The Indian Creek Massacre

[Greg Carter]

An interesting point I recently read in a description of Fort Wilbourne was that the chimney fires of the Indian Creek settlement were visible at times from a blockhouse at the fort, which was built on a high bluff overlooking the Illinois River. Ironically, the day of the massacre there was a company of mounted Illinois militia present at the fort to be mustered into service. Had the Potowotomies burned the cabins at Indian Creek after killing the numerous settlers, the militia might have been alerted to the attack much earlier.

GMC

[HallSon]

Have never visited Fort Wilbourne (Fort Horn for a short time). Ironically MAJ Chaplain Horn's son William married Sylvia Hall after her release. You've explained to me at least in part his familiarity with the Hall's and the adoption of the survivors. I'm still studying this and hopeful of tracing both families back to Kentucky. Thank you.

[Greg Carter]

If you want to visit that site sometime, I can give you directions.

GMC

[HallSon]

Thanks so much. I'd definitely like directions. I live in Georgia and am planning on following the Hall trail from Georgia through Kentucky, Tennesse, Illinois, then on to a family reunion in Nebraska. That will be in mid August. The Horn family started marrying into the Hall family even before their arrivals in the lead region. Hence MAJ Rev Reddick Horn's adoption of the daughters. He also encouraged my GGGrandfather John Wesley Hall to become a Methdist Minister. Probably didn't take much convincing. As the years go by I'm going to become real snoopy with living relatives of both the Hall's and Horn's. Additionally visting all the churches museums,etc. Those also interested in genealogical research can find a considerable amount of information on both familys in Andrea's History of Nebraska online. I have a very old book now being mailed from a cousin regarding history of these familie's. For the most part the families packed up about 1850 and staked more claims when the Nebraska territory opened. One of William Hall's (massacred) brothers Reason Bowie Hall took off on the Oregon Trail with a pregnant wife and children in 1846. Twin boys were born on the trail and one of his daughter's married while on the trail. This family regardless of their Methodist beliefs just couldn't avoid battles with Native Americans and going in harms way. Fortunately Reason Hall's family split off for Independence Oregon and let the Donner party go their hazardous way. If I find any written materials concerning the Hall's and Horn's this summer I'll definitely share with this board. Great informative research you Ladies and Gents are doing.
[e-mail]

[Robert Braun]

Greg... could you comment on some of the actual relics and clothing items you have viewed in a nearby museum related to the Indian Creek Massacre?

Thanks... Bob, GTT