Thomas Glenn (pioneer) facts for kids

Glenn's Creek in 2020

Thomas Glenn (1750 - September 1777) was an early American pioneer. He was one of the first people to explore and settle in the areas that are now Western Virginia and Kentucky.

Born in Pennsylvania in 1750, Thomas Glenn married before 1770. By 1774, he had settled in what is now Wheeling, West Virginia. He was part of an early group exploring new lands. Later, he joined James Harrod's group. They helped start Harrodstown, the first lasting European settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains. His younger brother, David Glenn, was also with him.

The brothers explored much of Kentucky in the 1770s. They made several land improvements from Frankfort to Russell Springs. Thomas Glenn died in September 1777 during a conflict at Fort Henry.

Two places are named after him: Glenn's Creek, near Frankfort, and Glenn's Run, near Wheeling.

Exploring the Frontier

A plaque next to the Big Spring in Harrodsburg Kentucky

Harrodsburg Memorial

In April 1774, Thomas Glenn was part of a small group exploring along the Ohio River. This was just before James Harrod began his journey. Members of the Shawnee tribe captured Glenn's group. They were held for three days, then released and told to leave the river. Thomas's brother, David, was likely with him during this event.

Both brothers joined Harrod's group as they traveled down the Ohio River. On June 16, 1774, they were among 32 men who found The Big Spring. Here, they founded Harrodstown. The men began to plan the new town. Soon, Daniel Boone and Michael Stoner arrived. They had been sent by Lord Dunmore to warn of possible conflicts with Native Americans. They also asked for help.

Boone stayed long enough to build a cabin. Then he continued to warn other pioneers. Harrod's group decided to stay at the fort. However, after one of their men was killed, they returned to Virginia. They traveled through the Cumberland Gap. Most of the men then joined Captain Harrod's company of Kentucky Pioneers. This group was heading to Point Pleasant. They arrived just after the battle had ended on October 10. This was the main battle of Dunmore's War.

Thomas Glenn did not return to Harrodstown the next year. However, his brother, David, did.

A Brave Stand at Fort Henry

In September 1777, some men were outside Fort Henry when they were attacked. Only two escaped back to the fort to warn others. About 20 militiamen, led by Captain Samuel Mason, went to find the attackers. But they walked into an ambush by about 200 Native Americans.

Thomas Glenn was walking next to Captain Mason. He bravely fought back. Captain Mason was injured, and his gun was damaged. Mason and several others took cover. Thomas began running back to the fort with William Shepherd and Hugh McConnell. They were chased by several warriors.

Glenn suggested they split up. He headed towards the creek, while Shepherd and McConnell ran towards the fort. Shepherd tripped and was killed. Just before reaching the creek, Thomas was struck in the back. He was hit again before he could get up. McConnell was the only one who made it back to the fort safely.

In 1780, Thomas's brother, David, claimed Thomas's property for Thomas's sons.