The Cook County herald. [volume] (Grand Marais, Minn.) 1893-1909, 1898-01-22
PIGEON ROOsT BITCHERY
An Indiana Massacre Of Many
Years Ago.
a Recent Celebration Of the Ann1ver-
sary Of the Event Revives
Memories OF Fright-
full Deeds.

Is$55SsE s.5t
The massacre by Indians OF the set
tiers OF Pigeon Roost, Blocker, Ind,
is recalled by the recent celebration Of
that event. when the story Of the
frightful deeds OF the red men was
told anew. !.
In 1909 the first settlement in this
section was formed three miles south
OF Vienna, known as Pigeon Roost
settlement, named from creek that
still bears the name. This particular
point held out at least two inducements
to those who were acquainted with the
situation, and which doubtless led to
the settlement. First, the heavy tim
Der in that locality had been selected
as roostlng place for the passenger pi-
geons, and has been no doubt for many
years. This Afforded them an album
dance OF game 10 assist the pioneers in
making a living for their families. So
great was the number OF pigeons that
trees were twisted, bent and broken
down Dy the immense weight that they
had TO sustain. thousands were killed
oy the railing timber, and during brood
ing season the settlers fattened their
hogs from the young that fell. from
me nests. Hence. this was naturally
very desirable place TO form settle
menu AND just as desirable for the
INDIANS as hunting ground: This
may De gwen as one OF the reasons for
tne horrible scene that was enacted
cnere re" years later. Durlng the time
liie se''1ers were locatlng themselves,
anu ior more IMAM TWO years AFTER
waru' .ney were on friendly terms with
'ne Anulans VINO 1requenteo the reglon'
ftno VINO visited the settlement' often
7nootfns "o 'e'isets Will the Wnites'
anu III many ways showing their friend
~ olsPosltlon toward them.
>Ihe immediate cause OF the trouble
is not known. The Indians had a pet
deer which disappeared, and some
charged the whites with taking it, and
uook revenge. others thought the
BRUSH prompted them to action
through One influence OF Iecumseh,
the noted entertain, who was rousing
all the Indian tribes to action against
the frontlersmen. This last is perhaps
the most plausible reason for the out
rage. On September 3. 1872, while bee
hunting three miles away, John Payne
and James Cottman were surprised and
killed the latter being guest from
kentucky OF Mr.. Payne's. The saw
ages next killed Mrs. Henry Collins,
who was returning home from a visit
two miles away. Then, making their
way to the settlement, they waylaid
and killed the family of Mr.. Payne,
which consisted of wife and four chill
dren. Their bodies were dragged back
to the house they had left In trying
to make their escape, and were thrown
within and the dwelling set on. fire..
Richard Collins wife and seven chill
dren, John Richey and wife, who were
the near neighbors of the Paynes, had
early seen the Indians approaching
and made good their escape by way of
cornfield and remained away from the
settlement for several days. Soon sew
eral Indians stopped behind a corn
crib and others went to the house of
Samuel Richey. One appeared at the
door of old Mr.. Collins house and the
aged man fired at him. and he disap-
peared, leaving a trail of blood. Col
, K1cneys door, VINO Tell BACK into the
house. NIGHT was annrO9Rhinp Init the