Margaret Brooks Shaffer was my 4th great grandmother.
The following story, which summarizes Margaret's life, was received from Venita Wilson, another one of James & Margaret's descendants. If anyone has one of the illustrated booklets, please contact me as I would like to see if this can be reprinted for other interested descendants.
*****************************************************
*****************************************************
MARGARET and the INDIAN
This is the COMPLETE story of "Margaret and the Indian" as written by Edith Tallmon Walker (1898-1991) and illustrated by her daughter, Faith Walker Brainard. Copies of this 15-page true story were distributed to family members about 1990.
"This is a true story about my great great grandmother, Margaret Brooks. She was born January 29, 1790, the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Harkins Brooks. She was born right after the Revolutionary War, probably in the state of New Jersey. Her father, Benjamin, was a soldier in the War. Little Margaret was taught the values of cleanliness, cheerfulness, kindness and love. When she was about 16 she married James Shaffer, born December 22, 1788 in New Jersey. They moved to Sinnamahoning, Pennsylvania. They traveled in a covered wagon. Several young couples came from New Jersey to Pennsylvania together, including Margaret's brother, Joseph and her sister, Rebecca, who was married to Derrick Updegraph. James and Margaret stayed in Pennsylvania just a short time. They decided to go on to Delaware County, Ohio.
It would not be an easy life. And added to it the Shawnee, under Tecumseh, were hostile to the white settlers, often raiding and burning them out. But Margaret and James were undaunted. They felt the advantages of the new land outweighed the dangers. So in Ohio they took up land, built a log house, a log barn and planted corn between the tree stumps. The Indians had thinned out the wild game, but there were wild plums, berries and nuts in season...
This is the story of their adventure in Ohio.
Margaret and James worked hard! By the year 1812 they had several head of livestock, including 2 or 3 horses, a cow for milk and butter and even a pig or two for meat and lard, which was a staple. They had a well tended garden patch and even had little apple trees started. They also had two little boys, William, 2, and Henry, 1. By early 1813 they had a baby girl, Rebecca. They had little social life but sometimes they visited neighbors who lived several miles away, and they attended services if and when an itinerant preacher came through. And they went to the nearest Trading Post for supplies.
James made the log cabin as comfortable as possible. It had a fireplace for cooking and in one corner he built a bedstead with a straw tick for a mattress and he made a trundle bed for the children It slid under the big bed when not in use. A table and benches were across the room with shelves above for storage. He made a bench to hold the water bucket. Everything they had was put to good use. When they found they no longer needed the large wagon which had brought them west, they removed the wagon box from the wheel unit, turned it over and left it upside down. It was very heavy and not easily moved. The wheel unit was then used for other needs such as hauling logs.
Margaret was very happy in their little log house with her small children and loving husband. She was very particular that things were always clean and in order. It took many hours a day to keep things clean, cook in her fireplace, garden and bring water from the spring. In her spare time, usually after dinner and all the dishes were scalded and put away, she knit or sewed by candlelight. Once in a while someone came by on the trail in front of her house. One of these was an old Indian who stopped by often. He knew a little english and taught her a few Indian words so they could communicate. Margaret was always friendly and kind and always gave him a drink of milk and something to eat. As time worn on she came almost to look forward to his visits, and learned to understand his Indian ways. He was a Shawnee and wore buckskins and moccasins. In the winter he wore an animal skin over his shoulders.
One winter morning a complete stranger rode up to the door. He asked if James Shaffer lived there. Soon James came from his work. What a great surprise to find that he was drafted into the United States Army. The War of 1812 had been declared a few months earlier. Frontiersmen were needed to keep the northern borders from being taken and overrun by the British. Margaret and James were stunned by the news. But he was to serve only 6 months and Margaret was sure that she could get along for that length of time. James, who was musical, was to serve as the drummer for his regiment. This is documented by his pension papers of which I have a copy. The original is in the National Archives, Washington D.C. These papers tell us that he was drafted Feb. 15, 1813.
James had to hurry to prepare things for his family while he was gone. In the few days he had left he chopped and stacked a great pile of wood by the door and did whatever else he could to make it easier for Margaret while he was gone. There were other settlers, but none very close. There was also a Fort about 20 miles away which was some security in case of emergency. James left with the other draftees within a few days.
Margaret kept herself very busy and was glad for the extra work which kept her mind from dwelling on how lonely she was and how much she missed James. James, her kind, handsome husband. Years later his son, the Rev. Joseph Shaffer, upon looking at a photograph of James (later destroyed by a flood), said, "I never saw him that he didn't have that smile on his face. He had a very benign countenance - beautiful, strong hands - well shaped". Margaret felt very blessed to have James for her husband.
The days grew warmer as Spring approached. She planted the garden and it was growing well. She planted corn, pumpkins, beans, potatoes and turnips. She gathered wild onions and greens and berries. She was industrious and knew well the importance of feeding her family good food. Many of the settlers in those times had a very limited selection of food and what they did have was usually fried in pork fat. Cornmeal and salt pork were the main staples. Wheat flour was difficult to grind and had to be hauled in and was only available through the Trading Posts. Supplies were very limited. Margaret felt fortunate to be able to fill her garden patch with nourishing foods. She stooped to pull a weed from among the little sprouts of corn and stood up, straightening her back. She looked around her. Everything was fresh and green. There were wildflowers everywhere. Carpets of them in the sunny patches between the trees. She would pick a few and put them on the table for a touch of beauty in her little home. She smiled as she watched William and Henry playing in the soft grass, and then she heard Rebecca fussing. She would nurse her and then get the boys their lunch of cornbread with maple sugar, berries and milk.
