On Sunday afternoon July 4 1697, Major Frost, his wife Mary, his two sons John and Charles, John Heard and his wife, and Dennis Downing were returning from a church service.  A mile from his garrison home, a party of Indians had formed an ambush near a large rock at the side of the road.  They had stuck some bushes in the ground in front of a log behind which they were concealed. and when the party approached, fired upon them.  Maj. Frost and Dennis Downing were killed, and Mrs. Heard mortally wounded.  Her husband tried to put her on a horse, but she begged him to leave her and save the children at home.  The rest of the party escaped.