Re: Snow Family Massacre, Erie Co. Ohio
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In reply to:
Snow Family Massacre, Erie Co. Ohio
Craig Breckenridge 6/21/99
Compiled from Erie,Huron County and Sandusky history books.
Doratus P. Snow came to the head of Cold Creek at Castalia in Erie County , OH in 1810 with his 2 sons and 2 daughters. He was the first settler to cut down a tree. His home was located at the on the banks of the creek at it's source.He stated that he killed 350 of the large yellow variety rattlesanke in the last 1 mile of his destination. He was given 100 acres of land. He was the father of the first baby born in the township, Robert Snow. He built a gristmill of logs and stones which were brought from quarries or rocks nearby and were worked on by Lewis Ensign, a citizen of Groton.
One account states that Indians were aware of the grist mill and would come at night and carry much of it away. D.P. Snow devised a plan, by laying boards on the floor leading from the embankment to the mill in such a manner that when trod upon would give way and let the indians through. After being caught in this mannner several times they vowed revenge. Another account states that 17 indians under Pontiac, landed at Pickerel Creek on a war excursion.June 6, 1813 6 indians concealed themselves among the bushes and waited until the men went out to cultivate a field some distance away. They raided the cabin, attacking the 12 people inside, and horribly butchered Mrs. Snow (first name I haven't found) who had been sick in bed so unable to travel, a short distance away. Two little boys both 2 years old were scalped and killed, a 4 yr. old, Julia Butler, was murdered. They were the 1st internments in the township. They forced Harry Graves to carry plunder to their canoes.The indians took the captives to Detroit and turned them over to Ironsides, a British agent. Those who survived the ordeal were Mrs. Mary Putnam, aged 52;Mrs. Butler,30; Henry Gross,18; Hannah Page, 14; Electa Snow, 15; Laura Snow, 10; Willard Snow, 6; and Orlin Putnam,4. History of Erie County states his wife and one child were killed by the indians and the other 3 children after a few years went west.
Dorastus married Anna Faulk Nov. 1, 1818. A record in Huron Co. Dec. 1824 of his will lists his wife as Anna. They had 1 son, Charles R. Snow. Anna married Philip S. Cowell (although Huron City marriages lists him as Philip Cornell) in Margaretta, Oct. 12, 1826. They had 8 well documented children.