Document:The Capture of Samuel Handley, 1792

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Sources

Original Source: The Samuel Handley story is recorded in Ramsey's 1853 work Annals of Tennessee, p571. This work is available on Google Books. Ramsay's account does not give a specific source, but the context of his presentation suggests that it is based on Governor John Seviers correspondance.

Intermediate Source: The following version is based on a presentation by Randall J. Handly. Handly's version is clearly drawn from Ramsay, but is substantially reduced. Handley has also added information of genealogical interest not contained in Ramsay's account. The verson shown here has been modified to correct spelling, adjust paragraphing, and slight rearrangements of text to improve information flow. Bill 14:05, 20 January 2007 (UTC). (transferred from FamilyPedia Q 10:44, 3 August 2010 (EDT)

Related

Indian Captivity Stories of the Cowan Family

Analysis:Captivity Stories for Ann Walker Cowan, and Mary Walker Cowan

Text

Samuel Handley (1751-1840) was born near Ashville, N.C. He first married Mary Adams, daughter of John and Agnes Adams. After Mary's death in 1779 he married Susannah Cowan, daughter of Robert Cowan and Susan Woods.

Samuel was a Captain during the Indian War. In 1792, his company of 42 men were attacked near Crab Orchard while defending the stations in the Cumberland. The Indians, 56 strong, attacked and created a panic among Samuel's men. One of these men was unhorsed near the Indian line and Samuel at once seized the horse and led it near him, so his man might mount again. In the process Samuel's own horse was shot from under him and he took to a tree, where he was met by an Indian with uplifted tomahawk. He caught the warrior's arm and uttered an Indian word meaning friendship, which the brave eased off and led him to the chief where for a time he was free from danger. While this was being done, every Indian near enough struck him with the flat side of his tomahawk. ^[1]