Morning to All!!
I have a copy of a book on the Cavitt-Cavett line that was started in
1953 and was presented to Rice University in 1968. It mostly deals with
the Cavitt line in Texas. But the early parts deal with the Cavitt line
that I assume we are all from. I am taking the "hint" from Tracey and
will start posting info from this book. I do not have the documentation
that is referred to in this book. But maybe some of this will help
someone out...or at least lead you to where you need to look! I really
don't know where to start, as it is over 200 pages and a lot of that is
"pretty" stuff!!
So just remember that I am sending exactly what is written
here...nothing more or less!
Begin:
Of the Direct line from which we trace all those thousands of living
Cavitt and Cavett
kin, we find that Alexander, son of Moses Cavet, came to America in
1725, before his father and the four brothers who accompanied him.
Alexander is recorded as coming from Ulster. He was a Presbytorian
Covenanter which speaks volumes for his set of will, his determination
that those who so covenanted together to serve God should from their
midst raise up the one who would be their leader, preacher, spokesman
and that no British crown appointee would ever be acknowledged as the
Bishop of their religious order nor counselor of their faith.
It was this same Alexander Cavet who lived shortly in Pennsylvania, but
settled in a stockade or fort eight miles from the town of Knoxville,
TN. In 1793, 1000 indians under the scouting leadership of Pumpkin Boy
and Doublehead were on the warpath
to attack Knoxville when the Governor arrived and the 21 gun salute was
provided for his official welcome. Hearing the cannon, the Indians
thought Knoxville had got reinforcements and decided against their
attack. Being on the warpath, they would not turn back but went to the
northwest eight miles and attacked Cavitt Springs Station,
massacreeing(sic) the 14 adults and all the children, save one.
Alexander Cavet was shot in the garden of his home, having nine bullets
in his mouth at the time, the better to reload his gun and protect his
household. His little son, Alexander, was taken alive nut burned at the
stake a few days later, according to scouts. The report of this
massacre and the tour of the remaining ruins of the fort are written up
in a government brochure of interesting historical sites around
Knoxville. The cemetery at this place contains the grave of all except
the boy, Alexander. This comes from letters to the Editior of Knoxville
Gazette, 1796 -
including a story of the massacre of Col. Valentine Serviers' family.