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Zebulon and Ebenezer Marcy were brothers. The painful circumstances connected with the flight of the wife of Ebenezer are elsewhere related. The case of the wife of Zebulon was still more distressing. She fled with an infant, six weeks old in her arms, at the same time leading a child two years older. The oldest died in the wilderness, and as there were no means to bury it decently, they covered it with moss and bark as well as they could, and hurried on, leaving its remains to the beasts of prey. The infant daughter, Mrs. Whitmore, formerly Mrs. M'Cord, is now (June, 1845) living in Wyoming county. Zebulon Marcy after the war, established himself on a fine farm, on the Tunkhannock, where he exercised the duties of a magistrate for many years. On the 11th of September, 1834, he closed his eventful life at the advanced age of 90 years.

Pittston, though not the most attractive in reference to soil, of the first five located townships, will probably prove the richest in the valley, from its position, its water power, and unbounded quantities of available anthracite.

* Daniel St. John was the first person murdered after the capitulation. Pronounced by the old people Senshon.

NO. XLVI.

THE GAYLORD FAMILY.

EMIGRATED at an early day to Wyoming, from Norwich. Justus Gaylord commenced a settlement in Springfield, on the Wyalusing, before Indian hostilities began; but was obliged to remove down the river to the more densely populated country.

When the independent companies were raised, two of his sons, Justus and Ambrose, enlisted in that of Captain Ransom, and served during the war. On the restoration of peace, the old gentleman and his son Justus resumed their possessions at Wyalusing; while Ambrose established himself at Braintrim.

Aholiab Buck, captain of the Kingston company, about a year before the battle, had married Miss York, born in Stonington. The (subsequently) Rev. Miner York was her brother. Mrs. Buck was in Forty Fort, having in her arms an infant daughter, a few weeks old, when her husband led his men to the field--no more to return. Their flight, their sorrows, their deep sufferings, so similar to those of hundreds of others, it would seem like repetition to relate. At the conclusion of the war, Justus Gaylord, Jr., and Mrs. Buck were married by the Rev. Mr. Johnson. The author waited upon her, June 25th, 1845, and found the good old lady, now eighty-eight years of age, in fine health and spirits, the profusion of lace upon her cap speaking of habitual fondness for dress, her round, full face, and cheerful smile indicating in early life, remarkable personal beauty. She had walked up a mile to visit Mrs. Taylor, wife of Major John Taylor, the daughter we have spoken of as being on her nursing bosom in July, 1778. Mrs. Gaylord never had but that one child. But Mrs. Taylor has counted seventeen, and near forty grandchildren, besides seven or eight great-great-grandchildren. So that, although the name of Captain Buck is not perpetuated, yet his descendants are now numerous, and "well to live."

In 1806, Justus Gaylord, Jr., was on the ticket for assembly. Luzerne then embraced Wyoming, Susquehanna, and Bradford, except the Tioga district set off to Lycoming. The votes stood

Justus Gaylord, Jr., 333
Justus Gaylord,

Moses Coolbaugh

38

371

364

So that if the votes given without the Jr. were added to his list, (his father being a very old man and not a candidate,) he was chosen. But the place had not charm

enough to induce the old soldier to contest the election, and Mr. Coolbaugh took the seat. The incident is mentioned to show the respect in which he was held, as well as to show the fact that less than 400 votes chose a member of assembly.

The old gentleman removed with a son to the Ohio, where, at a very advanced age, he died. Justus died May, 1830, aged 73.

Ambrose, who settled in Braintrim, married Eleanor Comstock, daughter of John Comstock, who came from Norwich west farms. Mr. Gaylord died June 12, 1844, and had he lived to November, he would have been 95. His country had not entirely forgotten him, for his old age was cheered by a pension of 80 dollars. His good wife Eleanor, with whom we spent an hour, now (June, 1845,) 82 years of age, appears of perfectly sound mind and memory. She states that her father and two brothers were in the battle, she living in Forty Fort. Her two brothers, Kingsley and Robert, were killed. Her father, exhausted in the flight, threw himself beside a fallen tree. Presently two Indians sprang upon it, intent on those at a distance, and, on stepping down to pursue, bent the bushes so as to brush him. When night came, he found his way to the fort.

