Wayne

wan, Anthony (1745-1796), an American soldier. He was a native of East Town, Pennsylvania. He was educated as a land surveyor, but settled down to farming. In 1774 he was elected to the legislature of Pennsylvania. He was a warm supporter of Benjamin Franklin's measures. He is still one of the picturesque figures of the Revolutionary War. He took part in the expedition of 1775 into Canada. He held Ticonderoga until forced back by the British forces. He distinguished himself for bravery at the battles of Brandy-wine and Germantown. In the winter of 1778 he raided the British lines, bringing away a large quantity of supplies much needed by the American forces. On the night of July 15, 1779, he stormed the fortress of Stony Point, a most gallant and heroic act, for which he received a gold medal and the thanks of Congress. These daring exploits won for him the name of "Mad Anthony." During the closing years of the war he was active in Georgia and South Carolina. At the close of the war he resumed his seat in the legislature of Pennsylvania, but later he accepted a plantation as a gift from the state of Georgia and settled there. In 1792 he was appointed commander of the American forces to chastise the Indians of the northwest. The defeats of General Harrison and St. Clair had left the pioneers at the mercy of hostile Indians. Wayne acted with his usual promptness and energy, driving the Indians as far as Fallen Timbers at the rapids of the Maumee. Here he concluded a treaty of peace which relieved the frontiersmen from attacks of the Shawnees for all time. On his return he died at Erie.