Stolen by Native Americans - Finding Jenny Wiley

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[@thehillbillyfiles]

Hey guys, we are aware the picture isn't Jenny. When I made the video I wasn't thinking about the time period. Sometimes when events happened newspapers would take the pictures of people. This picture is always associated with her. That being said, I can't really fix it now. The lady looks like a old drawing of Jenny, maybe it's how it was started. Anyways, just a mistake. Heather..

[@michaelbedinger4121]

Hey, " it happens." You and Leo still do great work.

[@beverlycompher5563]

Thats ok I know I had saw pictures on Ancestry and was told thats not her lol but was drewing and painting so hey maybe find one one day

[@nativetxntexas7341]

Glad I saw your comment Heather. I was going to ask how you had a photo of her since photography wasn’t available then. Loved the story. I imagine she’s spending eternity with all her children close by. ❤

[@corrinnamichelle]

​@@nativetxntexas7341 we are related to Jenny Wiley and do have photos of her in the family Bible

[@rakesfunnyfarm]

@@corrinnamichelle Jenny Wiley is my 6th great grandmother.

[@michelecannon9726]

She is my 6th Great Grandmother on my Dad's side. Thank you for sharing her story so beautifully. ❤️

[@marlenataylor8758]

Lovely cemetery. She was a very beautiful lady, courageous and brave. Thank you

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rubypayton4539]

What a story. What a woman. Her ancestors must be so honored to be from such strong stock. I would love to have known her.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Indeed

[@katiesioux7757]

Descendants

[@evilladollyz7602]

What a tragedy. You would have to be a strong woman to endure what she went through. God bless her.

[@edwardkellogg1284]

This is a devastating story about Jenny. I could not imagine watching my family being killed in front of me. She was a strong woman escaping her captors and starting a family all over again.

[@Kimberly63]

Really appreciate you bringing Jenny and her story to light. You did an awesome job.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks 😊

[@randomvintagefilm273]

Such a horrific story. I can't even try to imagine what she went through watching her baby killed that way. I would have given up, but she escaped and went on to have more children. AMAZING strength.

[@katiesioux7757]

She lived through only a small portion of what the savages had to suffer as their families, children were murdered and stolen or raped. It was a horrible time to be alive, on either side.

[@ourfamilysvarietyshow]

Native Americans were just as cruel as the white man back in the day

[@rodkukura]

​​@@katiesioux7757 the natives suffered much more than the invaders of there land and history, it really pisses me off that us white people choose to ignore this fact. Fuck them and there whining about this. Not to mention the near distruction of the beautiful Buffalo to starve them out, disgusting.we have our own shit history in canada, we all need to deal with it.

[@josephprather1614]

My dad is from Eastern Kentucky Pike County as a matter of fact and moved to Chicago when he was 16 years old because he didn't want to work in the mines. We would visit my relatives down the road a spell from freeburn KY . We would go to Jenny Wiley state park every year and I never knew that story. This was back in the early 70s. I was just a little kid and knew the name but never heard the story. Thank you so much for that information. I'm 57 now and I guess that you do learn something new every day. God bless.

[@TheKBK2]

My dad grew up in that area of Kentucky and since I was little I’ve heard the condensed version of Jenny Wiley’s story from him and my Grandparents, Thank you for the in depth version.

[@denisehibbs9576]

Thank you for sharing the life of Jenny Wiley ! She was an amazing woman. How she endured watching her children be killed is remarkable ! Then to survive and have more children is amazing ! She deserved to have a park named after her ! Thanks for all your hard work and long hours ! It is appreciated !

[@bunnybrown809]

Thank you for sharing Jennys story...Jenny was my 5th great grandmother and I am honored to share the same blood as her. Her legacy lives on through my folk.☘🌹🌟

[@walterlang151]

Jenny Wiley was my great-great-great-great-great aunt. I'm descended through her brother who was married to an Alford. I grew up hearing the story from my grandfather over 50 years ago. Thanks for the video.

