Captured by the --Hannah Dennis

 

Hannah Dennis's Captivity and Escape

Hannah Dennis, a pioneer woman, was taken captive by Shawnee Chief Cornstalk in 1761 during a raid on settlements near the meeting point of the Cowpasture and Jackson Rivers, which form the James River. Cornstalk's party, consisting of about 60 warriors, killed Hannah's husband and child and took her to the Shawnee towns beyond the Ohio River.

Life in Captivity

Hannah Dennis found herself in Chillicothe, a prominent Shawnee town and Cornstalk's home. Rather than succumbing to despair, she adapted to her new circumstances. She learned the Shawnee language and customs, provided care for the sick, and even cultivated a reputation as a "witch and prophetess," which earned her a position of respect among the Shawnee people. Throughout this period, she never relinquished the hope of escaping.

A Daring Escape

After two years in captivity, Hannah Dennis seized an opportunity for freedom. While out gathering medicinal herbs, she began her escape, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination. She covered significant ground, crossing the Scioto River three times within a 40-mile span. As she attempted to cross the river a fourth time, her pursuers spotted her and opened fire. In the ensuing chaos, she injured her foot on a sharp stone and sought refuge in the hollow of a fallen sycamore tree, where she remained hidden throughout the night while her pursuers camped nearby.

Return to Freedom

Hannah Dennis continued her journey, eventually reaching the Ohio River at the mouth of the Kanawha River. Undeterred by the formidable obstacle, she crossed the river on a drift log, relying on her strength and ingenuity. She then followed the familiar path of the Midland Trail, subsisting on foraged food — roots, herbs, grapes, cherries, and freshwater mussels — until she reached the Clendennin settlement. There, she received assistance and was taken on horseback to Fort Young at Covington, finally reaching safety.

Cornstalk's Retaliation

When Cornstalk discovered that Hannah Dennis had escaped, he pursued her relentlessly with his 60 warriors. His pursuit led him to the Greenbrier settlement shortly after Hannah Dennis had passed through, and his anger at her escape fueled a series of devastating raids. His war party attacked settlements on Muddy Creek, wiping out the inhabitants before moving over the mountain to attack Clendennin's settlement. Still seeking Hannah Dennis, Cornstalk continued over the Allegheny Mountains, passing near Fort Young and eventually attacking settlements on Kerrs Creek, killing and capturing over 100 settlers before returning triumphantly to Chillicothe.

The Legacy of Hannah Dennis

Hannah Dennis's story exemplifies the strength and resilience of pioneer women who faced extraordinary challenges on the American frontier. Her captivity narrative, while not explicitly mentioned in the sources, would likely have been passed down through oral tradition, inspiring future generations with her courage and determination in the face of adversity.