William OLDHAM

                   Note: Lieut. Col. Oldham was much attracted to Penelope, the young daughter of his friend, and announced his intention of coming back to claim her for his bride, which he did three years later. Oldham was killed by Indians at St. Clair's defeat in 1791. 4 Event: General Notes Note: Col. Oldham is believed to have been the eldest son of Isaa c Oldham, formerly of Westmoreland County, Pa., who died in 1822 in Ohio County, VA, leaving a will, in which thirteen children are named. 5 Event: Military Service Note: In the late 1780s, a confederation of Native American tribes, with British backing, began raids to reclaim old hunting grounds throughout the Ohio territory, leading to open warfare. Now a Colonel in the militia, Colonel Oldham led a regiment of Kentuckians north to the Wabash River as part of an army of 3,000 men under General Arthur St. Clair. Early on the morning of November 4, 1791, Indians infiltrated the camp and killed over 600 men, including Colonel Oldham, in battle known as St. Clair's Defeat - our military 's worst defeat by Native Americans, with three times the loss of life suffered in the infamous Custer's Last Stand