Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 49, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 August 1895 — Killed By a Vicious Bull [ARTICLE]

Killed By a Vicious Bull

Louis Rich, an old and most respected resident of the north part of Jasper county, and an ex-trustee of Wheatfield Tp., but more lately living in Kankakee Tp., was killed by a vicious bull on Tuesday of last week. He had gone to drive his cows up, for the evening’s milking, and the bull, a big Durham, belonging to his son, Peter Rich, who lived not far away, was along with the cows. The animal was known to be very vicious and Peter the owner, who saw his father approaching the place where the bull was, hurried to get there first, fearing it would attack the old gentleman* He also tried to warn his father, by calling to him, but without effect. The bull savagely attacked the old gentleman, and though he had been dehorned, he knocked Mr. Rich down, and crushed him with his powerful head. His son arrived and with a heavy oak club succeeding in beating the bull away for a short time, and Peter then

tried to get his father to and through the fence, as a place of safety. Theold man begged his son to go away, and save himself, as he was hurt to death, and * the bull was sure to return and attack the son. This proved true and a most terrific battle between Peter and the bull took place. Peter faced the infuriated brute and pounded him with his chib, but in backing away to avoid the bull’s lunges, Peter’s foot struck an obstruction and he fell upon his back. The bull was upon him in a second, and his escape from death was a marvel; but the bull thrust his head into the ground instead of hitting Peter, and the latter crawled between the bull’s legs and got up. The bull charged again and tossed Peter in the air. He. struck on his feet, and continued the fight, and finally by a blow on the back of the animal’s head, he succeeded in putting him to flight. Peter though greatly injured himself then succeeded in dragging his father to the fence. He then summoned help, and his father was taken home, but he was so greatly injured that he died at 10 o’clock that same evening.

The unquenchable ferocity of the bull was shown by his returning and trying to get through the wire fence to attack the old man again, as he ■fey® the ground. And it lingered about the spot, tillparties came with a gun and gave him two loads of shot, one of which shot an eye out. A big dog was then set on the bull, and threw him twice, but even then the bull returned to the spot, in an evident search for the object of his firstattack. The next day the bull was shot and killed;Hpme thing which ought to have been done weeks before, for he had already attacked and and seriously injured another man. Peter Rich was severely but not dangerously injured during his fight with the bull. He showed great courage and most commendible devotion to his father, in remaining to fight the animal, instead of saving himself as he might have done.