History of the Pigeon Roost massacre ..

'^-^ :\ Copy 1

Massacfe

By LIZZIF D. COLEMAN

_A r,^ j^

HISTORY

OF THH

Pigeon Roost Massacre

BY

Lizzie D. Coleman

COPYRIGHTED, 1904.

Commercial Print,
Mitchell, Indiana.

f

Official Directory of Scott County.

OOT^NTY OFFICERS.

Clerk . Nol)le J. Hays

SherifV Ro1)ert Peacock

Auditor Frank Gardner

Treasurer Alex ITongli

Recorder Jonathan F. Stark

Surveyor M. N. Harbold
Coroner Dr. J. B. Bloclier, Jr.

Assessor Joseph JMcClain

Superintendent of l^ililic Scliools James A. P)oatnian

f 1st Dist William Payne

Coin's: - -( 2(1 Dist Joseph Cortner

l,:}d Dist William L.Wilson
Commissioners' Court— First Mondav in each month.

JUDICIAL OFFIC^ERS.

Circuit Judtve Willard New

Prosecntin.o' Attorn(>v Samuel IV Wells

Finlev

COUNTY P.OARD OF EDUCATION.
F. M. Hohhs ;**:.:

E. Chastine . '** Johnson

I. A. Davis JcnninG;s

P. F. Smith Lexinn-ton

Asbui'v J. Thompson Vienna

CITY OFFICERS OF SCOTTSIUTRG.

("^lork II. G. Mitchell

Treasurer Arthur Wyman

Attoi-uey Alark Stm-en

-Marshal Georov \V. Walker

fist John W. Allen

Trustees:-; 2d ('..cil C. Wells

•''d W. L. :\[cClnin

GOVERNOR WIXFIELD T. DURBIN.

PIGEON ROOST MONUMENT. Near the Southwest corner of the Northwest fourth of the
Northwest quarter of Section Seventeen. Town Two North. Range Seven East.

TO THE AfOXCAlEXT.

( )h men who died that autumn !

And women and children, dear!
Who met thy fate in the wilderness

When no kind friends were near ;
Who suffered the sting of the arrow.

And felt the hatchet's blow.
We raise to thee this monument,

(hir love and fjratitude show.

\'>\ the side of the giant sassafras.

Which marked those graves so long.
\\ hich spread its branches over thee,

And sang thee its lullaby song,
\\'(i raise thee this noble monument,

That all who come may know-
That the bodies of heroes and martyrs

Lie buried far below.

( )h, sleep, sleep on, ye brave ones !

For ye have earned thy rest.
Thy deeds have made thee honored,

Thy sorrows have made thee blest :
For God who watches o'er us,

Has recorded thy names on the roll :
Then sleep, sleep on. ye brave ones.

Till heaven shall claim each soul.

Lulu Dillev Donica.

PREFACE.

It is with a tinge of timidity that this little pamphlet is sub-
mitted to the public. Realizing that we have only vague accounts
of this early defeat in our histories and they limited, we ac-
knowledge that comparatively little is authentically known of
the massacre.

Dillon's History, "Pigeon Roost Massacre," by Charles Mar-
tindale, "The Pigeon Roost Massacre," by John Mead, and an
article from the Indianapolis News have been used as reference,
but the greater part of the details were gathered from those now
living in Scott and Washington Counties who were distantly
related to the victims and have had their knowledge of the sad
deed as a legacy from ancestry.

The part that the Paynes suffered in the sad event was ob-
tained through the untiring efforts of Mrs. A. R. Overman, Salerh,
Indiana (grand-daughter of Jeremiah Payne), The details of
the CoUings' loss and geographical idea of the early settlement
was gained from John and William Collings (grandson and great
grandson of William E. Collings).

So in arranging, an earnest effort has been made to give the
truth and tell the story as it really was.

In our feeble way a hearty thanks is here acknowledged to all
who have so kindly assisted in gathering material and data.

"Behind the scared squaw's birch canoe,
The steamer smokes and raves ;
And city lots are staked for sale
Above old Indian graves.

'T hear the tread of pioneers
Oi nations yet to be;
The first low wash of waves.

Shall roll where soon a human sea."

PRELUDE.

A century ago Indiana Territory could have well been desig-
nated as Indian Territory ; for living in their savage wigwam on
all the frontiers was that red-skin, which was a menace to uni-
versal peace. The Indian, at his best, does not present a very
facinating appearance : nevertheless with a tall, strong body re-
sembling in color old copper; with hair like a horse's mane,
coarse, lilack and straight ; with small eyes, black and deep-set ;
with high cheek bones and a prominent nose, dabbed permiscu-
ouslv with paint, together with the crudeness and barbarity of
dress, he is a personage of interest. Rut this outward appearance
is as naught in revealing the individuality of the tribe. When at
peace they are hospitable and friendly; when in war they are
merciless and brutal. When conquering, if they failed to make
their victim cry out with pain they considered it an ill omen ;
therefore they would tear out bits of flesh, roast their victim in a
slow fire while they continued to sing his death-song, with an
unwavering voice, until his last breath released him from their
torments.

At this time, dotted here and there in the various territories
were the respective Indian tribes. Each locality having a cer-
tain class, wdiile our territory was the only one that was not per-
manent headquarters for certain tribes. Yet out soil furnished a
meeting place for members of different tribes during the various
depredations. And as navigation was the only means of trans-
portation during those times we can readily see why certain places
were selected as "hunting grounds" and temporary abodes.

Nevertheless along all our frontiers were the forts (or block-
houses) the one needed, lasting characteristic of those early days.
Generally some central place in each settlement would be selected
for the building of the fort. Besides locality the supply of water
must be considered, for without this in time of trouble the inmates
would famish. The fort furnished a home for the defenseless
and a place of refuge from the hand of the savage. These forts
(or block-houses) were constructed of round logs and usually
were two stories high. The logs used in the upper story were
four feet longer than those below, thus providing an aperture
through whicii to use their rifles. In the upper story were port-
holes large enough to shoot balls from rifles, striking the ground
at an angle. All around the fortification, timbers nine feet high
were stuck in the gromid and thus was formed an inclosure for
all that they wished to defend from a savage invasion.

But mindful of all this, the one undefended settlement in all
the territory furni.shed the stage for performing the last mas-

8

sacre in the Northwest Territory, This section of land, many
vei.rs prior to its sad fate, was thickly covered with timber and
became a favorite rendezvous for passenger or wild pigeons.
The number was so great that trees were twisted, bent and broken
bv the great weight upon them and thousands of pigeons were
annually killed by falling timber. Separated from all others by an
intervening distance of five or six miles was this one fertile spot
in the midst of surrounding sterility — the one place that was
habitable for man and the one eyed because of its productiveness,
for the abundance of game was quite an item in maintaining a
livelihood for a family.

