The Story of Lewis Wetzel (1763-1808) Hero or Villain?
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- čas přidán 30. 10. 2022
- Peter tells the story of the notorious Lewis Wetzel and finishes with a song written by Pete Kosky.
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Wetzel, written by Pete Kosky, form the album, "Songs From the Allegheny Frontier"
Drone footage - compliments of Shane Kelly
Featuring - Peter Kelly
Cinematography - Catherine Wolfe
Producer & Editor - Catherine Wolfe
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MUSIC
The amazing music in this episode is graciously provided by our friends, Richard Fortier and Al MacDonald.
#pioneer #1800s #frontier #history #townsends #earlyamerican #americanpatriot #americanhistory
Wetzel has always been one of my favorite historical characters he gave no quarter and expected none and we all know the irish can always tell a good tale and sing a good song. This was excellent!
Thanks Gary. The reason the Irish can spin a good yarn is they never let the truth get in the way of a good story!
I've read a great deal about him. I can see where his revenge came from.
So many write only of his killing😂.What of the people he rescued?
He did what the times he lived in required. We have no right to judge, who can say how they would react if their fate had been same as his.😂
I agree,I don't think he rubbed out,anybody that didn't need it.
I think he was the greatest frontiersman ever because he generally acted alone. Other tended to work in groups. To understand the time he lived in one must read a lot of history of the period 1725 - 1795
Im his great great great granddaughter. All of this is accurate and true. I won’t start to say that anyone in my family is proud because we don’t talk about him but everything in this video is true. I appreciate the accuracy and I’ll speak for my family members too.
You’ve some interesting blood in your veins, thanks for sharing.
Zane Gray brought me here. Wetzel has a great story! Thank you for helping spread the word.
An interesting character in American history to say the least!
i have allways noted that people who are never in dangerous sitituations,times and places are very quick to judge people who are i saw this when i came back from the war without men like wetzel these same people would never be able to survive thanks for a excellent story
That is certainly an interesting point.
thanks you have a outstanding channel do you ever cover knife sheaths?@@TheWoodlandEscape
I have covered them but, will be doing it again this winter as I forge out new ones.
I could listen to you tell stories all day. Thank you.
Thank you. That’s not my children say, lol.
I wouldn't want to be to quick to judge Lewis, if I had encountered things in my life, as he did in his,maybe there go I. Nice singing Peter, enjoyed the song, have a Good Evening Friend 🙂.
Indeed, given the little we know of the actually events of the mans life. Thanks for your kind words.
I read once Wetzel was either one of the first and finest spec op soldier America has ever produced or the first serial killer lol, I'd bet somewhere in the middle but I'm with you, after seeing family and friends murdered at a young age, then being supported by your entire community to kill "savages", that's got to twist your life up.
Indeed!
@@shanek6582 You are so right.
A true warrior , God bless lew Wetzel , he has been a hero to me
His teachings helped
me through Viet Nam
Thanks, Bill and thank you for your service.
Arent you just full of surprises!!!!!!! And he sings to. And a real good job of it. Good show, story great.
Thanks so much Judy. I was a wee bit reluctant to sing but, Cathy prompted me into it, lol.
@@TheWoodlandEscape Well we want more, sing away it was really good.
Great video, Peter! Wetzel was a good man. I'm reading all that I can find about the man. Thanks for posting!
My pleasure, glad you enjoyed.
Great song commemorating a great frontiersman..from a Australian admirer .
Thank you so much and hello from Canada.
Ya caught me flat footed with that voice M8! I stand and tip me hat to you Sir......ATB
Appreciate that sir.
Amazing. That tune is very haunting, too.
I feel the same way about that song, I feel like I’m there whenever I play that one.
Lewis wetzel was one of my one of my relatives traced back on my mother's side of the family ( Bonnett ). might be the reason I've always loved the woods and hunting.
Well sir,you have some interesting blood in your veins.
As always, I was captivated from start to finish! Your delivery, calmness, and passion to whatever you do reels me in. Keep doing what you’re doing, sir!
Well, “ I AM “ flattered. An interesting handle you have there.
