Col. Ralph Stewart

Revolutionary Pensioner in Wyoming Co., West Virginia. He was the second settler of present day Wyoming Co. He was commissioned captain in 1773 by Lord Dunmore, Governor of Virginia. He served as a ranger. He fought in the "Battle of Point Pleasent" and against the Indians led by Chief Cornstalk in 1774. In 1778 his commission was renewed by then Gov. Partick Henry. He fought at the battle of Guilford Courthouse in North Carolina. When Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown General Washington Made Ralph one of the guard that kept the English Commander prisoner. The Story of Ralph Stewart (Ralph and James were both born in America) Stewart's Creek Augusta Virginia, when their parents came to America. Ralph was an Indian fighter at the age of 14. When Ralph was a teenage boy, during an Indian raid, his father James was captured and burned at the stake in the presence of his young son, James jr., who also was carried away, but later managed to escape (p. 511, Vol. 2) During a time when peace had been made with the Indians, Ralph and James (as teenage boys) went on a prolonged hunting and trapping trip. Ralph while alone in camp was set upon by Indians who hung around­for some time, amusing themselves by threatening an abusing him. When James returned, they captured him also. The Indians pillaged the camp supplies, then took away the furs and pelts. After the Indians left, Ralph and James managed to free themselves and the following night followed the trail of the Indians to their camp and slipped upon them and killed 5 Indians. This act was no doubt a lot of satisfaction for them, but was a violation of the law after the Declaration of Peace and made them liable for murder. Later Ralph told a friend who later became a rival for the affection of a young lady. The friend swore out a murder warrant for Ralph's arrest. The Stewart family let the community and moved to a place on new River where they remained for 18 months. At length the Governor of Virginia pardoned him. Ralph lived in Augusta Virginia until the Revolution. He and his brothers hated the Indians and in the Army or not they fought them at every opportunity. He with others became famous for attacking 96 Indians and rescuing 6 white prisoners, although greatly outnumbered. Ralph was commissioned Captain of the Indian Rangers by Lord Dunmore, Governor of Virginia prior to the Revolutionary war. During the war he fought under Gen. Andrew Lewis at the Battle of Point Pleasant on Oct. 10, 1774. His commission was renewed by Gov