Jonathan Alder

Jonathan Alder (September 17, 1773 – January 30, 1849)[1] was an American pioneer, and the first white settler in Madison County, Ohio.

[2] As a young child living in Virginia, Alder was kidnapped by Shawnee Indians, and later adopted by a Mingo chief in the Ohio Country.

[1] Alder's life was spared due to his appearance; his captors thought his black hair would allow him to pass as an Indian.

One of the Mingo chiefs, Succohanos, and his wife, Whinecheoh, were an aging couple who had lost their son, and planned to adopt Alder as a replacement.

[1][6] Alder was forced to run the gauntlet, as a rite of passage, and after he exhibited bravery during the trial, he was adopted and cared for by Whinecheoh.

[1] He grew attached to his new life and when, in 1783, a trader from Kentucky offered to exchange him for a Shawnee prisoner, Alder refused.

[1] Alder was asked for advice on the 1795 Treaty of Greenville on land reservations, and urged by the Indians to attend its signing.

[1] In the summer after the signing of the Treaty of Greenville, which restored peace between Indians and settlers, Alder decided to return to the white community.

He married Barshaw,[7] and settled in Pleasant Valley, in the area of Jerome Township, about 5 miles (8 km) north of present-day Plain City, Ohio.

Initial inquiries were unsuccessful, but one of a series of advertisements Moore placed in the district was seen by Alder's surviving brother Paul.

The company built and garrisoned the blockhouse for a few weeks, but when a false alarm was sounded regarding Indians attacking the settlements, the men returned to their homes.

[6] Living out the rest of his days as a farmer, Jonathan Alder died on January 30, 1849, in Canaan Township, Madison County, Ohio, at the age of 75.

A historical marker was erected by Ohio in front of Foster Chapel Cemetery at 39°59′42.31″N 83°15′48.11″W / 39.9950861°N 83.2633639°W / 39.9950861; -83.2633639, near West Jefferson, where he is buried.