[@homerwiggins3965]

Thank y’all for showing us this! Jenny was made of steel from all she endured! Her descendants must be proud and so glad she has a park and area named after her. The plaque said it correctly. It was savage no matter what race did this terrible act! These days everyone has to be politically correct but a spade has to be called a spade. Thanks for your efforts! Much appreciated and so glad I subscribed! From a Randall McCoy relative).

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks 😊

[@corrinnamichelle]

She is my fifth generation grandmother

[@StellaX0]

@@corrinnamichellehey cousin! She’s my 5th great grandmother too

[@ROKgem]

R.I.P. Jenny. I'm glad I just heard your story.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks Sherri 🙂

[@jbrown1384]

Thanks Leo and Heather for what you do. I took my children to Jenny Wiley’s grave many years ago, and many of the other places you’re documenting. You are making me want to go see all those again!

[@marysword9402]

You can come to our descendants' gathering in July at the park. Contact me if you're interested.

[@patricatfurever4051]

Wow what an amazing story! Horrific, tragic-just shows her resilience 🥰 Thank you for sharing!!

[@brendabrown5341]

Thank you for this video. My 5x great grandma was her sister who lived nearby.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Our pleasure!

[@ElizabethBattle]

What a gorgeous resting place! And what an incredible woman. I would have gone insane from trauma and grief. I like how you check out all the other graves. It's what I would do if I was on this trip.😊

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you so much!

[@marshafannin9583]

I love watching your video. I'm from lawrence county ky, related to Jenny. As a small child my grandfather read us the story of Jenny many times. Thank you for doing this on Jenny at one time I lived close to mud lick falls where she was kept

[@virginiabumgarner8807]

We have it made and don't even know it! Another great video. Take care from NC

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks, you too!

[@judypierce7028]

Jenny's story is similar to Mary Draper's in what is now Radford, VA. Mary's story is told in "Follow the River." A pregnant Mary and her two sons were kidnapped by the Shawnee. She and her two sons walked 1,000 miles to what is now Chillicothe, OH. Along the way, she gave birth. Upon reaching the Shawnee camp, the two boys were adopted by the chief. One of the women in the tribe has lost a baby, so Mary gave her her newborn child. Mary did escape and walked 1,000 miles home. Interesting stories. Thank you for this awesome video,

[@robertsmithUH60driver]

Mary was found about 15 miles from where I grew up. Near Eggleston.

[@judypierce7028]

@@robertsmithUH60driver WOW! That is really interesting! Thank you.

[@Derekmartin20]

I live near Chillicothe in the hills.

[@robertsmithUH60driver]

@Judy Pierce VA. BTW. A book called 'The long way home' was about Mary's capture and escape to VA. I'm not sure if it is still running, at one to a play by the same name was put on in Radford for years.

[@judypierce7028]

@@robertsmithUH60driver I have read the book. Thank you so very much.

[@christinedelman887]

RIP those poor babies, and God bless Jenny and her amazing strength and fortitude!

[@tedlawrence4189]

Fascinating video! This area reminds me of near where I live in No.Georgia. Those pioneers were strong people. They were patriotic too not like many modern Americans are today. Thank you for video.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Your welcome!

[@anncarter5945]

Loved this..I'm from uk and Jenny was above and beyond strength personified..I couldn't of done it and makes my life's problems look lame xxx

[@carriemann2128]

I did not know the Jenny Wiley story. I agree with you guys about how tragic her story is. Losing her children, reuniting with her husband then havinvg 5 more children. She was a remarkable woman. Thanks for sharing her story and the breathtaking scenery of the area. Look forward to the next one!

[@melaniew4354]

This makes me want to cry. I appreciate so much your telling stories that defy the popular narratives we are being fed today. If everyone learned all sides of history and were able to put things in better context, we could learn that no one group of people has the market cornered on suffering or making other people suffer. It might act as a kind of healing if those in education taught everyone's stories correctly.

[@kategulick4781]

I just happened to come across this video today. We lived in Prestonsburg for almost 15 years. My husband and oldest son performed in The Legend of Jenny Wiley at the Jenny Wiley Theater. It was nice to see the area again.

[@joseluiscastillo6170]

Thank you for bringing us these very interesting stories.

