Simon Girty (1744 - 1818)

Release From Captivity

• Simon was released at the close of Pontiac's War. The British Colonel Henry Louis Bouquet, demanded the return of all white captives in exchange for a promise not to destroy the Indian villages or seize any of their lands. The Indians accepted this peace treaty. Simon was not one that was bitter towards the British for his release. He saw this as an opportunity for success and was able to utilize the skills acquired while in captivity. He quickly found work as an Indian Guide or Scout, he also was often hired as interpreter equally assisting the British and Americans in their dealings with the Indians. He was officially hired by the British Indian Department that was headquartered at Fort Pitt. At this time he was fluent in 11 different Indian languages. He understood the Indian ways and was able to use their resentment of American expansion to support the British military strategy. He was an important source of British intelligence in knowing the Indians and American army's movements.

Daniel Boone

• A little known fact is that Simon was one of the original Indian Scouts that served with George Rogers Clark and Simon Kenton at Fort Pitt. Simon Kenton was Simon Girty's one true friend and he rode with him to the rescue of Daniel Boone in 1777. Since Simon Kenton and Daniel Boone were fast friends, then too, was Daniel Boone considered a friend by Simon Girty. Though no mention of it is made in other avenues. The Cunningham brothers, Thomas and Edward were also comrades with Simon Girty and Daniel Boone.

Lord Dunmore's War

• Simon served along side, with and for; George Rogers Clark, Simon Kenton, the Cunningham brothers, Thomas, and Edward, William Crawford and Daniel Morgan. Simon served as a spy, scout and intermediary for Lord Dunmore with the Shawnees.
• At the conclusion of the war, Simon was a commissioned Lieutenant in the Virginia Militia. This unit was disbanded the following year.

The Intolerable Acts and the First Declaration of Independence^[3]

If you paid attention to your history class, you may have heard about the passing of the Intolerable Acts. It was this document that drove the early Virginia Frontiersmen to draft up the Original First Declaration of Independence.

These brave backwoods Virginians having just returned from a successful campaign under Lord Dunmore, discovered the passage of the Intolerable Acts. This meant they could find themselves under orders to stop an uprising of their own countrymen. If they were to raise any objection, this could be seen as treason.

Instead of keeping quiet, they took matters into their own hands and many of those that had settled amid the great danger west of the Alleghenies in open defiance of the Royal Proclamation of 1763. Among their number were many who were already famous as intrepid frontiersmen and others who were soon to gain fame as officers in the Revolution: Simon Kenton, the notorious Simon Girty, Michael Cresap, William Crawford, George Rogers Clark, Adam Stephen and Daniel Morgan. These men were not easily intimidated. I have provided the First Declaration of Independence below:

• GENTLEMEN:-Having now concluded the campaign, by the assistance of Providence, with honor and advantage to the colony and ourselves, it only remains that we should give our country the strongest assurance that we are ready, at all times, to the utmost of our power, to maintain and defend her just rights and privileges. We have lived about three months in the woods without any intelligence from Boston, or from the delegates at Philadelphia. It is possible, from the groundless reports of designing men, that our countrymen may be jealous of the use such a body would make of arms in their hands at this critical juncture. That we are a respectable body is certain, when it is considered that we can live weeks without bread or salt; that we can sleep in the open air without any covering but that of the canopy of heaven; and that our men can march and shoot with any in the known world. Blessed with these talents, let us solemnly engage to one another, and our country in particular, that we will use them to no purpose but for the honor and advantage of America in general, and of Virginia in particular. It behooves us then, for the satisfaction of our country, that we should give them our real sentiments, by way of resolves, at this very alarming crisis.

• "Whereupon the meeting made choice of a committee to draw up and prepare resolves for their consideration, who immediately withdrew, and after some time spent therein, reported that they had agreed to and prepared the following resolves, which were read, maturely considered and, agreed to, nemine contradicente, by the meeting, and ordered to be published in the Virginia Gazette:"

• "Resolved, That we will bear the most faithful allegiance to His Majesty, King George the Third, whilst His Majesty delights to reign over a brave and free people; that we will, at the expense of life, and everything dear and valuable, exert ourselves in support of his crown, and the dignity of the British Empire. But as the love of liberty, and attachment to the real interests and just rights of America outweigh every other consideration, we resolve that we will exert every power within us for the defense of American liberty, and for the support of her just rights and privileges; not in any precipitate, riotous or tumultuous manner, but when regularly called forth by the unanimous voice of our countrymen."

