Hello Jim,
Mosby’s description of defense tactics was common all along the frontier in the 18th Century including western Pennsylvania. As defense against indian raids, a small blockhouse was built on a farm in a central location. A spring [or shallow well] for water was a necessity. When news of local raids spread, people would gather as many possessions as possible and head to the blockhouse for the common defense. This is an instance where much can be learned from history. While these small forts where rarely overrun, the abandoned farms were wide open to burning and pillage. Destruction of property, livestock and crops were the norm and could cause food shortages. Also, often the danger of raids would last for months at a time and while forted up this made it difficult to tend to any crops and livestock not destroyed. Groups of people would travel to abandoned farms for short periods to try to work the land as much as possible. Some providing security while others worked. What goes around comes around but I hope things never get this bad again. – Jeff in Ohio