Captive of the Shawnees

 

The story of a captive of the Shawnees is a common one in American history. During the 18th and 19th centuries, many settlers were captured by Native American tribes during frontier wars. Some were killed, but others were taken captive and forced to live with their captors.

One of the most famous stories of a captive of the Shawnees is the story of Mary Draper Ingles. In 1755, Ingles was captured by Shawnees during a raid on her family's home in Virginia. She was taken to a Shawnee village in Ohio, where she was forced to live with her captors for six months. During that time, she was treated well and even learned to speak the Shawnee language.

Ingles eventually escaped from the Shawnees and made her way back to Virginia. Her story is a remarkable one of courage and survival.

Another story of a captive of the Shawnees is the story of Margaret Handley Erskine. In 1779, Erskine was captured by Shawnees during a raid on her home in West Virginia. She was taken to a Shawnee village in Ohio, where she was held captive for five years. During that time, she was forced to work hard and was often treated poorly.

Erskine eventually escaped from the Shawnees and made her way back to West Virginia. Her story is a harrowing one of hardship and suffering.

The stories of Mary Draper Ingles and Margaret Handley Erskine are just two of many stories of captives of the Shawnees. These stories are a reminder of the violence and suffering that took place during the frontier wars. They also remind us of the courage and resilience of the people who survived these ordeals.

In addition to the Shawnees, other Native American tribes who took captives during the 18th and 19th centuries include the Cherokees, the Creeks, the Choctaws, and the Seminoles. The reasons for taking captives varied, but they often included revenge, ransom, or forced adoption.

The experience of being a captive was often difficult and traumatic. Captives were often forced to work hard, were subjected to physical and emotional abuse, and were sometimes tortured or killed. However, some captives were able to adapt to their new lives and even come to love their captors.

The stories of captives of the Shawnees and other Native American tribes are an important part of American history. They remind us of the complex and often violent relationships between Native Americans and settlers. They also remind us of the resilience and strength of the human spirit.