this farm he owns 240 acres of land in Ross township, Vermilion connty, Illinois, and the same quantity near Topeka, Kansas. Contrasting the early times with the present, Mr. Brier says that when the Wabash and Erie canal was building he sold corn at his place for fourteen cents per bushel, and was paid in canal scrip at sixty per cent discount. At the same time he sold dressed hogs for $2.10 per hundred, and received payment in the same paper. This year corn has been worth forty cents in market, and he has sold live hogs the present season for $4.25 per hundredweight in gold, and at one time they commanded even a higher figure. He has known his father to pay $13 per barrel for Kanawha salt, a coarse, black article. Good farm hands were hired for $9 per month, whereas now the most ordinary help obtains $20.

Mr. Brier used to wagon produce to Chicago, usually selling flour delivered at $4 per barrel. At that time he turned his oxen loose on the north side of the Chicago river to graze overnight on the prairie. It took two weeks to make the trip with horses, and nearly twice as long with oxen. The roads were generally in wretched condition the greater part of the way, and from Thorn creek to the city, some twenty miles, nearly impassable the year round. This stretch could be traversed only by making short pulls, frequent unloadings and reloadings, and this not unusually in the water, and by doubling teams. Mr. Brier is raising better wheat and more of it to the acre than his father did on the same land broke up fifty-three years ago. The only fertilizing it has received has been by clovering a few times, which could hardly more than restore its former tilth and repair the waste of cropping. This experience is abundantly supported throughout this region, and the conclusion is obvious that prairie land now considered of little account for the production of wheat will in time become valuable for that use. Mr. Brier celebrated his marriage with Nancy Hatton, April 18, 1844. She was the daughter of William Hatton, who came from Ohio to Logan township in 1826, and was born February 1, 1822. They have had eight children, four of whom are living: Solon, Laura, wife of Joseph Gilbert, of Kansas City, Missouri, Lizzie, and Burgess B.

The Briers are an old Presbyterian family. His father and mother, who were native Pennsylvanians, and his grandfather were seceeders. He and his wife have been communicants thirty-four years, and he has been an elder twenty-five. He has filled the position of Sabbath-school superintendent, and been leader of the church choir nearly forty years. All his children, as also his son-in-law and his daughter-in-law, belong to the same church. He has been a temperate man his whole life, and a member of several organizations whose objects were to remove the temptation of strong drink from the paths of men, and to reclaim the fallen. He sent a man to the army for whom he paid $1,100, though he was not drafted, and therefore not obliged to furnish a substitute. He was raised a whig, and from education and sentiment naturally found his way into the republican party when that became an organization, and has since been an ardent supporter of its principles.

Samuel Briers son Samuel Brier II

Death after Death after Death

On September 22, 1847, Samuel Brier’s grandson, Samuel Brier III died. Seven days later, Sept. 22, 1847, their one year old granddaughter Florence died. The following spring, April 16, 1847, grandson Buell Brier died and exactly two years later on April 16, 1849 , Betsey the family matriarch died at the age of 67. Captain Samuel Brier lived for another 9 years. His last years were spent living with his daughter Nancy (Brier) Manlove and her husband William Manlove and their five children in Shawnee Twsp. Fountain County, Indiana.

Samuel and Betsey are buried in the Rob Roy Cemetery, Fountain County, Indiana.
N40°14'16.74”,W87°15'33.49”

Other family members are buried in Buleah Cemetery, Fountain County, Indiana.

Graves of Samuel and Elizabeth (Betsey) Brier

Rob Roy Cemetery, Fountain County, Indiana.

Family Tragedy

On July 22, 1892, tragedy once again struck the Brier family. The following is an account of an accident that took the life of his daughter-in-law Nancy, (Samuel Jrs wife), and caused a leg amputation their daughter.

"Jones' Crossing, one mile south of Rob Roy on the C.& I.C. railroad, was the scene of one of the most heart rendering accidents that has happened in the history of railroads in Fountain County. On last Saturday Mrs. Samuel Briar and her daughter, Mrs. David Brown, had just left the former's home to attend the funeral of Mrs. Wm. Harris, a niece of Mrs. Briar. They soon reached the railroad crossing, which is only about a quarter of mile from the home of Samuel Briar. Just at the same moment, the local freight, which was late and making up lost time, came bounding towards them.

Through the excitement, or their failure to judge of the speed of the train, they made an attempt to rush their horse and buggy across the track. The horse went onto and crossed the tracks, but on come the train, and striking the buggy, threw it about thirty feet over into a fence, completely demolishing the buggy and killing Mrs. Briar outright.

