Note 136 — Chapter XXIX

The Indian captivity of Andrew Ellison is a well-known tale of Ohio pioneer life. Authorities differ in details; we follow the tradition handed down in the family. Andrew Ellison, born in 1755, came to Kentucky as a young man, and in 1790 accompanied Massie into Ohio, settling near Manchester. One day in 1793, while at work on his farm, he was surprised and captured by a band of Indians. Pursuit failing to overtake them, Ellison was carried to the Chillicothe towns where in running the gauntlet he was severely beaten. Later being taken to Detroit, he was ransomed for a blanket by an English officer, and being supplied with food and clothing walked back across the state of Ohio, arriving at his home in the early autumn. Four years later, he took up a large tract of land on Brushy Creek, building thereon a stone house—one of the best in the state at that time.—Ed.