There are several accounts of
the Dilbone Massacre. It occurred in 1813 on what is now State Route 36,
east of Piqua. An account exists in every Miami County history book. The
same can be said concerning a massacre involving Major Wolverton and some
local soldiers. The first recorded accounts stem from the writings of Dr.
Asa Coleman. Dr. Coleman was one of the county's first physicians, as well
as a surgeon for the Ohio Militia during the War of 1812. His original
version of these events was first published in 1837 by the Troy Times. Many
of his recollections have been published, often not recognizing him as the
primary source of information. This story holds information from all
previous versions of the massacres, as well recently discovered letters from
government officials concerning the events.
"The Wolverton Incident"
The first massacre
concerning Miami County was not the above mentioned Gerard or Dilbone
killings, but an "incident" that happened one year prior.
A group of Indians were
ambushed by Miami Militia. In a letter to the Liberty Hall Newspaper,
General Edmund Munger noted that arms were being sent from Urbana to supply
several parties of Miami's men. These men were to patrol the area between
Greenville and the Piqua-Troy area. Major Charles Wolverton, who was in
command of Fort Greenville, was on patrol with a company of men. An Indian
camp was discovered near their post. Without attempting to determine the
position or loyalties of these Indians, the company of men attacked the
Indians. Two Indians were killed another wounded, and several captured. The
Indians offered no resistance.
The May 1812 edition of the
Ohio Centinel describes the "incident":
The
Indians-The savages appear to be engaged on every quarter of our frontier in
committing depredations upon the lives and property of settlers. On the 20th
of last month, they killed and scalped a man near Greenville. In consequence
of the murder of Greenville, a volunteer company of militia from Miami
County marched to that neighborhood, and we have been notified that they
killed two, wounded another and taken two squaws and a boy prisoner. They
are in pursuit of the wounded Indian, and they state a determination to kill
every Indian they meet with, until they have further orders.
A later edition of the
Centinel states that the wounded Indian lost his hand do to the injury. Who
were these Indians camping near Greenville? Unfortunately, they were a
friendly hunting party. They were the family of an Indian named Killbuck.
The surviving Indians were taken to the fort, kept for some time. They were
later sent under guard to Colonel John Johnston, the local Indian Agent.
Johnston personally took this family back to Greenville, and ordered the
Militia to restore their property. He then released them to their tribe.
Colonel Johnston's official report to the Secretary of War, William Eustice
was as follows:
The Honorable William
Eustice
Secretary of War
Piqua, Ohio
Sir,
Since writing you last, a
detachment of Militia on duty at Greenville fell in with a party of friendly
Indians. They killed two, wounded one, and took two women and a child
prisoner. The Indians were quietly at their camp, unoffending and
unresisting, not even having their guns loaded. On hearing of this affair, I
repaired to the place, clamed the prisoners, and sent them home in the
charge with some Shawnees with a suitable speech to the nation to which they
belonged. A few days later came a party of Shawnees hunting in the same
direction, which were taken by the Militia without opposition or bloodshed,
they were sent to me and returned to their nation. I scarcely got clear of
them when I received a message from the officer commanding the Militia that
he had taken a mixed part of Indians, two Miami's, four Delaware men and
women. Among these prisoners was the younger Killbuck who was suspected of
being the murderer of Henry Rush, a citizen of the United States lately
killed at Greenville. I found it necessary to proceed there in order to take
testimony touching the case, accordingly took several depositions, and found
strong grounds for suspicion. I sent young Killbuck under guard (having
first dismissed the others with written speeches to their tribes) to the
county prison to take his trial, and on the first night of their being on
the road, the fellow ran away from the guard, and has not since been heard
of. I had consented that his wife should accompany him and she remains in
custody. I shall take the opportunity to send her home shortly. In
consequence, of all the late murders by the savages, armed parties of our
people are out in all directions breathing destruction against the Indians
indiscriminately; the most fatal consequences would ensued if some person
had not been charged with the care and management of this quarter.
Life on the frontier was
filled with violence for citizens in this area. It appears even more so for
Indians. As for young Killbuck, he successfully escaped from his guard, and
escaped a murder trial. Not all Indians were so lucky. Governor Meigs
received an official report of the Wolverton Incident. It read as follows:
Montgomery County
May 14th, 1812
Sir-
In conformity to your
orders of the 7th Instant, I have been at Greenville, and have examined the
circumstances of the affair of killing two Indians near that place. By legal
testimony, I find that those Indians were discovered by Captain Fish the
evening before they were killed, he informed Major Wolverton and his party
of the discovery. The next morning, the Major and ten men went in pursuit of
the Indians, and found them at their camp. As soon as the Indians discovered
Wolverton's party, they ran, and were fired upon by the Major's party. Two
were killed, one wounded, two squaws and one child were taken prisoner. I
understand by the witness, that there was no order given to fire at the time
the Indians were killed, but the men had previous orders not to hurt squaws
or children.
