Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-09-21
THE GYASTlcUTIs
Loose in the Moods Of Northern
Pennsylvania.
Wild Excitement Among the Grangers Near
Erie-Startling Rumors Of Hairy
Monster ProwIing Through
the Forests,
SEEKING WHOM IT MAY DEy0UR.

ERIE, Pa. September 19.-The widest
excitement prevails here in consequence Of
startling rumors that came flying in from
| the western suburbs that an immense wild
animal, of terrible proportions, was roam
ing the woods and tearing the roads and
lands OF Mexican township. The widest
story heard was that the savage monster,
said to walk erect on its hind feet, hnd
seized three children on their way home
from school, and had
Dismembered and Devoured Them
in sight of their parents. Before noon this
wild horror had so multiplied that it was
said the entire village had been mangled
and torn by this. fearful animal. The
coming of Barnum's circus here tomorrow
gave room for surmise that the dreadful
thing was one of the wild men depicted on
the glaring posters that illustrate the city
Just now, or that one OF the strange
Asiatics or African beasts had broken loose.
An investigation developed the following
facts, which, as usual, fall considerably
below the sensational rumors that were
circulated:
The True Story.
About o'clock last evening residents OF
the village were terrified by seeing an i'm
mense, wild and fearful-looking animal
rushing toward them from the south, across
the meadows of H. Dewalt. 1t crossed the
road and entered the wheat field on the
farm of Mrs. L. Vorsie, tearing down the
fence, strong barbed, without any effort. II
turned from the direction of the spell
bound people and went down to the creek,
where It was lost sight OF.
The Alarm Was Raised
\ ~ 10
track and kill the ferocious animal. A
pack of hounds were put upon the scent,
and amid their yelping and the cries OF the
beaters, the hunt was commenced. Across
the meadows and farm lands traversed by
the brute its tracks was plainly seen, the
impress of its feet being clear and well de.
fined. The reporter measured one Of these
tracks. 1t was found 10 be IS inches long
and inches wide at the ball, each of
the footprints being about five feet apart
An Exciting Chase.
The chase grew more exciting as the evil
dences of recent exhibitions of its terrible
strength grew thicker, and it was noticed
that many of the valorous hunters fell off
At last the hounds refused tc proceed, and
no amount of discipline could induce them
to take up the chase. Darkness came on
before the hunters were aware OF 1t, and
excellent time was made in getting out OF
the woods. Extra attention was paid to
locks, bolts and bars when the farmers got
home, and
Doors and windows Were Barricaded.
1t was slecpless night for the people at
Mexican, About 2 P. NJ. to day, the utmost
terror reigned. Terrible noises were heard,
and Mrs. S. Skinner, looking from her win
dow saw her cows rushing in great haste
from the woods in which they had been
grazing. Henry Koehler, q thoroughly
reliable person, says he caught a
Glimpse OF the Creature
at this time, and that it was unlike any
monster he had seen even in circus, and
that it stood erect on its hind feet. Fright
is the worstthat the people of Mexican have
had to suffer. There have been no deaths
or hurts of any kind, the positive assertions
to the contrary notwithstanding. 1t is gen
orally believed to be some circus animal at
large. In the meantime the good people of
Mexican don't stroll far from home, or in
dulge in lonely walks abroad. Evening
promenading Of lovers has ceased for the
time.