Around 1812-1815, settlers were beginning to be troubled by the Shawnee tribe.  A boy, Maurice Hyde was attacked in Reuben Beller's, by 2 Indians.  There were children out playing Indian, when 2 Indians came up; one of the boys gave the alarm, but Maurice was caught and carried away.
The Indians were pursued by the rangers capturing 1 and took his scalp and ran the other into the river who soon afterward died.  Maurice soon recovered and was back playing with friends.


Another incident was somewhat as follows:  A portion of the Shawnee tribe, living up the Wabash, came to Shawneetown, meeting with another tribe, believed to be Kaskaskias.  These 2 tribes were known to have trouble between them.  The Chiefs of both tribes met in Shawneetown, made a tour of the saloons and made earnest requests of all not to sell any of their warriors "fire water" which results in alot of trouble with them.  All the saloon keepers complied except one.  At his saloon some Indians got their whisky and the old feud errupted and a fight borke out killing one of the Shawnee.

Dr. John Reid, father of Mrs S. C. Rowan, at the age of 82, was 1 day away from home, when a party of Indians called at the house.
Alexander Reid, then an infant, was nicely dressed and lying in a cradle.  One of the squaws had her dirty little papoose strapped on her back, and at once admired Alexander, exclaimed, "me swap" and instantly made the exchange and left with the others.  Mrs. Reid, alone, was helpless and crazed with grief by the time Dr. Reid returned. 
The Dr. quickly suggested that she clean the baby up and dress him up.  She took the papoose into the indian camp and showed his mother, who quickly suggested to swap back, which Mrs. Reid  was only too glad to do!

*taken from:  History of Gallatin, Salin, Hamilton, Franklin and Williamson counties, Illinois from the earliest time to present together with sundry and interesting biographical sketches....
Author Unknown,  originally published by Goodspeed Pub. Co. 1887 - submitted by Deanna Heneghan

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