Mrs. Brown's injuries are of very serious nature, her right leg being so mangled that amputation immediately above the knew joint was necessary. Her injuries are of not a serious character, being simply flesh bruises. At last reports her condition was as favorable as could be expected, with indications favoring a recovery. The horse escaped uninjured.

Immediately after the accident, Dr. Finney, of Attica, was called to the scene and after a temporary examination, Mrs. Brown was also the dead body of Mrs. Briar were removed to the late residence of the deceased woman. Further examination was then made of the injuries received by Mrs. Brown and it was decided that her right leg would have to be amputated. Dr. Finney assisted by Dr.s Rice and Henderson performed the operation.

The coroner took the testimony of Mrs. Brown and also that of some boys, whom were working near where the accident occurred on last Saturday, and on Monday held a formal inquest at Veedersburg, the find of which has not yet been learned.

Several stories are in circulation, all supposed to explain the reason why the ladies attempted to make the crossing in the face of such danger, but the following is the one given by Mrs. Brown herself after she regained consciousness: "we were in a few feet of the railroad track when we discovered the train. Thinking that we had time to perfect the crossing, and fearing, if we did not, our horse would get frightened and start to run back, which would upset the buggy and endanger our lives, we, under such momentary thoughts, made the frightful and fatal attempt."

Mrs. Brown claims that if the train whistled she failed to hear it until the train was almost on them, when they whistled for brakes. Other persons working in the immediate neighborhood of the crossing confirm Mrs. Brown's statement, but the engineer is just as earnest in his declarations that the train whistled at the proper distance from the crossing.

The funeral of Mrs. Briar who met her death in the railroad accident last Saturday took place at Rob Roy last Saturday afternoon. A very large crowd of people manifested their sympathy for the sorrowing relatives by their attendance." The Fountain & Warren Democrat Newspaper, July 21, 1892 (Obituary provided by the Fountain County Genealogy
Society.)

Locating the Exact Spot of the Accident.

I couldn't resist the temptation of locating the exact spot where the accident happened. The railroad is no longer there and in fact the tracks have been taken up. I found the path on an old plat map and using Google Earth I found it.

Captain Samuel Briers Journey Through Life

Grave of Captain Samuel Brier

(1777 - 1858)

Descendants of Captain Brier still reside in the area and when time allows, I hope to contact some of them and tell them little about their ancestor and his contribution to the story of Fort Amanda.

Capt. David D. McNair - Fort St. Marys

Captain David D. McNair

(1774 – 1836)

Captain McNair was a 39 year old company commander in Col. Barbee’s Kentucky Regiment stationed at St. Marys, Oh. He was born in 1774 in an area of Tennessee known as the Cherokee Nation. He was of Scottish descent born to James and Martha Price McNair. Before the war, David had married Delilah Vann, a Cherokee woman from a prominent and wealthy Indian family. I havent’ been able to locate McNairs civilian occupation in census records and perhaps it’s because he and his wife ivied in the Cherokee Nation and perhaps census takers didn’t record their information despite the fact that David was not an Indian.

Cherokee Nation Tennessee

David and Delilah would eventually raise 6 children, 3 sons and 3 daughters. When McNair was called to duty, living at home with their mother were, 10 year old Mary, 5 year old James and 9 year old Nicholas. Delilah was 8 months pregnant with their daughter Martha. Clement and Elizabeth were born after 1814.

Mystery to solve: Records show that later in the war, Captain McNair commanded a company of Cherokee Indians and took part in the campaign at Horeshoe Bend in 1814. The mystery is, "was McNair's company at Camp Ellen made up of Cherokee Indians?"

Baby it’s cold outside

The weather the first week of December 1812, was an exceptionally brutal one and as a result, a major portion of the St. Marys River was frozen shut. Boats loaded with supplies bound for Ft. Wayne had left Ft. Barbee at St. Marys and gone about forty miles (see note) before they had to stop. The men escorting the boats worked in icy water up to their waists and at times risked their lives to free the most of the boats. They were able to advance another twenty miles to Shane’s Crossing where they were forced to stop again because of the ice. Finally, the decision was made to set up a temporary camp, unload the materials and store them until the river opened. The officer in charge was Capt. David D. McNair. McNair and a group of men from Ft. Barbee marched to the site and immediately began building sheds and storage buildings. When they’d finished, McNair named the temporary encampment Camp Ellen. Who “Ellen” was remains a mysery.
NOTE: 40 miles by water puts the location approx. ½ mile east of St. Rt. 27 or very near the site of Wayne’s old Fort Adams (August 1794)

Receiving word that the boats and the supplies were basically frozen in Quartermaster Bodley wrote General Harrison on Dec. 11, 1812 informing him of the seriousness of the situation. The letter reads in part:

Dear General

A few days ago our prospects here was truly flattering, every one appeared in high spirits and much gratified at the appearance of sending on provisions by water but the scene is sadly changed. Our most sanguine hopes are blasted and the chance of forwarding supplies to the advanced parts of the army is gloomy indeed.