One day the old Indian came by. This time he came with frightening news. He said that Indians were planning a raid. They planned to come that very night and kill the livestock, steal the horses from the barn, burn it and the house and kill her and the children. What to do! There was no time to go elsewhere and no place to hide. Then she remembered the wagon box. They could hide under it. It was very heavy and Margaret feared that they would not be able to lift it. But she gathered up warm bedding, as much food as she could manage, a water bucket and her few treasures. Quickly dressing William, Henry and Rebecca warmly she ran out to the overturned wagon. The Indian made a lever from a stump and a long, thin log. He was able to lift the wagon and Margaret and the children crawled under. She warned the little boys to be very quiet. She told them stories and sang songs to them very softly. And she prayed a lot too. Finally the children went to sleep.
Suddenly great yelling and wild noises broke the silence. The hostile Indians had come. She could hear them running around yelling and doing all the dreadful things that they said they would do. After a while she heard voices by the wagon. It was her friend and another Indian. The Indians were looking for Margaret. They had searched everywhere in vain and had decided to look under the wagon box. She heard an Indian say, "Paleface in box". And her friend said, "No, paleface could not lift, even Indian cannot lift". He persuaded them to leave the wagon alone. Finally with a few last wild yells the marauders left. It was very, very quiet. Margaret prayed her thanks, she and the children were saved. Toward morning she heard her friend's voice. He lifted the box. She crawled out and shakily stood up. Everywhere she looked was devastation. The cozy house was burned and so was the barn. The garden, so lovingly planted and tended was trampled flat. The horses were gone and the livestock killed. But there was no time to mourn. They must get to safety. The Indians could return at any time. Their friend had brought two Indian ponies. What a blessing! Margaret quickly made a sling of one of the blankets for the two small boys. The Indian on one pony carried what he could of the little food and supplies she had been able to save, and she, on the other pony with her sons secure in the blanket sling in front of her and baby Rebecca tied close to her breast, started toward the Fort. They traveled as fast as they could but it took many, many hours to reach the Fort. Such joy and relief to have kindly hands welcome her and friendly faces surround her. Her rescuer was also made welcome and was fed and warmed. He could have stayed longer, but in a short time he left. Margaret never saw him again. In her heart she always kept a special place of remembrance and thanks for this unique and caring Indian friend and rescuer. He had risked his life and perhaps forfeited it to save her and her children.
I believe Fort Stephenson on the Sandusky River to be the Fort to which they escaped. It was to be their home until James found them.
On July 15, 1813, James' tour of duty was over and he was discharged from Fort Findley. Anxious to see his family and work again on his land, he hurried home. What a scene of desolation! Fear gripped his heart. Where was his family? Everything was gone. Those far neighbors who escaped the raids did not know what had happened to Margaret and the children. He headed for the nearest Fort hoping and praying that they could give him some news of his family Surely they would know what happened. What if they didn't know, what if... James would not allow himself to think about it. He just hurried to the Fort. One can imagine his great joy and thanksgiving when there was Margaret and his babies!
After much discussion they decided to return to their land as soon as possible. James would go first and see what could be salvaged. He would also buy supplies from the Trading Post. It was summer so if the wagon could be reassembled they could live in it while they started putting their lives together again. It all seemed so hopeless, but they would try. The first thing James did was check the wagon box. It was still intact. The wheel unit was in a thicket of brush and trees some distance from where the house had stood. They put it there to protect it from the weather and sun, which was very hard on wooden wheels. The wagon could be assembled again! Under it was the small stash of supplies which Margaret had saved and not been able to carry to the Fort with her. A few garden plants had survived the trampling, and he was able to salvage a few tools and a knifeblade from the ashes.
He brought his family home and they set up housekeeping. It was hard going and there was the constant fear of another raid. They finally decided to return to Pennsylvania. We do not know when they left Ohio, but they did take the trusty wagon back to Sinnamahoning by 1815 for in 1816 he built a house and dug a well in Grove Township on the North Fork of the Susquehanna River. The permits for these improvements are in the official records. They prospered and later gave land for a Methodist Church and a school, which he also built. It was the first school in Sinnamahoning. The well was still in use over 100 years later.
Margaret never tired of telling the story of her dramatic rescue by her friend, the Shawnee Indian. It was told and retold to children and grandchildren and great grandchildren - and thus to me.
Margaret and James had 15 children. They all lived to marry. This was very unusual in times when children died easily and sometimes just one or two of a large family lived to adulthood. It was a testimony to her cleanliness and loving care. Their son, David Shaffer, was alive when I was born. He was the 9th child of Margaret and James. His son, John Wesley Shaffer, was the father of my mother, Emma Dahlia Shaffer (Tallmon).
Margaret and James remained in Pennsylvania for the rest of their lives. James died Aug. 25, 1872 at the age of 84. Margaret died Feb. 26, 1876 at the age of 86. They are buried in Jericho Cemetery, Sinnamahoning, PA."
*********************************************************
*********************************************************
Margaret's father, Benjamin Brooks, is a recognized & proven Patriot Ancestor for both Sons of, and Daughters of the American Revolution. (Benjamin's DAR Ancestor # is A014961).
