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.

Two Hillbillies from Tennessee Lickered Up

1916

Pilfered Some Whiskey, Then "Lickered Up" — One Sent to Juvenile Court

Two hillbillies from sunny Tennessee graced the court of Mayor Lowrey this morning. They were Charles Pelfry and James Ivey charged with disorderly conduct. The disorderly conduct was really petit larceny as they were arrested for stealing a pint of milk, a pint of whiskey and other articles from a boarding house.

Charles Pelfry's case was called first. When the tall mountaineer gave his age 16, the mayor was much surprised. He had no recourse but to send him over to the juvenile court. He came here in August and has had employment. The boy admitted taking the whiskey.

James Ivey was next called. He is 22 years old and also a native of Tennessee. He came to this city first with a carnival company. His brother, John Ivey, was the Wild Man of Borneo, in the carnival. James remained in Mansfield and worked. Later he returned to Chattanooga and upon his return brought the mountain youth with him. Ivey said he reckoned they had been drinking.

Pelfry told the juvenile court, "I wasn't plumb drunk, because I worked all night." He says he does not drink moonshine because they do not make it in his part of the state. He admitted he had "lickered up" some since he came to this city. The boy will be put on probation and an effort will be made by Judge Cummins to get his job back for him.

—Mansfield News, Mansfield, Ohio, Oct. 21, 1916.