• “Resolved, That we entertain the greatest respect for His Excellency, the Right Honorable Lord Dunmore, who commanded the expedition against the Shawnese; and who, we are confident, underwent the great fatigue of this singular campaign from no other motive than the true interest of this country.

• "Signed by order and in behalf of the whole corps, “BENJAMIN ASHBY, Clerk.

Simon Girty was no Traitor

• The sensationalism of journalism has always portrayed Simon as being a turncoat and traitor - but in reality he was not. He remained loyal to the Indian Nations - this was always his choice. When employed by any government it was always for his skills at negotiating deals with the Indians and in this - he always stood for the protection and respect of these tribes. This makes him no traitor - an opportunist, but not a traitor.
• Simon was hired by George Morgan who was serving as the Patriot Commissioner of Indian Affairs Middle District. Simon was to serve as an interpreter and intermediary to the Six Nations. It was Simon that negotiated the first treaty with the Indians. He was sent to represent the United American States and addressed the Grand Council of the Iroquois League at Onondaga, New York. He successfully returned to Pittsburgh. Words were exchanged and Simon was fired.
  • It was during this time (1777) that Simon started keeping company with Alexander McKee and Matthew Elliott. Both of these men were secretly being paid by the British - they set out to seduce Simon to their cause - which worked.^[4]
  • It wasn't till early in 1778 when General Hand was the commander at Fort Pitt; that Simon became aware of the North-Western tribes uniting against the Americans that would involve all of the frontier. This was the turning point where he succumbed to the seductive promises of Elliot and McKee. On 28 Mar 1778, Simon parted with Elliott and McKee.^[5]

American Revolution

During the onset of the American Revolution, the British and Americans continually sought his assistance. With the advantage of his knowledge of native language and customs the side he worked with would assist with securing agreements with the various Indian tribes in western Pennsylvania and Ohio. Simon first sided with the Americans, he assisted with the 1775 Shawnee negotiations for General James Wood in 1775 then with the Seneca, Delaware and Wyandot Indians. The strict structure of military life was not a comfortable fit and he frequently clashed with his military leaders.

Simon took the required test and other oaths necessary to become a military officer. His name is on the list of officers commissioned on 22 Feb 1775 in Pittsburg.^[6] He was discharged from the U.S. military and then in September 1777 he was arrested and charged with treason. The general consensus at that time was that he supposedly helped plan the seizure of Fort Pitt. Simon was acquitted by the U.S. authorities; but his desire to help the U.S. had evaporated. On March 28, 1778, the frontiersman left Fort Pitt and offered his services to the British military in Detroit after the successful seduction of McKee and Elliott.^[7]

• It's clear that if Simon would have chosen the American side in the Revolutionary War, he would have been hailed as an American Hero beside his other comrades that he initially served alongside and for. Alas this is not the choice he made.

• Simon was most likely in attendance for the 1776 wedding of his comrade, Thomas Cunningham to Phoebe. He was at Fort Pricketts during the time of their marriage. It's highly unlikely that he would have passed up an opportunity to mingle. In those times, an event like this would have drawn everyone to attend. This is clearly why Phoebe was determined to catch the eye of the evil Simon Girty, she knew the real person. When you add the fact that Thomas also served with Simon during Lord Dunmore's War and that he interceded on Phoebe's behalf to free her from captivity - then it becomes clear that he must have been in attendance at their wedding.