I
likewise understood that the party with Major Wolverton had just seen the
mangled corpse of one of their fellow citizens, who had fallen innocent
victim to savage barbarity, without the least insult or provocation. This
exasperated the men to such a degree, that it was very difficult to control
them.
I was
informed by Mr. Conner, a trader at Fort Recovery, that the party of Indians
which were killed stayed at his house several days, and appeared to be
friendly. They told him they were going to buy whiskey, they had a number of
horses, and a considerable quantity of skins. They also had one handsome
bridle with a plated bit, and one of their guns was stamped "London" on the
barrel. Whether they are friends or foes is unknown, but they are of the
Pottowattomie Nation.
We
found on our arrival at Greenville five other Indians, who were in the
possession of our party. they appeared to be friendly, and they were fearful
that settlers might come across them and kill them. These Indians were of
the Shawnee Nation. When I left Greenville, I thought it advisable to bring
them all on with us, together with all their property, which I sent to Mr.
Johnston, the Indian Agent, to dispose of agreeable to your directions.
I would
further state to your Excellency the alarming situation of the settlements
in the route we went. We found nearly all the inhabitants above the
Stillwater River had evacuated their houses and farms, and removed back. We
understand that if there could be a sufficient number of men sent on the
frontier, they could go back and plant corn, and would return to their homes
again.
I
believe there is a probability of the Indians making an attack shortly. Mr.
Conner told me that he had been advised by friendly Indians to remove from
his place, or he would be killed, for the Prophet's party had determined to
fall on the white peoples as soon as the leaves put out and their horses got
in better order. He also said that there was a number of Indians at
different times who related the same story. He has therefore removed to that
place and was at Greenville. Everything looks like war with the Indians,
although I believe some are determined not to act on either side.
If your
Excellency should think proper to send out a detachment of men to those
parts, to be stationed at such places as you may think proper to direct,
under some vigilant officer. I would be leave to recommend Colonel Jerome
Holt to be a man very suitable for that command, he having been an active
officer, and thoroughly acquainted with all that part of the country, having
served in all the different campaigns, through the last Indian War.
I have the Honor to be,
with Respect,
Your Excellency's Most
Obedient Humble Servant,
Edmund Munger, Brigadier
General
Troy Citizens Petition the
Governor
Miami County was an
extremely dangerous place to live. Indian attacks were on the rise. Miami
and Greene counties were considered war zone by the state, and men who
stayed on their farm was draft exempt. Settlers in neighboring counties were
being killed, and it was no surprise to settlers when murders occurred in
this area. Prior to the Dilbone Massacre, thirty-five men from Troy
petitioned Ohio's governor, R.J. Meigs concerning the Indians who were
gathered at the Johnston Farm.
Miami County
State of Ohio
February 3, 1813
To His
Excellency R.J. Meigs Governor of the said State
The
petition of the undersigned humbly sheweth- that whereas there are a
considerable number of Indians of the Delaware tribes called in by order of
General Harrison, and are now in our county, that it is but thinly settled
on the frontier, distant from a market where provisions can be furnished
them. The people of the neighborhood, feel themselves in a dangerous
situation in the consequences of their being exposed to invasion and
depredation from them, they lying contiguous to the enemy, have every
opportunity of conveying information to them of our situation, moving off
and joining them and doing much mischief, from their knowledge of our
country etc.etc.-
This
brief petition we would humbly beg your Excellency to take into
consideration and relieve us from a state of uneasiness and alarm, by having
them removed to the interior of our state, where from its population they
will be awed into the submission to the authorities having charge over them
and supported at a much less expense to the Government-
At the outset of
hostilities, Colonel Johnston was the unofficial authority in the county.
Johnston spent his time trying to keep peace with the Indian nations,
provide safety and shelter for many Indians camping at his farm, and
attempting to intervene in Militia "incidents". The latter was frustrating
for him, as he had no official power or rank concerning the Ohio Militia.
His pleas for assistance often went unanswered. Local history books state
that Johnston wrote to George Buchanan, a Captain at a blockhouse in
Covington. He appealed for help. This is true, however, Buchanan was also
ordered by Governor Meigs to assist Johnston. In order to obtain this
assistance, Johnston appealed in writing to the United States Secretary of
War, William Eustice. Eustice appealed to Ohio's governor through contacts
in Washington.
The Honorable William
Eustice
Secretary of War Piqua,
Ohio
Sir,
You will received
intelligence from other sources that the British have taken Mackinac, and
that as a natural consequence, General Hull has ordered Fort Dearborn at
Chicago to be evacuated. The loss of these two very important establishments
will give the enemy complete ascendancy over the Indians. I feel that this
will be felt severely on our frontiers. I wrote to you some time since for
an order on the Military Store at New Port, Kentucky, for 60 stands of arms,
- 30 rifles, and 30 muskets. I intreat you to send it to me immediately for
the safe keeping and to enable us to keep our ground here,. I will give any
pledge for the safe keeping and due return of the arms which you may desire.