On the 4th Inst we started from this place large boat and 16 perogues loaded with flour &c. The water was in fine order and we took advantage of the first chance of sailing. No time was lost. On the two large boats sailed with fine flood, the whole freighted 398 Bbl.Flour, 32 Bbl. Whiskey, 72 Bbl. Salt, 20 kegs powder, 10 kegs lead, box Cannister shot, boxes clothing, 150 cannon ball 10 bushel oats and quantity of hospital stores (of which Dr.Taylor has the invoice) bars Iron, Bars steel and coils rope. In addition to these stores about 700 hogs have been sent to Fort Winchester last week and this, on foot, and quantity of flour, whisky, salt and clothing has been sent down the Auglize from Forts Amanda and Jennings in perogues and on rafts. Col. [Robert] Pogue took advantage of the rise of water and as he had not time to prepare perogues he fitted out two rafts and loaded them with whiskey and salt in tight barrels. I have not heard how they got on but am in hopes they will get down safe. In this situation we were all highly gratified with the result of our united exertions in getting off such quantities of supplies. Nothing that could be done was omitted, all concerned united their efforts in the common cause and no doubt was entertained of success until yesterday about noon when unfortunately messenger arrived with information that the last boats were stopped by the ice below this about 40 miles by water and about 12 by land that they had used every exertion but could proceed no further and in the evening an express arrived from the first boats that they had got to Shane's Crossing about 60 miles by water and 18 by land from this place where they were frozen up and no possibility of their getting on. You may judge of our surprise and mortification.

The first boats were commanded by Capt. Jordan of Col. [Joshua] Barbee's Regt. and Mr. McClosky Asst. Q. M. at this place went with them to take charge of the cargo &c. The Last were commanded by Mr. Allen both fleets had the best crews we could select. They were all volunteers and no set of men ever exerted themselves more than these have done on this occasion. Mr. McClosky is an experienced water-man, him and many of the crew were often in the water and sometimes risqued their lives. He got in here last night very much fatigued and almost exhausted. There was no alternative left but to make arrangements to secure the craft and property, which Col. Barbee has this morning taken every necessary step to effect.

Capt. Jordan's Company remain with the first boats Capt. McNair is sent to the last, with directions to build storehouses &. The roads are so extremely bad and the water have been so high as to render it impossible for waggons or horses to travel, not waggon has arrived at this place for two weeks and but few pack horses those returning from the advanced posts. The St. Mary's is so extremely crooked and so blocked up with Driftwood in many places where it is out of the bank and over flowed for miles. In short turns the slush-ice has collected and frozen solid so as to dam it up for miles. Consequently nothing but general thaw or hard rains can give us the benefit of the navigation of this stream. Of course some other means of transportation must be resorted to.

Permit me again to suggest the propriety of an establishment at Wapaghkennetta or of having the supplies sent to Fort Amanda [on the Auglaize] The Auglaise is much straighter has more water and will not freeze up so soon as the St. Mary's. Sleds and pack horses are now the only means of transportation. A number of active strong draft horses for sleds and some pack horses could be very usefully employed from Piqua to Fort Amanda. have engaged flats to be built at both crossings of Lorimie's and at this place. It is now freezing very hard and hope the roads may soon be travelled. will write to Col. [James] Morrison fully on these subjects.

Col. Pogue and this Regt. have erected the best fort on these waters, at Amanda, and in very little time. They deserve much praise. Your approbation and notice of their conduct would be extremely pleasing to them. I have wrote Genl. Winchester by express this morning and hasten to give you this without delay. Present me to my friends at Head Quarters and particularly those in your own family. should be glad to hear from you. have the honor to be yr. friend and

Hble. Servt.

Thos. Bodley Acting Q. Master N. W. Army

P. S. Some of the Paymasters will not receive the Indian goods and others wish to return what they have recd. will you be so good as to direct what is to be done with those not used.

T. B

Camp Ellen

Near Rockford, Ohio

On Saturday December 19th Capt. McNair, still at Camp Ellen near Shane’s Crossing wrote the following letter to Col. Pogue informing him that 20 barrels of flour were being shipped to his Ft. Amanda.

