Sun River sun. [volume] (Sun River, Mont.) 1884-1885, 1884-03-13
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ity are aware that Bill Jones, who
was buried yesterday, was one of the
most courageous and skillful- hunters
in Montana, yet many, perhaps,
who have not even heard of his great
bear fight, ia which he proved him
self more than Il match in physical
strength for an animal that is sup
posed to bc the superior in that re-
spect to any ordinary man. We give
the story as it was rcleated to as by
comrade who has known Jones since
he first came to tho Territory.
In tho summer Of 1866 tho entire
lcvec ut Benton, to the Old Fort, at
the lower end Of town, to the locality
now called the Roosevelt addition. pro
sentcd the appearance of n boat-build-
ing yard. Mackinaws and other crafts
were launched daily for the accommo-
dation of the immcnsc number of trav-
c!ers who desired to take advantage
of the "aoating rates" offered by the
Big Muddy. Owing to the scarcity of
lumber ut this time many boats were
constructed on the Upper Missouri
near the American Bar and Canyon
Ferry. Parties who built up there
were obliged to make use of land
transportation around Portage Coulcc.
and their crafts had to be hauled by
teams distance of probably twenty
miles, from tho mouth of Sun River
to below the Missouri Falls, and vcx-
atious delays often occurred for the
want Of prairie schooncrs to move
boats and passengers to the desired
poiM. 1t is estimated that over five
thousand persons availcd themselves
of tho cheap river route in 1866. The
war had terminated, and many sue
cessfull miners were on stampede to
visit the old folks ut home. During
the month of August, Bill Jones, Lon
Van Valicnbcrg, and William Spraguc
built skiti near American Bar and
started down the river with tho inten-
ton Of reaching tho states and spend
ing few days ut Benton while en-
route. They, being old-timcrs, were
fond Of excitement. Game of all
kinds showed along the banks of the
big stream and afforded excellent
chances for testing favorite guns. The
journey was accomplished without nc
cident or injury to tho mouth OF Sun
river, At this place Il camp was
made with the hopes that an opportu-
nifty would soon offer itself for convc-
nient transportation around the falls.
Tho men were all fine specimens OF
monntninccrs, and but few could be
found anywhere to compare in physi-
cal strength to Bill Jones. While
awsiting their chance to get away,
they passed tho timo in hunting and
trapping, and like all Of those who
follow the sport, their adventures were
many Ard sometimes Of serious
naturc.
One day while hunting, Bill Jones
in passing along II trail in one of the
timber points, came face to face with
Il large Silver back bear, commonly
called grizzly. Tho animal was
about the largest of his species, but
the hunter did not hesitate to deliver
his fire tho moment it raised ON its
hind paws. AS every experienced
hunter knows, the first net OF bear
when alarmed by the sound or appear
aace of an enemy is to stand upon it,
hind legs, and when in this position
no vital spot is presented and il
is most difficult matter to give the
animal n fatal shot. Jones found to
his cost that he made q mistake in fir
ing when he did. He was armed with Il
muzzlc loading rifle and II Colts six
shooter Thcball from the rifle only
wounded the bear, and after recover
ing from the slNock, bruin charged
upon his enemy, knocking him oyc,
and seized him by the thigh, tearing
the flesh in shocking manner. But
, the hunter had meanwhile drawn his
revolver. IIc considered the chances
that if Il shot proved fatal tho bcal
would certainly fall upon him and
crush him in his dying struggles, but
while thinking of this The bear settlct
the matter for him, before he lad +;
chance to fire. The bear grabbed hin
, sayagely, and poor Jones had to drol
his revolver and Struggle us best h,
! could with the weapons nature hat
given him. He continued after awhil,
to clutch tho bear on both sides OF th(
jaws, ana by eXcrting tho whole
strength of his powerful muscles, il
spite of his weakness from pain anl
loss of blood, he managed to throw
the animal down. Bruln was quickl,
on his feet again, but seemed to have
imbibod Il wholesome fear of his mus