[@sadielevens1144]

Such a beautiful resting place for such a strong Brave woman

[@billiefogle1497]

Mom was from Prestonsburg and dad was from Paintsville. Like many other young people, they left for better opportunities. I do remember hearing stories about Jenny Wiley and her bravery. She was definitely a heroine in their eyes. I have a picture of my mom in from of the Dewey Dam. Your video is wonderful and I'm seeing countryside I haven't seen in 50 years

[@mariamjehn7071]

Great history.. I’ve just Googled Jenny!! What a life.. she was very beautiful also.. thanks so much for taken us all to her unbelievably beautiful and serene resting place..

[@melissaparker5180]

Simply beautiful and a peaceful place ❤

[@forwardobserver6441]

American history! Truly amazing!

[@kellyfostercash8026]

Such a horrifying encounter with indians so glad she was able to get back to her husband and able to Bear more children for him and continued her life I am sure it was a struggle at times

[@asgayaajigeeyuui7152]

Great video! I'm a 6th great grandson of Jenny Wiley through her son William. My great grandmother was the last in my line to have been born a Wiley and I was fortunate enough to have met her before she died. The Appalachian Heartwood blog has some good research on the story, even looking into where their original cabin was. Seems there have been some embellishments made over the years.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Awesome thanks 🙏

[@joanmatchett8100]

Her children were killed, heartbreaking.

[@TJ-id6ee]

Wow, how ironic that I can hear the mourning doves in this video. Beautiful place there. Thank you for sharing the story of a brave pioneer woman. Jenny Wiley. This story reminds me of a historical fiction book I read many years ago called Follow The River. Then it was made into a movie. Such a compelling and emotional story!

[@cherylverhelst8245]

What a tragedy, I can’t even begin to understand how she carried on while being held captive. What a truly amazing women. The strength and perseverance those before us had is absolutely amazing. RIP Jenny RIP

[@kathleenkniffin5633]

Loved this story, as history is so important.

[@donhinchey9148]

So much history , thanks for bringing it to us all !

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mariamjehn7071]

One of your best and most poignant stories!! My lord.. Love ❤️

[@LucasLinda-lm7sb]

I enjoy your stories from the feud.

[@pamelawooten3251]

Thank you for sharing this story of Jenny. I admire her resilience in surviving and living through what she did. May she rest in peace.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks 😊

[@sandrahunter5749]

Hi Leo from Boone County WV 👋 I like watching your videos and the history 👍😎

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Awesome, thank you!

[@jq5609]

Such a strong woman, RIP Jenny ❤ stunningly beautiful location ❤

[@marlenejohnson5461]

Thank you for another great video. What a beautiful cemetery.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@julieshepherd5989]

Thanks for sharing this story, I knew it already because Jenny was my sister in laws great, great, grandmother ( I'm not exactly sure of how many greats), but she told me the story a few years ago, I couldn't believe what Jenny went through. I wonder where her new family ( her 5 children are buried), my sister in law may know. It's a beautiful state park, thanks for sharing, may Jenny and her family rest in peace. 💗🌻😊🥀

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Beautiful, thank you

[@marysword9402]

Several of the children went to live in different areas. Her son, Hezekiah, went to live in Wayne County, West Virginia, near the border of Lincoln County. The small unincorporated town of Kiahsville was banned for him, as was a creek called Kiah's Creek. Most locals call it "Karr's Creek". Her daughter Mary Jain married Richard Williamson, and lived in Wyoming County, West Virginia. No one has found her grave. I was told that she lived in her old age with her daughter, Charlotte, in the same area as Hezekiah.

[@walterperry4565]

She was my great grandma far back.

[@corrinnamichelle]

Jenny Wiley is my fifth generation grandmother. We have the original and only copy of the first book ever written about her. We heir some of the state park but continue to let it be used for preservation. Thank you for sharing her story.

[@marysword9402]

The state park has your book? Is it the one her son Adam narrated?

[@corrinnamichelle]

@@marysword9402 this book was the very first one written

[@judypierce7028]

Thank you for researching this wonderful and beautiful lady Leo and Hearher. I love the historic research that both of you do. Thank you ever so much. By the way, the music accompanying the video was awesome. It was well suited for the video. Stay safe.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you so much!

