Captain Logan

Captain Logan (c. 1774 – ~25 November 1812) was a scout during the War of 1812, serving under General William Henry Harrison. There exist two apparently conflicting theories regarding Captain Logan's identity:

The James theory is relayed by 19th-century descendants of Robert Renick Sr., who would be Captain Logan's grandfather under one theory, or by first-hand acquaintances of Captain Logan. Hence, the James theory would seem to be more direct knowledge.

The Johnny theory derives from 20th-century sources who are not biologically related to Captain Logan. Hence, the Johnny theory might be from more-indirect knowledge. The novelist Allan W. Eckert's (partially fictionalized) novelization of Captain Logan further popularized the Johnny theory by referring to Captain Logan as Captain Johnny. Both of these theories are presented below, because of the conflicting evidence that has become institutionalized by various historians.

Once Captain Logan became famous as a scout under General Harrison, the two identities converge without conflict from that point onward.

After murdering Robert Renick on 25 July 1757, Shawnee warriors shortly thereafter captured Robert Renick's home and its occupants: the wife of Robert Renick and her five children—, William, Robert, Thomas, Joshua and, Betsy. This son Robert was approximately 18 months old at the time of the capture. Due to his excessive crying, this son Robert was murdered by the Shawnee. During captivity Mrs. Renick gave birth to her husband's son, whom she named again Robert in honor of his slain father and elder brother of the same name. Mrs. Renick with sons William and Robert the younger returned to their home in 1767, ending their 6 years as hostages. Daughter Betsy in 1767 prior to the return home. Son Joshua instead chose to remain in residence with the Shawnee. Joshua Renick was raised as an adopted step brother of Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa The Prophet Joshua Renick later became chief of the Miami indians and took an Indian wife. Chief Joshua Renick and his Indian wife gave birth to two sons:

James Renick was captured by General Benjamin Logan, who defeated the Shawnee along the banks of the Maumee River during Logan's Raid in 1786. The reason that General Benjamin Logan chose James Renick from among all of the Shawnee's European captives is likely because General Benjamin Logan would likely have been a childhood acquaintance of James Renick's father, Joshua Renick, as both were baptized by the same minister three years apart in Augusta County, Virginia (i.e., 1743 for Benjamin Logan and 1746 for Joshua Renick). General Benjamin Logan, after becoming endeared with young James after returning at first to Kentucky and then to Ohio, taught James to read and write English. James Renick took Logan as his name. James Logan then inscribed his initials “J.L.” into the bark of many trees in Ohio.

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Wikipedia