DEATH OF TWO BROTHERS.
Late in the fall of 1794, two brothers, named John and
Joseph Scott, accompanied by a man named Thomas Manning,
started on a hunting expedition to Stillwater. They believed
the season so far advanced that no danger need be apprehended
from Indians. The three men traversed the country
lying between Wheeling and Stillwater without molestation,
or indication of Indians. On the first night of their arrival
out, they kindled a fire, and after supper prepared for rest.
Manning, who was an experienced hunter, attempted to dissuade
the Scotts from remaining near the fire. They, however,
disregarded the advice, and laughed at his fears. But
Manning declared he would not sleep there, and accordingly
moved off a short distance. Scarcely had he changed his
position, when a party of Indians opened a fire upon them,
killing the brothers instantly, and wounding Manning severely,
by breaking his left arm. Reserving his fire, the Indians
did not rush upon him, and supposing he was mortally wounded,
ran upon the Scotts, and plied the tomahawk, that the
work of death might be complete. Manning escaped, and
made his way to Wheeling. Immediately a party of whites
went out and buried the unfortunate brothers. The savages
had singularly maimed one of the ill-fated men.
The Scotts were active and industrious men, good hunters,
and much respected by all who knew them. Joseph married
Debby Hardesty. He lived on the point where the warehouse
of Anderson & Pancoast now stands, in Bridgeport. John
lived on the island.
