in lynn county, trouble between free-state and pro-slavery settlers began in about 1856. this was when a large group of pro-slavery southerners came through the area destroying property and capturing free-state settlers. one of those who escaped the southerners was james montgomery. he became the leader of the free-state settlers in the area called jayhawkers. various encounters between the two groups went on until 1857 when james h, lane assembled a company of free-state men to harass the pro-slavery forces in kansas and western missouri. when lane's company disbanded, james montgomery took over. he ordered the pro-slavery leaders out of the county. many did leave and returned to missouri. charles a. hamilton was one who left kansas, but with bitter feelings. hamilton called a meeting together at papinville, missouri to get men for an invasion of kansas. it was decided they would eliminate the free-state settlers living in lynn county.