The Royalton Raid of October 1780 was a devastating event for the communities along Vermont's White River Valley, but it also brought forth stories of extraordinary courage. Among these, the actions of Hannah Handy, also known as Hannah Hendee, stand out as a testament to a mother's unwavering determination in the face of profound loss and danger. Her bravery in confronting the raiding party and successfully negotiating for the release of captive
children became a legendary tale of the American Revolutionary War frontier.
The Devastation and a Personal Loss
On October 16, 1780, Lieutenant Richard Houghton led 300 Mohawk warriors in a British-backed raid that swept through Royalton, Sharon, and Tunbridge. These towns were burned, four settlers were killed, and 26 individuals were taken prisoner, destined for Quebec. The raid inflicted widespread terror and destruction, leaving families shattered and communities in ruins. For Hannah Handy, the raid brought a deeply personal tragedy: her own son was among those taken captive or lost during the attack. This personal loss fueled her resolve and set her on a perilous path.
Despite the immediate danger and the chaos that followed the raid, Hannah Handy did not succumb to despair. Instead, she embarked on a courageous mission to recover the children who had been taken. Her initial act of defiance involved crossing the river, a significant obstacle in itself, to reach the raiders. There, she successfully pleaded for the return of several children, demonstrating an early display of her persuasive power and determination.
Confronting the Raiders and Pleading for the Young
Not content with her initial success, Hannah Handy pursued Houghton's raiding party further. She caught up with them and made a direct appeal to Lieutenant Houghton himself. Her argument was compelling and humanitarian: she emphasized that the young boys being held by the Mohawks would likely not survive the arduous journey to Canada. She warned Houghton that their deaths would be a moral burden on his conscience, a powerful appeal that transcended the immediate conflict.
Houghton, perhaps moved by her impassioned plea or recognizing the logistical challenges of transporting young children, responded to Hannah's request. He ordered the release of the boys to her care, entrusting her with their safe return to their families. This act of compassion from a British officer during a brutal raid highlights the complex human elements that could emerge even in wartime. The names of the boys released to Hannah Handy included Michael Hendee (likely her own son), Roswell Parkhurst, Andrew and Sheldon Durkee, Joseph Rix, Rufus and Fish, Nathaniel Evans, and Daniel Downer.
A Lasting Legacy of Heroism
Hannah Handy's heroic actions quickly became a cherished part of local lore and a symbol of resilience. Her story is commemorated today by a granite arch monument located on the South Royalton town green. This monument serves as a permanent tribute to her bravery and her successful efforts to save the lives of several children during one of the most violent episodes in Vermont's Revolutionary War history. The monument ensures that her courage and compassion continue to be remembered and honored by future generations, standing as a powerful reminder of individual heroism amidst collective tragedy.