Another hidden talent ,Thank you
I wasn’t sure singing was going to be a good thing for our audience retention, it was Cathy’s suggestion. Appreciate your encouragement, Gordon.
Musician, another one of your many talents, 👏👏👏👏👏Very enjoyable.
Thanks Jack.
Sweet Jesus, thst wad fascinating, and I LOVED the song and your singing!!! Thank you!
Well those are very encouraging words, thank you.
My 4th great uncle Col Richard "Shawtunte" Sparks was taken by the Shawnee from near his family's cabin on the Youghigehney River in 1760, at age 3, and was adopted by the father of Tecumseh and lived with the Shawnee till age 21. He was repatriated after the Shawnee defeat at Point Pleasant in Lord Dunsmores War. He went on to scout for General St Claire and Gen Anthony Wayne. His advice was ignored by St Claire to his men's peril. Gen Anthony Wayne heeded his advice from his scouting and won at Fallen Timbers. He was told to be the best Bush fighter in the entire Army by fellow Captain Merriweather Lewis, also the Captain of a company of Riflemen. In a war department letter, between Gen Anthony Wayne and Secretary of War Henry Knox, Gen Wayne said this. " We were at the Beaver Blockhouse, (near present day Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania) and a hostile appeared about 400 yds distant." " At which time, Captain Sparks raised his rifle and fired. The results were not good for the Savage!"
It is a privilege to read your family history. It is a pity most people do not know much past one or two generations. So much is lost to time. Thanks so much for sharing.
What a wonderful surprise upload! Story and music. Wow, you did such a wonderful job at both. Bravo, you give your viewers such a wide variety of entertainment! A man of many talents you are, Thanks, Peter👍
You’ve been a very loyal follower Gil and always have a kind word, thank you.
I saw lewis wetzel and clicked liked immediately before even watching . Very fascinating Man.
I'm from WV and Lew has always been a hero around here lol, we've got a county named for him and a big state forest hunting preserve. There's still a bunch of his families descendants up in Marshall county all the way down the Ohio river to pleasants county, half of them have either their first or middle name "Lewis" lol. I'm a union boilermaker and travel all over the state working on power plants and work with a couple wetzels. After reading That Dark and Bloody River as a teenager, meeting folks later in life from the WV side of the Ohio river named wetzel was pretty cool. (Also know a bunch of Hatfields and McCoys lol, never met a Hatfield I didn't like or a McCoy I did).
I absolutely love your State. I spent a lot of time down there rock climbing in my twenties and thirties. What I really love about it is the history and the topography. Your last line has given me my first laugh of the day. You have yourself a good day, Shane.
Took a treacherous hike to Wetzel's rock with my kids in Blue Rock OH a few years back while renting a cabin in the area. Took two attempts on two different stays but we found it. Its not a park and is on private property. Hosts were very nice and proud of the landmark. I think mostly folklore but was fun! Thanks for the wee bit of history I always enjoy.
Funny. I live up in Zanesville and have never been there to see it though I've read about it. I always assumed because it's on private ground it wasn't open to the public at all.
Sounds like a fun outing with the kids. I always find it kinda special to stand in the places where some of these amazing people from the past stood. Glad you enjoyed, Douglas.
czcams.com/video/TNVso63uC5g/video.html@@jasonhammond4640
Peter, great story on Lewis Wetzel! What we learn as very young children definitely has a major impact on how we perceive and interact with the larger world. Half my family are Catholic Irish from here in the US and southern Ireland. Half are Scots-Irish Protestants from Northern Ireland - with other protestants and Native American mixed in. The point is, I was in Ireland in the late 1980s and came across several Catholic priests and other clergy with a group of 7-10 year old Irish children, talking about how Protestants are the Devil and are evil and not to be trusted, etc. It definitely had an effect on me as a 18-20 year old!
That influence of what our parents, teachers, etc. tell us today that we are taught to believe and accept unquestioning is even more prevalent today in our current hyper-partisan and biased world. But, the positive side is that as many interact more with those they claim to hate there's often a lot of common ground recognized, to the point where some redeem themselves I think.
