'^-^ :\ 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--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 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 011 898 155 8 * pH8^