Thus, when our early fathers cleared the land here in 1809,
thev gave the memorable name of "Pigeon Roost" to the settle-
ment "and to the beautiful stream near. While settling, and for
two years, the hardships, privations and perils were equally en-
joyed and shared by the white man with his predecessor, the
Indian

Enjoving as we do all the advantages and appliances of niodern
civilization", it is almost impossible for us to realize how these
early settlers lived — no complete government, crude iiomes and
no conveniences for living or working, no division of labor so
that the accomplishment of any one thing was hardly realized.
Each family busy in supplying their meager demands. _ Log
houses, consisting' of but one room, occupied by an entire family
were theirs: scant furniture with a poor variety of food, mostly
meal and game, were adjuncts to their welfare, yet they were
industrious" and thrifty as far as they were able.

North of the "Pigeon Roost" settlement lived Jeremiah and
Elias Payne (brothers), Isaac Cofifman and Dan Johnson with
their wives and children. The wives of Elias Payne, Coffman and
Tohnson were sisters and their maiden name was Bridgewater.
So these in their relations were as one — one interest and a life
in common.

The families that composed these early settlements were related
and having built their- houses near each other it was almost as
one big familv. A quarter of a mile southeast from the now
imposing shaft that marks the hallowed resting place of its early
inhabitants lived the venerable William E. CoUings. At home
v,-ith him, enioving the blessings of the parental roof, were the
two voungest children, Lydia and John. Several children were
crown and had homes of their own. A hundred yards east from
the old home of father was the humble home of Henry Collings.
Three-quarters of a mile east was the crude log-house that shel-
tered Richard Collings and his wife, with their seven children.
West and south were two sons and two daughters. Jane Col-
lings Biggs (wife of John Biggs) and Sichey Collings Richie
(wh'e of Dr. John Richie) with their children were in the im-

9

mediate settlement. Other residents of this early colony made
the entire population not more than thirty-five.

We are cognizant of the Indian's love for the rifle and his
ability as a marksman. In these pioneer days the "shooting
matches" were the one great sport and the phenomenal ability of
William E. Collings was sorely realized by them. In fact he was
such a champion that "Long Knife" was the name the Indians
gave him. and soon the names of all the participants were readily
exchanged in combating. One day after a friendly "shooting
match" the Indians told "Long Knife" that they were going
away. Mr. Collings kindly asked them to come back some day
and told them that he would give them the best he had (we
would infer that he meant that he would share his hospitality and
be a combatant in a champion game). So they departed and
these early pioneers were alone — the quietness of the Indian
nature was no more.

During the summer of 1812 along many of our frontiers, star-
vation stared the Indians in the face and their "hunting grounds"
were becoming inadequate for their demands. Little insignificant
incidents were growing almost as mountains to this vicious race.
They held green in memory their losses at the recent battle of
Tippecanoe. They imagined that they were being cheated in all
their trades ; were being spied and encroached upon while seeking
their wonted haunts, and they well knew of the reward offered by
the British Government for the scalp of every American white.
So that part of their nature which had been dormant for some
time had kindled a spark and they were plotting revenge.

The crowning act to cause the Indians to actively show this
spirit was stimulated by the .disgraceful surrender of Hull at De-
troit, less than a month before the shameful attack upon the inno-
cent dwellers of "Pigeon Roost." The news of this surrender
filled the hearts of all with a feeling of indescribable horror for
the anticipated actions of the Indians might be realized in the
beastly use of tomahawk and scalping knife.

The possibilities of attack were soon realized — simultaneously
among many of these settlements were the bands of savage red-
skins armed with implements that meant death and fired with a
beastly nature for revenge.

But of all the settlements the one at "Pigeon Roost" was the
one to be i>itied. In their simple, easy way they had lived in com-
mon with the Indian, shared his hardships, enjoyed his sports, and
the thought of needing a place of defense — of safety, had never
been realized.

Prior to the massacre. Shawnee and Pottawatomie Indians had
a camp west of the present site of Vienna (one mile and a half
northeast from monument). Here doubtless they recounted their
ill feelings, multij^lied their grievances and planned to appease

10

their thirst for blood. Many of them knew of the advantages of
"Pigeon Roost," its unparalleled location, fertility of soil and
abundance of game, thus making an ideal hunting ground, also
of its defenseless condition. And so in the story that follows,
we may sadly trace the savage, brutal and beastly nature of the
enemy of the early "Pigeon Roost" settlers.

"They knew of their enemy.
But. ah then they had no time to prepare for them.
And many and many fell by the foe,
Because they had no place to go."

STORY OF THE MASSACRE.

From the early settlers of Scott County we learn that they
were personally told by Mr. Sparks how the Indians crossed
White River at Sparksville, Indiana, September 3, 1812, on a
southern mission. They crossed the river three or four at a time ;
after all had crossed they formed together and directed their
way to the ill-fated spot now hallowed in memory to the early
victims.

During the afternoon they had reached the field of action and
simultaneously several homes were visited.

Jeremiah Payne (who lived near a fort at Vienna, but seven
miles north from Pigeon Roost) was warned of danger when his
cows, bellowing very loud, came running to the house with spears
and arrows stuck in their sides. Taking his wife and only child,
Lewis, to the fort at Vienna, the father started on foot to warn
his only brother, Elias (who lived five miles away), of their
threatened trouble. He ran in a "turkey trot" as he called it —
but too late. He found that the Indians had been before him and
already done their deadly work. The wife and seven children of
his brother had been massacred — part of their bodies cut into
strips and strung around trees, parts put in the house and after
rtlimdering the home, they took the feather beds, tore them open
so the feathers were scattered over everything, then set the house
on fire. "Old Uncle Jerry" .said that he thus saw a smoke that
was as black as ink, and there was a stench that was terrible.
One authority says that one more skeleton was found among these
remain? than comprised the famliy, so it is a mere matter of con-
iecture that accidentally an Indian was also burned. In the mean-
time Elias Payne and his brother-in-law, Isaac Coffman, were in
the woods, two miles north of "Pigeon Roost" hunting "bee
trees." While thus engaged, a band of Indians, ten or twelve in
number unexpectedly fired upon them, Coflfman was instantly
killed and scalped. His bleached bones were found afterwards

11

with the buckets of honey near. Payne, accompanied by his dog,
was pursued two miles before overtaken and mortally wounded.
The story is told that his dog went back to known places and
after several trips to the fatal spot led his master's brother, Jere-
miah, to the fatal beech tree where the dying brother was found.
A bed of flax was made and the mangled victim was here laid
while the over-anxious brother went for help. On his return the
life spark had gone out and the sad victim had never been able
to speak or recognize his brother. The body was buried on the
spot and the place is to-day discernible, being on the Salem road
due west from Vienna.

