USA > Illinois > Bureau County > Reminiscences of Bureau county [Illinois] in two parts > Part 5
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LIEUT. JONES' WONDERFUL ACCOUNT OF STILLMAN'S DEFEAT.
When the Bureau settlers arrived at Peoria, it created a great panic among the people, as their flight had left them on the frontier; and to make the matter worse, a rumor was in circulation that a large body of Indians were seen that afternoon going southward, with the intention, no doubt, of attacking the place. That evening a tall, raw-boned Kentuckian, a resident of Tazewell county, calling himself Lieut. Jones, arrived at Peoria. Jones had been with Stillman's army when it was defeated, and in the flight became separated from his companions, lost his reckoning, and had wandered about for three days, without seeing a living soul. He
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JONES' ACCOUNT OF STILLMAN'S DEFEAT.
believed that all of Stilhnan's army were slain, and he alone left to tell the sad story. Lieut. Jones had an Indian scalp tied to his left arm, which he swung to and fro in order that the bystanders should appreciate his bravery. Jones being surrounded by a crowd of listeners, in a boasting manner, gave the following account of Stillman's defeat : Said he, " While our army was encamped on Old Man's creek, Black Hawk. with some twenty thousand warriors, came marching down in solid column, like Wellington's army at the battle of Waterloo, and at once attacked us on three sides. Our troops fought bravely, but soon they were overpowered, and all slain. Major Stillman, Major Hack- leton, Col. Stephenson, and myself, with other officers of high rank, were engaged in leading the troops forward to charge the enemy, but almost within a twinkling of an eye, these brave officers, with all the troops under their command, were slain ; and I found myself alone on the field of battle, surrounded by large heaps of dead bodies. At a distance I saw a body of troops who appeared in good order, not having suffered much from the ravages of battle, so I hastened to join them, with the intention of putting myself at their head, and avenge the death of my brave comrades. But as I drew nigh, I discovered that these gentlemen wore no hats, and their faces were painted red; so I inferred from that circumstance that they were no friends of mine. Soon rifle balls commenced buzzing about my ears, each one as it passed seemed to whisper I
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in my ear, saying, in language that I well understood, ' Stranger, you had better get out of here.' So I wheeled my horse about, and throwing my head on his withers, I broke for tall timber, followed by some five hundred Indians, flourishing their tomahawks over their heads, and yelling like demons. The race continued for many miles, across prairie and through timber, when all of the Indians, except one, were left far behind. This one, who was a great war chief, mounted on a fleet pony, came up by my side, and as he was about to tomahawk me, I shot him dead ; and here, gentlemen, is his scalp," at the the same time raising his arm to exhibit his trophy. " Ont of that brave army under Stillman, that marched north a few days ago in defense of their country, I alone am left to tell the sad story."
Jones' story, although highly colored, was believed by many, and the panic among the people increased. On the bank of the river, a short distance above the ferry, stood an old dilapidated block house, surrounded by barricades, and called by courtesy, "Fort Clark." Into this fort, both citizens and strangers went, so they would be protected, should the town be attacked during the night. Owing to the crowded condition of the fort. Eli and Elijah Smith, with their wives, took lodging in the bushes close by. During the night they thought of their exposed situation. in case the Indians should come, and concluded to go to the fort. As they approached the fort, some of its inmates mistook them for Indians, and raised an alarm. The matter, however, was soon explained, when all went to sleep again. to dream of Lieut. Jones' wonderful adventure.
CHAPTER XI.
REV. JAMES SAMPLE AND WIFE.
Soon after the marriage of the Rev. James Sample to Lucy May, as narrated in a previous chapter, and before the honeymoon was over, he concluded to go further west to seek his fortune, on the banks of the Father of Waters. At that time, there was no wagon road between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers ; the Indian trail, over which people passed, was only acces- sible for foot and horseback travelers. Everything being prepared for their journey, Sample and his young wife left for the west, each mounted on a horse, while on the third one was packed all of their household goods. Sample settled near Rock Island, and built a cabin on the site of the old Indian village. Everything went off smoothly during the winter, but in the spring the war cry was raised, and people were alarmed at the situation of things. Rumors were in circulation that the Sacs and Foxes were about to cross the river, and take possession of their old village. People were not
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long kept in suspense, for on a bright morning in the latter part of April, it was discovered that the river was full of Indian canoes, and the water was darkened by their ponies swimming the stream. The return of the Indians created a great panic among the settlers. all of whom left their cabins, and took refuge in Fort Armstrong. which was situated on the Island. The Indians did not molest any one, nor take possession of their old village, as was expected. but continued their way up Rock river, with their squaws and papooses in canoes. while the warriors, mounted on ponies, followed along the banks.