Looking at your Romford-type fireplace made me think of those in an 1803 house I'm moving into. I've been taught to set Rumford fires with the logs vertically against the back of the fireplace, in a tipi-type of stack, to better burn more cleanly efficiently, and produce more heat into the room. Have you tried that on yours and if so, how did you find it to work?
Thanks as always for the great history story's!
That is an interesting experience you had in Ireland. What you say is so true. Children aren’t born hating. Some learn to hate through their experiences but so many are taught to hate.
I have tried the tepee stacking of the logs. I keep going back and forth. It is difficult to compare lol.
Love your history lessons, great way to end it.
Glad you enjoyed.
What a song ! Great job Peter!
Appreciate that, Joseph.
Gordon Lightfoot eat your heart out!!! Well played sir, you have a voice!!
Great yarn about an interesting character too. Ever thought about writing a book - even just 'wee' anecdotes?? A best seller in that head of yours.
Thanks Stephen, to be compared to Lightfoot is indeed a compliment.
I was gonna say definitely getting some Gordon Lightfoot vibes 👍🏻
I love storytelling!!!
Thank so much.
Peter, You are a very talented and interesting man. A storyteller and a singer and I enjoy all your videos as I learn something from each and everyone!
Wow, thank you, that is indeed a flattering compliment.
Very interesting. It is easy to judge people today but you have to do it through the lens of their time not ours. Well sung too by the way.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Mark. Having said that, he most certainly had a dark side.
Wow, you are here history, almost like you were there . Thank you....
Thanks for watching and your kind words, Harry.
Really enjoyed your story and the playing and singing! You are a man of so many talents!!
Thanks Jan. I like to think it’s more like Jack of all trades, master of none but, I do have fun!
Very good, hate is a canker, to bad he was infected at such an earlier age. Enjoyed the song , good voice!
Hate is indeed a canker or perhaps a better word is a cancer… left untreated it spreads and eventually kills its host.
Wow. Nice voice. You definitely should sing more!! Thank you for the video. You're history stories bring them to life and make history much more fascinating.
I appreciate your encouraging words, Kim. I might have to consider just that. I was a wee bit reluctant to do the signing bit but, Cathy thought it a good idea.
It's a very interesting story Peter, I especially liked with a fire burning in the background, listening to the wonderfully played and sung song you sang, you did a great job. Thank you both for making our lives more golden.
And thank you, Brent for your interest.
Very Nicely told. Live in Beaver County PA. Hunt Wetzel County WV. Allways have been intrigued by his story.
He was without doubt a very intriguing fellow. Glad you enjoyed.
@@TheWoodlandEscape My next Flintlock build will be named Death Wind. Researching his gun now. Thanks Again.
love the history the song at the end was such a great bonus
Appreciate that, Shawn.
Thank you Peter, great story and song.
Appreciate that, Kirk.
we live in an incredibly safe and comfortable society now. People can never begin to imagine how violent America was back then. With that in mind,
It always amazes me that society will label someone a "Hero" when their life and love one's are under threat.
But as soon as they are safe again. They will label that person as an outlaw, criminal or villain.
It is rather ironic, Frank. Appreciate your interest in our channel.
You're a great singer. How did he die so young. I read Spirit of the Border nearly 40 years ago as a boy. One of the best books I ever read, unforgettable.
Not sure how Logan died, I’ll have to do some research. I’ve never read that book, I wonder if it still available?
My favorite video so far! You are a fantastic storyteller, Ive always enjoyed that. But your singing is truly fantastic…and the song was beautiful. Please please sing us more songs. That was truly lovely.
Wow, thank you, you flatter me!
Peter, you never cease to amaze me! In addition to all of your amazing talents (that I was aware of), you now add talented musician to the list! Being from SOUTHERN OH, Simon Kenton has always been my hero, along with Tecumseh. While I could never county Wetzel as a hero, he is nonetheless less an interesting character of history. Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks David for your encouraging words. You live in an area steeped in history.
A Man with many talents ... That was a very interesting story and great song. I believe I would of listen a lot more in history class if you would of been the teacher !!
I had an amazing history teacher in grade 10 that literally gave me my life long passion for history. Good teacher can really influence young minds.
@@TheWoodlandEscape Totally agree, and they are rare gems !