Another branch of the name settled in the lower part of Wyoming. The father of the late Charles E. Gaylord, Esq., of Huntington, died while in the service, having been a member of Captain Durkee's company. Lieutenant Aaron Gaylord, one of the officers who fell in the battle, was his brother.

In the queer poem, the American Revolutionary War, in rhyme, I find:

"Next Aaron Gaylord unto death did yield,

With Stoddart Bowen on the tented field."

Dr. Charles Gaylord studied medicine after the war with Dr. Henderson, a distinguished physician of Connecticut, in compliment to whom he gave that name to his son, the present merchant in Plymouth. Dr. Gaylord died in 1839, aged 69 years.

Four, therefore, bore arms for their country, one of whom died in the service, and one fell in batttle.

NO. XLVII.

JOSIAH ROGERS

REMOVED with his family to Wyoming, and settled at Plymouth in 1776. After the massacre, with his family he fled, taking his course down the Susquehanna two days' journey; thence across the mountains towards Northampton or Berks. Exhausted by fatigue, and heart-stricken with terror, Mrs. Rogers fainted upon the journey; and notwithstanding the utmost aid was administered their poor means afforded, she died in the wilderness, many miles from any human habitation. This was July the 9th, 1778. Husband and children gathered round to look upon the pale face of one who in life they had loved so fondly. It was a scene of inexpressible sorrow. A broken piece of board that lay in the path was used for a spade, and in a hollow where a fallen tree had upturned its roots, a shallow grave was dug, and her remains were buried with all the care and respect their distressed condition would allow. On the board placed over the grave, this inscription was written with a piece of charcoal:

"Here rest the remains of HANNAH, wife of JOSIAH ROGERS, who died while fleeing from the Indians after the massacre at Wyoming."

Frail memorial of reverence and love! yet how slightly more endurable, having reference either to time or eternity, are the costliest monuments that ostentatious pride, or heartfelt grief, have ever erected, to perpetuate what the inexorable law of nature has prescribed shall be forgotten!

The deceased was aged 52 years. Her maiden name was Hannah Ford.
On arriving at the settlement near the Blue Mountain, the same sympathy and

kindness were extended to them which the Wyoming people had uniformly experienced from the benevolent Germans. After an exile of some months, the survivors of the family returned to Plymouth, where danger still awaited them. That the old gentleman was a humourist will be seen from the account given of his hair-breadth escape from Indian captivity or death. His descendant, Dr. Joel J. Rogers, is the narrator.

"In the spring of 1779, the next year after the massacre, Josiah Rogers, my great-grandfather, having returned, said, 'I will lay my bones in Wyoming." Indians had not for some time been seen in the valley, and Capt. James Bidlack with Mr. Rogers, started on horseback to go to Plymouth to see, if eligible to remove with their families. After crossing the river some eighty rods below the present bridge, they passed up the road, on the township line, until they were near Toby's creek, where an Indian appeared and rushing towards them from behind the willows, would have seized their bridles. He was instantly followed by others, and the trembling willows then disclosed the cove of the creek above them red with Indians. But a Yankee, though an old man, don't give up, you know, without showing his skill. They were unarmed, but they wheeled their horses suddenly, and made towards the block house on the bank of the river. Capt. Bidlack's saddle having an old girth, which broke, turned and precipitated him to the ground. And now came a race; Bidlack after Rogers! But stepping on a rail, (laid over a slough,) which turned with him, Capt. Bidlack fell and was immediately taken prisoner. Now flew the lead-and now flew my grandfather's old horse, which, as the old gentleman used to say, 'didn't like the smell of an Indian.' One savage, fleet of foot, came very near his horse but did not quite reach him, another was but a few rods behind. He grew quite familiar with the whizzing of balls, but felt no wound.

