Hugh McGary facts for kids

Hugh McGary (born 1744 – died 1806) was an important figure in early American history. Born in Ireland, he became a military officer and landowner in America. He is known for founding McGary Station in what is now Oregon, Kentucky.

Early Life and Family

Hugh McGary was born in Ireland in 1744. His parents were John and Sarah McGary. In 1750, when Hugh was about six years old, his family moved to the British colonies in America. They came as indentured servants, which meant they worked for a period of time to pay for their journey.

Moving to Kentucky

In 1772, Hugh McGary explored land in Kentucky with famous frontiersman Daniel Boone and others.

In August 1775, Hugh McGary moved to Kentucky with his new wife, Mary Buntin Ray. Mary was a widow with three sons: William, James, and John Jr. They traveled with Daniel Boone's second group through the Cumberland Gap to Boonesborough. Mary Buntin was known for bringing the first Bible into Kentucky.

The McGary party later settled near Fort Harrod in September 1775.

A Difficult Time

On March 6, 1777, Hugh McGary's stepson, 14-year-old William Ray, was killed near Harrodsburg. William and his brother James were attacked while working. James Ray, a very fast runner, escaped to Fort Harrod for help.

Later, during an attack on Harrodsburg, McGary fought bravely. He was wounded but continued to fight. After William's death, Mary Buntin-Ray-McGary became very sad. She passed away in the spring of 1780 at age 39. She was buried in Mercer County, Kentucky.

New Beginnings

In 1778, Hugh and Mary had a son named Hugh McGary Jr.. He was born at McGary Station. Hugh McGary Jr. later became a founder of Evansville, Indiana.

After Mary's death in 1780, Hugh McGary married Catharine "Caty" Yocum.

Battle of Blue Licks

Hugh McGary was a Major in the Kentucky militia. He fought in the Battle of Blue Licks on August 19, 1782. This battle happened ten months after the British surrendered at the Battle of Yorktown.

The battle took place near the Licking River in what is now Robertson County, Kentucky. A group of British loyalists, Canadians, and about 300 Native American warriors ambushed 182 Kentucky militiamen. The Kentuckians had been following the enemy after they attacked Bryan's Station.

Daniel Boone suspected it was a trap. However, Hugh McGary strongly urged an immediate attack. He was known as a fierce fighter. When others hesitated, McGary rode his horse across the river, challenging the others to follow. The Kentuckians, including Boone, then followed him into battle.

Land and Later Life

On January 13, 1783, Hugh McGary gained ownership of 1,280 acres of land. A large spring on this land was named McGary's Spring.

The Killing of Moluntha

On October 6, 1786, Hugh McGary was with Benjamin Logan and 700 Kentucky militiamen. They arrived at a village called Wakatomica. The Shawnee leader, Moluntha, came out to greet them peacefully. He was holding a peace treaty.

Despite Logan's orders not to harm Moluntha, Hugh McGary approached him. McGary asked Moluntha if he was at the Battle of Blue Licks. Moluntha's calm reply angered McGary. McGary then attacked and killed Moluntha. He also injured Moluntha's wife, Nonhelema.

Other leaders, like Simon Kenton, were very upset by McGary's actions. Hugh McGary was removed from his military command. He was found guilty of Moluntha's murder. He was suspended for a year for "conduct unbecoming to the character of an officer." The Shawnee leader Tecumseh later mentioned Moluntha's killing as an example of broken promises by the United States.

In 1797, Hugh McGary and his son, Hugh McGary Jr., ran an inn, a tannery, and a tavern together. In 1801, Hugh McGary gave his son 222 acres of land in Hopkins County, Kentucky.

By 1804, Hugh McGary Sr. was living in Princeton, Indiana. His neighbor was General Robert Morgan Evans.

Death and Will

Hugh McGary died in 1806. His will was officially handled in May 1806. In his will, Hugh divided his land among his three sons. He also made arrangements for two enslaved women, Tenar and Poll. He stated that they should work for his wife, Mary Ann, for seven years to help support his young family. After seven years, he wished for them to be freed.