Omaha daily bee., 1906-10-30
TRAIL OF gNOCCASSIN BILL :"
Old Type Of FrOntisrSmsn Who Has
Crossed the Divide
FANOus EOa HIs PaYslcAL PROvIss
Remarkable skin ~ Huntsman
and Hero of Many Adventures-
served as Government scout
During the civil war.

whose career as a hunter, scout and
frontiersman made him famous wherever
his name was heard there disappeared
the last OF the type OF rugged pioneers
whose activities in the development Of the
golden west years ago became history.
Moceasin BILL whose real name was
William H. Perkins, was born elghty-hve
years ago, near Princeton, Ind.
His strenuous career was foreshadOwed
by the phenomenal fact that he was born
with six front teeth. Oven his own chill
dren did not credit this family tradition
until 1t was confirmed by his mother who
visited them for the first time after they
had arrived at mature years, says the
Indianapolis Star
This splendid type Of the border stood
six feet seven and a quarter inches IN his
boots and was of Herculean proportions.
Agile as a panther, this more than 200
pounds Of bone and sihew seemed ALSO
lutely tireless, and no man was ever
found who could keep the pace with Mecca
sin Bill in traversing the rugged sleeps
OF the Rocky mountain region. where he
spent his later years. In short. ne was
probably the finest specimen Of physical
manhood who ever trod the western wilds.
Was BOY Trspper.
Even in childhood the Instinct OF the
forest was strong within him, and much
~ his time was spent IN perfecting in
genious devices with which to capture the
small fur-bearing animals which at that
time existed IN considerable numbers in
the densely wooded region about his home
in Gibson county, Indiana. so great be
came his skill that he was known in south
western Indiana as the boy trapper. Later
he was allowed to carry a gun while max
ing the round OF his traps on the promise
that he wouli not fire at any dangerous
animal unless compelled TO do so in self
defense
One morning. when mere lad. Perkins
set out alone with his gun for days
hunt on the wild peninsula formed by the
junction OF the Wabash and White rivers.
During the day he succeeded in bagging
fine turkey gobbler and late in the even
ing set out for his boat, which he had
moored in a sequestered nook near the
junction Of the rivers.
The shadows we're deepening in the dense
forest when his quick ear detected the
stealthy tread Of some large animal which
was evidently logging his steps CHANGING
over his shoulder he glimpsed the shad-
owy form of an enormous panther creep
ing through the underground.
Perkins quickened his pace. but in the
intense stiffness that preceded an ap-
preaching storm could hear the catlike
tread Of his pursuer. As a peace Offering
he finally dropped the turkey, which the
ravenous animal instantly tore in pieces
and devoured. While thus engaged the
panther offered fair mark. but, remem-
bering his promise and fearing to risk
shot in the uncertain light, he wisely with
held his fire. taking advantage of the OPP
portunity to put distance between himself
and his treacherous enemy.
Escaped the Panther.
In the meantime night came on, accom-
panied by a tirenching rain, and the land
scape was blotted out in inky blackness
In the darkness he could make but slow
progress, but INDUCED a hope that the
panther satisfied with his feast of turkey
would abandon the chase. This Illusion
vanished when, after going some distance
vivid flash of lightning revealed his en-
envy standing in the open but few yards
distant An attempt to kndle a fire dis
mally failed, due TO the dampness Of the
material. Expecting every moment to be
grappled by his hidden monster, he finally
reached his boat and quickly rowed across
the stream. As he neared the further
shore TO his establishment he saw the pan
Their swimming after him. This was his
opportunity, but the nervous strain had
been too great and he could not summon
the courage required to quietly await the
| approach of the ravenous beast and trust
TO the issues Of a single shot delivered in
/ the darkness.
! Without a moments delay the young
\ hunter set out across the country for
home, some ten miles distant, where he
arrived about midnight It seems the
ardor Of the panther was cooled By his
bath in the river, as he gave up the pur-
| suit.
Early in the following morning an old
| trapper. living in the neighborhood, after
hearing the boys story. accompanied hin,
with pack of hounds, which took up
the trail where the panther had left the
river After a long chase the willy animal
4 was brought TO bay in a big tree and
young Perkins had the satisfaction OF