Penn's Creek Massacre ~ French & Indian War, PA

[@sugarcoatedpsyco]

I realize this video is two years old, but the soldier he mentioned is buried near the intersection of Brouse Rd and Tower Rd, at the very top of the hill. The tombstone is inside a small fence directly beside the road and is cared for by a retired veteran and his son. It is about a mile or so from the Leroy farm.

[@charlesgreathouse4798]

There is a museum over the post office in New Berlin that has a lot of good info about all that area

[@kathleenhannigan2487]

I so appreciate the maps....since I am exploring PA through your eyes. Thank you.

[@brendashaw2035]

Same here. My disability and age does not allow me to travel. This is one 9f the few things I get to do

[@susanfromthemountains1754]

Hard to believe how many of us, including myself, were born less than 200 years from the massacre, and born right here in and near this area. It blows my mind how things change and quickly.

[@pattimessenger6214]

Thank you for the history and a chance to look at the beautiful rolling hills of Pennsylvania!

[@TREEHUGGAH1]

MUCH RESPECT and thank you for being honest about the LENAPE Tribe.

[@elizabethrowe7262]

Just love the early American history, especially French & Indian war as did not know much about this. Thanks for the video and look forward to next chapter about the women taken captive and what life was like living with the Indians.

[@MrDrissel56]

There is a movie titled "Alone Yet Not Alone" that tells the story of the Leineger girls and the Leroy girl. Good movie,

[@SueGirling68]

Hi Cliff, I really like when you make historical video's as they are always very interesting and engaging. I look forward to your next instalment of this historical war. Thank you for sharing, much love. xx 💖

[@MariaVazquez-du3st]

Hi Wandering Woodsman, I'm reading a history of my Pennsylvania ancestors The Weddells of Old Westmoreland 1757- 1957. My Great ×3 Grandfather, George Weddell, and his family became the First Family of Old Westmoreland. This publication is an historical gem. Here is an excerpt: " In order to appreciate the situation in which the Weddell family has now found itself it will be necessary to look into the movements and motives in the peoples interested in this section of the country at this time. Possibly no other decade in American history has had more significance than the ten years beginning with 1750...Here we find up to this time a vast wilderness peopled by scattered tribes of Indians living in peaceful existence together. These Indians were of three distinct tribes or origens. The powerful Iriquois Federation, or Six Nations, had long been in control of this territory, tho their home grounds were around the Finger Lakes in New York, and they came down here only on game hunting trips, a few camps staying the year long along the rivers. When the Delawares were crowded out of their homes along the seaboard, the Iriquois permitted them to settle and when the Shawanees were likewise crowded out of their Virginia and Carolina homes, they too were welcomed here. But they both were considered subject people...When LaSalle in 1669 came down the Allegheny with his exploratory force and went on down the Ohio, it did not disturb the Indians, for they did not realize that the French would, through this expedition, lay claim to the land." Onward the story goes, movement by movement, all the players, key figures- Celeron, Christopher Gist, George Washington, Captain Contrecoeur, King Shingess, General Forbes, on an on, and exact locations, all in staggering detail. This is an historical bombshell, you must read it!

[@Bowfinger10]

Excellent video! Side note, but an interesting history fact as well: during the time of the massacre, Penn's Creek originally emptied into the Susquehanna just east of the location of your filming. During the 1840s construction of the Penna Canal system, the creek was diverted south using what was called the "Mud Dam." To this day, Penn's Creek joins Middle Creek and empties into the Susquehanna River farther south...this was done to prevent the construction of a single aqueduct onto the "Isle of Que" instead of two (over both Middle and Penn Creeks).

[@harrisonskelton6934]

That's awesome! I didn't know that. From PA too

[@dalepeirce5932]

I really enjoyed this video. It's neet learning the history of PA. Can't wait for the next one.

