Col. George Moffett: A Protector of the Frontier

 

Col. George Moffett emerges from the sources as a prominent figure during the early settlement of Augusta County, Virginia, and a key actor in protecting settlers from Native American raids. He is most notably remembered for his pursuit of Chief Dickinson, also known as the White Indian, who captured Moffett's sister, Kitty Moffett, in 1764.

Early Life and Family

• Col. George Moffett was the eldest of seven children born to John and Mary Christian Moffett.
• John Moffett was an early settler of Augusta County and married Mary Christian.
• After John Moffett disappeared on a trip to North Carolina, presumedly killed by Native Americans, his widow Mary Christian Moffett married John Trimble.

A Swift Response to Captivity

• In October 1764, Kitty Moffett, Col. George Moffett's sister, was captured by Chief Dickinson and his band of Native American warriors.
• Upon receiving news of his sister's abduction, Col. George Moffett swiftly assembled a company of eighteen experienced Indian fighters and initiated a relentless pursuit.
• His determination was evident in his refusal to abandon the chase even when the trail seemed lost, eventually finding his sister's garter hanging on a bush, which reaffirmed his belief that they were on the right track.

Confrontation and Aftermath

• The pursuit led Col. Moffett's company across the Allegheny Mountains to the vicinity of the White Sulphur Springs, where they finally caught sight of the Native American party.
• A planned nighttime ambush was thwarted when Chief Dickinson, while hunting, separated from the group.
• While the sources do not provide details about the eventual fate of Kitty Moffett or the outcome of the confrontation with Chief Dickinson, they emphasize Col. George Moffett's swift and resolute response in protecting his family and community from the threat of Native American raids.

A Legacy of Leadership and Protection

Col. George Moffett's actions highlight the dangers faced by settlers during westward expansion and the crucial role played by individuals like him in safeguarding communities on the edge of the frontier. His story, as recounted in the sources, emphasizes the courage and determination required to survive and thrive in a landscape marked by both opportunity and peril.