"Exceptional genius is shown in the works of Charles McKnight." -History of Pittsburgh

The history of our western border may well be deemed a record of woman's trials, privations and heroic deeds. How tender, shrinking women ever had the heart to expose themselves, as they did, to all the Protean perils of the savage wilderness, is the marvel of the present day. They seemed to be richly and peculiarly endowed to suit the times and the localities in which their lots were cast. We may be sure it was not for themselves that they thus cheerfully gave up home, society, and all the blessings of peace and quiet, to brave the savage wilds, to patiently endure its perils and privations, and to challenge the fierce assaults of wild beasts and of still wilder and more ferocious human foes. Ah, no: it was for those they loved. That solves the mystery.

In 1875, Charles McKnight, a historian of the Indian Wars published "Our Western Border, in Early Pioneer Days" which included a 35-page chapter on the heroism of individual American Pioneer women. It is this chapter that has been republished here for the convenience of the interested reader.

About the author Charles McKnight (1826-1881):

Exceptional genius in certain branches of literature is shown in the works of Charles McKnight. Of Scotch Irish descent, he was born in Pittsburgh September 4, 1826. Young McKnight graduated from Princeton College, studied law, traveled two years in Europe, and returning to Pittsburgh, became editor and proprietor of the "Pittsburgh Evening Chronicle", which he managed until the close of the Civil War. The publication of the "Illustrated People's Monthly" was commenced in 1870; in that magazine, in 1873, appeared his "Old Fort Duquesne", afterwards renamed "Captain Jack", which received considerable attention in this country, and was published in England and Germany. Among his other valuable contributions to history, as well as to literature, are "Our Western Border", "Simon Girty", and others.