The Attack near Huttonsville

 

The sources describe an attack by Shawnee Indians that occurred near Huttonsville while Jacob Warwick and a group of surveyors were working in Randolph County. The incident highlights the dangers faced by early settlers and the constant threat of Native American raids in the region.

Background

At the time of the attack, the area around Huttonsville was considered relatively safe, and the surveying party did not initially arm themselves. However, a local resident named Thomas Lackey reported seeing recent signs of Indian activity. Lackey's credibility was somewhat questionable, but out of caution, six armed citizens joined Warwick and the surveyors to investigate the area where the Indian trail was spotted.

The Ambush

As the group approached the location of the suspected Indian presence, Andrew Stallington, one of the armed citizens accompanying the surveyors, suddenly froze in fear. Upon closer inspection, Jacob Warwick noticed Shawnee warriors stealthily positioning themselves for an ambush.

• The Shawnee warriors, realizing they had been discovered, quickly fired upon the group, wounding one member of the party and Warwick’s horse.
• Warwick’s horse collapsed as if fatally wounded, but as Warwick prepared to flee on foot, the horse suddenly sprang up and carried him to safety.
• Those who were wounded also managed to escape.
• However, three members of the group - John McClaine, James Ralston, and John Nelson - were killed in the attack.

Location and Aftermath

The sources indicate that the attack occurred near the mouth of Windy Run. Following the ambush, the bodies of the slain settlers were discovered near a steep bank, suggesting they attempted to escape by climbing the incline. Two of the men were overtaken and scalped by the Shawnee warriors.

The sources also note that the location of the attack was near a laurel thicket where Colonel Washington was killed by Ohio scouts in 1861. While this detail provides a geographical reference point, it is important to note that the date mentioned (1861) seems to be an error within the source. The historical record indicates that Colonel George Washington was not killed in 1861. He died in 1799 at his home in Mount Vernon. It’s possible that the source is referencing a different Colonel Washington or there is a typographical error in the date.

The incident serves as a reminder of the precarious nature of life on the frontier, where even seemingly peaceful areas could become the target of sudden and deadly attacks. The attack near Huttonsville underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of an ever-present threat.