[@belindaturnersmith5610]

Sad but beautiful story. Thank y’all for all the hard work y’all put into entertaining and educating me.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Our pleasure!

[@ponylovermadden4560]

So glad I found your channel. The content is right up my alley.

[@genniejefferson6588]

My dad was in WW2 and I get a little teary eyed.

[@countryboyscooter3402]

I lived at the lodge for a brief time in the 80's when my father went to work in mine mgt prior to renting a home. he had a co worker with a boat on the lake and we would take it out at times. around 86 we move back here to Virginia. thanks for the content.

[@sylvester2294]

My GGGG grandfather was the constable on Walkers Creek when Jenny was captured...He later came to Floyd Co.,KY ..

[@mariamjehn7071]

This is my favorite!! I ❤

[@eddiemoore8468]

I’m a direct descendent of Jenny Wiley. My Great Grandmother was Leonia Wiley Howard. Her Father was William Wiley.

[@melindaschluter1669]

Very strong lady, nit many would want to live after all that.

[@frankmarullo228]

THANK you Leo for this one this was a good video , FRANK FROM MONTANA......

[@thehillbillyfiles]

You're very welcome

[@sherrilee230]

That was a tragic story but people were strong and would come back fighting. I hope your feeling better Heather just take it slow. And we're praying for you. Very good video

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks so much 🙂

[@sherrilee230]

Your so welcome dear

[@janh5199]

I appreciate your sharing her story and going the extra miles to her gravesite. Thank you for saying the veteran’s name. They are not forgotten until there is no one to say their name. I know it may be a little far, but have you thought of doing a video on Mad Ann Bailey? Another interesting lady.

[@MrsKelseyRenae]

My son trevor and your neighbors are actually direct descendants of hers. He is my sons 8th great grandmother 😊

[@thehillbillyfiles]

wow awesome

[@jamesault7832]

Wonderful video! Please keep up the great work! My 5th great-grandmother went to Floyd County Kentucky from the Indian village of Chillicothe in Ohio. She was a white captive named Rebecca Galloway, and she was the wife of Shawnee Chief Tecumseh. I have little doubt that she and Jenny Wiley knew each other.

[@bunnysthndr]

I'll be darned! I live very close to Walker's Creek, Virginia and a big history buff and never knew of this! Thanks for Sharing!!!❤

[@jonathanbaker4936]

Sounds very, very similar to a story of some of my mom's family relatives from about the same time frame around Mercer County, WV, Tazwell County, VA and Gilmore County, VA and the name of the family was Mitchell Clay and Phoebe Belcher Clay.

[@sharonnash5070]

Love the history your both are great at what you do thank you for all your hard work. Oh and I like your mustang too.

[@Rogue.Rider0]

I was raised on Jennie’s creek where the natives dragged her thru in WV. Also bloodsong is about my family the Hatfield’s.

[@triedntru8049]

We used to do primitive camping up there when I was younger. They used to have pretty cool re-enactments every year. Haven’t been in a long time.

[@pakedermsfavs9080]

Great new video time !

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks 👍

[@m988022]

I camped there last year around Halloween visited a lot of that stuff. I would add from there to webbs country store is only about 30 minutes and webbs just happens to be where you get tickets to Loretta Lynn's childhood home in butcher holler. Anyone looking for a great place with lots to do in the area check this place out. Leo and Heather another great video.

[@Mr_badjoke]

It must've still been an Incredible time to be alive tho.. it rele is beautiful country❤️

[@oneGypsy]

Pontoons are soooo much fun. Just cruise along the lake and fish, sunbathe, even go over the side and swim. I hope you get one and enjoy.