1778 Rescue of Simon Kenton

• It was the year 1779 and Simon was traveling with his brother, James. Now James had been adopted by a Shawnee Tribe. The Shawnee Tribe that James and Simon were traveling with happened to stop a the village where Simon Kenton was being held captive. The first time Simon saw his friend, he didn't recognize him due to the severe beatings that he had suffered.
• Simon was under British orders to try and prevent any "burning at the stake" rituals. he was surely most surprised when his started to interrogate the prisoner for the Shawnee and discovered this was no other than his best friend. In addition, he still carried the memory of watching his own step father's death by torture.
• When Simon realized this was his friend, he immediately embraced his friend, and requested his release. The Shawnee Chiefs were swayed by Simon, all voted and it was agreed to set his friend free. Unfortunately, while they were enjoying a tour of the villages, the Shawnee warriors that had captured Simon Kenton returned and were able to convince the Chiefs to hold trial.
• They were forced to return and Simon Kenton was subjected to another vote. This time, however the odds were not in Simon Girty's favor and the vote was to have him burned at the stake. Simon Girty set to convincing the Tribe to hold the burning at the most populated village. While Simon Kenton was forced to walk to Wapatomica, Simon Girty rode ahead to speak to the Mingo Chief Logan about his plan to free Simon Kenton.
• One of the planned stops just happened to be the with the hunting party of the Mingo Chief Logan. Once Simon Kenton reached this location, Chief Logan had his broken arm attended to while he sent representative to Wapatomica to speak on behalf of Simon Kenton, per Simon Girty's request.
• Meanwhile Simon Girty had made it back to Upper Sandusky and made arrangements to have a trade made for his friend's freedom. Pierre Drouillard arrived on the scene. Pierre was really one of Simon's fellow interpreters that worked for the British Department. But for this scenario, he was dressed in full British uniform and gave the appearance that he was a very important British Official and was to be treated with respect.
• Pierre successfully convinced the Shawnee Tribe to "loan" Simon Kenton to him for the price of $100 dollars worth of rum and tobacco. This being the price that Simon Girty paid to have his friend's chance at freedom. The Shawnee Tribe agreed and Simon Kenton left with Pierre.
• Simon Girty made several visits to Simon Kenton to arrange for his "escape" from this new state of Prisoner of War. True, Simon Kenton did not suffer the fate the Shawnee was wanting - however, he was still a prisoner. The escape was successful and Simon Kenton was able to return to Kentucky.^[8]

1782 Failed Rescue of Col. William Crawford

• The unfortunate incident that has perhaps caused Simon to be viewed as the White Savage and led to his being painted as a traitor and villan is his failed attempt at rescuing Col. William Crawford. Col. Crawford was captured by the Delaware Indians, a different tribe than the one that Simon was affiliated with, Seneca Indians. He had to tread lightly here or would have suffered the same fate. We seem to want to forget the different crimes committed by Simon Kenton and Col. Crawford. In the crime of Simon Kenton, the theft of horses was nothing compared to the crime of Col. Crawford's association with Col. Williamson the one that ordered the Massacre of Gnadenhutten. There was nothing Simon Girty could have done to have prevented the death by torture of Col. Crawford.
• There are two different accounts of Simon's actions from fellow captives. One such account states that Simon attempted over and over negotiating for the release of Col. Crawford, till he was threatened with the same death. The other account states he was a tormentor and even took part in the torture. This second account was proved to be false - but it was this account that was sensationalized and repeated over and over.
• The Delaware Indians were determined the Col. Crawford pay for the attack and massacre on Gnadenhutten. Col. Crawford was not in attendance at this massacre, it was Lt. Col. David Williamson that let the attack. Simon attempted to plead this case - but the Delaware Indians wanted action, and Col. Crawford was the one held captive and paid the price that Col. Williamson should have paid. It is evidenced that Simon served with Col. William Crawford during Lord Dunmore's War and history shows that he always tried to help his comrades from that time-frame.^[9]

Grand Council of the North Western Tribes

• August 1782 finds Simon to be the valued Katepacomen Indian Leader. He stands nearly 6 feet tall, straight, proud and strong, with a broad chest sporting a massive head with black eyes; being deeply bronzed; dressed and adorned with paint, feathers and full Indian war dress of his tribe; and looks every inch the Indian leader. He delivers a the most decisive speech and is granted the leadership of the 600 warriors.

14 Aug 1782 Battle of Bryan's Station, Blue Lick's Kentucky

• Simon showed his military training and adept military chieftain. He successfully used his 300 warriors combined with his skill to entrap, out-general and overwhelm the able and wary leaders as Colonel John Todd of Lexington and Lt. Col Daniel Boone of Fayette County. The Indians won this day with having very light casualties and the Kentuckians suffering 77 deaths. ^[10] Among those losing their lives was Israel Boone, Daniel's son, Thomas Boone, Daniel's brother, Col. Todd and Col. Trigg. This was a mighty blow struck by the Indians. ^[11]

War of Independence Declared Over

• With the end of the War of Independence over, Simon, returned to his previous occupations of hunter, trader and interpreter.

Marriage

• Summer of 1784: He met his wife, Catherine Malott, when touring one of the Delaware Indian camps. She was being held captive. She was considered to be the most beautiful women in Detroit. He arranged for her release and then married her.

Harmon's Campaign of 1790

• The Independence was won by the American Colonies but the Indians were not happy with the Colonists constantly invading their territory and were still fighting. In 1790 Simon, once again, was in his element of leading the Indian Tribes. Harmon was defeated at Girty's Town.

Attack on Dunlap's Station

• Simon was called upon once again for his skills and led the attack on Dunlap's Station, he once again attempted the same strategy that was so successful at Blue Lick, Kentucky.

