In the fall of 1831, the Rev. James Sample, living in the settlement of Hennepin, was married and moved with his young wife to Rock
Island. He sold his property in Rock Island in the spring, however, and with his wife started back to Hennepin
on 18 May 1832 but found the creeks too swollen in Henry County to cross. They reached the site of present-day
Princeton, Bureau County, but were chased by Indians there and both were captured. A half-breed named Girty scalped
the two prisoners and they were then burned alive. For more than 30 years, their fate was unknown. In the next
year, Mr. Hayes made a claim there
and built a cabin beside a spring where the residence of Mr. Knox now stands. Mr. Hayes noticed human bones there.
(RI Daily Union, Sunday, 30 Apr. 1871, sub. K. Torp)