Kenton, Simon, 1755-1836

Simon Kenton (aka "Simon Butler") (April 3, 1755 – April 29, 1836) was a renowned American frontiersman, soldier, and pioneer who played a significant role in the settlement of Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. He was a contemporary and friend of notable figures such as Daniel Boone, Isaac Shelby, and Thomas Hinde. Kenton served the United States in the American Revolutionary War, the Northwest Indian War, and the War of 1812. He was captured by the Shawnee people in 1778, when they were allied with the British. He survived multiple gauntlets and ritual torture applied to war captives, and was said to be rescued by Simon Girty. He was later adopted by a Shawnee widow to replace her son and became a member of the tribe. His first son was born before any marriage; Kenton later married twice, and had a total of ten more children.