The following story, which summarizes Margaret's life, was received from Venita Wilson, another one of James & Margaret's descendants. If anyone has one of the illustrated booklets, please contact me as I would like to see if this can be reprinted for other interested descendants.
*****************************************************
*****************************************************
MARGARET and the INDIAN
This is the COMPLETE story of "Margaret and the Indian" as written by Edith Tallmon Walker (1898-1991) and illustrated by her daughter, Faith Walker Brainard. Copies of this 15-page true story were distributed to family members about 1990.
"This is a true story about my great great grandmother, Margaret Brooks. She was born January 29, 1790, the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Harkins Brooks. She was born right after the Revolutionary War, probably in the state of New Jersey. Her father, Benjamin, was a soldier in the War. Little Margaret was taught the values of cleanliness, cheerfulness, kindness and love. When she was about 16 she married James Shaffer, born December 22, 1788 in New Jersey. They moved to Sinnamahoning, Pennsylvania. They traveled in a covered wagon. Several young couples came from New Jersey to Pennsylvania together, including Margaret's brother, Joseph and her sister, Rebecca, who was married to Derrick Updegraph. James and Margaret stayed in Pennsylvania just a short time. They decided to go on to Delaware County, Ohio.
It would not be an easy life. And added to it the Shawnee, under Tecumseh, were hostile to the white settlers, often raiding and burning them out. But Margaret and James were undaunted. They felt the advantages of the new land outweighed the dangers. So in Ohio they took up land, built a log house, a log barn and planted corn between the tree stumps. The Indians had thinned out the wild game, but there were wild plums, berries and nuts in season...
This is the story of their adventure in Ohio.
Margaret and James worked hard! By the year 1812 they had several head of livestock, including 2 or 3 horses, a cow for milk and butter and even a pig or two for meat and lard, which was a staple. They had a well tended garden patch and even had little apple trees started. They also had two little boys, William, 2, and Henry, 1. By early 1813 they had a baby girl, Rebecca. They had little social life but sometimes they visited neighbors who lived several miles away, and they attended services if and when an itinerant preacher came through. And they went to the nearest Trading Post for supplies.
James made the log cabin as comfortable as possible. It had a fireplace for cooking and in one corner he built a bedstead with a straw tick for a mattress and he made a trundle bed for the children It slid under the big bed when not in use. A table and benches were across the room with shelves above for storage. He made a bench to hold the water bucket. Everything they had was put to good use. When they found they no longer needed the large wagon which had brought them west, they removed the wagon box from the wheel unit, turned it over and left it upside down. It was very heavy and not easily moved. The wheel unit was then used for other needs such as hauling logs.
Margaret was very happy in their little log house with her small children and loving husband. She was very particular that things were always clean and in order. It took many hours a day to keep things clean, cook in her fireplace, garden and bring water from the spring. In her spare time, usually after dinner and all the dishes were scalded and put away, she knit or sewed by candlelight. Once in a while someone came by on the trail in front of her house. One of these was an old Indian who stopped by often. He knew a little english and taught her a few Indian words so they could communicate. Margaret was always friendly and kind and always gave him a drink of milk and something to eat. As time worn on she came almost to look forward to his visits, and learned to understand his Indian ways. He was a Shawnee and wore buckskins and moccasins. In the winter he wore an animal skin over his shoulders.
One winter morning a complete stranger rode up to the door. He asked if James Shaffer lived there. Soon James came from his work. What a great surprise to find that he was drafted into the United States Army. The War of 1812 had been declared a few months earlier. Frontiersmen were needed to keep the northern borders from being taken and overrun by the British. Margaret and James were stunned by the news. But he was to serve only 6 months and Margaret was sure that she could get along for that length of time. James, who was musical, was to serve as the drummer for his regiment. This is documented by his pension papers of which I have a copy. The original is in the National Archives, Washington D.C. These papers tell us that he was drafted Feb. 15, 1813.
James had to hurry to prepare things for his family while he was gone. In the few days he had left he chopped and stacked a great pile of wood by the door and did whatever else he could to make it easier for Margaret while he was gone. There were other settlers, but none very close. There was also a Fort about 20 miles away which was some security in case of emergency. James left with the other draftees within a few days.
Margaret kept herself very busy and was glad for the extra work which kept her mind from dwelling on how lonely she was and how much she missed James. James, her kind, handsome husband. Years later his son, the Rev. Joseph Shaffer, upon looking at a photograph of James (later destroyed by a flood), said, "I never saw him that he didn't have that smile on his face. He had a very benign countenance - beautiful, strong hands - well shaped". Margaret felt very blessed to have James for her husband.
The days grew warmer as Spring approached. She planted the garden and it was growing well. She planted corn, pumpkins, beans, potatoes and turnips. She gathered wild onions and greens and berries. She was industrious and knew well the importance of feeding her family good food. Many of the settlers in those times had a very limited selection of food and what they did have was usually fried in pork fat. Cornmeal and salt pork were the main staples. Wheat flour was difficult to grind and had to be hauled in and was only available through the Trading Posts. Supplies were very limited. Margaret felt fortunate to be able to fill her garden patch with nourishing foods. She stooped to pull a weed from among the little sprouts of corn and stood up, straightening her back. She looked around her. Everything was fresh and green. There were wildflowers everywhere. Carpets of them in the sunny patches between the trees. She would pick a few and put them on the table for a touch of beauty in her little home. She smiled as she watched William and Henry playing in the soft grass, and then she heard Rebecca fussing. She would nurse her and then get the boys their lunch of cornbread with maple sugar, berries and milk.
