Denis Schell was a son of Johann Christian Schell and Maria Petrie Schell. He was born in Schell's Bush, April 17, 1763, sponsored in baptism by Augustinus Hess and wife Anna. He never married. He was mortally wounded in an attack on his family's land on July, 1782, by the Tories and Indians. He died 9 days after the attack at Fort Dayton.

Seven Schell Patriots Rout 87 Redskins and Toris in Famed Schell's Bush Battle by George W. Nellis

"In Revolutionary days the rural picture known as Schell's Bush, with its famous little Blockhouse, three miles from Herkimer, became idol of the Mohawk Vale. Here sturdy frontiersman, John Christian Schell and his fearless wife, Maria Petree, with three sons and two daughters, repulsed the first raiding band of eight-seven blood-thirsty Indians and Tories, who fled with ten dead and twelve wounded, leaving Tory Leader MacDonald a prisoner in the Schell Blockhouse.

Moreover these valiant defenders suffered no casualties, repulsed all assaults, smashed four battering rams, outwittled every artifice, and vanquished the invaders with the fervor of righteous retribution.

Of all predatory raids by Indians and Toris, against inoffensive residents of the mohawk Valle, none are more worthy of record for acts of great valor and fortitude in defense of frontier homes, than the fierce battle of John Christian Schell and his gallant little family, around the Schell's Bush Blockhouse."

Two of Denis' brothers; Mark and Henry were taken prisoners, and not to be seen for ten years.

Capt. Schell Shot From Ambush

"Nearly one month later, Sept. 5, 1781, the John Christian Schell Blockhouse was again cowardly raided by Indians and Tories, bent on revenge for their crushing defeat. For this attack the Savages adopted a new technique, making a stealthy approach through a big wheat field, between the Block house and the forest.

In preparation for this, with crafty cunning, the Indians had crept through the wheat on their stomachs, making rabbit warrens in the tall grain. As a result, they were able to effect a swift and sneaking raid, getting quite close to the Blockhouse under cover of the wheat.

While Captain Schell and his two older sons, Denis and John Christian Jr., were busily engaged adjacent to the wheat field, with no other warning two shots rang out and Father Schell fell to the gound, grievously woulded.

Fearing that his injuries might prove fatal, the stricken Patriot asked his sons to remain and prevent the Savages from scalping him."

His daughter Eve Schell was scalped and survived.

Valley Lost a Valiant Leader

"Although outnumbered twenty to one, the loyal lads gladly fought on, making a determined and a martyr-like defense against the Savages, who popped up from various points in the field, showing that their rabbit warrens had been widely deployed. The lads battled heroically but before reinforcements could come, Denis, the older son, was killed and John Christian , Jr., was seriously wounded.

As soon as possible the stricken leader and his wounded son were rushed to Fort Dayton. Despite prompt surgical aid, John Christian Schell failed to rally......"

"John Christian Schell was removed to his fort, where the brave pioneer expired three days later, surrounded by his grief stricken family and many of his neighbors. Denis died the ninth day. Sad was the funeral when the remains of father and son were laid to rest, and desolate was the family. Frederick Schell who had his thighbone somewhat splintered, not broke, recovered from his wounds, but he showed a lameness during the remainder of his life. The armed forces of the Schells were so reduced in number, that they were not able to hold the fort against the repeated attacks of the enemy. The revengeful Tories and Indians sometime afterwards, set fire to Schell's fort. Then perished the rare books and papers of John Christian Schell,....."

Schell for Researches After the Descendants of John Christian Schell and John Schell by Christian Denissen

Possibly in this cemetery, since his father is listed in the Abstract of Graves of Revolutionary Patriots, Vol.4, p. Serial: 12172; Volume: 4 - for interment in this cemetery and they both died from the same attack.