The Paxton Boys were Pennsylvania's most aggressive colonists, according to historian Kevin Kenny. While not many specifics are known about the individuals in the group, their overall profile is clear. The Paxton Boys lived in hill country northwest of Lancaster County and across the Susquehanna River in Cumberland County. Due to their westward position, they were considered the frontier at the time and consistently targeted during Indian wars and conflicts. Due to the lack of support from the local provincial government, the Paxton Boys formed a vigilante group in 1763 to defend themselves during the French and Indian War and Pontiac's War. Using their Presbyterianism faith, the Paxton Boys' leadership declared that Native Americans were "Cainites" (a Biblical representation of evil) and believed that they needed to be destroyed. The Paxton Boys did not limit their hate to Native tribes but also “Whites, Quakers, and German Moravians, when they believed that these groups too jeopardized the security of the backcountry.” This group also became known for attacking the Susquehannock tribe during an event known as the Conestoga Massacre. Following attacks on the Conestoga, in January 1764 about 250 Paxton Boys marched on Philadelphia to demonstrate their anger at the legislature. Met by leaders in Germantown, they agreed to disperse on the promise by Benjamin Franklin to provide their grievances a hearing in the legislature. Attack on Susquehannock Background In the aftermath of the French and Indian War, no Europeans had yet settled in the frontier of Pennsylvania. A new wave of Scots-Irish immigrants encroached on Native American land in the backcountry, often in blatant violation of previously signed treaties. These settlers claimed that Indians often raided their homes. Reverend John Elder, who was the parson at Paxtang, became a leader of the settlers. He was known as the "Fighting Parson" and kept his rifle in the pulpit while he delivered his sermons. During Pontiac's war in 1763, John Elder was given command of 110 men named the Paxton Boys or Paxtang Boys to defend the frontier. John believed that he did not have enough men to defend that frontier and petitioned the local government to allow him to take offensive actions against the native tribes. Paxton leadership struggled with the idea of allied Indian tribes and constantly insisted “the distinction between “friendly” and “enemy” Indians was invalid. All Indians were enemies and must be treated accordingly.” This anti-native ideology would