I always find your, "little bit of history" sessions to be so fascinating. I can't wait to see your stories during Christmas.
I’ve lots of stories planned for the winter as that is my time to settle in by the fire and reap the benefits of gardening, hunting etc.
@@TheWoodlandEscape by the way, you've got a great voice.
Great story of someone I have missed hearing about. Thank you for the interesting peek into history. That's a decent singing voice you have there!
Always fun to uncover a new character , glad you enjoyed.
Oh my gosh you do it all even sing!!
I try Lee, probably not my best skill set, lol.
I just enjoy and appreciate every episode. I enjoy the projects and learn a lot but I love the fireside chats just as much. Thanks again.
Thanks, Christiaan … lots more to come. Winter is a time to slow down, enjoy the seasons harvest and tell tall tales!
That was cool I'm from West Virginia around the Charleston area and all my ancestors were mountain men and wemon,I am I rock n roll fanatic and folk music also ,man talkin' bout killin' , my good man you just killed that song! That was really good pickin' and singin' ! ( Long live the mountaineer) haaahaah good stuff! Def worth the 20 minutes on CZcams! You've got a knack fer this you should make more of these about other mountaineers like Jesse Hughes and so on!
Jesse Hughes is a great idea, thanks for planting the seed
I’ve never met or even heard of another person that knows who Lewis Wetzel was let alone do a video on the guy. I’m knew to your channel but I’m already a fan of what you’re doing sir. Keep it up ! Love it !!
Thanks for the kind word, we appreciate your interest and support.
Well, I come from Slovakia, Europe and I knew about Lewis Wetzel since my childhood. I came upon him when I read Zane Grey novel where Lewis was one of the main characters. I was fascinated with frontiers stories ever since. I´ve researched all I could find.
Thank you for this. My grandmother was a Martin and was related to Presley who New Martinsville was named after
My pleasure, glad you enjoyed
Wonderful story and well narrated!
Thank you kindly, Mike.
Good song and performance Peter.
Thanks David.
Love the singing and the song!
That is encouraging as I wasn’t overly confident as to how it would come across.
Thank you Peter for keeping your word about pulling out your guitar! Well worth the wait! This has to equal up with your finest vids! Everything was beautiful.
Thanks so much Millie … you’ve always a kind word.
Good evening from Syracuse NY USA brother and everyone else thank you for sharing your living history videos
Thanks Earl.
You are welcome
Fantastic! I have been waiting for this story. Thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed.
What a wonderful, lyrical singing voice you have sir.
Well, your kind words brought a smile to my face, I’m pleased that you think so!
Im from Harrison county West Virginia, next to Wetzel county, named for Lewis Wetzel. When i walk my wooded ridge on my land i often wonder what may have happened there between Indians and whites. It has a saddle i have called the Hickory Flat since the late 80's when I was a teen, long before i brought the place. Its a perfect place to camp and im sure it was used for camping long ago. Nothing like the West Virginia woods! The Indian lifestyle was more in line with how i would have wanted to and now try to live. But these woods were definitely worth fighting them for.
I absolutely love your State. In my youth, I spent many a week rock climbing at Seneca Rock and New River Gorge ad well as simply exploring. Worth fighting for indeed!
I would have to say definitely a villain, no hero.
You play and sing quite well. The words of the song he brought me back to the time that it was written.
Thank you for the history and song.
My pleasure, Richard, glad you enjoyed.
Thanks, I really enjoyed the stories and song.....
I thank you sir.
My hands R sore from clapping! My word Peter! You do have a myriad of talents to share with us...WELL DONE! And U dear Catherine, keep us entertained with lovely filming...I thank U kindly 4 this vid. THAT was quite a story/character! I have to say I pity Lewis (and all the poor ones he brought to early graves!). My take is that this being SUCH a period of hostility/violence, that the peoples who had 2 endure, near lived on pure adrenaline! Fear seemed to rule from dawn to dusk and when sleep came it was best done with 'one eye open' = YIKES! Kind of like the animals who must begin to run when born to escape predators. I think we would have 2 know Lewis' father, in order 2 understand the 'why' of Lewis' passions. The only speak of God, was to acknowledge the 'giver of life' 4 the years he would be 'allowed' 2 kill. Makes me think that Lewis 'deeply' admired his father. Like the young I have seen in Israel. By the age of 3 their parents teach them 2 hate and fight against their neighbors and R applauded 4 doing so. Was this the case of Lewis? He shows a compassionate side in liking the company of young children and animals = innocence. This is a good character trait. There's more here methinks, than just a 'tormented soul'...and if we had more on his father...we might know the 'why' behind Lewis. Fascinating story and wonderfully recounted...sure beats 'trick or treating! LOL! Here's something poor Lewis lost..."When you're good to others, you're best to yourself." (Benjamin Franklin) Health and God Bless!