I have all the Indian goods for Detroit, Sandusky, Fort Wayne, and this
places, together with those as presents for the Great Council on hand here.
I have applied to the local Militia and the U.S. Rangers for a guard,
without effect. The public property in my hands remains unprotected. I have
not even arms enough for the persons constituting my family. One rifle, a
fowling piece, and an English musket are all I have to defend 30 or 40
thousand dollars worth of U.S. property. There is no calculating on the
friendship of the Indians after the loss of Michelimackinac and Chicago. If
Governor Hull is not strong enough to attack Malden, he never ought to have
crossed over to the British territory.
I have the Honor to
Remain with Very Great respect, Sir,
Your Most Obedient
Servant,
John Johnston
"The Dilbone Massacre"
The fears of Troy's
citizens were later to be realized, but not by the Indians residing at the
Johnston farm. Johnston was directed by the Federal Government to supply
non-hostile Indians with a safe domain and supplies, and also to keep them
congregated in some sort of orderly manner. Harrison sent many Indians to
Johnston in order to keep promote neutrality. As the number of Indians
increased, so did the tension in the county.
In mid August, 1813, a man
named David Gerard was murdered by two Indians in a woods near his house. He
had been making shingles with a man named Ross. After Gerard was shot, Ross
escaped and ran to Staunton, where a company of volunteers were drilling,
and warned the community. Men returned to the scene to find Gerard scalped.
His family was unharmed. Two miles north, the same Indians came upon a man
named Henry Dilbone and his family. Dilbone was shot through the chest, but
ran into the cornfield and hid in order to escape. He saw the Indians
tomahawk and scalp his wife, but was unable to come to her aid. He hid
himself as well as he could, and was not found until the next day. He was
still living when he was located by Captain Benjamin Dye. Dye and his men
were returning from Fort Greenville. In his last minutes on this earth,
Dilbone asked for his wife and children. Captain Dye told him his children
were being cared for, and that his wife was dead. He asked to see her
remains, and after looking at her, he fell back and died. John Dilbone, the
eldest child, was seven years old. He witnessed the entire event. After
seeing his parents killed, he took his two sisters and infant brother back
to their home. The children put the infant to sleep, and all climbed into
their parents bed. Later that day, a neighbor stopped in and asked they why
they were in bed. John told her the horrid story. She immediately left for
her children and the nearest station. Presently, William McKinney came, and
John took him to the grizzly scene. John also mentioned that he knew the
Indian who was responsible was a well known local, Mingo George. According
to John, his mother had pleaded with her murderer when he had fired at her
husband. "George, don't kill him", she begged. She was then tomahawked.
McKinney took the children to Winan's Station for safety.
As for Mingo George, some
time later he was killed by a well directed bullet while deer hunting along
the Miami River. The local tribe he had been staying with buried him without
comment. As a warrior, he had achieved one of his goals. The hostile Indians
in the area wanted to drive wedges between the citizens and the Indians that
Johnston was keeping at his farm. A goal which was not achieved, was that of
taking Colonel Johnston's life.
Johnston was much alarmed
for the safety of the community. He noted details of the attacks in a letter
he penned the following letter to the National Intelligencer:
Piqua,
Ohio August 21, 1813
On
Wednesday evening the 18th of the present month, the British allies made an
irruption into the neighborhood of Piqua. They fired on David Gerard and a
Mr. Ross who had been working some distance from a house. Ross made his
escape unhurt, but Gerard, not being able to get out of the way, fell
sacrifice to the tomahawk and scalping knife. From this scene the savages
proceeded some distance to where Henry Dilbone and his wife were pulling
flax. They fired upon Dilbone and shot him through the body, after which
they dispatched his wife with the knife and tomahawk, in the act of holding
up her hands and begging for mercy. The murderous wretches made good their
retreat and in all probability have returned to there employers at Malden to
receive reward for their services.
Both
Dilbone and Gerard have left families of small helpless children. The party
who committed the above murders passed Wapaghkonetta where they were spoken
to, avowed there intention of coming to Piqua, and said they were sent by
the British. They also said several parties of Indians were sent to other
parts of the frontier. From many circumstances which have come to my
knowledge, I am induced to believe these visits will be repeated upon our
defenseless inhabitants. Those residing in places of danger will do well to
be on their guard.
In haste, Your Obedient
Servant,
John Johnston
The story ends as it
begins, with murders within our community. Passing through the Miami Valley
was much more difficult for the red man than the white. We know the fate of
Mingo George. There is no record of disciplinary action against Major
Wolverton or the men who attacked the peaceful Indians. Although we may
never know all the facts, it appears that justice looked at the Indians with
a blind eye.
Copyright 1999, 2004. Timothy A. Mann