Followers of American History are no doubt familiar with the important victory of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry in the Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813. But few people realize the defeat of the British on that day during the War of 1812, was in no small part, accomplished through a Mifflin County man by the name of Daniel Dobbins.

American Naval forces under the command of Perry attacked Robert H. Barclay's British fleet in Lake Erie. In the resulting action, Perry’s forces gained a victory and claimed supremacy over the lake, causing the British to evacuate Fort Detroit. The lake remained in American hands for the remainder of the war, which prevented any possible British invasion of Ohio or Pennsylvania from Canada. [1]

Governor Simon Snyder’s administration was effective throughout the War with Great Britain. No state in the Union was more active, thanks to the efficiency of Snyder and his administration. (Snyder died in Selinsgrove, Snyder County, on November 9, 1819)

It was during this war that Daniel Dobbins, born near Lewistown, Mifflin County, July 5, 1776, became one of the heroes. He went to Colt’s Station, near Erie, in 1795, and entered a sailing service on Lake Erie, becoming master of the sloop “Good Intent,” in 1803. He also commanded “The Ranger” and the “Saline.” He was captured on that ship at Mackinac in July 1812, at the outbreak of the war. He was taken as a prisoner to Detroit in his own boat, but General Hull’s American force retook the vessel.

Dobbins joined the army and was captured at Malden, where he was in danger of being executed for violating a parole, but he escaped. A reward was offered for his capture, and Indians were set upon his trail. He made his way on foot along the banks of the river, and finding a dugout (boat), he paddled across Lake Erie to Sandusky, Ohio, where he procured a horse and rode to Cleveland, then proceeded to Presque Isle by canoe. Here, Daniel Dobbins learned of the fate of Mackinac and Hull’s surrender.

Dobbins was sent with dispatches to Washington, and he traveled through the forests, bringing the first news of the important events. Captain Dobbins was given a commission in the Navy and authorized to begin a fleet at Presque Isle. On his way back, he hired ship carpenters, and on arrival, they felled the giant oak trees near Presque Isle, and soon the keel of “The Niagara” was laid, then that of “The Lawrence” and other ships.

On March 27, Commander Oliver H. Perry arrived and assumed command. Cannon and supplies were shipped from Pittsburgh, and on August 15, two ships were launched, which were followed by others. Canvas and sails were brought from Philadelphia, and by September 1st, the boats were moved from the land into the lake, and Perry's fleet was ready for action, all the work being done under the direction of Captain Dobbins. The victory on Lake Erie, September 10, 1813, remains one of the most famous in American history. But it would have been impossible but for Daniel Dobbins, sailing master, ship builder, and native of Mifflin County, Pennsylvania.

He died at the age of 80, and a marker denotes his grave: Daniel Dobbins' gravestone with birth and death dates. Inscription: "In grateful memory of Captain Daniel Dobbins U.S.N., whose leadership, courage, and foresight inspired the building of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's fleet at Erie, resulting in victory in the Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813. Born January 5, 1776, died February 29, 1856; his wife, Mary West Dobbins, born October 26, 1779, died January 27, 1879. Erected in 1963 by Donald Arthur McElroy and his wife, Thora Scott Ronald McElroy, a direct descendant of Captain Dobbins.