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THE RED MEN OF IOWA.
Most of the settlers had erected their cabins in the groves bordering the south shore of Lake Okoboji. In this vicinity the Indians had encamped. The whites had not been advised of what had transpired at the settlements down the valley, and little dreamed of the horrible fate that awaited them. The presence of the Indians at the lakes was no unusual occurrence. It was now toward the last days of a long, cold and dreary winter, but the deep crusted snow still enveloped those lake woodlands beneath a white mantle, and stretched far away over many weary miles of prairie where there were no human habitations. Still those brave pioneers were looking hopefully forward to the near approach of the season when nature's minstrels should again warble sweet music in the groves that sheltered their humble cabins; when they should again go forth to the pleasant task of improving their pioneer homes.
The sun of that fatal 8th of March rose, and shed his beams of light upon the rude homes of that devoted band of pioneers. Soon small parties of armed savages were entering the cabins, feigning at first the semblance of friendship. Suddenly, and as if by concerted agreement, the indiscriminate slaughter commenced. The names of the victims, so far as known, are as follows: Mr. Gardner, his wife and son, all killed. Miss Abbie Gardner, a daughter, aged about fifteen years, was taken prisoner. Mr. Luce, a son-in-law of Mr. Gardner, was murdered, with his wife and two children. The dwelling of Mr. Mattocks stood about one mile from that of Mr. Gardner. Here were eight more victims--Mattocks, his wife, five children and a Mr. Matteson, who was boarding with the family.