[@alphaone101]

Like one of your other viewers stated previously, : the victors always write the history. That makes it so we always get just one side of the story or a "jaded story," making the whole story or real history hard, if not impossible to find out about. I live in Lancaster County, Pa. I was born here and live on what's left of the family farm where I grew up. I've always loved history but it's rare that local history is ever taught in school so you grow up never knowing what happened right around you or even under your own feet. I appreciate your exploration into area and Pa. history.

[@imahick5723]

Thanks Cliff I drove up to state college today 123 21 and was in that area. What a beautiful area and the history!! So interesting. Love this video but have to ask you can you get over to the Susquehanna just south of there? The river is the most beautiful color almost like a Florida ocean color. My friend said it's because the water is so clear and it's so cold. I've never seen it like that might be interesting to include in one of your videos. There were also white caps on the river because of the wind. There must be some interesting Trails right along there too

[@Stabby__]

The Leininger family are my ancestors, was always told this story as a child by my family, apparently there was a child that was that was with Regina when she was found by her mother in Carlisle where they took the captives when they were released to be identified by family. The child is quite the interesting story twist that was never really discussed to much but rightfully so, such a thing would have been hard to deal with back then, having native blood in the family would be traced back to this likely scenario.

[@lmldolz5993]

Hello cousin!

[@rhetleonard2968]

Fascinating history!

[@evelynjepson5955]

they are in the find a grave entries - memorial no. 124817912.

[@elnmrie]

Yes, the Leiningers are my ancestors as well....Sebastian Leininger is my 6th great grandfather, through the surviving son George, and his son George and his son Jacob, and his daughter Harriet....who married a Jackson...then on some more down to me....

[@brittanyhayes1043]

Bravery

[@debhouckscraftycottage]

Wow, old trail Selingsgrove. My father was born in a cabin on old trail somewhere. I need to get back up there soon and see my relatives, but this darn C thing is stopping me at the moment. Thanks for that bit of history. I'd actually never heard it before. My parents moved to the area I'm at in Chester County when I was only 3 months old. Looking forward to hearing the girls' stories as well.

[@bertkelly7650]

Just as you said the Penns creek massacre happened, shots rang out. What timing! : - )

[@Foltz03]

I was thinking the same thing!!! Murica!

[@gregkellow4723]

Very interesting. Thanks for the video. Looking forward to the rest of the series!

[@hollyradel5774]

Welcome to Mifflinburg Pennsylvania. I live just 4 miles west of that location. There is a farm house on the north side of Mifflinburg as well.. It has a clock on outside of the house wall. That is also Indian related. I don't know the whole story. But it is interesting as well. There is a another Indian story a man swimming to the north of the Susquehanna river from Sunbury. My father in law told me the story. May you return to our sometime again. Safe travels

[@brodon4886]

Fascinating stuff. Thank you so much. Can’t wait for the follow up.

[@dianewilson4779]

I'm not from that area, but have been to the Penn's Creek area many times visiting Penn's Creek Bible College !! Your findings are very interesting and info I had never heard !! Love the area and always so happy to visit there !!!

[@lmldolz5993]

This story hits me close to home. Barbara Leininger was my 5x Great Grandmother! I remember my Grandmother telling me we had an Indian captive in the family, but she didn't know too much about it. I do genealogy and that's how I found it. Yes, the story about the girls is very interesting! Looking forward to that video! Barbara's father's name was Sebastian, and her brother that was killed was Conrad. George was with his mother, who was also named Regina that day. Barbara married Peter Ruffner. They are buried at the old section of the Allegeny Union Cemetery, Mohnton, Berks, PA. There are no tombstones.

[@lmldolz5993]

@John Quarter Oh wow! Who was your relative? That's interesting! There is the narrative of Barbara and Marie on line. Did you see that one? It's their words. There is also another good book that came out recently, "Taken Beyond the Ohio", by Michael Wescott Loder. At the end of the book he lists many sources and information.

[@elnmrie]

Sebastian Leininger was a sixth great grandfather of mine, through his son George, who was with his mother that day.

