References:
(1) Kith and Kin; vol. xi, page 71.
(2) Pioneers of the Virginias; page 298.
References:
(1) Pioneers of the Virginias; page 298.
References:
(1) Pioneers of the Virginias; page 204.
Historical Notes:
Ferdinand Harless served as a scout or Indian spy during the Indian Wars and
the Revolutionary War. In 1834, he made claim (# 4612) for a pension by
appearing before Robert M. Hutchinson, Justice of the Peace for Giles County,
Virginia, who swore:"Ferdinand Harless, age 79 years made claim to obtain benefits under an
Act of Congress dated 7 June 1832, submitting the following:"That in the Spring of 1777, in the County of Botetourt, he volunteered to
serve against the Indians...TShat on account of the depredations of the
Indians, the people were compelled to erect Forts and station men in them.
That for this purpose, in the Spring of 1777 he volunteered under Captain Floyd
and served in garrison in the County of Bottetourt at a place called
Smithfield."That the nature of his services was to remain in garrison for its defense
and to range and reconnoitre in spying parties on watch for the approach of
Indians. Part of the garrison served at the mouth of Sinking Creek, and part
at the mouth of Stony Creek."That he was one of the early settlers of Western Virginia and had to
endure much of the hardships of Indian warfare. That he recollects when a
party of Indians gave chase to Martin Harless (his father) who barely escaped,
arriving in the Fort after a race of three or four miles. That he recollects
the murders and taking into captivity of many of his neighbors, amongst whom
were the families of Lybrook, Chapman, McKinsey, and a number of others. A
daughter of Lybrook was beat on the head with a war club and then skelped. She
was found the next morning alive. She begged for a drink of water, but she
expired very soon. In scenes like these he passed through the Revolutionary
War. That the time he served was with an embodied corps and that during that
time he followed no civilian pursuit."Witnesses: Philip Harless, Parker Lucas, Daniel Harless, all of whom
served with him. He was born in Shenandoah County, Virginia 1755. He has no
record of his age and never received a written discharge. Rev. Isaac Scott and
Robert W. Dennis, character witnesses, testify that they have known Ferdinand
Harless..."
References:
(1) Pioneers of the Virginias; page 205.
References:
(1) Pioneers of the Virginias; page 205.
References:
(1) Pioneers of the Virginias; page 205.
References:
(1) Pioneers of the Virginias; page 205.
References:
(1) Pioneers of the Virginias; page 206.
References:
(1) Pioneers of the Virginias; page 206.
References:
(1) Pioneers of the Virginias; page 206.
References:
(1) Pioneers of the Virginias; page 206.