"The garrison at the block-house, on hearing the firing, advanced to the rescue. The cannon at the Fort in Wilkesbarre, of which the Indians were terribly afraid, was brought to bear, and discharged towards them, arresting their progress. My great-grandfather wore a tight-bodied coat, and an over coat of the same cloth, made of wool-coloured, one part butternut, the other blue, homespun, woven, and dressed, &c. (homespun, you understand). Coming to a new country, he expected to preserve them unsullied for many years, when, alas! on arriving at the block-house, he found the rascals had cut two holes through his over-coat, passing in near the small of the back on one side, coming out eight inches from it on the other, with a rent of a fingers' breadth in his tight-bodied coat. For many years he was compelled to wear, when abroad and at meeting, the evidence of Indian skill in shooting at a mark."

The capture of young Josiah Rogers (with Pike and Van Campen) is related in our annals.

Josiah Rogers lived to the good old age of 96 years, and died in 1815, his wish being accorded "to lay his bones at Wyoming."

The family were highly respectable, and remarkable for their intelligence. Numbers of the name still reside in the lower part of Wyoming.

NO. XLV.

COLONEL ZEBULON BUTLER.

As the biography of Washington is the story of the Revolution, so the life of Col. Zebulon Butler is the History of Wyoming. Almost every letter of our annals bears the impress of his name, and is a record of his deeds. A liberal and natural curiosity would lead to the desire, to learn something of the early life of a man so distinguished-for he was in full manhood when he made his first appearance on the waters of the Susquehanna. A native of Lyme, New London County, Zebulon Butler was born in 1731. From the neat hand-writing and business style of

John Butler, his father, it may be inferred that the education of the parent had not been neglected. It would seem probable that both parents came from England. A bill of exchange drawn in favour of Jacob Hurd, on Mr. Samuel Storke, for £80 sterling, in February, 1746, would show business transactions of some importance abroad. Another paper leads to the conclusion that the sum was part of a legacy to Mr. John Butler's wife, of several hundred pounds. In an old bill,

John Butler to Jacob Hurd

Is charged, cash paid, £190-Gold ear rings,-A gold ring,-Several ounces of silver,-A note of hand for £300, payable six months after date, and cash in full, -With various other charges amounting to £710 10s.

On the breaking out of what is usually called "the Old French War," Zebulon Butler entered the military service of his country, bearing the commission of ensign, in one of the Provincial companies, raised by Connecticut for the crown. On the northern frontier, particularly at Ticonderoga and Crown Point, his ambition was soon gratified, by entering upon a field of stirring and honourable action. So early as 1761, he had attained the rank of captain, and the following year sailed with his company on the memorable expedition to the Havana. In the perils, the glory and the acquisitions of the capture of that important place, Captain Butler shared. Whether his future companions in arms, Captains Durkee and Ransom, served as subordinates in these early campaigns, is not certainly known, but is rendered probable from the fact that both were officers in the Old French War, and the three were in the Wyoming conflicts, early associated in friendship and action together. Peace was concluded with France, and in 1763, the Provincial troops were disbanded. The emigration of Captain Butler to Wyoming in 1769, and subsequent events, in which he bore a part up to the Revolutionary War, have been fully narrated. Soon after the contest with Great Britain commenced, Captain Butler received the appointment of lieutenant colonel of a regiment in the Connecticut line of the army, and in September, 1778, he "was appointed full colonel to the late Charles Webb's regiment, against the will of Lieutenant Colonel Sherman, who intended to have had the regiment." This extract of a letter from Colonel Thomas Grosvenor, dated 1778, is regarded as important, because it shows the excellent standing and popularity of Colonel Butler, the fall immediately after the massacre, when time sufficient had elapsed for the country and constituted authorities perfectly to ascertain the merits or defects of his conduct on that memorable and trying occasion. When it is recollected that Lieutenant Colonel Sherman, his competitor for the office, was the brother of the distinguished Roger Sherman, and that Colonel Butler was absent while his rival was upon the ground, the commission reflects more than common honour upon the recipient. A brief note to that letter in the hand-writing of Colonel Wyllys, among the most able and excellent leaders in Connecticut, though not very important in the matter contained, is copied because it shows the kind and respectful feelings, at that interesting moment, that prevailed in respect to Colonel B.