[@michaelbedinger4121]

Beautiful lake, and Corps of engineers project. I heard Leo drooling over those boats 🚢 it sounds like he is putting together his wish list for this coming Christmas 🎄. The cemetery looks very quiet and peaceful. This was a very tragic story, she was obviously a very strong woman, may she rest in peace 🙏. I am curious as to why her husband was buried in an, what is it, an unmarked grave? Thank you very much again, Leo and Heather for another great video. Have a great week ahead.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I would like to know why hes somewhere else as well. I just am not sure

[@michaelbedinger4121]

@@thehillbillyfiles I am sure there is a story here, somewhere. Thank you very much for getting back to me. You and Heather take great care.

[@candyredman4381]

Thank you so much for sharing her story with us. I appreciate you & Heather.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks for watching!

[@TJ-id6ee]

Love the owl right after you said Rip to Jenny and Tom! 🦉💕

[@rebelrog]

I'm in Missouri, we have "flood control" lakes also. They built the lakes to "stop the floods", so they flood everything to build the lake. Roads, cemeteries, houses, all under water. Did it "stop the floods", not at all. Did it bring tax revenues and give the government control of more land while taking the land out of the hands of private citizens? You bet.

[@corneliuswowbagger]

I am a descendant of early settlers in the Upper Ohio Valley who spent a lot of time in southern West Virginia, notably New River Country. For lesser known, but interesting historical figures you might try Betsy (not Betty) Zane, great grandmother of Zane Grey, Mary Ingles, a story similar to Jenny Wiley, John Nuttall of New River Gorge fame, not LDS L John Nuttall, or possibly Samuel McColloch for future videos. The history of the little town named West Liberty, formerly Black’s Cabin that is still there, but never got much bigger is interesting too.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you

[@danielmastin3606]

It's unreal what that woman endured. And to start another family when she escaped. Bless Her. What happened to the child she was pregnant with when she was captured??

[@thehillbillyfiles]

The child was killed as well

[@rhondaking6433]

This tragic story tore me up .. not typical behavior for most Tribes .. and how many different Tribe identities, 3 or 4? Very very sketchy but all kinds and colors of people have their 'bad eggs', rebel runners making bad destructive decisions without counsel of the Tribesmen and risking the lives of innocent and unbeknownst have died because of something tragic, like this. If the Chief (s) did find out those guilty would be held accountable, punished, banished or even killed. I guess there are Hatfields and McCoys of many races. Actually people are getting strange these days all on their own! Know what I mean and I am a born and raised child of the land, non city, small town life but I am stuck in Indianapolis Indiana where I came after Hurricane Michael and I went blind. Life can really become a challenge when you cannot see faces. Anyway RIP sweet babies, you're in Gods Hands now...

[@thehillbillyfiles]

A lot of native Americans were run down from the north and other areas, they banded together. People think only Shawnee was here but that's not correct. They banded for survival

[@rhondaking6433]

@@thehillbillyfiles yes but these were obviously thugs out to destroy and kill. ... not about survival. Maybe they were estranged from their Tribes and found each other through corrupt living, drinking etc We cannot drink alcohol and it is banned from entering tribal grounds to this day. It is still the biggest issue sadly to date. Alcohol has destroyed many many Tribe families. Fire water straight from hell..

[@marysword9402]

They attacked the wrong house. They were looking for Tice Harmon's cabin. He had killed the chief's son.

[@rhondaking6433]

@@marysword9402 There is the answer and now it makes sense but attacking the wrong people is so very tragic. Hate and anger are tragedies in the end..

[@rhondacantwell8900]

Love your videos...and your voice goes so well with the videos....and your wife....Try to keep Them Going For Sure If You Can.Makes Me Happy To See All....

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you! Will do!

[@bethgiesey9405]

What a life she lived. So, so sad

[@steveball1339]

Excellent video!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you very much!

[@rodhicks5529]

I very much enjoy your videos!! Your ability to investigate history and do what you do,,is educating me,, your work is appreciated!!!!!! I look forward to seeing many more of your videos!!!!!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks Rod!

[@sylvester2294]

Jenny escaped to a fort just north of Prestonsburg....on the west side of the Big Sandy river...she called toward the fort on the other side and an old man floated a log across to rescue her... The site of the fort in on the river near the old airport... ..Harmons Station...Her burial is in Johnson County...

