Reading in Windsor County, Vermont — The American Northeast (New England)
Indian Stones
Photographed by Kevin Craft, October 24, 2015
1. Indian Stones Marker
Commemorate event in early history of Vermont. Captured by Abnakis for ransom at Fort No. 4, Johnson family, Miriam Willard, Peter Labaree, and Ebenezer Farnsworth camped here 30 August 1754 enroute to Montrιal. The next day a daughter was born to Mrs. Johnson in a shelter made by the Indians about one-half mile up Knapp Brook.
Enduring many hardships the party went on with their captors to Montrιal where the captives were sold or turned over to the French for ransom. After six years the Johnson family was, by various means, reunited in Charlestown. The other captives had been freed as well.
Erected by Reading Bicentennial Committee.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is August 30, 1754.
Location. 43° 26.792′ N, 72° 32.13′ W. Marker is in Reading, Vermont, in Windsor County. It is on Vermont Route 106 north of Knapp Brook Road, on the right when traveling north. The marker stands at a small pull-out. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10 Knapp Brook Rd, Reading
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Vermont’s Connecticut River Valley and in the Green Mountains. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Vermont Republic.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Salmond Bridge (approx. 2.7 miles away); Bomber Crash on Hawks Mountain / Crew of B-29A #44-62228 Crashed Perkinsville, Vermont 15 June 1947 (approx. 5.2 miles away); The Crown Point Road (approx. 5.3 miles away); Weathersfield Roll of Honor (approx. 5.3 miles away); Colonel Henry C. Cobb Jr. (approx. 5.3 miles away); Veterans Eternal Burning Flame Memorial (approx. 5.3 miles away); House of Salmon Dutton (approx. 5.7 miles away); The Gage Accident (approx. 5.7 miles away).
More about this marker. Designated an Historic Site on the National Register - 1974.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Photographed by Kevin Craft, October 24, 2015
2. Indian Stones Marker
Also see . . .
1. Susannah Johnson, Indian Captive, Gives Birth in the Wild.
In August 1754, Susannah Johnson gave birth to a daughter in the Vermont wilderness during a forced march by her Indian captors. The French and Indian War had started, and childbirth in the woods was only the beginning of her ordeal. Hunger, fatigue, fear and pain accompanied her on her march to an Indian village. The Indians sold her into slavery to the French, who eventually put her and her family into a Montreal prison. To return to her home in Charlestown, N.H., Susannah Johnson had to sail to England first.(Submitted on April 26, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts.)
2. A Narrative of the Captivity of Mrs. Johnson.
Containing an Account of her Sufferings, during Four Years with the Indians and the French. Together with an Appendix containing the sermons preached at her funeral, and that of her mother; with sundry other interesting articles.(Submitted on April 26, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts.)
Photographed by Kevin Craft, October 24, 2015
3. Wideview of Indian Stones Marker
Photographed by Kevin Craft, October 24, 2015
4. Indian Stones
Engraved above left stone:In 1918, These stones were placed in their present position by a descendant of Captain James Johnson and Susannah, his wife.
Engraved on left stone:On the 31st of August 1754, Capt. James Johnson had a daughter born on this spot of ground, being captivated with his whole family by the Indians.
Engraved on right stone: This is near the spot that the Indians encamped the night after they took Mr. Johnson & family, Mr. Laberee & Farnsworth. August 30th 1754 and Mrs Johnson was delivered of her child half a mile up this brook.
Engraved on left stone:On the 31st of August 1754, Capt. James Johnson had a daughter born on this spot of ground, being captivated with his whole family by the Indians.
Engraved on right stone: This is near the spot that the Indians encamped the night after they took Mr. Johnson & family, Mr. Laberee & Farnsworth. August 30th 1754 and Mrs Johnson was delivered of her child half a mile up this brook.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2015, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. This page has been viewed 972 times since then and 54 times this year. Last updated on April 26, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 30, 2015, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