"Colonel Wyllys desires his best compliments to Colonel Butler and would have written, but hopes Mr. Gore will give him an account of our present situation, and as Mr. G. sets out in the morning begs the colonel to accept this

From his humble servant

Samuel Wyllys."

After being withdrawn from Wyoming, Colonel Butler served with honour to the close of the contest, and when the army was disbanded, returned to his residence in Wilkesbarre, where he passed the remainder of his life, the prudent but steady supporter of the rights of the settlers, looking confidently to the justice of Pennsylvania to settle the existing controversy by an equitable compromise. Such was the estimation in which he was held that in 1787, on the establishment of Luzerne, he received from the Supreme Executive Council the honourable appointment of lieutenant of the county, which he held until the office was abrogated by the new constitution of 1790.

On the 28th of July, 1795, aged 64 years, this gallant soldier and estimable citizen resigned his breath to God who gave it, and his remains were interred in

the graveyard in Wilkesbarre. Among other marks of respect paid to his memory, a monody of a dozen verses was written, one of which was inscribed on his tomb

stone.

"Distinguished by his usefulness

At home and when abroad
In court, in camp, and in recess
Protected still by God."

Colonel Butler was thrice married. First to Miss Ellen Lord before his emigration from Connecticut. The fruit of this union was two children. The late Gen. Lord Butler and Mrs. Welles, consort of the late Roswell Welles, Esq., a lawyer of handsome talents and attainments, who in his day, was judge of the court, colonel of a regiment, and several times member of Assembly. One daughter of Judge Welles is living, Mrs. Harriet Cowles, consort of Colonel Cowles, of Farmington, Connecticut. Lord had intermarried with the daughter of Abel Pierce, Esq. Their sons, several of whom are now living, are Pierce, John, Chester, Zebulon and Lord.

Pierce is a farmer on the fine plantation running from the river a few rods above the bridge to the village of Kingston. The Rev. Zebulon Butler is the esteemed pastor of a Presbyterian congregation at Port Gibson, Mississippi. John, Chester and Lord, residing in Wilkesbarre, are amongst its most active business men. Sylvina, the eldest daughter, several years since deceased, was the wife of the Hon. Garrick Mallery. Ruth Ann, the second daughter, is married to the Hon. John N. Conyngham, president judge of this judicial district. Phebe, married to Dr. Donalson, has removed with her husband to Iowa.

The second wife of Colonel Butler was Miss Johnson, daughter of the first Gospel minister of Wyoming. Their union was brief, and a son, the late Captain Zebulon Butler, their only child. Of dark complexion, his black eye, when cheerfully animated, was brilliant and pleasing. This son was handsome, and from his extremely fine form, he was eminently attractive. His step was elastic but firm, his head erect, his carriage noble. It was said he was proud. In command of his company on parade, he looked "every inch a man." Honourable, generous, high-spirited, he seemed to pant for a wider field, and more exciting scenes of action. In rolling the bullet, and other athletic exercises, he had no superior. The writer knew, admired and esteemed him. He was cut off in the prime of life, and his numerous and interesting family are widely scattered: it is hoped prosperously situated.

While on duty at West Point, near the close of the war, Colonel Butler married his third wife, Miss Phebe Haight. Three children, by this marriage, survive. Stuben Butler, Esq., of Wilkesbarre, some time since commissioner of the county, and for many years editor of the Wyoming Herald. Lydia, who intermarried with George Griffin, Esq., of New York. The late Rev. Edmund Griffin, whose accurate and extensive learning, and brilliant talents, gave promise of unusual usefulness and fame, and whose early death was so deeply lamented, was the grandson of Colonel Butler. Mrs. Robinson (whose late husband, Mr. John Robinson, was a direct descendant of the pilgrim minister), is the third child. Their only daughter intermarried with H. B. Wright, Esq., recently Speaker of the House of Assembly. We cannot refrain from the remark, that it is at once curious and pleasing, that two Speakers of the House, and two president judges, have been so intimately connected with the ancient Wyoming sufferers.

The distinguishing traits of Colonel Butler's character were activity, energy, a high sense of honour, a courage moral and professional, that, when duty called, knew no fear.

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