Sample and wife had been in the fort a few weeks. when they concluded to leave it, and return to their friends east of the Illinois river. Having heard of no Indian depredations, it was thought perfectly safe to make the journey. Accordingly they disposed of all their effects, except two horses, and on them they left Rock Island.
It was a bright, clear day, on the 18th of May, when Sample and his wife left Rock Island for Hennepin, a distance of about seventy miles. Being mounted on fine, spirited horses, which were full of mettle, and as they cantered proudly across the prairie, the tourists expected to reach Bureau settlement before dark. The road traveled by them waa the Sac and Fox trail, which extended from Lake Michigan to Rock Island, and was at that time a great thoroughfare from east to west. being traveled both by whites and Indians. For ages
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REV. JAMES SAMPLE AND WIFE.
this trail had been the great highway for Indians from east to west. Over it Black Hawk, with his warriors. passed to join the British forces in Canada, at the time of the late war with England; and for twenty years afterward they made annual trips over it. to receive annuities from the British government in Canada. This trail passed through Bureau county, almost in an east and west direction-crossing Coal creek imme- liately north of Sheffield. Main Bureau east of Dr. Woodruff's, passing near Malden and Arlington. in the direction of Chicago. In some places on high prairie. the trail was worn down from one to two feet below the surface, and its course can still be traced through many of the farms of this county, although thirty-five years have now passed away since it ceased to be used. There was no settlement along this trail between the Mississippi river and Bureau, which made it necessary to perform the journey in one day.
It was about sundown when the travelers arrived at the residence of Henry Thomas, where they intended to stay over night, but unfortunately they found the house deserted, and the doors and windows barricaded with heavy puncheons. Again they mounted their horses to pursue their journey, with the intention, no doubt, of spending the night at Smith's cabin, which was east of Bureau creek. Soon after leaving Thomas'. night came on, and with it a terrible rain storm, and in the darkness they lost the trail, and were unable to find it again, but they continued eastward until they
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REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
came to Main Bureau, which they found so high as to make it hazardous to cross in the dark. They had now rode about sixty miles, were tired and hungry, their clothes wet, and the rain still continued to pour down in torrents. But here they were compelled to spend the night, without one dry spot to lay their heads. Tying their horses to a tree, and taking their saddles for pillows, they laid down to rest until morning. After a long, dreary night, morning came, and with it a bright sun and clear sky, but the creek was still high, not being fordable. This obstacle must be overcome, so they selected a place where the banks were favorable, swam their horses across, and continued their journey.
On the top of the bluff, by the side of the trail. stood, at that time, a double log cabin, which belonged to Eli and Elijah Smith. Here the travelers intended to rest, dry their clothes, and have something to eat. But they found the cabins deserted, the families having fled from their homes the day before. On leaving the trail here, and going south one mile, brought them to Epperson's cabin, which they also found deserted. The premises were searched for something to eat, as well as feed for their starving horses, but without success. It was with heavy hearts that our travelers again mounted their horses to continue their journey, being fatigued. hungry, and their clothes still wet from the drenching rain, as well as from swimming the creek. But on reaching the prairie, the beauty of landscape scenery which was there presented, dispelled their gloomy
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THEIR FLIGHT AND CAPTURE.
feelings. The prairie was now covered with early spring grass. intermixed with flowers of various hues. the forest trees were in full leaf, and the air was made fragrant with the blossoms of wild fruit. Birds were singing among the branches of the trees; around them were sporting meadow larks, with their musical notes. while on the distant prairie was heard the crowing of prairie chickens. This enchanting scenery of the sur- roundings, had a good effect on the travelers, and their despondent spirits were now revived. Over sixty miles of their journey had already been made, and a few hours more would terminate it. Their jaded horses were slowly plodding their way across the prairie, and over the very spot where the city of Princeton now stands. The travelers, unconscious of danger, were talking of the perils of the past night, and the happy termination of their journey, when they would be embraced by kind friends. When all of a sudden they heard a noise behind them, and on looking back, they saw some twenty Indians pursuing them at full speed.
