The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1878-10-24
A SNAKE YARN.
whitehall Tlmes.l

In the town of Hague, on the banks Of lake
George, opposite Hulett's Landing, has lived for
long time man ard his wife by the name Of Mr.
and Mrs. Reuben DAVIS. This couple have oCCu
pied log cabin, which has been situated near
the waters edge. The place has been known as
the "Rattlesnake Mans House." and many Visi.
tors have made excursions to the spot to see this
singular looking couple. They have made liv'
ing from rsttlesnAkes, capturing many reptiles
and obtaining the oil, which always commands a
high price. At this cabin might always have
been seen large numbers iOf these reptiles. The
old man, who is now about 65 years OF sge catch
es them with long pair Of wooden tongs, which
he quickly and dexhously grasps them with Just
below the head He then either kills them out.
right or else removes their fangs and thusrenders
them harmless. He possesses power to charm
them also, 1t is said In fact, he once informed
the writer, who visited his cabin that thar warn't
VArmint that crawled but wot ken make EN-
Lay down as quiet as lamb"
The old man had about his premises large
number Of snakes, which he exhibited to visitors
expecting and receiving many nickle or dime
In return. He never visited q village without
carrying several Of his OdlOus specimens with
him, which he will draw from his pocket and
place about his neck, or fondles and handles
them as II they were kittens. By these exhibl-
tiOnb he picks mp good many coppers
Many wonderful stories are told about "old
Rube" and his wife, the latter being as much Of
curiosity as her husband. Wehave been told that
the very shsnty SwArmed with rattlesnakes, the
occupants having no fear whatever Of them.
The land on which the shanty stood was lately
purchased by Bishop Seymour, Of Illinois. The
owner had tried repeatedly TO get the Davis fam.
Ly 10 move of, but the old couple have refused
until lately, when the Bishop threatened to eject
them by legal process He finally offered Davis
$40 to leave pesceably. and the old man, his wife
and boat load Of snakes left one day for Harbor
Island, about mile south Of where the cottage
was situated.
On Friday the torch was applied to the prem
ises, When the FIRE began to spread terrible
sight met the eyes Of those present II was sight
that caused the beholders to Aee up the trees for
safety. Kissing rattlesnakes and Bqualling rats
poured out Of the building from all directions AS
the hot flames sprang toward the roof, the crack
ing Of dry boards was mingled with the rattle OF
scores Of maddened Serpents and unearthly yells
Of rodents. The very roof seemed to be alive
with Venomous reptiles, and the bright green and
white on the outside covering Bhone with q glare
a. the flames lit upon them. One Of the men, who
was close eyewitness of the scene. says: "One
large snake, about seven feet long, opened his
mouth and out came at least two scores Of little
reptiles, whose little tails shook in the air az II
they, 700, were irenzled at the destruction the
flames made Of their home Several snakes
charged madly upon the flames only to fall back
burned to death while the rats that could get
away took to the woods In one place a project.
ipg log was made the object OF attack By three
large reptiles. As the Trio charged madly upon It
a great Iheet Of are, whose lorked tongues were
even more poisonous than those Of the snakes
rolled around seized the reptiles causing them to
Oeaae EAEtling as each one dropped over dead
About the ground lay many dead Berpenh and
roasted rats while some were WrithInR and seem.
cd 10 be in fearful agony"