The Capture of Jacob Hubbs

by Joan June Wright


There are possibly many heroes of the American Revolution whose names have never appeared in history. It seems strange that a Kentucky pioneer who served under Washington, was for years a companion of Daniel Boone, fighting by his side in the ill fated Battle of Blue Lick, served as a scout under Col. Bland Ballard and fought against the Shawnee Indians, should have escaped the notice of the historians. Yet, such is the case of Jacob Hubbs, who was one of the first settlers of Louisvillee and who is buried in Bullitt County.

The story of Jacob Hubbs' life and adventures in the days when Kentucky was a wilderness, has been gathered from old letters and manuscripts and geneological research in the possession of his descendents who are still living in Bullitt County.

It is learned that sometime during the summer of 1762 Captain Samuel Hubbs took passage for America accompanied by his wife and two sons. When the ship was still on its destination to Hubbs was bom on October 30, 1762 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. When Captain Hubbs and his family arrived he found that the land to which he held the deed was already in the possession of others, who had built houses and stores on it. Therefore he made no effort to claim it, but settled on the Maryland side of the Potomic and, was there when the Revolution began. Jacob was only 13 when he joined the Virginia Militia to serve in the revolution. In the winter of 1779 Captain Hubbs and Jacob joined a group of emigrants and came to Kentucky. They were some of the first settlers of Jefferson County which later became a part of BuUitt County.

In the years between 1780 and 1793 Hubbs served as a spy under the command of Colonel Alexander DuWtt, the county lieutenant,, and Captain Ballard Smith of the Troop of Horse. He also fought against the Shawnee Indians under General George Rogers Clark. During this time, on January 18, 1791, Jacob Hubbs wed Asenath Williams, daughter of John and Mary Williams. (Their son Basil was captured by the Indians and burned at the stake).

In 1780 Jacob Hubbs volunteered to serve against the Shawnee Indians under the command of Gen. George Rodgers Clark. On September 8, 1783 at the age of 21, Jacob was on an expedition with Cpt. James Sturgess along the Ohio River. Jacob had fallen ill with fever and was being carried on a Utter when the Indians attacked the party, and after a long and bloody battle, they killed Cpt. Sturgess. Running for their lives, the men dropped t'iie litter and left Jacob lying on the
ground. Just as an Indian was about to put an end to the sick man he was stopped by the chief.
Seeing Jacob was delirius with fever, the chief opened a vein with a flint arrowhead. That rough surgery probably saved Jacobs life.

Little did Jacob know that he was only saved for more torture. He was forced to walk for 17 days to the Indian village and there he was nursed back to health. Early one morning he was told by signs that he was to run the gauntlet later that day. It seemed like forever waiting there in the tent . Three Indians appeared and led him to a clearing where men, women, and children armed with sticks, and knives were in two long rows. At the end of the rows there was the biggest Indian he had ever seen waiting for him.

Jacob was a tall, powerful man, noted for his activity and strength and he thought he might have a chance if they would cut away the thongs from his arms. To his delight this was done. He was stripped naked and placed between two rows of Indians.

One can only imagine the pain and torture this man stood that day. He knew he could not pass the brave waiting with the tomahawk, so he broke through the lines and ran down a slope. The Indians pursured him and he was recaptured,

Jacob was thrown on his back and tied to stakes at his wrists and ankles. The next day he was to be given a trial. Simon Girty , the famous renegad, was interpretor. When Jacob was charged with killing an Indian he answered that this was a lie.despite this he was condemned to die and painted black. he knew he was to be berned at the stake. Just as they were lighting the fire, Sagoyewatha, a famous chief of the seneca tribe of the Iroquois Nation, purchased him for his son.

While living with Sagoyewatha, Hubbs was planning for his escape. For he saved half of the powder from the bullets he was given on the hunting trips and add them in the woods. Jacob lived with the Indians about six more months during which time he suffered much pain and hunger. Finally he talked an indian into guiding him to Fort Pitt (now Pittsburg) . From there he made it back to Kentucky.

Jacob Hubbs was bom October 30, 1762 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, He is buried in the Smith-Walker Cemetery on the old Smith Farm located on Zoneton Road. He died on February 15, 1843 at the age of 79.

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