Haysi in Dickenson County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Indian and Settler Conflict
Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 16, 2015
1. Indian and Settler Conflict Marker
Inscription.
Indian and Settler Conflict. . In August 1792, during a period of frontier unrest, Indians attacked the home of David Musick and his wife, Annie, near Honaker in Russell County. They killed Musick and captured his wife and their five children Abraham, Elijah, Samuel, Elexius, and Phoebe. The prisoners were marched to present day Dickenson County at the junction of Russell Fork and Russell Prater Creek. Nearby a company of militiamen attacked the Indians and the surviving Musick family members escaped. During the skirmish one Indian was killed and another was wounded. The remainder retreated westward.
In August 1792, during a period of frontier
unrest, Indians attacked the home of David
Musick and his wife, Annie, near Honaker
in Russell County. They killed Musick and
captured his wife and their five children
Abraham, Elijah, Samuel, Elexius, and Phoebe.
The prisoners were marched to present day
Dickenson County at the junction of Russell
Fork and Russell Prater Creek.
Nearby a
company of militiamen attacked the Indians
and the surviving Musick family members
escaped. During the skirmish one Indian was
killed and another was wounded. The remainder retreated westward.
Erected 2000 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number XB-23.)
Location. 37° 12.396′ N, 82° 17.702′ W. Marker is in Haysi, Virginia, in Dickenson County. Marker is on Main Street (Virginia Route 63) west of Dickenson Highway (Virginia Route 80), on the left when traveling west. It is at the Haysi Town Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Haysi VA 24256, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker
More about this marker. This marker replaces a marker with the same number but titled “Indian Outrage” erected here in Haysi before 1930 which read, “In 1792, Indians attacked the home of David Musick, near Honacker. Russell County, killing him and capturing his wife and five children. Near here the Indians were overtaken by pursuing settlers an the captives were retaken.”
Regarding Indian and Settler Conflict. Russell Prater Creek joins Russell Fork a couple of blocks east of this point, on Route 80 just a few feet south of its intersection with Route 63.
Also see . . . The David Musick Tragedy. Narrative prepared in 1956 by the late Judge Elihu J. Sutherland of the story told by David Musick’s great-great-grandson
Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 16, 2015
2. Indian and Settler Conflict Marker
the Rev. Grover C. Musick. Excerpt: “Two of the boys, Abraham and Elijah, went early one morning for firewood with which to prepare breakfast. They were surprised by a party of Indians (not known how many), but were able to reach their home. The doors were barred, and the defense of the house began. David Musick had a flint-lock rifle. He found it would not fire, due to the fact his house had been burned previous to this, injuring the gun. Mrs. Musick touched fire to the gun, hoping to ignite the powder, but to no avail. Mr. Musick was shot through the thigh by an arrow from the bow of the Indians, and fainted from the loss of blood. The Indians broke into the home, killing and scalping him and making prisoners of his wife and children. They then plundered the house and ate what they found of prepared food, their hands gory with blood.
While the Indians were attacking the house, a neighbor, who had come to the Musick home to borrow a plow, on seeing the Indians became so excited he ran with all speed possible. On reaching the yard of his home he fell dead. He must have had a weak heart.” (Submitted on November 18, 2015.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 859 times since then and 96 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on November 18, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
