Lately I have found myself fascinated by the Zane family of pioneer fame. I even posted a picture of Ebenezer Zane's cabin located in Zanesfield, Ohio. But, in remembering my Ohio History, I realize I forgot to make a distinction between the two individuals name Ebenezer Zane. To fully understand which Ebenezer is which, I will delve into the Zane genealogy.
The Zanes were a pioneer family living in a part of Virginia that is now West Virginia during the Revolutionary War. In September of 1782 the family found themselves under siege in Fort Henry. Fort Henry was at the site of present-day Wheeling, West Virginia. When the father, William Zane was wounded and the men were running short of ammunition, daughter Elizabeth "Betty" Zane volunteered to walk past the Indians to the Zane cabin and retrieve more from a hiding spot under the cabin. The Indians let her pass because she was a woman. Once the purpose of her mission was discoverd, they fired upon her. But not before she was able to successfully retrieve a part of the stash of munitions. And, this is just the beginning of the Zane Family's story.
William Zane was married to Nancy Ann (Nolan) Zane. And, besides Betty, they had five sons; Silas, Ebenezer, Andrew, Jonathan, and Isaac. Betty was the youngest of the Zane children. Ebenezer, Silas, and Jonathan were founders of the first settlement at present-day Wheeling, West Virginia. It was here that Fort Henry was built in June of 1774 to defend the frontier settlements in the area.
Isaac Zane was not with his family when the came to the present-day Wheeling area because he had been taken captive by the Wyandot Indians years earlier in 1762. He eventually married the Wyandot Princess, Myeerah, daughter of Chief Tarhe. One of Isaac and Myeerah Zane's children was named Ebenezer. This is the Ebenezer Zane who originally built the cabin I discussed in an earlier post.
More on the Zane family will follow soon! Thank you for following along on my adventure in history!
my friend was related to the Zane's and when he got Alz he gave me his lifelong genealogical work, as I had helped him a lot and loved it. I have 2 marriage certificates that baffle me, fir Ebenezer Zane , of Salem New Jersey, to Elizabeth Brittain, of phila. It is dated 10/26 1825, at the second Baptist Church of Philly with Pastor Kitts. Which Ebenezer is this, why did they all marry elizabeths, and is the silas' child with the Indian Wife? Thanks michelleamieux@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThe Ebenezer Zane that you have inquired about is a third Ebenezer Zane. In so many families it is very common to have multiple individuals in multiple generations with the same name. I believe this to be a third generation of Ebenezer Zane(s).
ReplyDeleteHi. I have the marriage certificate of Ebenezer Zane and Elizabeth Brittain. Somehow, it eneded up in Goodwill.Is this worth keeping?
ReplyDelete