Ephraim Vause

Earlier in June, 1756, Shawnee warriors took two of those servants and butchered some cattle in order to feed the advancing war parties with François-Marie Picoté de Belestre.

[4] "By 1754, Vause owned 620 acres -- pretty much all of present day Shawsville, Virginia -- where he grew corn and wheat and raised cattle and horses.

He and his wife and their children were well-to-do members of Augusta County society... [During the Shawnee attack on Fort Vause] Vause's home was burned, his livestock killed or run off, his wife, daughters and servants carried off and his dream of a frontier fortune ruined.

"[5] In late 1757, Ephraim Vause attempted to organize a military expedition to rescue his wife and daughters.

John Madison and the Augusta County Militia offered their support, and food and other supplies were obtained.