MID ATLANTIC SIG's

Submitted by Host GFS Susi

 

Greetings to all, Mid Atlantic Sig attendees, whether it be: New York,Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, Washington, DC, or Virginia. Yes, we do talk a bit Ohio, Kentucky and New England areas at various times. All these states were so interlinked in the early forming years. The people in these states actually covered many miles looking for new home sites, relatives and defending their new found homeland.

A study of the migrations trails and when they were formed tell us much about the type of people that started this country. Plus the terrific assets of the Indian people already here. Remember without the Indian people we had little chance for survival.

Having recently purchased a new book that many readers should borrow or buy, I am amazed at how erroneous or misleading our history books have been. I want to tell the Forum about this neat non-expensive book, to help all whom are doing early America Research.

The Indian Wars of Pennsylvania, by C. Hale Sipe is by far one of the best books I have purchased in a good while. Though it may say "of Pennsylvania," it really covers much area of America early. Remembering that most Indians were peace loving and fought seldom, this book adds a whole new dimension to their existence and how they helped us and served us.

It describes the pioneer peoples, the Indian interaction, the trails, the forts, the block houses (some being forerunners of forts), describes how some whites were aggressors not peacemakers. It covers Library of Congress data, records sent to Congress by trappers, Rev War, French Indian War, and mostly it is written so a person can easily understand it.

This book covers more than 900+ pages. The only draw back is the small print that makes reading go slower. I would list the content page but do not want to run into copyright laws. I can tell you that it is the most comprehensive book covering this time element that I have located.

When lecturing at a meeting last month I brought up the book and let the guests rummage through it. Everyone thought it was extremely interesting.

It starts with the description of the tribes that affected Pennsylvania and of course all the surrounding areas. Their way of life and religion. Then it covers the Europeans that came to America and the interaction of them with the Indians. Later it states how the wars started, the names of many early settlers that were helped or hurt or killed by Indians, Indians that were killed by whites, including some post RevWar uprisings.

This book can be purchased at various book outlets on line or I ordered mine from a group at Lake Erie. Your library may have copy or if you ask your genealogy society maybe they would purchase it.

This book lists settlers that were captured, released, and killed that I have found no where else. Much data was apparently taken from Congressional Records, Drapers data and the Horn Papers. Yes, in mentioning the Horn Papers, Congress stated these papers were very good papers. The Horn Maps are excellent.

I hope if you get a chance to look at this book it gives you much knowledge and helps you in research.

Host GFS Susi
Mid Atlantic Forum Host 

P.S. Do drop by and visit any of our SIG's covering these areas. Our times are posted in the forum's calendar area.

 

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