Captain Samuel Daugherty was detailed from Washington's army to protect the frontier, and was killed with Boone's company at Freeland's Fort, his scalp being recognized by a man named Robinson, who was lying in ambush behind a log. The scalp was being carried in the hand of a passing Indian, and the light colored long curly hair attracted the attention of Robinson.

Both Captain Samuel Daugherty and his elder brother, Captain John Daugherty, were members of Captain Hawkins Boone's command. Samuel Daugherty advised against the attack on Fort Freeland, and his brother taunted him with cowardice, but he replied, "No Daugherty was ever a coward. I shall fight as bravely as yourself, but we shall be defeated," and the result was as he had foretold. Both Hawkins Boone and Samuel Daugherty were killed in the attack.