Thus the passiveness became active and the frenzied group
wend their way to the south.

Another unprotected woman, Mrs. Richard Collings, and her
seven children (Mr. Collings being away in the service of the
government), are soon in the thralldom of the savage mob in
their own home. Their lives are soon taken, bodies left in the
one loved spot on earth and all offered as a precious sacrifice to
appease the red-skin's bloody thirst. A foot log across Pigeon
Roost Creek marks the spot where these ashes and bones were
found.

When we remember that they were so perfected in the art of
scalping that a body could be disposed of in one minute, we can
faintiv see how quick they were ready for more human material.

Going southwest from" here, they met Mrs. Rachael Collings
(wife of Henrv) who had just returned home from Payne's where
she had been to get spools for warping. Words are inadequate
for describing the barbarity of results here. Mrs. Collings \yas
pregnant at the time, having been made the victim of the Indian
mob, the child was taken from the womb and scalped, afterwards
found laid on the bosom of the woman. The incentive to such a
diabolical deed was the five-dollar British reward offered for
each scalp.

Having nerved themselves to anything, they approach more
familiar spots in the well-known home of their brave competitor,
William E. Collings, not having in their mind the friendliness
that existed when they left a few months before, not with a re-
sponse to a friendlv "shooting match' but fired with a vengeance

Note, referring to pictures on page 12: 1, Jeremiah Paynes
house near Harristown. 2, John W. Martin, Trustee of Monu-
ment. 3, iSarah Payne, daughter of Jeremiah Payne; born Janu-
ary 12 1818, in Clark county; married Asbury Garnott; died
Januarv 31, 1901. 4, Mary Pajnie, daughter of Jeremiah Payne;
married Jacob Day. 5, W. T. Hubbard, Seottshnrg, contractor
for purchase and erection of monument. ('). Apple tree planted
bv Jeremiah Payne, still living and bearing fruit.

13

that meant ultimate devastation, destruction and death, and that in
the worst form imaginable.

In this CoUings home on this memorable afternoon was the
aged father, Lydia and Captain Norris, an old Indian fighter,
who had engaged in the battle of Tippecanoe and was here now
to warn the settlers of their threatened danger. This distin-
guished guest was a native of Pennsylvania, and realizing what
the impending possibilities were to the settlers of "Pigeon Roost"
had come to confer with them concerning the need of a fort.

The Captain and Collings had been talking but a short time,
perhaps not more than an hour. While William E. Collings was
saving that he felt as safe as if he was in Philadelphia, Captain
Xorris espied the Indians approaching. Collings said that they
would go into the cabin and fight until they died. Whereupon
Collings grasped a gun and handed one to Captain Norris, but
he could not handle it easily, having been severely wounded in the
shoulder in the recent battle of Tippecanoe. Norris strongly
argues that it would be the valiant part 'for him and his children
to attempt to escape but they cannot because of being seen, and
they know that with the darkness their lives — their all, will be in
danger in the house.

So they plan to try and defend themselves until dark and then
attempt flight. Thus the father, a man sixty years of age, nerv-
ing himself lor the arduous duties before him, justly earns the
name of "Long Knife" while Lydia moulds the bullets. We re-
member that Henry's house is just a hundred yards away; the
Indians are plundering the house while the anxious ones in the
old homestead are watching every movement. While thus busily
engaged, William E. Collings, espying a big Indian standing in
the doorway (at Henry's) steals up behind him, takes good aim,
fires, and the force of the murdering foe is reduced. Of course
this loss stirs up the already heat of the Indian band and they
are almost desperate in making strokes count around their old
rival's home. One Indian assumes the appearance of a woman,
having decked himself in Mrs. Henry Collings' shrwl, ?nd while
thus i)lotting he falls a victim at the hand of the matchless marks-
man.

In the meantime John, aged thirteen, had caught a horse and
was ready to go after the cows when he saw an Indian approach-
ing. Dropping the rein he fled, but was pursued. He realized
that the savage was gaining on him when he heard the report of
his father's rifle, followed by a "boo ;" glancing back he saw the
savage fall with the blood streaming from his breast. Now he
knew that he was saved and quickly made his way to the house.

For three-quarters of an hour the old home was defended and
the occupants were safe, while four Indians had fallen. Thus a
good cause for the Indians to need to hold counsel. While they

14

uere thus engaged under cover of night, the family made their
way trom the house to the corn field near. Thev knew enough o
?^, " ;f?u"^*"'' ,'^^' '''''^' '^^ ^^'^''^^' their house woufd be

the'n Tohn %l,r"^f T'r ' -^' '^ x'"^""^ ^''^'^- ^-^'^''-^ -"first
then John followed by Captani Xorns. and lastly by the dear

brave old hero, William E. Collings. As the lat'ter nassed X'
corn cnb an Indian who was lurking behind U fired' Coflin'
raised his gun to return the shot ^yhen he found that the savage
He'b'ir^^ his aim had broken the lock of his wonderful gun
He halloed to Xorris to "send back his gun until I kill this ?ai<l

ot s— of . But Norris, like the Irishman, "had a brave

heart but a cowardly pair of legs," and Collings was abne to
mee the enemy, \yhen they came too near he^vould ralTe h '
flintlock and pretend that he would fire and thus frighten them^
1 hey knew by the many successful "shooting matches" they had
had that he was more than their equal and that a bullet from hi.
gun meant death. So for Collings. the useless gun was his sal-
^aton; had he fired the Indian would have known what direction
he took and he would have been the victim of bullet or tomahawk

WILLIAM C. CdLLINCS.

Present owner of the Cap Gun used in the ]ilassaere.
and later the scalping knife. Thus he made his way through the
corn, came near John Richie's (son-in-law), fell 'down a tree
and the Indians were so near that he could see the white of their
eye. but eventually he made his escape and early next morning
was sheltered in the fort at his son, Zebulon's, five miles south
trom Pigeon Roost" settlement.