 Camp Ellen   19^th   December 1812

Col Pogue                                                                                          

Dear Sir, I have delivered to ­­­_____ Toby, twenty barrels of flour in good order for which his receipt has been taken.I hope it will arrive safe.  I wish you by the next waggons to send an order for the loading they now carry and for what they may be able to carry next time.  I have understood verbally that the provisions were to be carried to Ft. Amanda but of this I have not been officially notified.  But ­­_____ your order will be sufficient.  I am sir with due respect, your obedient servant        Capt. D. D. McNair

 

The Worst is Yet To Come

McNair was present at the Battle of the River Raisin near Detroit, on Jan. 22, 1813.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RKBiHeflwk Massacre at the River Raisin

After the War

After the war, David and Delilah settled on the Conasauga River in Southeast Tennessee and ran a very profitable trading post and portage business. Many travelers to the area mentioned the hospitality of the McNair’s in their journals as early as 1816. McNair died on August 15, 1836 in Charleston, Tennessee.

David D. McNair's Last Will and Testament

 Last Will and Testament

David McNair

I David McNair of the Cherokee Nation now Bradley County, State of Tennessee, knowing the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death, and being of a sound and disposing mind & memory do make this my last WW and Testament In manner and form following. (to wit)

I give and bequeath my soul to God who gave it, and I desire that my body be decently buried.

2nd. It is my desire that my funeral expenses shall be paid out of my Estate.

3rd. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Delila Amelia McNair, the following property which I received from her father’s estate, (to wit) Davy and his wife Minty and their children (to wit) George, Betsy. Davy, Lewis and Maria; also another negro woman named Phoebe, all Slaves for Life; also a certain claybank Horse presented to her by her Son In Law David Vann. Also the farm where I now live, together with the farming utensils & household kitchen furniture, beds and bedding of all sorts, excepting that part which may hereafter be provided for; during her natural life, Provided the said farm is held by reservation, under any Treaty heretofore made, or which may be made hereafter between the United States and the Cherokee Indians, if the same should not be held by reservation, but valued under the provisions of any treaty made or hereafter to be made, she shall be entitled to said valuation.

Also an equal divident of all my property after making the following bequests, in this my last Will and Testament. And whereas I have heretofore distributed part of my estate between my several children (to wit) my daughter Betsy, my Sons James V. McNair, Nicholas B. McNair, Mary V. Rogers & Martha Vann, and whereas I give and bequeath to my son Clement McNair over and above his divident certain property hereafter to be named In the ninth bequest of this my last Will and Testament, in order to make his share equal with the shares heretofore given to my other sons (to wit) James & Nicholas.

4th. I give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Betsy’s use during her life time, with the reversion of the same at her death to her six oldest children (to wit) Amelia Bean, David Bean, Gustavus Beau, William Bean and Mira Neely Bean, an equal divident of my estate after the bequests heretofore made, or that may hereafter be made in my last Will and Testament.

5th. I give and bequeath to my son James Vann McNair, an equal divident of my estate after the bequeaths heretofore made, or that way hereafter be made in my last Will and Testament, in addition to the property be has heretofore received from me.

6th. I give and bequeath to my son Nicholas Byers McNair an equal divldent of my estate after the bequests heretofore made or that may hereafter me made in this my last Will and Testament in addition to the property he has heretofore received from me.

7th. I give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Mary Vann Rogers an equal divident of my estate, after the bequests heretofore made or that may hereafter be made in this, my last Will and Testament, in addition to the property she has heretofore received from me.

8th. I give and bequeath to my beloved Martha Vann, an equal divident of my estate after the bequests heretofore made or that may hereafter be made in this last Will and Testament, in addition to the property she has heretofore received from me.

9th. I give and bequeath to my son Clement Vann McNair the following property (to wit) The Negro Slaves for life named Moses, Amy and Riley, also six cows and calves, and Stock Cattle to amount in all to twenty-six in number; also four or five horses.; also sheep and hogs, household furniture, all to be equal in value to what my sons James and Nicholas McNair have had heretofore. Also the farm upon which Revd. H.G. Clauder now lives, together with a sufficiency of farming tools to work said farm, and also an equal divident of my estate not heretofore bequested.

10th. It I. my will that my friends Samuel Mcconnel, together with my two sons James V. McNair and Nicholas B. McNair, be Executors of this my last will and Testament.

Signed, sealed and acknowledged to be my last Will and Testament, this 4th day of June 1836.