One day the old Indian came by. This time he came with frightening news. He said that Indians were planning a raid. They planned to come that very night and kill the livestock, steal the horses from the barn, burn it and the house and kill her and the children. What to do! There was no time to go elsewhere and no place to hide. Then she remembered the wagon box. They could hide under it. It was very heavy and Margaret feared that they would not be able to lift it. But she gathered up warm bedding, as much food as she could manage, a water bucket and her few treasures. Quickly dressing William, Henry and Rebecca warmly she ran out to the overturned wagon. The Indian made a lever from a stump and a long, thin log. He was able to lift the wagon and Margaret and the children crawled under. She warned the little boys to be very quiet. She told them stories and sang songs to them very softly. And she prayed a lot too. Finally the children went to sleep.
Suddenly great yelling and wild noises broke the silence. The hostile Indians had come. She could hear them running around yelling and doing all the dreadful things that they said they would do. After a while she heard voices by the wagon. It was her friend and another Indian. The Indians were looking for Margaret. They had searched everywhere in vain and had decided to look under the wagon box. She heard an Indian say, "Paleface in box". And her friend said, "No, paleface could not lift, even Indian cannot lift". He persuaded them to leave the wagon alone. Finally with a few last wild yells the marauders left. It was very, very quiet. Margaret prayed her thanks, she and the children were saved. Toward morning she heard her friend's voice. He lifted the box. She crawled out and shakily stood up. Everywhere she looked was devastation. The cozy house was burned and so was the barn. The garden, so lovingly planted and tended was trampled flat. The horses were gone and the livestock killed. But there was no time to mourn. They must get to safety. The Indians could return at any time. Their friend had brought two Indian ponies. What a blessing! Margaret quickly made a sling of one of the blankets for the two small boys. The Indian on one pony carried what he could of the little food and supplies she had been able to save, and she, on the other pony with her sons secure in the blanket sling in front of her and baby Rebecca tied close to her breast, started toward the Fort. They traveled as fast as they could but it took many, many hours to reach the Fort. Such joy and relief to have kindly hands welcome her and friendly faces surround her. Her rescuer was also made welcome and was fed and warmed. He could have stayed longer, but in a short time he left. Margaret never saw him again. In her heart she always kept a special place of remembrance and thanks for this unique and caring Indian friend and rescuer. He had risked his life and perhaps forfeited it to save her and her children.
I believe Fort Stephenson on the Sandusky River to be the Fort to which they escaped. It was to be their home until James found them.
On July 15, 1813, James' tour of duty was over and he was discharged from Fort Findley. Anxious to see his family and work again on his land, he hurried home. What a scene of desolation! Fear gripped his heart. Where was his family? Everything was gone. Those far neighbors who escaped the raids did not know what had happened to Margaret and the children. He headed for the nearest Fort hoping and praying that they could give him some news of his family Surely they would know what happened. What if they didn't know, what if... James would not allow himself to think about it. He just hurried to the Fort. One can imagine his great joy and thanksgiving when there was Margaret and his babies!
After much discussion they decided to return to their land as soon as possible. James would go first and see what could be salvaged. He would also buy supplies from the Trading Post. It was summer so if the wagon could be reassembled they could live in it while they started putting their lives together again. It all seemed so hopeless, but they would try. The first thing James did was check the wagon box. It was still intact. The wheel unit was in a thicket of brush and trees some distance from where the house had stood. They put it there to protect it from the weather and sun, which was very hard on wooden wheels. The wagon could be assembled again! Under it was the small stash of supplies which Margaret had saved and not been able to carry to the Fort with her. A few garden plants had survived the trampling, and he was able to salvage a few tools and a knifeblade from the ashes.
He brought his family home and they set up housekeeping. It was hard going and there was the constant fear of another raid. They finally decided to return to Pennsylvania. We do not know when they left Ohio, but they did take the trusty wagon back to Sinnamahoning by 1815 for in 1816 he built a house and dug a well in Grove Township on the North Fork of the Susquehanna River. The permits for these improvements are in the official records. They prospered and later gave land for a Methodist Church and a school, which he also built. It was the first school in Sinnamahoning. The well was still in use over 100 years later.
Margaret never tired of telling the story of her dramatic rescue by her friend, the Shawnee Indian. It was told and retold to children and grandchildren and great grandchildren - and thus to me.
Margaret and James had 15 children. They all lived to marry. This was very unusual in times when children died easily and sometimes just one or two of a large family lived to adulthood. It was a testimony to her cleanliness and loving care. Their son, David Shaffer, was alive when I was born. He was the 9th child of Margaret and James. His son, John Wesley Shaffer, was the father of my mother, Emma Dahlia Shaffer (Tallmon).
Margaret and James remained in Pennsylvania for the rest of their lives. James died Aug. 25, 1872 at the age of 84. Margaret died Feb. 26, 1876 at the age of 86. They are buried in Jericho Cemetery, Sinnamahoning, PA."
*********************************************************
*********************************************************
Margaret's father, Benjamin Brooks, is a recognized & proven Patriot Ancestor for both Sons of, and Daughters of the American Revolution. (Benjamin's DAR Ancestor # is A014961).
