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Ed Note: This is a tale of a deadly wolf attack on a farmer near Lexington in Sanilic County in 1859. It appeared in a Children’s magazine Frank Leslie’s Boys’ and Girls’ Weekly. On March 2, 1867, March 2. While short, it’s a graphic depiction of life in the wilderness of Michigan. This is an edited extract.
An Unpredictable Encounter: The Ferocious Wolf
Amongst the wilderness, it is typically believed that only the most savage and large wild beasts voluntarily attack humans, primarily when in large droves. However, 1859 bore witness to a chilling exception to this rule. A solitary wolf in the woods near Lexington, Sanilac County, Michigan, launched a brutal assault on an unsuspecting farmer. The attack was so ferocious that, despite his determined attempts, the farmer succumbed to the relentless beast.
A Startling Surprise: Farmer’s Morning Turns Deadly
One brisk morning, the ill-fated farmer was engrossed in his task of pruning some tree branches a short distance from his modest homestead. Out of nowhere, a wolf emerged from a nearby thicket, swiftly lunging toward the farmer. Before he could even mount a defense, the wolf seized his throat with a death grip that caused him to drop his axe in shock and alarm.
An Unlikely Hero: The Brave Woman’s Rescue
The farmer’s agonizing screams rang out, reaching the ears of his wife, who was inside their cottage. Witnessing her husband’s dire predicament, she demonstrated the fearlessness and bravery characteristic of her gender when the safety of loved ones is at stake. With a swift rush of adrenaline, she ran towards the danger, seized the axe, and delivered a powerful blow to the wolf, forcing it to loosen its lethal grip.
Unyielding Courage: The Woman Vs. The Beast
Undeterred by the monstrous adversary, the brave woman displayed extraordinary composure and courage. Engaging in a fierce struggle, her resilience eventually won out, resulting in the wolf lying motionless at her feet. However, the victory was bitter-sweet as she turned her attention to her grievously wounded husband.
The Cruel Reality: The Aftermath of the Attack
She attempted to stanch the blood gushing from her husband’s throat, but it was all in vain. The hapless man succumbed to his wounds, breathing his last in his wife’s comforting embrace. Further examination revealed during the deadly wolf attack, the beast’s fangs had severely damaged his windpipe, as if cut precisely with a razor, leading to his tragic demise.
A Harrowing Lesson: Nature’s Unpredictable Wrath
This unforgettable event is a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictable wrath and the extraordinary bravery of a Lexington pioneer woman faced with extraordinary circumstances. The tale of this heroic wolf attack is a testament to the unpredictability of the wilderness and the profound courage that can emerge in dire situations.
About Frank Leslie’s Boys’ and Girls’ Weekly
Frank Leslie’s Boys’ and Girls’ Weekly was a 19th-century publication tailored to entertain and educate young readers through captivating stories, illustrations, and activities. Part of Frank Leslie’s prolific publishing empire, the weekly magazine featured serialized fiction, short stories, puzzles, and educational articles that catered to the interests of children and teenagers. Its content often emphasized adventure, exploration, historical narratives, and moral lessons, reflecting the societal values of the time. The magazine’s detailed engravings, a hallmark of Leslie’s publications, added visual appeal and helped bring the stories to life, making it a favorite among families.
The publication served as both a source of entertainment and a cultural touchstone during an era when periodicals played a significant role in shaping public opinion and education. It promoted ideals such as industriousness, morality, and patriotism, aligning with the broader goals of Leslie’s magazines to inform and inspire. As newer forms of entertainment like radio and motion pictures emerged in the early 20th century, the popularity of publications like Frank Leslie’s Boys’ and Girls’ Weekly waned. Nevertheless, it remains a notable example of the innovative and visually engaging approach that characterized Leslie’s contributions to American publishing.