Well, Lewis never lived by old Ben’s quote, that’s for sure and for certain. To say his soul was tormented would, I believe, be an understatement. Some other characteristics that my research revealed and I omitted to mention was that he was extremely quick to anger and stoic and steadfast in purpose. I most certainly would not have been the one being hunted by a man for all intents and purposes was the best marksman produced in the Americas and would never give quarter to anyone that had angered him. It is a good theory you propose on John his father, however, there is no reference to the other siblings, like George or Martin having issues. I’ll have to delve into to old Lew a “wee bit more”.
As always Marie, always a pleasure.
Loved the story, and the coyote finish. The lyrics and guitar makes me think of the great Gordon Lighfoot!
Great video! 🇨🇦
That’s flattering to be compared with the great Gordon Lightfoot.
Dang man is there not any you can't do???? Nice singing and playing......
Thanks Timothy. Trust me there are lot of things I can’t do and I’m running out of time to fit them all in.
I just found a gem of a channel, good stuff!
We’re glad you found us and we certainly appreciate your interest and support.
My ancestors settled in Lancaster in 1741. Later on, 4 of the family's children were taken captive in a native raid. Wetzel may have contributed to the situation in which they were later released. 265 children were released at the end of the French and Indian war.
Interesting family history. Many don’t have a clue about their families background.
Well told, well sung, well done! Thank you for sharing.
Wow, three compliments in one sentence, I’m flattered .
Interestingly told story and nice job singing and playing the guitar Peter, the song and the way you sang it reminded me of Gordon Lightfoot.
Thank so much Brent for the encouraging words.
I always love a wee bit of history and this was particularly interesting. What a devil of a man. Great song too Peter and that choir of coyotes to close it out.
It’s all in the timing, Karl.
Wow the story you told about Lewis was sealed by that amazing song from the heart of a sad time.
It is a rather moving song about a man and an era that was extremely turbulent.
Well now, you're a man of hidden talents; well sung!
In addition of your 'Wee bits of history', I would welcome hearing more of your musical efforts; you might even title the segment "Peter the Picker Plucked a Peck of Pleasant Poems'! lol
That is hilarious, made me laugh out load. I could make a play list titled after your recommendation,lol.
@@TheWoodlandEscape I daresay I think that play list would go Platinum! lol
I love this guy, I wish I could shadow him. Keep up the great work Peter.
EXCELLENT!!!!!
Thank you.
Has anyone told you that your singing sounds like Gordon Lightfoot? Just Beautiful! I really enjoyed it.
Wow, thank you, I am flattered, Cindy.
Yes Gordon lightfoot, I couldn't place it but yes that it.
Beautiful voice Peter, always enjoy hearing stories about Lewis.
Thanks for listening
That has to be one of the more stirring wee-bit-of history lessons you have given. Enjoyed the song. I feel sad for Wetzel in a way. It seems he was a victim of his surroundings yet he could have changed his ways and learned to love also. That is what they call the free will of man. You look at figures in biblical times such as Samson who was a ferocious killer and warrior who sought vengeance on the philistines and yet we understand at the end if his life he made peace with God in his last destructive act killing yet again as he destroyed the temple and himself along with it. Fascinating stuff to ponder.
You have given me some food for thought … thanks for sharing.
What a great story and serenade. Peter, you are a man of many talents. I loved the cries of the coyotes at the end of the video. It is a cool, overcast, rainy day here. This video was a perfect complement to a contemplative morning. Bravo!
