Daniel Sullivan (frontiersman) facts for kids

Daniel Sullivan (1754 – 1790) was an American soldier and explorer who lived on the frontier. He was known for his bravery and his knowledge of the wilderness.

Daniel Sullivan was born in 1754 in Virginia. When he was just nine years old, he was captured by a group of Lenape people during a conflict called Pontiac's War. He and another boy were adopted by the Lenape. They grew up living along the Muskingum River.

In 1772, Daniel and his friend traveled with traders to Fort Pitt. There, Daniel's brother-in-law, Zadock Wright, recognized him. Wright was able to buy both boys back. But Daniel had a special condition. He would only leave his adopted Lenape family if Wright gave him a beaver hat!

Early Military Service

Daniel soon left his adopted family and went back to Fort Pitt. When a conflict called Lord Dunmore's War began, Daniel became a guide. He helped Major John Connolly's Virginia soldiers. His brother-in-law, Zadock Wright, was also a soldier in this group.

Serving in the American Revolution

During the American Revolutionary War, Daniel Sullivan worked as a scout and a secret agent. He pretended to be a boatman for a trader. This allowed him to travel to Fort Detroit, which was controlled by the British.

While at Fort Detroit, Daniel was recognized by a Native American person. He was then arrested by the British leader, Lieutenant-Governor Henry Hamilton. Hamilton sent Daniel far away to Quebec, Canada. Daniel was released in December 1777, promising not to fight anymore for a time.

Daniel returned to Fort Pitt. In 1779, he was arrested again. This time, it was because people thought he was trying to get the Delaware Native Americans to break a peace agreement.

Life on the Frontier

After he was released, Daniel Sullivan moved to Louisville. This was a growing settlement on the American frontier.

In 1785, Daniel moved north to Vincennes. He became a leader in the Vincennes local army, called the militia. He led them in a small fight known as the Embarras River skirmish.

Daniel Sullivan was killed in 1790. He died along a famous trail called the Buffalo Trace.

Legacy

Sullivan County, Indiana is a place named in honor of Daniel Sullivan.