Corbly Family massacre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Corbly Family massacre |
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| Location | Garards Fort, Pennsylvania |
| Coordinates | 39°48′58″N 80°01′35″W / 39.81611°N 80.02639°W |
| Date | May 10, 1782 |
| Attack type | Mass murder |
| Deaths | 4 killed |
The Corbly Family massacre was a tragic event that happened on May 10, 1782. It involved an attack on the family of Reverend John Corbly by Native Americans. This sad day took place near Garards Fort in southwest Pennsylvania.
Contents
What Happened to the Corbly Family?
The Corbly family lived about one mile north of Garards Fort. Their home was at the John Corbley Farm. On Sunday morning, May 10, 1782, the family was walking to their church. Reverend Corbly was going to preach there.
The Journey to Church
As they walked, Reverend Corbly realized he had forgotten his Bible. He went back home to get it. While he was gone, he thought about the sermon he was going to give.
Meanwhile, a group of Native Americans were on a high spot called Indian Point. From there, they could see the Corbly family's home. They came down the hill, crossed Whitely Creek, and went up a small valley. They reached the family about 49 rods (about 250 meters) north of where the John Corbly Memorial Baptist Church is today.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
During the attack, Mrs. Corbly and three of their children were killed. Two of Corbly's daughters, Delilah and Elizabeth, survived.
The fort was too far away to see the attack. However, people at the fort could hear what was happening. In just a few minutes, men on horseback rushed from the fort to help.
Remembering the Corbly Family
The John Corbly Memorial Baptist Church was built in 1862. It stands near where the event took place.
Historical Markers and Reunions
In 1923, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) placed a special plaque. It is set in a large rock and says: "Fort Garard built about 1774". It also notes that the Corbly massacre happened about 279 yards north on May 10, 1782.
Every year, the descendants of John Corbly have a family reunion. It takes place on the last Sunday in June at the John Corbly Memorial Baptist Church. After the 9:30 AM church service, there is a historical review at 11:00 AM. A potluck dinner follows this.
Family Details and Locations
The Corbly family's home was in Long's Run. This is a small stream that flows into Whiteley Creek. The Monongahela River was about five miles east of their cabin. Old Redstone Fort was 30 miles north. The Native Americans were on Lookout Point, which was west of the Corbly cabin.
The Goshen Baptist Church was started in 1771. In 1907, it was renamed the Reverend John Corbly Memorial Baptist Church.
Delilah, one of the surviving daughters, lived to be 65 years old. She had ten children with her husband, Levi Martin. Elizabeth, the other surviving daughter, died at age 21. She passed away just a few days before she was going to marry Isaiah Morris. Only John Jr., another child, escaped without harm.
Images for kids
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Population density in the American Colonies in 1775
