A monument in memory of a heroine of national fame is located at the Fourth street entrance to old Walnut Grove cemetery, Martins Ferry, now a Memorial Park.
The inscription on the granite monument reads as follows:
Erected by
School Children of Martins Ferry
May 30, 1923
A granite marker in front of the monument which carries a big spotlight showing constantly on the monument reads as follows:
"To the sturdy pioneers who made their homes here as early as 1775, giving to Ohio its first organized government, and to the City of Martins Ferry the honor of being the oldest in the state. Erected 1937."
It is of passing interest to know something of the powder incident of Betty Zane. who is credited with aiding in winning the last battle of the Revolutionary War, at Fort Henry, located at what is now 11th and Main streets, Wheeling.
Betty Zane was a sister of Col. Ebenezer Zane, commander of Fort Henry, one of three brothers who were pioneer settlers in Wheeling.
Myers' history of West Virginia gives the following account of the powder incident:
"The attack was conducted by an enemy consisting of 238 Shawnee and Delaware Indians and 40 British soldiers, known as "Queen's Rangers," under command of Capt. Bradt.
"The supply of powder in the fort, deemed ample at the time of the attack, was nearly exhausted.
"Realizing the great importance of replenishing their stock from Col. Zane's house, it was proposed that one of the fleetest men should endeavor to reach the house, obtain a keg of powder and return with it to the fort. This was a very hazardous undertaking, but several promptly offered their services
"Among "those who volunteered was Elizabeth, youngest sister of Col, Zane. She was young, active and athletic, with precipitancy to dare danger and fortitude to sustain her in the midst of it.
"Disdaining to weigh the hazard of her own life against the risk of others, when told that a man would encour ball passed whistling by, the large gate was swung open and I she entered unharmed and was I credited with saving the fort, as the enemy shortly thereafter retreated.
"She afterward become the wife of Mr. McGlanlin, whose death occurred some time thereafter, and she later married a Mr. dark and settled in Martins Ferry, and upon her death was interred in a grave in historic Walnut Grove cemetery."