[@thehillbillyfiles]

We went to the grave in the video

[@sylvester2294]

Yeah...I saw the whole video...could not think of the area....River in Johnson Co.,KY My ancestor lived on Walkers Creek in Va.. Montgomery or Wythe county in the time frame..It was Wythe from 1790 on...Montgomery before that...Adam (my GGGgrandfather bn abt 1754 in Germany) was a constable on walkers creek in 1786 or so and also in Wythe in 1790 when it was formed. Adam was likely involved in the hunt for Jenny...and likely knew the family...

[@kevinbode6483]

She was a beautiful lady

[@marysword9402]

That's not a picture of her. She was too early for pictures. There's a drawing made by someone who has her son Adam describe her.

[@jennifer801]

Beautiful resting place. I hope she’s at peace.

[@cladqueen8054]

Weird you heard an owl just like the story thank you for bringing us this

[@thehillbillyfiles]

We were talking about that! Super strange

[@donnasmith3646]

I was thinking the same thing...run get out of there!!!

[@rhondaking6433]

Wow, what a beautiful sight to see!! I LOVE being near, in or on the water!! OK back to the story...

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks for watching

[@mike3020]

Really enjoy yalls chanell . Thank yall

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks!

[@ppkaci]

great job telling their story!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you 👍

[@cynthiacarter514]

I wonder if the photo you showed is Jenny’s relative. When photography was available, it could not be a person who died in 1831. Also, the clothing looked post civil war to 1900. The story of Jenny Wiley was fascinating all the same.

[@ElizabethBattle]

I had the same thought...she was young in the photo, which would be long before photography. And her clothes are later than her death.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

It's the photo always associated with her, so I'm not sure. I didn't think about the dates on photos or I'd not included it. Too late now

[@karenswank3165]

I am so glad you show respect to all the graves you visit. Thank you for giving them the dignity they deserve.

[@EllenRuey]

I've run into this problem when researching my genealogy. Be cautious of any photograph that represents someone before 1840. Since Jenny died in 1831 at 70 - 71 and the lady in the picture is young it's probably not her. Also, Native Americans in this region didn't live in teepees. It's a common misconception that all Native Americans lived in teepees. Nope. Other than those hiccups, I enjoyed the video. I appreciate the research that goes into producing this video series. Thanks!

[@kimberleyannedemong5621]

I had read of Jenny. It is good to see where she lived & died. I'm awestruck that she watched 5 children murdered & didn't lose her mind. More amazing she carried on & raised more children. I truly don't think I could have done it. Many of our ancestors were tough & resilient. They had to be. I wonder how many of us would survive back then. Probably not many. Even my grandmother buried 4 children & 2 grandchildren. Additionally in her 60's became a double amputee & actually learned to walk again. Could I have lived her life probably not. My biggest fear has always been having to bury my child or a grandchild. I will be all done. Off to the insane asylum I would have to go. Leo I'm with you. I want that boat too. Heather like you I would take a pontoon boat & be happy. But I would still secretly want the other. I really appreciate & enjoy these little known stories you bring us. I know they are hard work researching & locating people. You do a really good job

[@benjaminharold5154]

Things were brutal back then. We tend to romanticize the Natives, but they were for sure capable of horrific offences .

[@gayleloy7111]

Amazing video. Love from Australia. Stay safe. Xxx

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks 😊

[@TheOutdoorLivingChannel]

Run Leo ! It’s Daylight brother! Them Indians are Coming😂😂 Hoot Owl Calls in the Daylight , Another great Video my man

[@thehillbillyfiles]

That was strange 😂

[@florancechapman6481]

Hey guys. I've been there many, many times. Used to have my husband family reunion there every July. Had the kids swimming in the lake

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Awesome

[@stevecurtiss46]

Thanks for the story. It being a local story I would not have heard it. Our fore fathers were a pretty amazng group of people.i

[@dorothybentley6429]

My mother in law was Prestonsburg she was a Hatfield .her daddy was named Anderson Hatfield.

[@themancalledx1342]

All you hear nowadays is “oh those poor helpless native Americans,we should ( collectively) be ashamed of ourselves/ our history. B.S.