David McNair Seal

In presence of

Hamilton Bradford

David Cunningham

X (his mark)

On this the 5th day of July 1836, I David McNair having considered the foregoing last Will and Testament made by myself and dated 4th June 1836 and attested by Hamilton Bradford and David Cunningham do now make this Codicil to the same —and whereas In the 3rd Bequest of said Will I gave to my beloved wife Delila Amelia McNair the farm on which I now live, or the valuation of the same if valued under any Treaty now made or which may be made, and since the date of said Will said farm has been valued by the Agents of government under the late Treaty to upwards of $10,000 dollars, and the valuation made asertain and being desirous that an equal distribution should be made previous to my heirs emigrating to the West, it is therefore my will that each of my children sons and daughters named in the foregoing Will, shall have one thousand dollars of said valuation in addition to the bequests heretofore made to them and my wife Delila Amelia McNair, to have the residue of said valuation, also to have a good new wagon and six horse team together with the gearing of same, also a good carriage and harness, I also wish her to have a negro man named Mack in place of George as she owns his wife, and that George be put up in the division of the balance of the negroes, also to have the bequests heretofore made to her, except the six thousand dollars devised to my six children.

I also confirm the 4th bequest of the foregoing will to my daughter Betsy only that each of her children named in said bequest to have their proportion of the same as they come individually of lawful age, it is also my will that my said daughter Betsy shall have a negro girl slave for life now in her possession named Hager during the life of my said daughter Betsy with a revision at her death, together with her increase, to her children.

It is also my will that my Executors shall sell all the property not named in the foregoing will which cannot be divided or removed to Arkansas with advantage hereby confirming every part of the foregoing will, except the alterations made in this codicil. I also wish my two sons in law William Rogers and David Vann added as Executors to this my last Will and Testament.

Signed, sealed and acknowledged to be my last Will and Testament

on the day and date above David McNair Seal

In presence of

Lemuel Childers X (his mark)

Flemuel Childers

Cherokee Nation New Echota

Personally appeared Lemuel Childers and Flemuel Childers before John Ridge President of the Committee designated In the late Treaty between the linked States and the Cherokee Nation East of the Mississippi and after being duly sworn deposeth and saith—that they were requested by David McNair to witness the foregoing Will and Testament of him the said David McNair or the codicil to said will which confirms the said foregoing will on the day It bears date that he acknowledged it to be his last Will and Testament In their presents.

Flemuel Childers

Lemuel Childers X (his mark)

Sworn to and scribed to

before me this 4th day

of Sept. 1837

John Ridge Prest. Committee

Heartache – Trail of Tears

Beginning in 1831, the U.S. Army began enforcement of the Removal Act. Approximately 17,000 Cherokee, Deliah and her children, all mixed blood included, were rounded up and loaded onto boats that traveled the Tennessee, Ohio, Mississippi and Arkansas Rivers into Indian Territory. Many were held in prison camps awaiting their fate.

An estimated 4,000 (25%) died from hunger, exposure and disease. The journey became a cultural memory as the "trail where they cried" for the Cherokees and other removed tribes. Today it is widely remembered by the general public as the "Trail of Tears". The Oklahoma chapter of the Trail of Tears Association has begun the task of marking the graves of Trail survivors with bronze memorials.

Death on the Trail of Tears

Delilah never made it to Oklahoma. She was one of the 4,000 who died along the say. Her remains were brought back to Tennessee and buried beside her beloved husband in what is now a farm field.

Their graves are located just inside the TN line, where the Conagauga river bends again into Georgia, is a stone-walled grave, with a slab, on which is an epitaph which tells its own story of the Removal heartbreak. McNair was a white man, prominent in the Cherokee Nation, whose wife was a daughter of the chief, Vann, who welcomed the Moravian missionaries and gave his own house for their use. The date shows that he died while the Removal was in progress, possibly while waiting in the stockaide camp. The inscription, with details, is given from information kindly furnished by Mr D. K. Dunn of Conasauga, Tennessee, in a letter dated Aug 16, 1890;

"Sacred to the memory of David and Delilah A McNair, who departed this life, the former on the 15th of August, 1836, and the latter on the 30th of November, 1838. Their children, being members of the Cherokee Nation and having to go with their people to the West, do leave this monument, not only to show their regard for their parents, but to guard their sacred ashes against the unhallowed intrusion of the white man."

Meet the McNairs

McNairs daughter Martha (standing)

McNairs son Clement Vann McNair

1814 - 1875

David Vann - McNair's son-in-law

Final Resting Place

Graves of Captain David D. McNair and his beloved wife Delilah

The foundation of their house still exists and lies within feet of the enclosed gravesite of McNair and his wife Delilah. It is located approximately 200 feet into a field on the west side of Rt. 33, 1.9 miles south of the intersection of Rts. 33 and 313 in Old Fort, Tennessee.
GPS: N35°00'18.88”,W84°44'05.27