Margaret Brooks Shaffer was my 4th great grandmother.
The following story, which summarizes Margaret's life, was received from Venita Wilson, another one of James & Margaret's descendants. If anyone has one of the illustrated booklets, please contact me as I would like to see if this can be reprinted for other interested descendants.
*****************************************************
*****************************************************
MARGARET and the INDIAN
This is the COMPLETE story of "Margaret and the Indian" as written by Edith Tallmon Walker (1898-1991) and illustrated by her daughter, Faith Walker Brainard. Copies of this 15-page true story were distributed to family members about 1990.
"This is a true story about my great great grandmother, Margaret Brooks. She was born January 29, 1790, the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Harkins Brooks. She was born right after the Revolutionary War, probably in the state of New Jersey. Her father, Benjamin, was a soldier in the War. Little Margaret was taught the values of cleanliness, cheerfulness, kindness and love. When she was about 16 she married James Shaffer, born December 22, 1788 in New Jersey. They moved to Sinnamahoning, Pennsylvania. They traveled in a covered wagon. Several young couples came from New Jersey to Pennsylvania together, including Margaret's brother, Joseph and her sister, Rebecca, who was married to Derrick Updegraph. James and Margaret stayed in Pennsylvania just a short time. They decided to go on to Delaware County, Ohio.
It would not be an easy life. And added to it the Shawnee, under Tecumseh, were hostile to the white settlers, often raiding and burning them out. But Margaret and James were undaunted. They felt the advantages of the new land outweighed the dangers. So in Ohio they took up land, built a log house, a log barn and planted corn between the tree stumps. The Indians had thinned out the wild game, but there were wild plums, berries and nuts in season...
This is the story of their adventure in Ohio.
Margaret and James worked hard! By the year 1812 they had several head of livestock, including 2 or 3 horses, a cow for milk and butter and even a pig or two for meat and lard, which was a staple. They had a well tended garden patch and even had little apple trees started. They also had two little boys, William, 2, and Henry, 1. By early 1813 they had a baby girl, Rebecca. They had little social life but sometimes they visited neighbors who lived several miles away, and they attended services if and when an itinerant preacher came through. And they went to the nearest Trading Post for supplies.
James made the log cabin as comfortable as possible. It had a fireplace for cooking and in one corner he built a bedstead with a straw tick for a mattress and he made a trundle bed for the children It slid under the big bed when not in use. A table and benches were across the room with shelves above for storage. He made a bench to hold the water bucket. Everything they had was put to good use. When they found they no longer needed the large wagon which had brought them west, they removed the wagon box from the wheel unit, turned it over and left it upside down. It was very heavy and not easily moved. The wheel unit was then used for other needs such as hauling logs.
Margaret was very happy in their little log house with her small children and loving husband. She was very particular that things were always clean and in order. It took many hours a day to keep things clean, cook in her fireplace, garden and bring water from the spring. In her spare time, usually after dinner and all the dishes were scalded and put away, she knit or sewed by candlelight. Once in a while someone came by on the trail in front of her house. One of these was an old Indian who stopped by often. He knew a little english and taught her a few Indian words so they could communicate. Margaret was always friendly and kind and always gave him a drink of milk and something to eat. As time worn on she came almost to look forward to his visits, and learned to understand his Indian ways. He was a Shawnee and wore buckskins and moccasins. In the winter he wore an animal skin over his shoulders.
One winter morning a complete stranger rode up to the door. He asked if James Shaffer lived there. Soon James came from his work. What a great surprise to find that he was drafted into the United States Army. The War of 1812 had been declared a few months earlier. Frontiersmen were needed to keep the northern borders from being taken and overrun by the British. Margaret and James were stunned by the news. But he was to serve only 6 months and Margaret was sure that she could get along for that length of time. James, who was musical, was to serve as the drummer for his regiment. This is documented by his pension papers of which I have a copy. The original is in the National Archives, Washington D.C. These papers tell us that he was drafted Feb. 15, 1813.
James had to hurry to prepare things for his family while he was gone. In the few days he had left he chopped and stacked a great pile of wood by the door and did whatever else he could to make it easier for Margaret while he was gone. There were other settlers, but none very close. There was also a Fort about 20 miles away which was some security in case of emergency. James left with the other draftees within a few days.
Margaret kept herself very busy and was glad for the extra work which kept her mind from dwelling on how lonely she was and how much she missed James. James, her kind, handsome husband. Years later his son, the Rev. Joseph Shaffer, upon looking at a photograph of James (later destroyed by a flood), said, "I never saw him that he didn't have that smile on his face. He had a very benign countenance - beautiful, strong hands - well shaped". Margaret felt very blessed to have James for her husband.
The days grew warmer as Spring approached. She planted the garden and it was growing well. She planted corn, pumpkins, beans, potatoes and turnips. She gathered wild onions and greens and berries. She was industrious and knew well the importance of feeding her family good food. Many of the settlers in those times had a very limited selection of food and what they did have was usually fried in pork fat. Cornmeal and salt pork were the main staples. Wheat flour was difficult to grind and had to be hauled in and was only available through the Trading Posts. Supplies were very limited. Margaret felt fortunate to be able to fill her garden patch with nourishing foods. She stooped to pull a weed from among the little sprouts of corn and stood up, straightening her back. She looked around her. Everything was fresh and green. There were wildflowers everywhere. Carpets of them in the sunny patches between the trees. She would pick a few and put them on the table for a touch of beauty in her little home. She smiled as she watched William and Henry playing in the soft grass, and then she heard Rebecca fussing. She would nurse her and then get the boys their lunch of cornbread with maple sugar, berries and milk.
