and
John Thomas established themselves on what has been since called
Booth's creek--The former at the place now owned by Jesse Martin; and
the latter where William Martin at present resides, and which is
perhaps the [94] most valuable landed estate in North Western
Virginia, off the Ohio river.

Previous however to the actual settlement of the country above the
forks of the Monongahela, some few families (in 1767) had established
themselves in the vicinity of Fort Redstone, now Brownsville, in
Pennsylvania.[5] At the head of these were Abraham Tegard, James
Crawford, John Province, and John Harden. The latter of these
gentlemen afterwards removed to Kentucky and became distinguished in
the early history of that state, as well for the many excellencies of
his private and public life, as for the untimely and perfidious manner
of his death.

In the succeeding year Jacob Vanmeter, John Swan, Thomas Hughes and
some others settled on the west side of the Monongahela, near the
mouth of Muddy creek, where Carmichaelstown now stands.[6]

In this year too, the place which had been occupied for a while by
Thomas Decker and his unfortunate associates, and where Morgantown is
now situated, was settled by a party of emigrants; one of which was
David Morgan, who became so conspicuous for personal prowess, and for
the daring, yet deliberate courage displayed by him, during the
subsequent hostilities with the Indians.

In 1769, Col. Ebenezer Zane, his brothers Silas and Jonathan, with
some others from the south Branch, visited the Ohio river for the
purpose of commencing improvements;[7] [95] and severally proceeded to
select positions for their future residence. Col. Zane chose for his,
an eminence above the mouth of Wheeling creek, near to the Ohio, and
opposite a beautiful and considerable island in that river. The spot
thus selected by him, is now occupied by his son Noah Zane, Esq. and
is nearly the centre of the present flourishing town of Wheeling.
Silas Zane commenced improving on Wheeling creek where Col. Moses
Shepherd now lives, and Jonathan resided with his brother Ebenezer.
Several of those who accompanied the adventurers, likewise remained
with Colonel Zane, in the capacity of laborers.

After having made those preparations which were immediately
requisite for the reception of their respective families, they
returned to their former homes. In the ensuing year they finally left
the South Branch, and accompanied by C