Page:History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century Volume 1.djvu/505



to intimidate the most active advocates of legal trial for all charged with crime. Canada McCollough, a near neighbor of Alonzo Page (who was killed by the Regulators), one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Cedar County, was outspoken in his denunciation of that cruel deed and firmly believed that Page was innocent of any wrong doing. He was waited upon and warned that he must cease his denunciations of the Regulators or leave the country. McCollough was an old pioneer, skilled in the use of the rifle and fearless of personal danger. He owned a large farm and had no idea of abandoning his home and property or the right of free speech and determined to defend both with his life if need be.

One day after the time had expired in which he was warned to leave, he saw a large band of horsemen approaching his house. His rifles were loaded and ready for use. He stood in the doorway of his strong log house, rifle in hand, as the Regulators approached, led by William George, a well known farmer from Rock Creek. As the band came within easy rifle shot, McCollough drew a deadly bead on the leader and ordered him to halt. The party stopped and a lengthy conference ensued. McCollough assured them that he should defend his home with his life, that they knew he was a law abiding citizen, guilty of no crime, that he had a legal right to express his opinions and should do so; that they might murder him but he should kill one or two of them first, as they well knew he never missed a deer within gunshot and that he had friends who would surely avenge his death. They hesitated, parleyed with him and tried to get a promise that he would keep still in future. But he stood firm for his rights as an American citizen and would make no concessions. His fearlessness convinced the Regulators that he had armed friends in the house who would defend him to the last. They were aware that a large number of law-abiding citizens, whom they had sought to intimidate, had counseled together and had an understanding that