One day the old Indian came by. This time he came with frightening news. He said that Indians were planning a raid. They planned to come that very night and kill the livestock, steal the horses from the barn, burn it and the house and kill her and the children. What to do! There was no time to go elsewhere and no place to hide. Then she remembered the wagon box. They could hide under it. It was very heavy and Margaret feared that they would not be able to lift it. But she gathered up warm bedding, as much food as she could manage, a water bucket and her few treasures. Quickly dressing William, Henry and Rebecca warmly she ran out to the overturned wagon. The Indian made a lever from a stump and a long, thin log. He was able to lift the wagon and Margaret and the children crawled under. She warned the little boys to be very quiet. She told them stories and sang songs to them very softly. And she prayed a lot too. Finally the children went to sleep.
Suddenly great yelling and wild noises broke the silence. The hostile Indians had come. She could hear them running around yelling and doing all the dreadful things that they said they would do. After a while she heard voices by the wagon. It was her friend and another Indian. The Indians were looking for Margaret. They had searched everywhere in vain and had decided to look under the wagon box. She heard an Indian say, "Paleface in box". And her friend said, "No, paleface could not lift, even Indian cannot lift". He persuaded them to leave the wagon alone. Finally with a few last wild yells the marauders left. It was very, very quiet. Margaret prayed her thanks, she and the children were saved. Toward morning she heard her friend's voice. He lifted the box. She crawled out and shakily stood up. Everywhere she looked was devastation. The cozy house was burned and so was the barn. The garden, so lovingly planted and tended was trampled flat. The horses were gone and the livestock killed. But there was no time to mourn. They must get to safety. The Indians could return at any time. Their friend had brought two Indian ponies. What a blessing! Margaret quickly made a sling of one of the blankets for the two small boys. The Indian on one pony carried what he could of the little food and supplies she had been able to save, and she, on the other pony with her sons secure in the blanket sling in front of her and baby Rebecca tied close to her breast, started toward the Fort. They traveled as fast as they could but it took many, many hours to reach the Fort. Such joy and relief to have kindly hands welcome her and friendly faces surround her. Her rescuer was also made welcome and was fed and warmed. He could have stayed longer, but in a short time he left. Margaret never saw him again. In her heart she always kept a special place of remembrance and thanks for this unique and caring Indian friend and rescuer. He had risked his life and perhaps forfeited it to save her and her children.
I believe Fort Stephenson on the Sandusky River to be the Fort to which they escaped. It was to be their home until James found them.
On July 15, 1813, James' tour of duty was over and he was discharged from Fort Findley. Anxious to see his family and work again on his land, he hurried home. What a scene of desolation! Fear gripped his heart. Where was his family? Everything was gone. Those far neighbors who escaped the raids did not know what had happened to Margaret and the children. He headed for the nearest Fort hoping and praying that they could give him some news of his family Surely they would know what happened. What if they didn't know, what if... James would not allow himself to think about it. He just hurried to the Fort. One can imagine his great joy and thanksgiving when there was Margaret and his babies!
After much discussion they decided to return to their land as soon as possible. James would go first and see what could be salvaged. He would also buy supplies from the Trading Post. It was summer so if the wagon could be reassembled they could live in it while they started putting their lives together again. It all seemed so hopeless, but they would try. The first thing James did was check the wagon box. It was still intact. The wheel unit was in a thicket of brush and trees some distance from where the house had stood. They put it there to protect it from the weather and sun, which was very hard on wooden wheels. The wagon could be assembled again! Under it was the small stash of supplies which Margaret had saved and not been able to carry to the Fort with her. A few garden plants had survived the trampling, and he was able to salvage a few tools and a knifeblade from the ashes.
He brought his family home and they set up housekeeping. It was hard going and there was the constant fear of another raid. They finally decided to return to Pennsylvania. We do not know when they left Ohio, but they did take the trusty wagon back to Sinnamahoning by 1815 for in 1816 he built a house and dug a well in Grove Township on the North Fork of the Susquehanna River. The permits for these improvements are in the official records. They prospered and later gave land for a Methodist Church and a school, which he also built. It was the first school in Sinnamahoning. The well was still in use over 100 years later.
Margaret never tired of telling the story of her dramatic rescue by her friend, the Shawnee Indian. It was told and retold to children and grandchildren and great grandchildren - and thus to me.
Margaret and James had 15 children. They all lived to marry. This was very unusual in times when children died easily and sometimes just one or two of a large family lived to adulthood. It was a testimony to her cleanliness and loving care. Their son, David Shaffer, was alive when I was born. He was the 9th child of Margaret and James. His son, John Wesley Shaffer, was the father of my mother, Emma Dahlia Shaffer (Tallmon).
Margaret and James remained in Pennsylvania for the rest of their lives. James died Aug. 25, 1872 at the age of 84. Margaret died Feb. 26, 1876 at the age of 86. They are buried in Jericho Cemetery, Sinnamahoning, PA."
*********************************************************
*********************************************************
Margaret's father, Benjamin Brooks, is a recognized & proven Patriot Ancestor for both Sons of, and Daughters of the American Revolution. (Benjamin's DAR Ancestor # is A014961).