15

Meanwhile Captain Norris and the children were repeatedly
lost; tired from their jonrney they sat down at the foot of a big
oak and fell asleej). Captain Xorris said that he never slept more
sound in all his life, yet with the rising sun they were on their
march and made their way in safety to the blockhouse.

Henry Collings, who \vas at work in the field, was wounded in
the head by an unexpected missile. He cautiously made his way
to an old shed and concealed himself under a pile of flax. Here
he was found a day or two later more dead than alive. He ral-
lied and in a whisper faintly said: "I went to jump the fence and
'Little Kill Ruck" shot me." Such recognition proves that these
early inartyrs knew who their murderers were.

( )thers massacred were the mother, wife and only child of
John A [orris. Can we imagine the anguish of this man's heart
when returning home from government service to find his loss
threefold, his all, gone?

During the hour that the Indians were busy scalping their vic-
tims, plundering the homes and burning the houses, several were
making their escape.

About sundown Mrs. Jane Collings Biggs, followed by two
children and carrying a baby in her arms, went into the woods
to look for her cow. On her return, reaching the edge of the
clearing, she was horrified to hear the repeated yells of a band of
Indians who had surrounded her home. Understanding what it
meant she turned and started through the forest t6 her brother's
six miles awav. Occasionally she would look back ; once while
scanning she was awe stricken to see her home in flames and
hear the march of hurried feet and loud voices. In fact the foe
had gained and was just a hundred yards away. What must she
do ? At this critical moment the baby began crying and the poor
mother hastilv stuffed a corner of her woolen shawl into its
mouth. Baby-like it reimlsed this and noise issued. Suddenly
the Indians stopped as if they had heard a sound. Can we for a
moment imagine how long time must have been to this over-bur-
dened, over-anxious, helpless mother? One minute was an eter-
nitv while the Indians passed out of sight. When she wnthdrew
her hand the child was silent, was motionless, yea dead. In her
fear and anxiety for their safety she had smothered her darling.
Poor mother ! She sank to the ground overcome with grief, but
l)resently she rallied and slowly continued her march to her
brother's. About daylight, with her dead baby in her arms and
the two little ones holding at her skirt she was safe. How long
the wav must have been, how lonesome the steps, how heavy the
heart burden.

".A. mother with her babies three
Had gone to the field for her cow, you see ;
16

■ She heard the shriek of the angry foe

• And tried to make her escape, you know.

The infant in the mother's arms,

She thought was making some alarm ;
' She stuffed its mouth with her woolen shawl,

; In order to stop its little squall.

She looked around, her house in flames;
"What can I do? Oh God," she screams,
"FiAe miles is the closest place I know,
To shelter my babies from the foe."

The enemy's shriek was heard again,
' On they passed without seeing them ;

The mother clasped her babies in her arms,
And thanked God that they were unharmed.

On to her brother's house she went.
For as we learned her house was burned ;
But sad it was to that dear mother's eyes.
When she found she had killed her babe
to smother its cries."

Dr. John Richie (son-in-law of William E. Collings) Avas at
work in the field ; espying the enemy he hastened home and told
his wife Sichey. Taking her upon his back he went through the
cornfields to the woods, where quietly and cautiously they waited
for the dawn. When they dared risk traveling they left their
hiding place and sought refuge at the fort.

!Mrs. Betsy Johnson, sister of ]\Trs. Elias Payne, also reached
the fort without being molested. During the afternoon she heard
the screams of children and justly realizing the cause left her
home. While on the journey she looked back and saw her house
in flames.

Ben Yount, hearing the shooting of guns and comprehending
the danger, put his wife on a horse behind him, took his children
in their arms and went to the fort at Silver Creek (eight miles
south of A'ienna). That night they were the proud but anxious
parents of another daughter. Rachel. This child in after years
became the wife of William Cravens, ste])-mother to William and
Xelson Cravens, Scottsburg.

We must remember that many of the men were awa\- in the
service of the government, so the women and children were
pe?mingly helpless. The Indians knew of their great advantage
and in making their ravages they planned well their line of march.

A Mrs. Beal, who lived in or near the settlement and whose

17

husband was with Captain Pitman at \'incennes, heard the fren-
zied Indians. Takinsj her two little ones, she went to a sink-hole
for protection. Here she remained until eight or nine o'clock at
night, when she made her way to the fort, arriving at two
o'clock in the morning.

P!ach tragic event of history carries with it many ])h3ses, many
different means of protection. Of the Norris family it is said
that the father, Edward, wanted to take his family to the fort,
hut the wife insisted on staying at home and trust in God to take
care of them. They had a very small piece of land cleared, had
two horses, two cows and two hounds. During the night the
cows ran around the house and bellowed, the hounds barked and
howled while the inmates of the humble cabin smelt blood.
\evertheless the mother was up all night and carded wool, also
spun the rolls into yarn t6 make clothes for her family.

Many in abandoning their homes turned over stands of bees
to bother the frenzied intruders. The brave pioneers had peril-
ous experiences. The hours of this afternoon and night were as
a life-time.. While several escaped they knew little compared
with butchering and roasting of those within the hand of the
savage foe.

And so within one hour the settlement was in a deplorable
condition. Those who had espied the fatal enemy or heard the
cry of children, were on their way to the fort fearful of any
unforeseen occurence, while their comrades who had been over-
taken without a moment's notice, were in the murderer's hands
and in the thralldom of the red-skin. Their work of one hour
meant the loss of twenty-two lives. The Indians were gone. The
massacre was over.

SEQUEL.

Jeremiah Payne having taken his wife and son to the fort, and
realizing the terrible condition of the helpless ones in the settle-
ment, mounts his fast horse and starts to New Albany for help.
At dusk he was on his way. The road was through the woods,
unfortunately he took the wrong way, causing such delay that
he did not reach his destination until early daylight. He, with a
company of mounted riflemen, started for the settlement. Along
the road thev were joined by many more until their force num-
bered two or three hundred. They arrived at the ill-fated spot
about two o'clock the afternoon of the fourth. Judge Isaac Nay-
lor. an eye witness thus describes : "Oh, what a mournful scene
met our vision as we beheld the log cabins and the mangled
bodies of men and women and children, their once happy in-
mates. I had seen the Tippecanoe battle-fields strewn with dead

18

and dying soldiers ; they Viad fallen in deadly strife with a savagt
foe whom they had conquered ; they had fallen in a soldier's
costume, a soldier's armor and were entitled to a soldier's grave.
Not so in Pigeon Roost Massacre; here all were doomed to in-
discriminate slaughter, from the suckling babe to the hoarv-
headed grandmother and grandsire. Neither age, nor sex, nor
beauty, nor innocence could stay the hand of the merciless sav-
age."

