Martin Wetzel, Jr. and his father, Captain John Wetzel, were involved in Indian border warfare as early as Oct. 10, 1774, at the Battle of Point Pleasant. This is now recognized as one of the battles of the Revolutionary War.
Martin Wetzel, Jr. was probably a young private in the military.
It is told that Martin Wetzel was captured, with a Mr. Wolf, on Dunkard Creek, by Indians. Mr. Wolf was killed, and Martin was kept prisoner for 2 1/2 years, until he escaped. After his escape, he is said to have stayed with Daniel Boone, before heading home.
During this time he met and married Mary Coffield, and ended up living in the Wheeling West Virginia area. Martin Wetzel, Jr. and Mary Coffield raised 11 children. (source, Toothman research).
Martin was sick, and in bed, for the last 6 months of his life. A nephew who stay with him handed down this information. (source: Albert Herbert Toothman.) |