The following story, which summarizes Margaret's life, was received from Venita Wilson, another one of James & Margaret's descendants. If anyone has one of the illustrated booklets, please contact me as I would like to see if this can be reprinted for other interested descendants.
*****************************************************
*****************************************************
MARGARET and the INDIAN
This is the COMPLETE story of "Margaret and the Indian" as written by Edith Tallmon Walker (1898-1991) and illustrated by her daughter, Faith Walker Brainard. Copies of this 15-page true story were distributed to family members about 1990.
"This is a true story about my great great grandmother, Margaret Brooks. She was born January 29, 1790, the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Harkins Brooks. She was born right after the Revolutionary War, probably in the state of New Jersey. Her father, Benjamin, was a soldier in the War. Little Margaret was taught the values of cleanliness, cheerfulness, kindness and love. When she was about 16 she married James Shaffer, born December 22, 1788 in New Jersey. They moved to Sinnamahoning, Pennsylvania. They traveled in a covered wagon. Several young couples came from New Jersey to Pennsylvania together, including Margaret's brother, Joseph and her sister, Rebecca, who was married to Derrick Updegraph. James and Margaret stayed in Pennsylvania just a short time. They decided to go on to Delaware County, Ohio.
It would not be an easy life. And added to it the Shawnee, under Tecumseh, were hostile to the white settlers, often raiding and burning them out. But Margaret and James were undaunted. They felt the advantages of the new land outweighed the dangers. So in Ohio they took up land, built a log house, a log barn and planted corn between the tree stumps. The Indians had thinned out the wild game, but there were wild plums, berries and nuts in season...
This is the story of their adventure in Ohio.
Margaret and James worked hard! By the year 1812 they had several head of livestock, including 2 or 3 horses, a cow for milk and butter and even a pig or two for meat and lard, which was a staple. They had a well tended garden patch and even had little apple trees started. They also had two little boys, William, 2, and Henry, 1. By early 1813 they had a baby girl, Rebecca. They had little social life but sometimes they visited neighbors who lived several miles away, and they attended services if and when an itinerant preacher came through. And they went to the nearest Trading Post for supplies.
James made the log cabin as comfortable as possible. It had a fireplace for cooking and in one corner he built a bedstead with a straw tick for a mattress and he made a trundle bed for the children It slid under the big bed when not in use. A table and benches were across the room with shelves above for storage. He made a bench to hold the water bucket. Everything they had was put to good use. When they found they no longer needed the large wagon which had brought them west, they removed the wagon box from the wheel unit, turned it over and left it upside down. It was very heavy and not easily moved. The wheel unit was then used for other needs such as hauling logs.
Margaret was very happy in their little log house with her small children and loving husband. She was very particular that things were always clean and in order. It took many hours a day to keep things clean, cook in her fireplace, garden and bring water from the spring. In her spare time, usually after dinner and all the dishes were scalded and put away, she knit or sewed by candlelight. Once in a while someone came by on the trail in front of her house. One of these was an old Indian who stopped by often. He knew a little english and taught her a few Indian words so they could communicate. Margaret was always friendly and kind and always gave him a drink of milk and something to eat. As time worn on she came almost to look forward to his visits, and learned to understand his Indian ways. He was a Shawnee and wore buckskins and moccasins. In the winter he wore an animal skin over his shoulders.
One winter morning a complete stranger rode up to the door. He asked if James Shaffer lived there. Soon James came from his work. What a great surprise to find that he was drafted into the United States Army. The War of 1812 had been declared a few months earlier. Frontiersmen were needed to keep the northern borders from being taken and overrun by the British. Margaret and James were stunned by the news. But he was to serve only 6 months and Margaret was sure that she could get along for that length of time. James, who was musical, was to serve as the drummer for his regiment. This is documented by his pension papers of which I have a copy. The original is in the National Archives, Washington D.C. These papers tell us that he was drafted Feb. 15, 1813.
James had to hurry to prepare things for his family while he was gone. In the few days he had left he chopped and stacked a great pile of wood by the door and did whatever else he could to make it easier for Margaret while he was gone. There were other settlers, but none very close. There was also a Fort about 20 miles away which was some security in case of emergency. James left with the other draftees within a few days.
Margaret kept herself very busy and was glad for the extra work which kept her mind from dwelling on how lonely she was and how much she missed James. James, her kind, handsome husband. Years later his son, the Rev. Joseph Shaffer, upon looking at a photograph of James (later destroyed by a flood), said, "I never saw him that he didn't have that smile on his face. He had a very benign countenance - beautiful, strong hands - well shaped". Margaret felt very blessed to have James for her husband.
The days grew warmer as Spring approached. She planted the garden and it was growing well. She planted corn, pumpkins, beans, potatoes and turnips. She gathered wild onions and greens and berries. She was industrious and knew well the importance of feeding her family good food. Many of the settlers in those times had a very limited selection of food and what they did have was usually fried in pork fat. Cornmeal and salt pork were the main staples. Wheat flour was difficult to grind and had to be hauled in and was only available through the Trading Posts. Supplies were very limited. Margaret felt fortunate to be able to fill her garden patch with nourishing foods. She stooped to pull a weed from among the little sprouts of corn and stood up, straightening her back. She looked around her. Everything was fresh and green. There were wildflowers everywhere. Carpets of them in the sunny patches between the trees. She would pick a few and put them on the table for a touch of beauty in her little home. She smiled as she watched William and Henry playing in the soft grass, and then she heard Rebecca fussing. She would nurse her and then get the boys their lunch of cornbread with maple sugar, berries and milk.