About three o'clock this same afternoon (September 4th) the
trail of the enemy was found and the company under the com-
mand of Major John McCoy tracked the murderers for several
miles. They were at the banks of the Muscatatuck, which was so
swollen that they could not cross. Darkness was upon them and
nothing effectual could be accomplished and they were compelled
to encamp.

The morning of the fifth these who were bent on revenge but
who had been repulsed (the Indians having several hours advance
on their march) returned to the sad scene of action, collected the
partial remains of the charred and cut bodies and buried them.

On the sixth the militia were reinforced by sixty mounted vol-
unteers under the command of Captain McFarland from Jeffer-
son County. On the afternoon of the seventh, three hundred and
fifty volunteers from Kentucky were on the field ready to as-
sist the Indiana companies in avenging the wrong. Attempts
were made towards military organization, but rivalry between
officers whose sole ambition was to command the troops, caused
it to fail. All returned to their homes cherishing with sadness
the fate of their early neighbors, fired with a zeal to sometime
avenge the wrong and realizing the power of the Indian when in
his frenzied mood.

The settlement was again inhabited. William E. Collings
could be found in his old home, that with its bullet holes told
the story of the massacre and the heroic defense. While the
other families were compelled to build new cabins. So for years
the Collings lived in Pigeon Roost. The children to the third
and forth generation treasuring with fondest memory the one
unharmed home of the fatal fall day and all that spoke of the
struggle. Yea, to-day it is an oasis in their experience to again
live over those experiences for it is sympathy of blood for blood.

But it was with a great degree of alarm and sudden fear of
danger that kept the entire settlement in a constant unsatisfied
condition.

Zebulon Collings (son of William E. Collings) thus describes
their grave situation : "The manner in which I used to work in
those perilous times was as follows : On all occasions I carried
my rifle, tomahawk and butcher-knife in my belt. When I went
to plow I laid mv gun on the plowed ground and stuck up a stick

19

?:»}■ it for a mark so that I could get it quick in case it was wanted.
I had two good dogs ; I took one into the house leaving the other
out. The one outside was expected to give the alarm which
would cause the other inside to bark, by which I would be awak-
ened, having my arms always loaded. 1 left my horses in the
stable close to the house, having a port-hole so that I could shoot
to the stable door. During two years I never went from home
with any certainty of returning, not knowing the minute I might
receive a ball from an unknown hand ; but in the midst of all
these dangers that God, who never sleeps nor slumbers, has
kept me."

After 1815 these pioneers were not disturbed by invasions and
murderous slaughters, yet many prior to this time had an eye
ever ready to avenge the fiendish savage.

Various accounts are given of the actions and marches of the
Indians, who were the participants in the cruel massacre.

They were gone by sunrise the morning of the fourth day
after their cruel deed going north anticipatingly to their tempo-
rary camp. They attempted to cross the river at Sparksville on
this return home but the white man was prepared for them and
anxiously waited, desiring to rid themselves of the red-skin's
terror.

When they came to the river they were loaded with trophies
of their victory — quilts, bedding, etc. As they went into the
river white men watched their chances. The water was shallow
on the north side — they went in on that side and when the In-
dians would get about half way across the river the white men
would fire. Repeatedly they were repuJsed, so they went west
and crossed the river at Shoals. Mr. Sparks sat in the corner of
his garden and fired. He showed Air. A\'illiam Cravens where
this attempt at crossing was made.

Having crossed the river the}- were soon at their camp on the
Kankakee River on a reservation between Kankakee and Lake
Counties, at which place they feel safe, being completely sur-
rounded by w^ater ; the river here is so perfectly level.

When settled in camp they enjoyed a war dance. Can the bar-
barity of such a time be imagined, when they would dance, riot
a.nd yell in thinking of the scalps they had taken and prospective-
ly of their financial gain? Not only the quantity was great in
their eyes but the hidcousness, l)rutality and heartlessness of the
manner in which they had worked in winning their treasure
seemed to put their being on fire.

Besides they had something else w itli them that added to their
festivity and dance. Somehow they had managed while on their
Pigeon Roost tri]) to steal a little <rirl that made her home with
Jcreminh I'ayne. She was the ch.Wd of an uncle of Mrs. fere-
r.-.ir.h Payne. Although but throe years old at this sad time.

through her varied perils and experiences she remembered her
true name, Ginsey McCoy (see further account in Supplement).

After rioting, some of the Indians scattered to their respective
headquarters, the Shawnee to their chief on the Tippecanoe and
the Pottawatomie to their camps near the present site of Chicago.
c:ther depredations and attacks were made in various places m
our territorv during the next two years.

In 1815 the Pottawatomie Indians were on another southern
invasion but thev were able to go no further south than Leesville,
Lawrence Countv. Here within a few hundred yards of the lit-
tle village an old 'man named Flinn was killed, a young man Fhnn
(son of other Flinn) was captured and his son-in-law. Guthrie,
wounded. Thus the feeling of unrest because of this roar in our
territory was over.

Having followed the Indians, the work of pursuit and the in-
hpbiting'of the settlement, we want to go back to the sad scene
of burvino- the dead on the memorable days following the mas-
sacre. ' SeVenteen bodies were killed outright, others were left
in a mangled, dving condition, which eventually increased the
number of deaths to twenty-two— twent>--two sacrificed to appease
the nature of the merciless Indian.

Many bodies were so badlv disfigured as not to be recogniz-
able so cut and so charred, part of their bodies had been pierced
bv sticks ?nd stuck in trees and then fired. While with others
bones and ashes were the onlv remains. These fragments were
with difficulty collected and placed in three graves, side by side
( sixteen in one grave and the remaining six in two other graves )
on a hillside a quarter of a mile northwest from the home of the
brave defender, William E. Collings.

A few rough stones have during these many years marked the
sacred spot and a mammoth sassafras, nature's mark for this
historic hollowed place, has stood as a sentinel over their sacred
rust Somehow nature's law has been almost phenomenal m thus
';p-cmnino- the size and lengthy endurance of nature's monument
A tree that measures now fourteen feet in girth at the ground
and has with its large, shining leaves, fed no doubt, by the mould
from the sleeping dead, been a constant reminder of pioneer
bravery How sweet the thought, how pleasant the idea that God
fittinc^lv marked this place as a memorial, a marker, a monument
■ that towers higher than a tree, larger at the base and strong
enouo-h to bear the changes for ages. The giant old sassafras
was to this spot what the spring was to the inmates of Libby
Prison the life-spring held before each an example of fortitude,
and left such an impression on the friends that agitation for a
lasting marker passed from a possibility to a glorious reality.

