Martin Scott and the Bear - Part 1

Young Martin Scott — A Three Part Series

At a young age of twelve, Martin Scott living in Bennington, Vermont, faced an extraordinary adventure when a bear began terrorizing local farmers by attacking their sheep. The townspeople were understandably alarmed. The fear escalated to the point where several communities organized a group hunt to track down the savage intruder. Scott was eager to join in on the thrilling event but knew that his father would disapprove of his participation.

Determined, he rose before dawn on the designated day, quietly took an old smooth-bore gun from his father’s collection, and ventured into the mountains alone, where the bear was last seen. Despite wandering nearly all day without any signs of the creature, fate intervened as he descended the mountain. He stumbled upon the bear lying asleep beneath a rocky outcrop. With quick reflexes, he aimed his gun and shot, successfully killing the beast.

Martin Scott and the Bear

Excited to share his news, Scott made his way to the tavern where other hunters gathered to recount their own experiences. To his dismay, they were skeptical of his claim; after all, it was hard to believe that such a small boy could take down such a fearsome animal. Yet, with persistence, he convinced some of them to accompany him back to the site of the kill.

Upon arrival, the hunters were astonished at what they found—a massive bear lying at the feet of this brave young lad. They fashioned a sturdy stretcher to transport the creature back into town. As they entered the village, they placed Scott atop the bear and paraded him through the streets in triumph. When they passed by his father’s house, his father emerged with a stern demeanor, demanding to know what his son was doing up there. The men quickly interjected, explaining that Martin had indeed killed the bear.

This remarkable event not only showcased Scott’s bravery but also turned into a celebratory occasion at the tavern where everyone honored his daring feat. After this day, Scott was nicknamed the “Bear-Hunter.” Randolph Marcy claimed that Martin Scott often stated that day was the happiest day of his life.

______________________________________________________

Author Randolph Barnes Marcy (April 9, 1812 – November 22, 1887) was also an officer in the United States Army, chiefly noted for his frontier guidebook, the Prairie Traveler (1859) which became a key handbook for thousands of Americans wanting to cross the continent. General Marcy also prepared two volumes of reminiscences, Thirty Years of Army Life on the Border (1866) and Border Reminiscences (1872), which contain many stories about Texas. Marcy’s Thirty Years of Army Life on the Border - Chapter XIV told tales of Captain Martin Scott, namesake of Fort Martin Scott in Fredericksburg, Texas.

en.wikipedia.org_wiki_Randolph_B._Marcy

Cited: Excerpts from Thirty Years of Army Life on the Border -Chapter XIV

by Randolph Barnes Marcy, U.S. Army Inspector General, Retired

(Stories retold/modernized English)