Mike Fink & The Unknown Indian
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The grave site of Mike Fink and The Unknown Indian
Calhoun Chronicle dated 12/21/1967.
Story of Mike Fink is Retold
By W.W. Bailey
Mike Fink and an unknown Indian were both buried in a grave in a low gap between the waters of West Fork and Beech Fork in Calhoun county in 1780.
One small stream of water runs east from this low gap and empties into the West Fork. This stream or run is now called Hardways Run, named after the man who first built a log cabin there.
Another small stream runs west from this place and empties into Beech Fork. Each of these two streams is a little over a mile in length. The stream or run is now called Fink Creek, named after Mike Fink, who was killed by the Indians.
It was on this stream that Mike Fink, Adam O'Brien and another man were watching a deer lick when they were suddenly attacked by four or five Indians. The white men ran up the stream, but Fink was shot in the foot. By the time they reached the low gap, Fink was so weak, due to loss of blood he could go no further.
The other two men left Mike at the low gap while they went down on the West Fork to get some men to help. When they returned they found Mike and an Indian, both dead. A grave was dug and they were buried in the low gap.
This legend has always been handed down to all the boys and girls of this locality. When passing by the graves if you will ask the Indian what he killed the white man for, he will answer "Nothing." This is true, for I tried this out myself, when I was a boy and I know it is true.
We know not where he came from. He left no relatives here, but by accident he left his name stamped on the pages of history. He seemed to be a character like Ichabod Crane, who just happened along, and was staying with some pioneer hunters, perhaps like himself.
Col. D. S. Dewees (1821-1905) in his "Recollections of a Lifetime" writes:
"These two adventurers, seeking a new country, conquesting for hunters and backwoodsman's paradise, when a small party of Indians in quest of revenge, seeking to strike a blow upon the usurper of their homes and hunting grounds...coming unexpectedly together, the Indians firing upon Fink, who together with O'Brien retreated up the branch (Fink Fork), wounded Fink in the heel, whose wound becoming so painful against they reached the low gap, that he advised O'Brien to seek his own safety, and leave him to his fate...He dispatched one of them (an Indian), which he in return was laid low in death...O'Brien in a few days returning with others, found the two common enemies cold in death's embrace, whereupon they were buried by O'Brien."
In March 2004, the mission to restore one of Calhoun's most famous grave sites - of Mike Fink and the unknown Indian - was complete.
The originial stones had been damaged severely by vandals.
Supporters obtained an old photograph of the original headstones, and reproduced them with funds donated by the community.
Upon original placement, the plastic cylindrical cache contains: two superballs, four West Virginia pins, a baby keychain, beige Army men, 3 stone key fobs, a mini tribal man, a pocket mirror and a small action figure. (Log book and pencil.)
Coordinates are accurate within 24 feet.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Uvqqra va gur Eubqbqraqeba gb gur yrsg bs gur "Zvxr Svax Przrgrel" znexre.