Battle of Fallen Timber in 1794

• There were other station attacks that Simon took part in, but this battle is significant in that it was this battle that drove him off of American soil and into Canada. He found refuge at Fort Malden. It was here, near Amherstburg, Upper Canada, that he was granted lands by the British government for his loyalty. He settled here with his wife and raised a family till he once again left when in 1812 war broke out.

1804 Visit of William Clark

William Clark

Meriwether Lewis

• We know that Simon did make at least one trip to visit his brother Thomas and half brother John Turner. William Clark made a notation in his journal about the time he visited an Indian Camp and ran into Simon Girty. He stated that Simon was suffering from rheumatism. This journal entry was made on 26 March 1804. It's amazing that he was able to write this in such a mild manner given the notoriety that Simon had. ^[12]

War of 1812

• Simon was at this time an old man, but he was still able to rally his Indians to come to the support of Tecumseh and this he did. He did not, himself, take action in the battle, but both of his younger brothers did. Fort Malden was captured. Simon was not aware that the American officer he assisted in escaping being burnt at the stake, was there and ready to protect Simon should he be taken prisoner. Simon managed to escape a fugitive and sought refuge, once again, with his Indian brethren, the Mohawks on the Grand River.
• When the War of 1812 ended in 1815, Simon made his way back to his home in Malden.

Peace at Last

• Simon resided at his farm in Malden till his death. His memorial stone and plaque is at 1173 Front Road South, Ontario Route 20, on the Detroit Riverfront, Malden Township, Essex County, Ontario, Canada.

Sources

1. ↑ Watson, Thomas. "Girty, The White Indian." Watson's Magazine (Serial). : Jefferson Publishing Co, 1912. . Print.
2. ↑ Ranck, Geo W.. "Girty, The White Indian." Watson's Magazine (Serial). : Jefferson Publishing Co, 1912. . Print.
3. ↑ https://prickettsfort.wordpress.com/2008/07/03/backwoods-virginians-and-the-first-declaration-of-independence/?relatedposts_hit=1&relatedposts_origin=1470&relatedposts_position=0
4. ↑ Simon Girty: His War on the Frontier," in The Human Tradition and the American Revolution, Ian Steele and Nancy Rhoden, editors, Scholarly Resources, 1999
5. ↑ Official Records of Major Isaac Craig
6. ↑ Page 23, History of Washington County, Creigh
7. ↑ Lough, Glenn D.. Now and long ago: a history of the Marion County area. Morgantown, W. Va.: [Printed by Morgantown Print. and Binding Co.], 1969. Print.
8. ↑ Butts, Edward. Simon Girty Wilderness Warrior. Toronto: Dundurn, 2011. Print.
9. ↑ Hoffman, Phillip W. Simon Girty, Turncoat Hero: The Most Hated Man on the Early American Frontier. Franklin, Tenn.: American History Imprints, 2008. Print.
10. ↑ http://www.historynet.com/battle-of-blue-licks.htm
11. ↑ Ranck, Geo W.. "Girty, The White Indian." Watson's Magazine (Serial). : Jefferson Publishing Co, 1912. . Print.
12. ↑ Hunter, Francis. "William Clark and the Notorious Simon Girty." Frances Hunter's American Heroes Blog. Web. 6 Sept. 2014. <http://franceshunter.wordpress.com/2009/11/18/william-clark-and-the-notorious-simon-girty/>.

• Hurt, R. Douglas. The Ohio Frontier: Crucible of the Old Northwest, 1720-1830. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press, 1996.
• Butterfield, Consul Willshire. History of the Girtys: Being a Concise Account of the Girty Brothers--Thomas, Simon, James and George. Columbus, O.H: Long's College Book Co., 1950.
• Find A Grave Memorial# 17363998
• Creigh, Alfred. History of Washington County, From its First Settlement to the Present Time, Second Edition. Harrisburg, Pennsylvaina, B. Singerly Printer, 1871
• http://www.uelac.org/Loyalist-Info/detail.php?letter=g&line=132
• "United States Rosters of Revolutionary War Soldiers and Sailors, 1775-1783," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG2M-R864 : 18 March 2018), Simon Girty, Jun 1775; citing Military Service, , Citing various published state rosters, United States; FHL microfilm 101711079.

Acknowledgment

• WikiTree profile Girty-1 created through the import of MyFam2.ged on Oct 31, 2011 by Stasia Ruggles.
• WikiTree profile Girty-3 created through the import of Coon Family Tree.ged on Dec 31, 2011 by Alan Coon.