THEIR FLIGHT AND CAPTURE.
While Sample and wife were at Epperson's cabin, an Indian, who was on the lookout, saw them, and imme- diately gave notice to his comrades, who started in pursuit. The Indians approached quietly without being discovered, until almost within gun shot of the travelers, when they raised the war whoop, and put their
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ponies on a gallop. Sample was riding the horse which he had of John Hall, and his wife was mounted on one equally spry, but owing to the jaded condition of these animals, the Indians came within a few yards of them before they were brought to a gallop. Many shots were fired at the fugitives. one of which slightly wounded Sample, and his wife was also wounded by a tomahawk thrown by one of the Indians. The horses, on getting their mettle up, went off at great speed, leaving the Indian ponies far behind : but the Indians continued the chase, urging their ponies forward under the whip. and yelling at the top of their voice. The fugitives had so far outstripped their pursuers that they regarded their escape as almost certain ; but an accident occurred which blasted their fond hopes, and caused them to fall into the hands of the savages. As they approached the timber, Mrs. Sample's horse, while crossing a small branch, stuck fast in the mud, floundered and fell, throwing the rider over its head. Mr. Sample, at the time, being so far ahead of the Indians, he could have made good his escape, but unwilling to leave his wife to her fate, returned, and thereby sacrificed his own life. While Sample was assisting his wife to remount her horse, the Indians, with deafening yells. came up with them. Knowing that escape was now out of the question, Sample only thought of selling his own life as dear as possible, and drawing forth a pistol, shot one of the Indians dead on the spot. The
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EXECUTION.
Indians bound their victims with strong cords, put them on their own horses, and carried them back to camp.
On arriving at camp, the warriors held a council over their prisoners, and it was decided, in order to avenge their dead comrade, they should be burned at the stake. Sample was well acquainted with Girty, having met him a number of times on Bureau, while on his ministerial excursions, and offered him all he possessed as a ransom for the life of himself and wife. But all to no purpose, nothing but revenge could satisfy this blood-thirsty savage.
THE EXECUTION.
A few rods south of what is now known as the Knox graveyard, stood, thirty years ago, an old burr oak tree. isolated from other forest trees, and around which was a beautiful grass plot. Some of the early settlers had noticed this tree, and probably still recollect it, as it was burned at the root, as though a camp fire had been built against it. To this tree the victims were taken, and to it they were bound with large deer skin thongs. Divested of all their clothing, bound hand and foot, they stood waiting their doom. A fire of dry limbs was kindled around them, while the Indians stripped themselves of their clothing, with their faces painted red, in preparation for a dance. Everything being now ready for the execution, Girty took his long knife and J
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scalped the prisoners, saving the scalps as a trophy of war. Taking the scalp of Mrs. Sample, and tying the long hair around his neck, leaving the bloody scalp to hang on his breast. In this way, Girty, assisted by the other Indians, danced around their victims, jumping up and down, and yelling like demons, Mr. and Mrs. Sample, being bound to the tree, surrounded by burning fagots, their scalps taken off, with the blood running down over their faces, and covering their naked bodies with gore. Soon the flames began to take effect on the victims, and in their agony they besought the Indians to shoot or tomahawk them, and thereby terminate their sufferings. But their appeals were in vain ; with tiendish laugh the Indians flourished their tomahawks over their heads, dancing and yelling in mockery of their sufferings. Mrs. Sample, whose youth and in- nocence ought to have moved the hardest heart, appealed to Girty, for the sake of humanity, to save her from this terrible death. But her appeals were without effect ; nothing could change the purpose, or soften the heart of this devil incarnate. When life was extinct. more fagots were put on the fire, until the remains were consumed. Nothing was known of these murders at the time, and for more than thirty years the sudden disappearance of Sample and wife remained a mystery to their friends.
The next year after this tragedy occurred, James Hayes made a claim here, and built a cabin by the side of the spring, where the residence of Mr. Knox now
BURNING OF REV. JAMES SAMPLE AAND WIFE.
