Who was Simon Girty?

   Simon Girty, known as the Great Renegade, 1741—1818, American frontiersman, was born near Harrisburg, Pa., was captured (1756) and held prisoner by the Indians for three years. After being an interpreter in the vicinity of Fort Pitt (1759—74), he was with Simon Kenton in Dunmore's War. The Continental Congress used him as an interpreter (1776), but soon discharged him, and in 1778 he deserted the Americans and went to Detroit, becoming an interpreter for Hamilton. He was active in Indian skirmishes against the Americans and was known for his cruelty, allowing the Indians to torture captives and standing by while Col. William Crawford was burned at the stake, though he saved the life of Simon Kenton. At the close of the war he fought with the Indians in the Ohio country against the Americans and opposed the Indians making peace. He went to Canada when the British surrendered Detroit (1796), fleeing in 1813 to a Mohawk village when Harrison invaded Canada. He later returned to Canada.