River, Kentucky: Grave of Jenny Wiley - She Escaped the Indians

Jenny was a pioneer woman who was captured by Indians and watched as her children were murdered. She later escaped, told her tale, and became famous enough to have a popular grave.

River Volunteer Fire Dept.

Address:: 6527 Ky Route 581, River, KY
Directions:: From Paintsville: Take Euclid Ave. (Hwy 40) east to Hwy 581. Follow Hwy 581 north for about seven miles to River's Volunteer Fire Dept. From its parking lot you can reach the grave by going around to the left of the fire station and crossing a small stream on a wooden bridge. The monument is large and unmistakable and its well-kept path requires little exertion.

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Jenny Wiley's Grave - Escaped Indians

The final resting place of Jean "Jenny" (Sellards) Wiley. The famous pioneer woman was captured by a nomadic Native American tribe after watching her children being murdered -- one of them an infant. She later escaped, finding her way to Harmon's Station by way of the rugged terrain of Eastern KY. After her ordeal, she was re-united with her husband, Thomas, who had been away on business during the raid. The path Jenny chose to follow on her long run from her persuing captors was a small stream now named Jenny's Creek, which traverses Johnson County. The site is located behind the River community center and volunteer fire department headquarters.

[Barry Butcher, 08/08/2005]