[@lmldolz5993]

@@elnmrie Hello cousin!

[@jimbos3421]

I think it’s excellent that this man shares his love of history with the rest of us! If you don’t like it, turn it off or watch something else, do not give him a thumbs down for edjucating us !!!!!!

[@jonk9304]

Awesome work.....i need to get out more and do this kind of thing, it's been to long

[@joannrust9767]

This was very interesting. Having moved to Pennsylvania from Raleigh North Carolina, I find myself extremely happy with the way I have been greeted by the locals. They are wonderful! I am happy to be here.

[@dbstewart7521]

I left Pa moved to NC, better here

[@davidreiff1648]

The spring that you referred to is on the east side of the green house by the pine trees

[@anthonybly]

Having grown up close to Penns Creek and having camped there for many many years (still do), it's amazing just really went on there during that time. Thank you.

[@erwinbrubacker7488]

Thanx for all yer efforts. I was born in Lancaster Co Pa.,till 19.5 yrs old, moved to Snyder Co. Now living in western NC. Seeing yer videos make me homesick. Lord Bless.

[@michaeldouglas1243]

Cant wait til next video to hear about the women n girl captives. I love this history. Nothing is ever taught nor said much of the French n Indian war. I live in Fulton cty pa and this area has a rich history from that time period along with several forts.

[@3kippen]

My family came from Union and Snyder counties sometime after the Civil War. My wife and I drove there to meet up with family that I had recently identified. Our family here in Ohio lost contact after my great grandfather and grandfather died. I really enjoyed seeing many of the same sights again that you visited and looking forward to more videos

[@OlWolf1011]

It's good, these sorta trips - instead of History being some dates and places one reads in a textbook for a test later.... this stuff makes it REAL. 👍🏽

[@keystonecuriosity]

Well thats added to the list. Love learning the history of this state with a specific interest in the F&I War. Great video, very informative. Thanks for posting!

[@AdventuresPvP]

Great series, looking forward to more videos like this

[@ronlayton53]

I was born 20 miles from Fort Necessity and studied the F&I war in my area. Braddocks grave, Jumonville Glenn and others were frequent visits. Great informative video.

[@johnferguson185]

Thanks for taking us with you ! The beard is looking good . Kool history .

[@jgarrison1309]

I live in Williamsport and I really enjoyed your video.

[@JoelTurrell]

You're also a teacher and videographer, just like Cliff.

[@ryanwolf6174]

You were just a few miles from me. Great video as always 👍🏻

[@garypark9934]

Just found your channel. Love it! I live just outside of Athens PA. In litchfield township. My great great ....great and so on Grandfather Thomas Park was wounded at the Wyoming Valley massacre. He was out warning sugar men of the possible attack and was shot twice . A ball in his hip went with him to his grave. He was with Gen Sullivan on his campaign. The fort of old Tioga was built at the point of the susquehanna and Chemung rivers in what is now Athens. He was the first settler of litchfield. There are canal remnants old ghoast towns of Barclay,Laquin,Long valley, Foot of the plains. Stone works of all kinds scattered through the woodlands. This area is rich with history. Your work is an inspiration to folks to get out take a walk into there heritage and local history. I used to walk the river flats after the spring plowing. And have found a few dozen arrow heads and spear points over the years. I enjoy your channel alot. Thank you

[@karenpacker8862]

Great way to learn about history Cliff thanks can't wait for the next one.

[@marygarner5249]

Greetings my friend Love your Adventures always good time

[@charlesgreathouse4798]

My great grand father x5 was John George Obermier. In 1770 He was the first settler west of Penns creek after the massacre. He lived where Switzers run hits Penns creek. His massive log home was called Fort Obermier and they built a log fort later. There is a historic marker up at the road.

