History of the Pigeon Roost Massacre

History of the Pigeon Roost Massacre
Lizzie D. Coleman


Preface

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

Dillon's History, "Pigeon Roost Massacre," by Charles Martindale, "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 obtained through the untiring efforts of Mrs. A. R. Overman, Salem, Indiana (grand-daughter of Jeremiah Payne). The details of the Collings' loss and geographical idea of the early settlement was gained from John and William Collings (grandson and great grandson of William E. Collings).


Prelude

A century ago Indiana Territory could have well been designated as Indian Territory; for living in their savage wigwam on all the frontiers was that red-skin, which was a menace to universal peace. The Indian, at his best, does not present a very fascinating appearance; nevertheless with a tall, strong body resembling in color old copper; with hair like a horse's mane, coarse, black and straight; with small eyes, black and deep-set; with high cheek bones and a prominent nose, dabbed permiscously with paint, together with the crudeness and barbarity of dress, he is a personage of interest. But 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 certain class, while our territory was the only one that was not permanent headquarters for certain tribes. Yet our soil furnished a meeting place for members of different tribes during the various depredations. And as navigation was the only means of transportation 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...

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