e
eastern Delawares, living on the other side of the Allegheny
Mountains, the missionaries had succeeded in converting many; and it
was chiefly through the western explorations of Frederick Post that
his Church decided the Indians of the west could as well be taught
to lead Christian lives. The first attempt to convert the western
redmen took place upon the upper Allegheny, where many Indians,
including Allemewi, a blind Delaware chief, accepted the faith. The
mission decided, however, it would be best to move farther west,
where the Delawares had migrated and were more numerous.

In April, 1770, more than ten years before, sixteen canoes, filled
with converted Indians and missionaries, drifted down the Allegheny
to Fort Pitt; thence down the Ohio to the Big Beaver; up that stream
and far into the Ohio wilderness.

Upon a tributary of the Muskingong, called the Tuscarwawas, a
settlement was founded. Near and far the news was circulated. Redmen
from all tribes came flocking to the new colony. Chiefs and
warriors, squaws and maidens, were attracted by the new doctrine of
the converted Indians. They were astonished at the missionaries'
teachings. Many doubted, some were converted, all listened. Great
excitement prevailed when old Glickhican, one of the wisest chiefs
of the Turtle tribe of the Delawares, became a convert to the
palefaces' religion.

The interest widened, and in a few years a beautiful, prosperous
town arose, which was called Village of Peace. The Indians of the
warlike tribes bestowed the appropriate name. The vast forests were
rich in every variety of game; the deep, swift streams were teeming
with fish. Meat and grain in abundance, buckskin for clothing, and
soft furs for winter garments were to be had for little labor. At
first only a few wigwams were erected. Soon a large log structure
was thrown up and used as a church. Then followed a school, a mill,
and a workshop. The verdant fields were cultivated and surrounded by
rail fences. Horses and cattle grazed with the timid deer on the
grassy plains.

The Village of Peace blossomed as a rose. The reports of the love
and happiness existing in this converted community spread from mouth
to mouth, from town to town, with the result that inquisitive
savages journeyed from all points to see this haven. Peaceful and
hostile Indians were alike amazed at the change in their brethren.
The good-fellowship and industry of the converts had a widespread
and wond