[@MrTHocker]

Thanks for sharing! Our ancestors were linked in a couple of ways. My 7th Great-grandfather was Johann Georg Etzweiler II. He was stationed at Fort Obermeier (Obermier or Overmeyer), and served under your ancestor, outside of New Berlin. He was 1 of 4 men killed by the Delaware Indians who were helping the British, in the Revolution. The men at your ancestors fort were Long riflemen, who specialized in night attacks, and were part of George Washington's "Rangers on the Frontier". They were North of Mifflinburg, protecting a Frenchman's Mill, when they were caught in a surprise attack, while "washing their linens in the creek." Georg Etzweiler was buried along Brouse Road, at the edge of a farm field, if you turn left at the end of Tower Road, which he mentioned in the video. He mistakenly heard that the soldier was from the French and Indian War. Another ancestor of mine George Hacker (misspelled on the list) was on the same Ship passenger list as your John George Obermeier. A double connection. Nice to meet you!

[@pawadventures5544]

Cool video. I love the rolling hills and farmland in southeastern PA. and of course the history. Keep up the good work. 👍🏻

[@pamountains2]

This is more in the Central part of PA

[@pawadventures5544]

@@pamountains2 You are correct, I grew up in Centre and Clearfield counties. I guess I'm used to Cliff documenting so much of the southeast.

[@pamountains2]

@@pawadventures5544 I’m in Centre myself actually. Grew up in Juniata

[@WIZ-IN-PA]

Very interesting Cliff! Great video!

[@donpenny6387]

Thanks for the video. First time I have seen one of your posts. I really enjoyed this and look forward to following your future videos, especially a followup of the daughters, and of course any other historical items you may post. Actually seeing these historical sites adds a reality that is fascinating. Thanks!

[@englishbabe6724]

Lived here all my life, I never knew this. Thank you for doing this one so close to home.

[@jenniferbutcher8393]

I always learn so much from you. Thank you! 😊

[@douglaslangella7782]

Thanks for this series. My knowledge of the French and Indian war is limited to Spencer Tracy and James Fenimore Cooper. Thought it was mostly a New York State conflict. Good stuff!

[@lousummers7281]

Very interesting. Thanks so much for doing this for all of us. Safe journeys.

[@sCotto359]

Thank you for quality and clarity of History And may god watch over you while you bring to light our History

[@lynnlopez3274]

just got back home so hope to catch up with your adventures.

[@reedmitchell6716]

Great Job again and thanks for sharing this one. Beaver County native. History rich area.

[@jeffreysolomon9341]

There are members of a Stees family buried in that cemetery. Some of the stones are no longer readable being of slate composition and not engraved very deeply. I do not remember the dates on the stones that were readable. The spring is just to the left of the house near the pine trees.

[@carolyn2bfree235]

Love history. Thanks for the info. Kept me watching.

[@pjdemario1328]

Very interesting! Looking forward to more videos 🌞

[@thomascope6482]

Fantastic history lesson thank you

[@BeeWOWdbyAprilLee]

Love this thank you for taking the time you cover it

[@cathyherron2157]

Thank you for the video on Penn Creek Massacre I’m going to do more research on this

[@maljcross4634]

so looking forward to this series

[@RicArmstrong]

There's a lot of places from the French and Indian conflict here in western Pennsylvania too.

[@jwon5614]

Love the video!!!😊Great message seeing both sides of the coin! We need to be aware of these things 🤗👍🏻!

[@nevinwalter]

That graveyard is said to have leroy's in it.not sure never been up.the house there at farm owns that ground ,name of snooks .he you ask John should let you walk up.he can fill you in on more this story

[@paulnienhaus5359]

Enjoyed your video. I am hoping you will eventually cover some of General Braddocks March to the Pittsburg area.

[@conemadam]

Thank you for your balanced presentation. And I welcome hearing about any captivity narrative!

[@shirleybalinski4535]

I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan( the Eastern end). The French & Indian War played a prominent place in the local area. The conflict between France, Britain & the local native Americans is centered on St.Igance, Mackinac Island & the Straits between Lake Michigan & Lake Huron. The massacre at Fort Michimilimacinac is well known. Detroit of course played a prominent role in the War as well. Torture of captives was horrific. I have read accounts by those who witnessed it, from this time period.