21

I'AXiiK'AMlC VIi;\V OF THE MoNrMKNT:

"Yes, forgotten by some,

By others yet unknown.
But instead of a tree,

Is erected a mark of stone."

Through the efforts of James W. Fortner, Jeffersonville, In-
diana, at the sixty-third General Assembly of Indiana on Feb-
ruary II, 1903, the following was approved:

"Whereas, the tomb of the pioneer heroes massacred at Pigeon
Roost is w^ithout a monument, therefore

Section i. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State
of Indiana that there be hereby appropriated out of any funds in
the State Treasury not otherwise appropriated the sum of two
thousand dollars for the purpose of purchasing and erecting a
monument over the graves of the said pioneer heroes."

James W. Fortner, President, John W. Martin, Secretary, and
Joseph H. Hodapp, Treasurer, w-ere the trustees appointed to
contract for purchase and erection of the monument.

To-day, side by side with the giant old sassafras, which is
nearing the end of its existence and already shows many signs of
decay, is the imposing monument of stone. Occupying as it does
a prominent place on this historic hillside with a height of forty-
two feet, it speaks of pioneer fortitude and modern acknowledg-
ment of such.

The shaft is of Indiana origin, being taken from the Indiana
Bedford Stone Company at Oolitic, Lawrence County. It wa'^

22

shaped and dressed in the monumental shop of John A. Rowe,
Bedford, Indiana. The contractor for the purchase and erection
of the monument was W. T. Hubbard, Scottsburg, Indiana. The

VIEWS ()¥ MONUMENT IN COURSE OF ERECTION.

monument was raised October 27, 1903, during the succeeding
weeks the lettering and polishing were finished. The monument
is in four parts ; (i) B base, 10 feet by 10 feet by i foot 9 inches ;

23

(2) 2a base, 7 feet 3 inches 6y i foot 6 inches by i foot 6 inches ;

(3) die, 5 feet 4 inches by 5 feet 4 inches by 5 feet 6 inches;;

(4) spire, (base) 2 feet 10 inches by 2 feet 10 inches by 34 feet;:

THK .MOM .MENT IN PLACE.

(top) I foot II inches by t foot 11 inches.

The inscriptions are :

(i) The Sixty-third General Assembly of Indiana appro-
priated $2,000.00 for the erection of this monument. Approved
February 11, 1903, by Winfield T. Durbin, Governor of In-
diana.

24

(2) In memory of fhe Pioneer Heroes,

Twenty-two in Number,

Massacred at Pigeon Roost Defeat by the Shawnee Indians.

September 3, 18 12.

(3) Trustees, James ^^^ Fortner, President.

John W. Martin, Secretary-
Joseph W. Hodapp, Treasurer.
W. T. Hubbard, Contractor.

(4) The fourth side has a large bronze plate with a fac
simile of the sad scene during the massacre.

With the fall days again upon us our minds return to the sad
story of the massacre and with these thoughts in mind the final
step is talcen. October i, 1904, the monument is formally ded-
icated as a permanent memorial to the pioneer heroes.

SUPPLEMENT TO THE STORY.

Interesting little stories come from various sources as links by
which we see how the Indians were feeding their nature prepara-
tory for trouble."

( 1 ) A number of Indians were staying over night with Dan
Johnson. They had with them a white elk which they left in
the stable for safe keeping. The next morning it could not be
found and the luckless Johnson was accused of being cognizant
of its disposal. Mead.

(2) An Indian and white man were engaged in a horse trade.
The after thought of the Indian was that he had been shame-
fully cheated. The next day he went back to the white man to
call it all off but this was refused. Naturally his angry passions
v.-ere grievously taxes. Mead.

(3) The story goes that Collings had sold a quantity of whis-
key to a band of Indians. While they were under the influence
of this Collings bought some furs from the Indians. They imag-
ined that they were the great losers and had been terribly cheated.
In their revengeful way they attempted to burn and destroy.
This happened during the hunting season before the massacre.

Cravens

SUMMARY OF DEATHS.

September 3, 18 12.
Henry Collings.

Rachael Collings (wife of Henry).
Mrs. Richard Collings and seven children.
Mrs. John Morris and child.
Mrs. Morris (mother of John Morris).
INIrs. Elias Payne.

J\lr. Elias Payne and seven children

25

The one relic of this massacre is the flintlock g-un used by
William E. Colling^s during; his brave defense. Its record at this
time is the successful killing of four Indians in four successive
shots. The fifth attempt it was found that the main spring had
been broken.

L'efore the decease of the dear old father he willed this heir-
loom to his son, John, but he thoug:ht it of no value and it be-
came the property of his brother, Karnes. Flere it remained for
some time, but before his death, at public sale, this broken, use-
less treasure became the property of his son, William C. Collings,
and here it is to-day in the possession of one who is justly proud
of owning such a relic and having fixed it into a cap gun, makes
frequent use of it.

Zebulon Collings built a fine brick house near the site of the
fort and lived there until his death. This farm is now owned by
Tames Ferguson.

The best logs were taken from "Long Knife's" house and used
in building a loom-house for Elab Collings (grandson).

Elab Collings had a log house near the site of his grandfather's
historic home wdiere he lived ; here his family were born and
raised.

Sherman Collings (son of Elab) tells that when he was but a
lad he would pick the bullets from his father's loom-house. These
had been placed in the original home of his grandfather.

The last house of this early time was one hundred yards west
from the monument.

Dr. John Richie and Sichey Collings were the first people mar-
ried in Scott County. Their oldest child was born October 12,
t8i2, six weeks after the massacre.

While the Indians were on their ill-fated trip at Pigeon Roost,
thev took Ginsey McCoy, a neice of Mrs. Jeremiah Payne's.
Some fifteen or sixteen years afterwards a white man saw a white
child with a band of Indians at their camp on the Kankakee
River. He asked them where they got the child. They said,
"C)n the Pigeon Roost raid." He sent word to the people of
Scott County, and immediately a militia under the command of
Captain Christian Bridgewater started (for they well knew who
the child was). Among the number was William Cravens
( father of Nelson and William) who carried a rifle gun and had
a saddle bag filled with biscuits. The trip was unsuccessful, for

26

the Indians Avere ^one. The company was on the search for two
weeks. This httle girl was three years old at the time of her
capture. After many years, her uncle, Isaac McCov and wife
(missionaries among the Indians) were traveling throuo-h Kan-
sas, Arkansas and Missouri. While on this mission the^v found
the lost child. Through all the life she had remembered her
name They found her a prettv woman with light hair and blue
eyes but she had become an Indian in nature, men grown she
had married an Indian chief and raised a family. Her uncle
brought her back to see her relatives in Indiana but she was not
content and remained but a short time. Back among her tribe
and with her children she died.

