The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1871-12-21
Two Women Fighting Bear.
Correspondence of the New York Sun.

Correspondence of the New York Sun.
CALLICooN, N. Y, Nov. Is, 1871.
For the past six weeks the neighbor-
hood Of Otter's Hole, on the southern
confines of Delaware County, has been
pestered with bears. Not unfrequently
these animals have made their appearance
among the people. A few have been
shot by the hunters. On Thursday, one
OF these gruff customers visited the farm
OF Jacob Beardsly a sort Of farmer, hunter,
and woodman, who has for nearly twenty
years occupied a small clearing in Otter's
Hole
The sun was behind the mountains, but
it was not yet dark. Mr.. Beardsly was
in the woods, nearly two miles distant
Mrs Beardsly and her daughter. girl OF
| sixteen, were in the house. The pigs in
the pen behind the dwelling were squeal-
ing loudly for their evening meal. The
daughter of the farmer was preparing the
food and was in the act OF picking up the
swill-pail to go to the pig-pen, when the
| dog set up a loud barking behind the
house. At the same time the whine of
the pigs was changed from the monoto-
nous call for food to a fierce cry Of terror.
Mrs. Beardsly told her daughter that
the dog was worrying the pig, and at
once went to the back door to call the
dog away. She was surprised to see q
bear attempting to get out Of the pig
per. lie had !; shote weighing perhaps
eighty pounds under his arm. The dog
was trying to prevent Bruins Departure
while the unfortunate pig was squealing
with all his might, and endeavoring to
wriggle from the uncomfortable hug OF
the bear. Mrs. Beardsly and her daughter
| took in the situation at a glance As
there were no men about the place to call
on for help, Mrs. Beardsly grabbed a
small iron bar, such as is used in loading
liag-stones, and went for the bear The
daughter followed her with an axe. They
ran out to the pig-pen and began an in
| discriminate attack on the bear. This at
| tack greatly encouraged the dog, who
! forthwith sprang into the pen and crap
pied with Bruin. The bear finding him
self sorely pressed released his hold on
the pig and closed in with the dog. I'm
fortunately for Towser, he was in an I'M
| guarded moment caught in the embrace
Of the bear. He let out series of howls
that moved the hearts of the two women
The girl, axe in hand, sprang lightly
into the pig-pen, and with q well-directed
Blow caused the brute 10 loosen his hold
on the dog. But matters were fast grow
ing worse. No sooner was the danger
Gus animal forced to drop the dog than he
turned tiercely on the brave girl. The
fight became desperate. The axe was
swung vigorously, but his bearshp easily
warded off the blows with his fore paws an(
fast pressed the girl into a corner, where
she could no longer defend herself Mean
while the dog renewed his attack in the
rear Of the bear. but without effect. The
monster succeeded in getting the girl in
his fearful embrace The mother wa
standing outside OF the pen. Seeing tn,
desperate situation of her daughter, SHE
jumped into the sty, and with the iror
bar dealt terrible blows on the head ant
neck of the savage beast. These blows
together with the fierce onset made by tht
dog, caused him to torego his murderou
intentions toward the girl. She escapet
from his clutches with her dress almos
torn from her person and bleeding from
wounds inflicted in the struggle Again
she took the axe and with true courao,
kept up the fight.
The bear now became alarmed VIII
Il single bound he went over the edge o
the pig-pen, the dog hanging to his hin,
quarters. When but a few feet from thu
pen, the bear once more turned on his tor
monitors. and would without doubt have
vanquished his foes, had it not been 70
the timely arrival OF two men, who, whilt
passing the farm house, had heard tn,
noise OF the fight. They were on thei
way home from q wood tot, where they
had been working during the day. OIL
Of the men had a rifle on his shoulder. ant
without ceremony he put an end to The
Struggle by shooting the bear Th,
women We're then looked after The
young girl was 50 severely hurt that she
was unable to help hcrself.out Of the pen.
She was carried to the house, ana one o
the men went to the nearest ncighbor lol
assistance. Both mother and daurhtY
were found to be suffering Intensely from
excitement. Proper restorativcs were ad
minstered, and they passed the nigh
comfortably. At last accounts both o
of them were able to be about the hous,
as usual, The bear weighed 3t3 pounds
The carcass was divided up among tht
neighbors, who not only appreciated tn,
savory meat, but loudly praised the heroic
actions Of Miss Beardsly and her III other