William Hughart

In about 1835 the Hughart family migrated via wagons from West Virginia to Liberty Township in Indiana. One child died along the way. At Fort Wayne, Indiana they reached a steep hill and the men and older children got out to walk. William Hughart succumbed to a heart attack.

Tales of scalping and kidnappings and tortures were told to the travelers. The party finally arrived at the highly desirable site in Liberty Township. Indiana. There they built a log cabin, 16 x 26 feet of two rooms where the whole family of 15 lived. There was a large loft and the cooking, washing were done out doors. This was near an encampment of Pottawatomie Indians.

While the men were away hunting 5 drunk Indians battered down the door of the cabin. Mamma Hughart (Susanna) rushed all the children into the loft and drew the ladder after them. The Indians circled and pounded on the cabin for an hour or more before retreating to the trees to get relief from the heat. Fortunately, the hunters returned to save the day.Unfortunately, Mamma Hughart (susanna) and Mother Hughart died from shock.

Elizabeth Zane and the Biggs women helped the destitute family through the winter. By June of the next year, William Hughart and Elizabeth Zane and were the first couple to be married by Eliza Casteel, the Liberty Justice of the Peace.

• Reference: FamilySearch Family Tree - SmartCopy: Jul 14 2022, 6:41:13 UTC
• Reference: FamilySearch Genealogy - SmartCopy: Feb 7 2024, 18:26:22 UTC