THE NEW YORK PUBLICLIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX ES FOUNDAFIUNK
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EXECUTION.
stands. Around the tree where Sample and wife were burned, Mr. Hayes had noticed many human bones. and in a ravine, close by, a human skull was found. But little was thought of this affair at the time, as these bones were supposed to be those of Indians, it being well known that they were in the habit of burying their dead so near the top of the ground that wolves frequently dug up and devoured the corpse.
Nearly forty years have now passed away since these murders were committed. and this place, with its sur- roundings, has underwent a great change. Here where timber once grew. is now cultivated land. Instead of being surrounded by a wild. uninhabited region, it now shows everywhere the marks of civilization. To the east, and in plain view, lies the city of Princeton, with its beautiful landscape scenery, its shade trees and parks. while its tall spires are seen to glitter in the sunbeams. The old burr oak tree, where the victims suffered, and around which the Indians danced, has long since fell by the woodman's axe, but its stump still remains as a relic of the past. And as you look on this stump, and the scene around it, you will be reminded of the awful tragedy which took place on this spot .*
* This tragical story came principally through Indian sources, and was unknown to the carly settlers of this county. The manner of capturing and executing the vietims was narrated to the writer, a few years ago, by two Pottawatamie chiefs, numed Half Day and Girty. During the time of the Black Hawk war, n runnor was current among the people, that a man and his wife was lost while traveling from the Mississippi to the Illinois river. Four years after the war, Shauben told the writer that the Indians had burned a man and woman, whose names were unknown to him. Also, Squire Holly, a well known
CHAPTER XII.
BULBONA.
At the south end of Bulbona Grove, where the residence of David A. Jones now stands, is a slight eminence, skirted on three sides by trees, while the fourth side opens out on the prairie. On this spot Bulbona built a cabin, in the summer of 1828, and occupied it as a residence for a number of years. Bul- bona was born of French parents, and was reared and spent his youthful days among the Indians, in the wilds
pioneer, and whose face was familiar to many of the Bureau settlers. Many years ago, a young man named Britt Sample, lived north of Dover, and for some time made his home with James G. Forristall. Sample said his uncle and aunt disappeared at the commencement of the Black Hawk war, and were thought to have been killed by the Indians.
The writer has spent much time in the investigation of this tragical affair, corresponding with those who would be likely to have some knowledge of the matter, also visiting the place where the friends of the victims are said to have lived, and find the accounts conflicting, One account says the parents of Mrs. Sample, whose names were May, lived in a hovel, partly dug out of the bluff, on the site of an ancient Indian village, nearly opposite the mouth of Lake Du Pue. They had lived in the country but a short time, and at the commencement of the war they boarded a steamboat at Fort Wilburn, and went to Missouri, where they had formerly lived.
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BULBONA.
of the west. He was a large, raw-boned. dark com- plexioned man, and had a coarse bass voice, and at the time we refer to was far advanced in life. His wife was an Indian squaw, of the Pottawatamie tribe, with whom he had lived many years, and raised a number of half- breed children. Their habits and dress, as well as their language, was a cross between the French and Indian. understanding and speaking the English language very imperfectly. For many years Bulbona was employed by the American Fur Company, on the Illinois river : and on leaving them, he commenced trade on his own footing. After establishing himself at the Grove, he had a large trade, as Indians from a distance would patronize his trading house, in preference to that of the Fur Company. He built a cabin for a store room, on the west side, adjoining his dwelling, some of the logs of which, I believe, are still to be seen, or were a few years ago.
Bulbona was thought to be wealthy, and among the Indians he exercised great influence. Black Hawk. aware of his influence over the Indians, visited him on one occasion, and with arguments and bribes, tried to induce him to favor a union of the Pottawatamies with the Sacs and Foxes, for the purpose of making war on the frontier settlers. But Bulbona would not listen to these entreaties, as he was on friendly terms with the settlers, and did much to save them from the tomahawk of his red friends.
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THE FAIR MAIDEN AND HER TWO LOVERS.
