2 Stories: Where was Simon Girty Killed?

 The rumor:

According to the article you mentioned, Simon Girty, a white man who lived with the Native Americans, was burned alive in Bath County, Kentucky, by a group of enraged and desperate men. Joseph Hannah was allegedly an eyewitness to the event, but his children claim that he never spoke of it.

The veracity of this story has been debated for many years. Some historians believe that it is true, while others believe that it is a myth. There is no definitive evidence to support either claim.

One of the main arguments in favor of the story is the fact that it was published in a reputable newspaper by a distinguished minister. However, it is important to note that newspapers in the early 19th century were not always reliable sources of information. Sensationalism was common, and stories were often exaggerated or fabricated.

Another argument in favor of the story is the fact that it was retold by Joseph Hannah's children. However, it is important to note that these children were not born until many years after the alleged event took place. It is possible that they heard the story from their father, but it is also possible that they heard it from someone else.

On the other hand, there are several arguments against the story. First, there is no record of Girty's death in any other source. Second, it is unlikely that he would have been killed in Bath County, Kentucky, as he had no known ties to the area. Third, the story is suspiciously similar to other stories about white men who were burned alive by Native Americans.

Ultimately, the truth of the story about Simon Girty's death in Bath County, Kentucky, is unknown. There is evidence to support both sides of the argument, but there is no definitive proof.

Some years since an article written by a distinguished minister in Bath County stated that Simon Girty , the renegade was summarily put to death by being burned in a log heap by an enraged and desperate body of men in the Little Levels. Joseph Hannah was referred to as an eye witness of the dreadful affair , or as having some personal knowledge of it . Mr Hannah's children say they never heard their father say a word about such an occurrence happening to anybody in this county , under any circumstances of provocation what

Simon Girty's grave is now to be seen near the city of Detroit , so he was not burned in a Pocahontas log heap. 

Source William T. Price History of Pocahontas County

A 3rd Version:

Simon Girty's burning in a log heap in the Little Levels is a controversial event in American history. Some historians have argued that it was a justified act of revenge against a traitor, while others have condemned it as an act of barbarity.

The Little Levels is a region of West Virginia that was known for its lawlessness in the early 1800s. It was a popular hideout for criminals and outcasts, and it was also a place where people often took the law into their own hands.

In 1815, Simon Girty was captured by a group of men in the Little Levels. Girty was a white man who had been raised by the Shawnee Indians and who had fought against the Americans during the American Revolution. He was also believed to have been involved in the killing of American settlers.

The men in the Little Levels decided to put Girty to death. They built a log heap and tied Girty to it. Then, they set the logs on fire. Girty burned to death while the men watched.

There are a number of different accounts of Girty's burning. Some accounts say that he died quickly, while others say that he suffered for a long time. Some accounts also say that the men in the Little Levels taunted and tortured Girty before he died.

It is difficult to know for sure what happened on the day that Simon Girty was burned in a log heap. However, it is clear that it was a brutal and tragic event. It is also a reminder of the violence and lawlessness that existed in some parts of the American frontier in the early 1800s.

Some people believe that Girty's burning was a justified act of revenge against a traitor. They argue that Girty had betrayed his country and that he deserved to die for his crimes. Others believe that Girty's burning was an act of barbarity. They argue that it was cruel and unusual punishment, and that it was unnecessary to kill Girty in such a brutal way.

Ultimately, whether or not Girty's burning was justified is a matter of opinion. However, there is no doubt that it was a tragic event that should be remembered as a reminder of the violence and brutality that can occur during times of war and revolution.