By Nancy Noel | For The Times-Post
The Fall Creek Massacre was the name given to the brutal murders of a peaceful group of Seneca and Miami Indians by white settlers.
The actual massacre occurred on March 22, 1824, between Fall Creek and Deer Lick Creek.
The American Indians who were killed included two men — named Ludlow and Logan — three women and four children. They were considered a peaceful group gathered along the creek to fish and hunt.
The massacre was committed by Thomas Harper, who instigated the murders, escaped and was never brought to justice; and James Hudson, Andrew Sawyer, John Bridge Sr. and John Bridge Jr.
John Johnston, Indian agent from Piqua, Ohio, came to Indiana to assure Indian tribes they would receive justice.
James Hudson’s trial was held in 1824; Sawyer and Bridge Sr. and Bridge Jr. were brought to trial in 1825. Hudson, Sawyer and Bridge Sr. were hanged; Bridge Jr. was pardoned by Gov. James Ray.
Do you want to learn more about this important event in the history of Madison County? Pendleton Historical Museum invites the public to a talk from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, March 10, in the Community Building in Falls Park.
David Murphy, professor at Anderson University and author of “Murder in Their Hearts: The Fall Creek Massacre,” and Marla Fair of the Johnston Farm and Indian Agency, will share information on the people and events surrounding the massacre.
Nancy Noel is president of the Pendleton Historical Society Museum board.