Bulbona had a daughter named Zeffa, who was at this time about eighteen years of age, and a girl of remarkable personal attraction. Being tall and graceful, with large, expressive black eyes, ruby cheeks, and beautiful long wavy hair, inheriting from her white father and red mother some of the best qualities of each. Zeffa had two lovers, one of whom was a young half-breed, who lived at Indiantown, and the other a French trader, of Peoria. Between the rival suitors bad feeling existed, each claiming exclusive right to the young maiden. The father favored the suit of the Frenchman, while the mother that of the Indian. The girl appeared to have an equal attachment for both, and could not decide in her own mind which of the two to marry. While things were in this condition, the two suitors, by chance, met at Bulbona's. The Frenchman was a small, dark-complexioned, hump-shouldered man. unprepossessing in appearance, but was dressed in a new suit of clothes, corresponding with the fashion of the day. The Indian was the opposite in personal appearance, being tall and straight, and his manly form was decorated in a buckskin hunting shirt and leggins. while around his head was a wreath of eagle feathers. In his belt he always carried his tomahawk and scalping knife, and a rifle on his shoulder, which caused him to
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THE WEDDING.
look more like going to war than a courting. Things had now come to a crisis, and it must be decided. as each insisted on marrying the maid. The Indian proposed to fight a duel with the Frenchinan. using rifles at ten paces, and let powder and ball decide their respective claims. Mrs. Bulbona favored this method of settling the matter, as she contended that the world was not large enough to hold both of them, and if one was killed, her daughter would be at liberty to marry the other. At the proposed duel, the Frenchman shrugged his shoulders. believing his chances poor with an adversary who had handled the riffe from his boy- hood. In return, the Frenchinan offered to compromise the matter with the Indian, and buy out his claim to the girl, and thereby save the effusion of blood. This proposition was agreed to, and the arrangements were made in the presence, and by the consent of, the whole family. The price and pay agreed upon consisted of twenty-one blankets, and fifty strings of beads, to be delivered at the Frenchman's trading house in Peoria. The rival suitor being now disposed of. they set about making preparations for
THE WEDDING.
On the day appointed for the wedding. the intended groom, accompanied by a French Catholic priest. from Peoria, arrived at Bulbona's. A number of friends. consisting of French, Indians, and half-breeds, were
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REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY,
invited, and great preparations made to celebrate the nuptials. On the day of the wedding, Col. Strowbridge, Dad Joe, and Henry Thomas, on returning from Peoria, where they had been on business, called at Bulbona's house, and, being old friends, they were invited to stay and witness the marriage ceremony, which invitation was accepted. The priest, wearing on his head a gold- laced cap, and his body wrapped in a ruffled white robe, with a red ribbon around his neck, on which was suspended and hanging on his breast, a heavy gold cross. With all the pomp and dignity of his position, he was about to celebrate the sacred rights of matri- mony, according to the Catholic church. While standing, leaning against the wall, engaged in prayer, a dog came into the room and seated himself in front of the priest, and probably being astonished at his fine regalia, commenced barking. Four or five other dogs, that were standing at the door, on hearing the dog barking in the house, no doubt thinking that some wild animal was treed within, rushed in, and all commenced barking at the priest, as though he was a stag at bay. Bulbona commenced kicking the dogs, in order to drive them out, but it only set them to fighting; and, in the melee, they threw down the priest, soiled and tore his robe, and scratched his face. This affair threw the wedding party into confusion. Much loud talk and hard words were used toward the dogs. The priest, in particular, gave vent to his feelings in loud denun- ciations against the brutish curs, but everything was
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THE WEDDING DINNER.
said in French or Indian dialect, which was not under- stood by Col. Strowbridge and others of his party. Things were again put to rights, and the marriage ceremony performed, after which came
THE WEDDING DINNER.
Mrs. Bulbona was a good cook, and knew how to prepare a sumptuous dinner, but she still adhered to the Indian method of serving it up. Her Indian friends had previously furnished her with various kinds of game for the occasion, so that her guests could have their choice of meats. In the center of the table was placed a large tin pan, filled with soup, and in which were various kinds of meat. In this soup pan were the feet of prairie chickens, ducks, squirrels, and coons. cooked with the claws and hair on. In this way they were served out to the guests, according to Indian (listom. Col. Strowbridge, who was always full of fin. took the ladle, and fishing in the soup until he brought up a chicken's foot ; then addressing Dad Joe. he said : ". Dad, shall I help you to some of the fowl ?" to which Dad replied : "No, God bless you !" Again fishing up a foot of a coon, with the hair and claws on it, sang out : " Dad, shall I help you to some of the coon?" " No. God bless you, Colonel : I will wait on myself." K
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