Wild Man Chased, Unkempt and Fierce; Even Dogs Cowering

1901

HUNTING FOR A WILD MAN

Creature Baffling Description As to Appearance, Evidently a Human Being, Frightens People

Hayton, Wis., Feb. 1. — There was a wild man hunt here Wednesday afternoon. A creature, evidently a man, but so utterly unkempt and fierce in aspect as to baffle description, devoid of clothing, but covered with a thick matted growth of hair, sent a thrill of horror through those who saw it walk toward the Manitowoc river. When it reached the stream it waded through the water, which was above its neck and icy cold.

Recovering from the momentary terror, men banded together and with dogs and guns started on the trail, which led to the large swamp north of the village. Hither and thither through thickets and brakes bounded the creature, eluding the dogs that at times seemed close upon it.

Suddenly the dogs doubled on the trail and slunk cowering and whimpering to their masters, refusing to advance. The men were about to retrace their steps when they heard a cry indescribably dreadful. Deep and guttural, it seemed to embody a menace of fierce hate and vengeance that struck the men with terror and they ran away in fear.

Yesterday the chase was resumed. It is believed the creature is a man named Kustwind, who 15 years ago hid himself in the woods because he believed he killed a man.

—Davenport Daily Republican, Davenport, IA, Feb. 2, 1901, p. 3.