Early Settlers of the Shawangunk Region
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Bears were formerly quite plenty in Sullivan county-probably wintering on the lowlands which border on the lakes, and wandering into the hills in summer. One of Nehemiah Smith's neighbors was a man by the name of Bailey. Bruin was frequently seen passing through Bailey's premises. He seemed to have a special fondness for hog's flesh, and sometimes raided Bailey's pig-pen to satisfy his appetite. One night when Mr. Bailey was from home, Mrs. Bailey was putting the little ones to bed when she heard a terrible squealing out among the pigs. She understood what that meant a bear had got into the pen. She well knew the danger incurred by going out, but she could not endure the thought of losing a fat pig. So bidding the children be quiet until she returned, she took some blazing fire-brands and rushed out to the sty, where a huge bear confronted her. The heroic woman shouted with all her might, and pelted the bear with her blazing brands, so that bruin was beaten off without getting his pig. Having the satisfaction of seeing the hungry intruder run off into the woods, she returned to the house and resumed her household duties.
Bailey. Bruin was frequently seen passing through Bailey's premises. He seemed to have a special fondness for hog's flesh, and sometimes raided Bailey's pig-pen to satisfy his appetite. One night when Mr. Bailey was from home, Mrs. Bailey was putting the little ones to bed when she heard a terrible squealing out among the pigs. She understood what that meant a bear had got into the pen. She well knew the danger incurred by going out, but she could not endure the thought of losing a fat pig. So bidding the children be quiet until she returned, she took some blazing fire-brands and rushed out to the sty, where a huge bear confronted her. The heroic woman shouted with all her might, and pelted the bear with her blazing brands, so that bruin was beaten off without getting his pig. Having the satisfaction of seeing the hungry intruder run off into the woods, she returned to the house and resumed her household duties. Another neighbor of the Smith's, by the name of Warring, went out one night to shoot deer. While chopping a few days before in the vicinity of Dutch pond, he had noticed that deer-tracks were very plenty, and that two runways passed within rifle shot of a large rock. He promised himself some fine sport the first moonlight night. Such a night soon came; and, telling his family he might remain away all night, but that they could expect some venison steak for breakfast, he shouldered his rifle and started for the woods. In due time he took up his position on the rock. There was snow on the ground, and the bright moon overhead so lighted up the earth that he could see a passing object distinctly.
Warring, went out one night to shoot deer. While chopping a few days before in the vicinity of Dutch pond, he had noticed that deer-tracks were very plenty, and that two runways passed within rifle shot of a large rock. He promised himself some fine sport the first moonlight night. Such a night soon came; and, telling his family he might remain away all night, but that they could expect some venison steak for breakfast, he shouldered his rifle and started for the woods. In due time he took up his position on the rock. There was snow on the ground, and the bright moon overhead so lighted up the earth that he could see a passing object distinctly. He watched the two runways very patiently, but saw no game, and heard no sound except the hooting of an owl in an adjacent grove of hemlocks. His vigil was becoming dull and tedious; the night was waning; he was about making preparations to go home, when pat, pat, came the sound of rapid steps, and he noticed a dark object coming up the path. Without waiting to discover what the animal was, he fired. The creature gave a howl of mingled pain and rage, rushed at the hunter furiously, and attempted to jump upon the rock where he stood. It would have reached him, and the snarling jaws would have closed upon him, only that he made a vigorous thrust with his rifle and pushed the animal back. Again and again it leaped at the man on the rock, and was as often beaten back. At last the animal, whatever it was, ran one way and the hunter the other. Warring reached home at an unexpected hour, but brought no venison. He visited the place the next morning with his boys, and ascertained by the blood and tracks around the rock that he had shot and wounded a very large wolf. Though wolves were very numerous at the time, it was rare that they were so pugnacious as this one showed himself to be.
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