Democratic Sentinel, Volume 2, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 July 1878 — A Girl’s Fight with a Rattlesnake. [ARTICLE]

A Girl’s Fight with a Rattlesnake.

One day last week, Miss Mary Fleshman, daughter of Mr. Perry Fleshman, living two miles east of Platte City, had a thrilling adventure with a rattlesnake. She was riding on horseback along through the woods, when she dropped her glove. She dismounted to secure it, and, as she was stooping to pick it up, she discovered a large rattlesnake at least six feet leng, coiled and in the act of striking. It did strike, but failed to reach her and fell at her feet She sprung back with a cry of horror, but almost instantly the snake recoiled and struck again. This time the venomous fangs struck in the front part of her bonnet, and, the hold tearing out with the force of the blow and the weight of the snake, it fell on tfie ground at her feet. Instantly it reared up in front of her, its venomous breath right in her face. Scarcely knowing what she did, she seized the snake just below the head with both hands, and, holding for a moment, with desperate energy she slung it from her and fled. It was a narrow escape, but we are rejoiced to say that Miss Fleshman sustained no other injuries than those which result from violent excitement and nervous prostration.— Platte City {Mo.) Landmark.