Those coyotes were really close that night, perhaps less than 100 yards from the cabin … gotta love nature. Weather is much the same here and I’ve come in rather soaked. You are definitely the wise one no doubt curled up with a coffee. I certainly appreciate your encouraging words, Peggy.
You have a great voice. I enjoyed this one. Love history.
Thank you, Paulette, glad you enjoyed.
Wow a historian and a musician! Nicely done!
Kind of you to say, Cheryl.
A true balladeer! Good on the ears and enjoyed the tale of Lewis Wetzel. Beautiful flintlock you have there ( I understand you have others). Thanks for the video.
Appreciate your kind words. I do have 3 flintlocks … 2 rifles and 1 smoothbore. My smoothbore is my fav.
this was an awesome episode. Loved the Wetzel song as well. Thank you for all you show and teach us. If I could live the 17th century lifestyle everyday I would. It's my favorite time in North American history and I thank you for promoting such history through all your endeavours sir.
I’m fortunate that I pretty much live in the 18th century on a daily basis. Glad you enjoyed this one.
The singing amazed me! Very sweet in the ears after viewing hours of videos on this channel. Beautiful!
You are very kind, I thank you for the compliment and you’re continued interest in our channel.
When I saw that you was going to tell a story I couldn't push play fast enough lol Great song and voice As I watched I saw you among your many accomplishments that most men only dream about doing
I dabble at a lot of things, some might say I have a problem in so far as I can’t sit still. There is an old say “ Don’t stop when your tired, stop when your done”. My problem is that I’m never done, lol. I sincerely appreciate your encouraging words.
You have a nice voice! I love the song.
Glad you enjoyed, Emsol.
Watching the video, I also feel a trip to the past.
Makes us happy to thing it can have that affect on people. Thank you.
Great story and yet another talent. You are quite the singer. Enjoyed that!! Thank you!!
Appreciate the compliment, Steven.
I so appreciate these. Im using this one on my grands for history lesson, but then i will apply biblical principles for them to understand, history is history and we are not agreeing to his lifestyle but learning from it. Really enjoy your music also.
Wonderful and flattering at the same time to think you’re using it to educate young ones . Thank you.
Love all your content! Keep up the good work!
Appreciated and I’m always open to suggestions for future episodes.
Well done. Living history and a guitar ballad to boot. Thanks for providing this terrific content over the past few years. You just keep getting better.
Appreciate that David. I just looked over the past two years and a bit of our episodes and realized we’ve pretty much produced one per week … its been an enjoyable journey.
Thank you for the story and for sharing another of your obvious multitude of talents!!
Encouraging words, Peter, thank you.
Thanks for another great history lesson, and a great song too!
Thanks Jeff.
Man, you sing well!
Beautifully done.
Appreciate that Jan.
I love hearing your historical stories! Please keep ‘em coming. Thank you!
I do have a few more in my haversack, lol. Thanks for your interest, Sally
I would like to hear you sing some more. You have a good voice for period songs.
Appreciate that, Roger.
@@TheWoodlandEscape Thanks for the referral to Peter Kosky. Really good songs.
Always enjoy the wee bits of history. My son and I drove about central Pa and parts of NY visiting a lot of the 1760's French and Indian war frontier fortification markers along the rivers and streams. Many set up in the 1920's and 30s' on lonely, isolated roads. Most of the so-called forts were little more than log huts. The listings of killed and captive are significant. As you said atrocities on both sides, but the Indians generally held to treaties until settler encroachment pushed them to fight. A part of history that gets short changed in our schools. When does the Peters greatest hits album get released :) I enjoyed the song. Nice to hear if your camping ...
So true. So much of our history gets short changed!!
This is Cathy. I’m hoping Peter will agree to sing on more episodes. We’ll see lol.
Excellent story.
Hard times made hard people.
They did indeed!
Thanks that was a fine telling.
Appreciate that, Chris.
Must be one of my ancestors 😢
Awesome many thanks for posting, the song was great.
I appreciate your kind words.
@@TheWoodlandEscape have a great day.
Very nice playing and singing. Great addition to your wonderful story telling.
Thanks so much David.
Amazing!
Thank you.
You have a great voice.
I’m flattered that you think so.