One day the old Indian came by. This time he came with frightening news. He said that Indians were planning a raid. They planned to come that very night and kill the livestock, steal the horses from the barn, burn it and the house and kill her and the children. What to do! There was no time to go elsewhere and no place to hide. Then she remembered the wagon box. They could hide under it. It was very heavy and Margaret feared that they would not be able to lift it. But she gathered up warm bedding, as much food as she could manage, a water bucket and her few treasures. Quickly dressing William, Henry and Rebecca warmly she ran out to the overturned wagon. The Indian made a lever from a stump and a long, thin log. He was able to lift the wagon and Margaret and the children crawled under. She warned the little boys to be very quiet. She told them stories and sang songs to them very softly. And she prayed a lot too. Finally the children went to sleep.
Suddenly great yelling and wild noises broke the silence. The hostile Indians had come. She could hear them running around yelling and doing all the dreadful things that they said they would do. After a while she heard voices by the wagon. It was her friend and another Indian. The Indians were looking for Margaret. They had searched everywhere in vain and had decided to look under the wagon box. She heard an Indian say, "Paleface in box". And her friend said, "No, paleface could not lift, even Indian cannot lift". He persuaded them to leave the wagon alone. Finally with a few last wild yells the marauders left. It was very, very quiet. Margaret prayed her thanks, she and the children were saved. Toward morning she heard her friend's voice. He lifted the box. She crawled out and shakily stood up. Everywhere she looked was devastation. The cozy house was burned and so was the barn. The garden, so lovingly planted and tended was trampled flat. The horses were gone and the livestock killed. But there was no time to mourn. They must get to safety. The Indians could return at any time. Their friend had brought two Indian ponies. What a blessing! Margaret quickly made a sling of one of the blankets for the two small boys. The Indian on one pony carried what he could of the little food and supplies she had been able to save, and she, on the other pony with her sons secure in the blanket sling in front of her and baby Rebecca tied close to her breast, started toward the Fort. They traveled as fast as they could but it took many, many hours to reach the Fort. Such joy and relief to have kindly hands welcome her and friendly faces surround her. Her rescuer was also made welcome and was fed and warmed. He could have stayed longer, but in a short time he left. Margaret never saw him again. In her heart she always kept a special place of remembrance and thanks for this unique and caring Indian friend and rescuer. He had risked his life and perhaps forfeited it to save her and her children.
I believe Fort Stephenson on the Sandusky River to be the Fort to which they escaped. It was to be their home until James found them.
On July 15, 1813, James' tour of duty was over and he was discharged from Fort Findley. Anxious to see his family and work again on his land, he hurried home. What a scene of desolation! Fear gripped his heart. Where was his family? Everything was gone. Those far neighbors who escaped the raids did not know what had happened to Margaret and the children. He headed for the nearest Fort hoping and praying that they could give him some news of his family Surely they would know what happened. What if they didn't know, what if... James would not allow himself to think about it. He just hurried to the Fort. One can imagine his great joy and thanksgiving when there was Margaret and his babies!
After much discussion they decided to return to their land as soon as possible. James would go first and see what could be salvaged. He would also buy supplies from the Trading Post. It was summer so if the wagon could be reassembled they could live in it while they started putting their lives together again. It all seemed so hopeless, but they would try. The first thing James did was check the wagon box. It was still intact. The wheel unit was in a thicket of brush and trees some distance from where the house had stood. They put it there to protect it from the weather and sun, which was very hard on wooden wheels. The wagon could be assembled again! Under it was the small stash of supplies which Margaret had saved and not been able to carry to the Fort with her. A few garden plants had survived the trampling, and he was able to salvage a few tools and a knifeblade from the ashes.
He brought his family home and they set up housekeeping. It was hard going and there was the constant fear of another raid. They finally decided to return to Pennsylvania. We do not know when they left Ohio, but they did take the trusty wagon back to Sinnamahoning by 1815 for in 1816 he built a house and dug a well in Grove Township on the North Fork of the Susquehanna River. The permits for these improvements are in the official records. They prospered and later gave land for a Methodist Church and a school, which he also built. It was the first school in Sinnamahoning. The well was still in use over 100 years later.
Margaret never tired of telling the story of her dramatic rescue by her friend, the Shawnee Indian. It was told and retold to children and grandchildren and great grandchildren - and thus to me.
Margaret and James had 15 children. They all lived to marry. This was very unusual in times when children died easily and sometimes just one or two of a large family lived to adulthood. It was a testimony to her cleanliness and loving care. Their son, David Shaffer, was alive when I was born. He was the 9th child of Margaret and James. His son, John Wesley Shaffer, was the father of my mother, Emma Dahlia Shaffer (Tallmon).
Margaret and James remained in Pennsylvania for the rest of their lives. James died Aug. 25, 1872 at the age of 84. Margaret died Feb. 26, 1876 at the age of 86. They are buried in Jericho Cemetery, Sinnamahoning, PA."
*********************************************************
*********************************************************
Margaret's father, Benjamin Brooks, is a recognized & proven Patriot Ancestor for both Sons of, and Daughters of the American Revolution. (Benjamin's DAR Ancestor # is A014961).
Family Members
Parents
Siblings
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
