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As It Were: John Brickell was captured by Natives, but kept many of their ways in freedom
Ed Lentz
Guest Columnist
Captured by Native Americans when he was young, John Brickell never forgot where he came from.
When he returned to that world, he never forgot where he had been. The trail Brickell followed was a long one that ended in what would one day be Ohio’s capital city.
In 1842, Brickell told the story of his life and adventures to the American Pioneer magazine. He still was quite eloquent and told a good story in simple terms. What often was overlooked was what happened after he left Native America behind.
Feb 13, 2021
Photo provided.
Sarah Lowery Leithâs tombstone in Center Valley Cemetery proclaims her first capture by natives in 1763 and her marriage to John Leith in 1779 as the first recorded white marriage in the original Northwest Territory. She was buried here over 220 years ago.
In last week’s article I mentioned John and Sarah Leith as neighbors to John Burris. This couple’s story is one which reveals how wild and woolly situations could become on the frontier. Their adventures before finally settling in the Matamoras area are indeed things that develop into legend.
We start with the story of John’s future wife, Sarah Lowery. Born circa 1760 at Big Cove in Fulton County, Pennsylvania, she was captured by natives at the age of three during Pontiac’s War. Shortly thereafter three of her sisters were carried away as well.