My 6th Great Uncle, Alexander Cavet was born 1705 in Scotland. Son of Moses Cavet (1684-1750). He was massacred at Cavitt's Station on 25 Sep 1793, when 1,00 Cherokee & Creek Warriors attacked the fortified homestead of Alexander's and his family. Which was located about 8 miles northeast of Knoxville in what is now West Knox County. The site is a part of Mars Hill Cemetery today., near the intersection of Kingston Pike and Gallaher View Road. There is a Historical marker.
Here are some web links where I got some of my sources from. There are several books avail and list on the second link below. One book I bought off Amazon was Massacre at Cavitt's Station by Charles H. Faulkner 2013.
Things had been tensed between the homesteaders and the Cherokee's, as disputes over land intensified in that area and Chief Hanging Maw was in retaliation. They attacked at night and killed 13 men, women and children, including Alexander, his wife Susannah and several other family members.
The victims were buried which is now a part of Mars hill Cemetery. Today the sight is preserved by the Friends of Cavett Station to protect Mars Hill Cemetery and educate the public about the history.
I am so glad I came across this story of my ancestors and added it to my tree. This is why I love genealogy so much, it's the stories, good, bad, they all make us a part of something bigger than ourselves.
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