[@divinemrsm2585]

That cemetery is listed as the "Stees Cemetery."

[@markmullin4246]

That is a beautiful area! Thanks for sharing

[@mrmranch1217]

Barbara and Regina Leilinger are my ancestors. My aunt is doing our family genealogy and found this out.

[@michaelstrong3634]

Thanks for sharing your states history. Some of my families v property a joins a battlefield for the battle of Top pics now in northwest Indiana

[@martyjones9374]

Love listening to the history. Looking forward to hear you tell the story of the 2 girls. Very interesting Cliff, thanks!!!🥰

[@BRein-bo2gk]

You're in my neck of the woods. I enjoy your videos

[@robjodon8535]

Extremely interesting my brother I really enjoy these videos

[@franksnyder3886]

Omg I grew up in Penn's creek I'm surprised you knew or found out about it I learned about in the 4th grade because my teacher at that time was in love with Pennsylvania history

[@SKodlick]

Great job. I'd love to see you do more around that area - from the logging in Williamsport to the ferries and canals down to Clarks Ferry. The Susquehanna river is rich with local history and remnants. I did archaeology on 11&15 in Liverpool when the highway was widened. We investigated some of the canals that still remain (but that was not the focus of the dig). All of the hundreds/thousands of artifacts that we unearthed are housed at the PA State Museum in Harrisburg. And the Penns Creek is a curiosity in many ways from the headwaters at Penns Cave to the delta at the river. A common kayak trip in the lower Penns is to put in right where you were in New Berlin and float down to Mill Road, or down to Selingsgrove if you have the water level to do it. I have to ask WHAT camera you are using?? when you zoomed in on the Stees cemetery it took my breath away.

[@chuckmitchell4608]

Love the French and Indian War History. I live in North western P.a. Erie County,we have 2 different portages the French used from lake Erie to Fort Duquesne in Pittsburgh along with 2 forts.

[@ernestclements7398]

Have you ever visited the site of Pennsylvania's Wyoming Valley Massacre? In this action native Americans under a female clan mother named Queen Esther, captured a large number of militia men that had been sent against them, the prisoners were surrounded and each was taken and placed upon a large rock that is still there today, Queen Esther then took a large war club and beat each man's head in screaming her murdered sons name ( Gancho) with every stroke only two men managed to escape one of whom Lebue Hammond hid in a nearby swamp until the warriors were finished and left the area, he then fled to the nearest settlement, with news of the attack.

[@garypark9934]

My great grandfather Thomas Park was wounded at the Wyoming Valley Massacre. Married at the stockade and was with Gen Sullivan's March.

[@stevesgarage7270]

Like the videos. I live in Columbia PA seen your video on the rail trail very cool keep doing what your doing ty Steve

[@rogerleight5174]

Kudo's on your account of history, especially the French and Indian war that has many times not been accurately depicted. I have ancestors that fought in that war and researched their history as well as to the causes of the war and the consequences. You obviously have done your homework! You get an A !

[@robertbrodie5183]

Looking forward to video on ft zeller

[@chrisgray8774]

This is a case of injustice on both sides. Nevertheless, no tract of land no matter how vast is worth even a single scalp. I doubt the massacred settlers were the decision-makers who defrauded the natives, especially not those three kidnapped girls. Great coverage of little-known history.

[@nevinwalter]

That grave is in winfield at end of 304 and rt 15 at red light

[@SKodlick]

really? on the winfield side or river side of 15?

