Look Back: Hoofing it
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A Deer Run Down By A Horse
On the 3rd inst. a deer was seen in the vicinity of Elizabeth in Wirt County W. Va. Information came to Dr. S. Bolivar who mounted his horse and went in pursuit. He discovered him coming through a corn field to the river bank, and giving chase ran so close to him that his horse's feet struck the animal who was disposed to flight. Having no fire arms with him, the Dr. was obliged to go some distance to the house of George Rochhold, where he procured an old musket, and getting back into a barge brought down the game.
This Buck is the first of the season, and came no doubt to reconnoiter the improvements of this growing town. He was very fat, weighing 160 pounds and had four prongs which indicates the age of five years. This feat is certainly worthy of record.
On last Tuesday the Dr. came near securing another buck in the vicinity of Tucker's bridge, a quarter of a mile from the town of Elizabeth. His buckship was, however, more successful in reconnoitering, and got safely off after taking a look at the marks of progress so plainly visible at this interesting outpost village.
The Parkersburg Daily Times
Nov. 8, 1867
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Vicious Cow
Too many cows are running at large on our streets; sometimes congregating at certain spots in large numbers - fighting and chasing each other - and showing signs of vicious spirit. It is really dangerous sometimes for women and children to pass by their rallying places.
We heard of an instance yesterday which plainly shows the danger arising from loose cows.
Mrs. Shilling, wishing to go downtown on last Thursday evening, was suddenly attacked by a vicious cow and horned to the ground, and as the cow was standing near her shaking horns and head at the down-stricken lady, the best that could be done was lay still and wait for any possible relief. At last the cow, tired of waiting, left the unfortunate lady, who availing herself instantly of the disappearance of her mortal enemy, got up and hurried into a neighbor's house, and from there home. Dr. Scott having been instantly called upon has done all to relieve Mrs. Shilling of her fright and suffering; but entertained fear of her having received fatal injuries.
However, yesterday afternoon, the lady felt comfortable and it is hoped that she will soon be restored to her former health, by the known skill of her excellent physician.
Is there no ordinance to prevent cows from running at large and exposing persons to similar dangers?
The Parkersburg Daily Times
Nov. 9, 1867
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A Boy's Composition On The Goat.
A goat is stronger than a pig and gives milk. He looks at you. So does the doctor. But a goat has four legs. My goat butted Deacon Tillinghast in a bad place, and a little calf wouldn't do so. A boy without a father is an orphan, and if he ain't got no mother he is two orphans. The goat don't give so much as a cow, but more than a ox. I saw an ox at a fair one day with a card tied to his ear, we went in on a family ticket. Mother picks geese in the summer, and the goat eats grass and jumps on a box. Some folks don't like goats, but as for me, give me a mule with a paint brush-tail. The goat is a useful animal, but don't smell as sweet or as nice as bear's oil for the hair. If I had not much hair I would wear a wig, as old Capt. Peters does. I will sell my goat for three dollars, and go to the circus to see the elephant, which is bigger than five goats.
The Parkersburg Gazette
Feb. 16, 1871
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Bob Enoch is president of the Wood County Historical and Preservation Society. If you have comments or questions about Look Back items, please contact him at: roberteenoch@gmail.com, or by mail at WCHPS, PO Box 565, Parkersburg, WV 26102.