This story seems more of a romance than truth but it comes to
me through the Pa)-nes, and we might say that it is authentical.

COLLINGS' GENEALOGY.

A. William E. Collings.

1 Elizabeth.

2 Zebulon.

3 Richard.

4 Henry.

5 James Collings Biggs (John).

6 Sichey Collings Richie (John).

7 John.

T Zebulon (wife Elizabeth).
Isaac Collings, Bloomington.
Laman Collings. Hanover, Colorado.
Minerva Howe, I7nderwood.
P>ank.
Sarah Alsup.

2 Joseph, deceased (wife Sallie).

3 Jane Collings Rose.

Nannie Applegate.
Frank.
Sadie Broda.
Lida Broda.
Zebulon.
Ida.
8 Karnes.

1 \\'illiam E.

Michael.
Sallie Jones.
Louis.

2 Zebulon.

(A) Amos.

27

Gran Hagland, Vienna.

Marv M.

Clyde R.

Jane E.

Rav M.

Netta L.

Earle C.
(B) Nancy Collings Murphy, deceased (husband,

Anna Mount, Scottsburg. [Sam.)

Mattie Davis, Indianapolis.

Hartvvell, IndianapoHs.

Jessie Mount, Indianapolis.

IMaggie.

Amos, Louisville.

James, Scottsburg.

Homer.

Zebia.
"» Karnes.

First wife, ]\Iary Jane Hoagland.
Elizabeth Rogers.-
Rachael.
Second wife, Cynthia Highland.

Hezekiah.
Third wife, Elizabeth Harden.
William E.
Gemina.

Phebe Montgomery.
Betsey Louis.
John.
Eva Hall.
Floyd.
4 Elab (wife, Lieuvina).

1 William C. (wife, Anna).

Edgar, Jefifersonville.

Anna Underwood.

Pearl Worman. Jefifersonville.

Wilbur.

Elmer.

Elsie.

Homer.

2 Elab S. (wife, Metta).

Jane Eunice.
Alice Alay.

3 George R. (wife, Anna E.).

Ida C.

Bessie Eunice.

4 Jane Gray', (widow).

28

' Belle.
Joe.

Lou Jolinson.
Sallie Finley.
Emma Collings.
William.
Hayes.

5 Kate. Worman.

Ed Worman.

Nora Reed,

Ella,

Friedley.

Logan.

Claude.

6 Margaret Wroth.

.First husband, Henthoui.

James.

\Villiam.

John.
Second husband, Martin Wrou.

Addie Ricesinger.

Martin.

Caroline.

Bertha.

7 Phebe Rose.

Daniel Boone.

Gran Richie.

Lola.

Ida. i •

Amos. --

Zebulon.

Sherman.

8 Ida Bennett.

Edith.
Leslie.
Agnes.

CRAVEN'S GENEALOJ

William Cravens.

First wife, X'ellie Bridgewater.
T John Nelson, Scottsburg.
Mary Frances Smith.
Josephine Bridgewater.
Margaret Adelaide Montgomery.
Cordelia Smith.
Katherine Ellen Robins.
20

2 William, Scottsburg-.

Elmira Samples,
Lania Garrett.
Minerva Storm.
Alfred Cravens.
Kate McClane.
Flora Gardner.

3 Vincent, ]\Jadison.

Eva Ramsey.
Lincoln Cravens.
Carrie Cravens.
Second wife, Rachael Fount.
■ I Mary Cravens Wiley.
Walter.

PAYNE'S GENEALOGY.

Jeremiah Payne, wife Sarah McCoy.

1 Louis, wife Susana Dawalt.

1 William.

2 Henry.

1 William.

2 Dora.

3 Jordan.

4 Emma.

5 Ora. . .

6 Bryan,

7 Lenard.

3 Jeremiah.

4 Catherine.

5 Daniel.

6 Sarah. .. '

7 James.

8 John.

2 W^illiam, wife, Elizabeth Dewalt.

1 Sarah.

2 James.

3 Mary Ann. ■

4 Linia.

5 Richard.

6 Henry.

7 Martha.

8 Harriett.

3 Simon.

Had one daughter who married Nathan Alendenhall.

4 Priscilla, married Frederic Leatherman.

I Margaret.

30

2 Sarah.

3 Elizabeth.

4 Mary, married Peter Cauble.

1 Albert.

2 Luella, married Sam Stover, had six children.

3 Docia.

4 George.
^ Etta.

6 Belle.

7 Adda.

5 Priscilla, married Albert Overman.

I Clella, married Samuel Smead.

1 Gladys.

2 Daisy.

3 Etta.

4 Flora.

5 One died in infancy.

6 Christinia, married George McMillen.

1 Elbert.

2 Gertrude.

3 Rolla.

Two died in infancy. The three oldest died
in infancy of consumption.

5 Elizabeth, married John Whirl.

1 Sarah.

2 Rachel.

6 Indiana, married William Myers.

7 James, married Sophia Blades.

1 Calvin, married Lucy Howells.

1 Harriet.

2 Amanda.

3 Leander.

4 Bina.

5 John. V

2 Isaac.

3 Eli.

4 Sarah.

5 Jacob.

Two died when young.

8 Sarah, married Asbury Garriott.

1 Louisa.

2 William.

3 James, married Sally Long.

I Minnie, married Harry Fulmer.

a. Ruth.

b. Arthur.

c. Wade. d. Harry.

31

lO

2 XoHa, nnrried Daniel Still, had one chilcL

3 Wade, married Kate Rush.

a. Ruth.

4 Esther.

5 Margaret.

6 Charles.

7 John.

8 Lenard.

9 Agnes.

4 Sarah.

5 Jacob.

6 Elizabeth.

7 Jeremiah.

Mary, married Jacob Day.

1 Wesley.

2 Elvira.

3 Jacob.
J Ozena.

Christinia, never married.

MA? OF SETTLEMENT.