[@tangara7166]

Having helped the Lenape nation with some of this historical research, it seems that the more likely natives involved in these massacres were Haudenesaunee (Iroquois), Mohawk, and other northern tribes who had joined forces with the French. They'd stage a raid, kill as many strong men as they could, then retreat quickly with female and child prisoners who they could make the march out to be taken to upper Canada and traded to the French Military. Many of the children who survived the march were adopted into tribes in the north. My 6th G grandfather's 2 sons were killed in a raid like this (Delabole, PA). The wife and two sons were marched to Canada. The wife was taken by a French Officer as a servant. The two boys were adopted. When the war concluded and a prisoner exchange granted, the wife returned home, but the one son wanted to stay with the tribe. Eventually, he did return, but spoke well of his time with the tribe and retained some of their ways. The second son never returned. He either died during the journey or stayed with a tribe that adopted him. The Lenape still living among the Europeans often were scape-goated as being responsible, as whites did not recognize that not all the tribes operated together. There were many instances of whites helping warn or protect neighborhood Indians living among the whites who became wrongly accused (esp. refer to vigilantes like the Paxton's). Also note: thanks for correctly pronouncing Lenape!

[@user-David-Alan]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe.

[@jeannieleininger7293]

The grove of trees next to the green farm house at the Leroy farm is where the spring is located. The trees cover it. We are Leiningers and think they are our ancestors. Thank you for doing this!

[@jeannieleininger7293]

The couple who lived there let us look at the spring beside their house, when we told them we are Leiningers.

[@user-mo3ue1to2o]

Hey this is great finding this. I use to live in mifflinburg a few months back but just recently moved to richfield pa which is like 20ish from mifflinburg. All those towns you mention I regularly go thru or to. Love the rich history around here!

[@billwalker65]

New Berlin is pronounced with the accent on the ber. Not the Lin...my dad was born there.

[@coldblue9mm]

Bill Walker How does one pronounce Barger?

[@josephmcgrath3152]

Thanks for this , an interesting period of history .

[@GSturgesTkE934]

I really enjoy the French and Indian war era; especially in our state of Pennsylvania! Keep them coming! ty

[@OutNaturing]

nice one cliff! that area by the water looked beautiful. perfect to sit for lunch

[@RunawayGranny]

keep em comin... can't wait

[@dfactor96]

Thanks for another great video. Stay safe and healthy.

[@harrisonskelton6934]

You should do Coventry woods it's a old charcole trail. It's pretty awesome

[@jackielatham4831]

Really informative Cliff So want to know about the captive girls xx

[@edithdavis2848]

You are finding places and markers of our past, while we are allowing markers and monuments to be removed or destroyed. The brave people of BOTH sides need to be remembered. Not discarded cause some people don't know how to honor our past. Sorry off the soap box now. Thank you Cliff for telling what is known of Both sides.

[@s.sestric9929]

Oh be quiet.

[@brittanyhayes1043]

@@s.sestric9929 you be quite. Edith is right.

[@sonofodin9201]

I dont know if you have been there but, there are 2 places near me that involve the French indian wars in Pennsylvania. The fort in Fort London Pa. And the Enoch Brown school massacre. Both about 15 min from me...you should check them out if you haven't already.

[@sonofodin9201]

@ where you from in Franklin county?

@@sonofodin9201 north end Chambersburg. CASHS class of 73

[@sonofodin9201]

@ Saint Thomas Pennsylvania. James buchanan class of 99.

[@sonofodin9201]

@ I know of the fort...not familiar with Mary.

[@MrBluoct]

Certain family buried in Mifflinberg cemetery. Albright. Revisited this summer - charmed small town, but much was closed with the Covid stress. Great state to spend time exploring-

[@richardzellers]

Also, try Bloody Spring over in Sunbury and Fort Agusta

[@StantonsJourneys]

I enjoy the early American history and thank you for sharing and talking the history. Looking forward to the story of the girls being in captivity. Probably is a private farm cemetery across from the monument. Thank you for sharing these locations.

[@coalcrackerchris]

Its sad.....we all fight over dirt!!

[@pamountains2]

If you get a chance, stop by the memorial stone for the Fort Bigham massacre in Juniata County

[@garyjohnson4608]

When you are in your vehicle, the audio volume drops down to almost nothing. Very difficult to hear what you're saying