1, Mouinneut; 2, Wm. C C'oUiugs' home; 3, Henry C'olliiigs'
home; 4, Ricliard Collin.o-s' home; 5, Zeljiilon Collings' liome,
where fort was; (i. Dr. Richie's home; 7, John Biggs' home;
8, Coffman's iiome; 9, Jeremiah Payne's home; 10, Silver
Creek Fort.

John Nelson Cravens, one of Scott County's best men, is dis-
tantly related to one branch of a family that became victims
during the terrible massacre. His father was William Cravens,
a native of Kentucky, who came to Indiana and settled near
Vienna in 1822. His mother was Nellie Bridgewater, a sister to
Mrs. Elias Pavne, Mrs. Isaac Cofifman and Mrs. Dan Johnson.

JOHN" NELSON CRAVENS.

His stepmother was Rachael Yount, the child who was born the
night of the massacre in the fort at Silver Creek.

John Nelson was born July 8, 1832, in the little village of
Vienna, a few miles from the sad scene of action and nineteen
years after the massacre. It was a topic much talked of but lit-
tle thought of as now. When growing into manhood the life

l.ofC.

of the farmer was his, and ]\Iar^^aret Curry, a woman from Ire-
land shared the pleasures and trials of his home. Three children
came to gladden the hearth stone — all now grown and mothers
in their own homes : Mary Frances Smith, Vienna ; Josephine
Bridgewater; Margaret Adelaide Montgomery.

]\Ir. Cravens' second wife was Nancy Jane Law. The children
of this union were Cordelia Smith and Kathrina Ellen Robins.

During the sixties Mr. Cravens was enlisted in the service of
his country but was crippled while on the field and returned home
within a year. To-day "Uncle X'elson" is one of the best known
and highly respected farmers of Scott County. And it is with
a tinge of regret that he recalls stories of the sad massacre. His
one regret is that he does not remember and know more.

A BRIEF REVIEW OF SCOTT COUNTY HISTORY.

In 1805 the first settlements were made in what is now known
as Scott County. These early inhabitants settled near Nabb and
John Kimberlin was the first settler. The crudeness of the living
and the hardships of these people is almost imaginable. Then oc-
curred in 1812 the terrible, historic massacre that greatly changed
the atmosphere of living.

In 1820 a new county was formed from parts of Jennings, Jef-
ferson, Clark and Washington Counties, that was known as
Scott County. It was named in honor of General Charles Scott,
a hero of the Revolution, who afterwards became governor of
Kentucky. This county is very irregular in shape and contains
213 square miles. The county seat was at Lexington for fifty-
three years, but July 4, 1873, the corner stone for a new court
house was laid at Scottsburg and the municiple headquarters
were changed to a more central place.

I n 1884 Scottsburg was incorporated. To-day it is a thriving
little town of about fifteen hundred, with four churches, a number
of lodges and a good telephone system.

For many years Scott County was considered almost as a
"black sheep." Seemingly they could not find what their talent
was — now along agricultural lines they are sure alive. The fol-
lowing will show what has been done in recent years :

The first tomato cannery in this part of the State was estab-
lished at Underwood, in Clark County, immediately across the
south line of Scott County, 1892. Followed by one at Vienna,
Scott County in 1893. Then one at Lexington in 1895, and one at
Scottsburg, the county seat, 1899, ^"^^ ^"^ ^^ Austin in 1901. (^x
\^alley and Leota followed in 1903. The second one in Austin
will be completed and ready for the crop of tomatoes in 1904.
Scott County is now noted for the growing and packing of a

34

superior quality of red ripe touiatoes. The tomatoes ptowh ;.
Scott County are noted for being solid of mS fevv of se« s
rich red color and of unexcelled ffavor ^ '''

The tomato growers of this county will during the tomato sea
son of 1904 deliver to eleven different tomato cannedes seven
n ied "There '^"i^^^^^'^"^ '^ °^^" '''''''''' -^^^ "-- ^Sg ^o

is counTv in 00, s'h^k^'" ^'^ ''''' P^^"^^^' ^^^^tois in
r.iis count} in 904 Scottsburg, the county seat, is the central

hippmg point tor these factories, the most prosperous one be n J-
located there, and owned and operated bv Mr. PreTton and To^^
VV. Riaer, known as The Scottsburg Cannino- Comnanv M^
Preston Rider resides at Columbus. hKliana, ^d.ere e^wns and
operates a large canning and can plant. Mr. J. W RideT bei f
Mr TolT ff^f"' "' ^'^^^^-^«^^'-"-S• Canning Coi.i anv wi g
iSoo n?^ 'f '' superintendent. This plant has gVown from

1899, packing only a few cases of tomatoes, until at the presen
l.n.e It has a floor space of 22,858 square feet. And now mck

S ' Pn 1 ^''''^^', ^'.' ^'" P^^'^"^^' ""^'^'" their well known

bland Royal (.em and Ye Olden Times and Old Mamm
Era ds Lye Hon.iny, which stand at the head of the list hie

_ Besides this, wheat is quite a success. The various mills show
the value of the timber. There are several towns in the counh
Among the early inhabitants we find the names of tho dSa t v
1 elated to the Colhngs and others of the massacre. ''^^^'^"ti>

AN OLD HLSTORIC TREE.

There is standing on a hillside

Near Scott County's boundary line,

A large tree of wondrous measure.
Standing through long years of time.

All have heard its early history,
Eighty years it now has been'

Since upon our pioneer settlers

Came twelve Shawnee Indian men.

Many a time our state had suffered
^ From the fierce and savage fight,
But this one was the bloodiest
Fought in early autumn light.

Twenty-two in all were numbered ;
lAfen and woukmi. babe and child';

SEP 21 1904

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

0 011 898 155 8 •

Mercy ne'er was shown l)y savage
When his hrain for hlood is wild.

Then the sohhers of Clark County
(fathered uj) the slaue^htered (lead.

Laid them sorrowfully and tender
In this our common bed.

When soon sprang" the sturdy sassafras,

And its mission seems to be
To mark this grave of the settlers.

That posterity may see.

Though it stood the winds of winter,
-\nd the storms for many years.

It is dying; as we note it

Eves are altuost filled with tears.

Many of its boughs have fallen,

Though the sturdy trunk stands still ;

rUit not many years in future
Will it stand ujjon the hill.

Xature's acts are always noble,
Where's a deed more nobly done,

Than for her to j^lan a grave-stone
Where the hands of man put none?

Why is not a fitting monument

Put upon these pioneer's graves,
To the memory of our ancestors.

To the memory of our braves?

M attic Jean Wriglit.

\

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

0 011 898 155 8 *

pH8^