Back in their heyday, the Associated Press and United Press International used to pick up human interest stories and put them out on the wire for newspapers all over the country to use. These "slice-of-life" stories were often amusing, and sometimes made readers wish they knew more about what caused the event or what happened afterward. Kingstree got its fair share of these stories, and I've collected a half dozen from the 1930s, all of them about animals, ranging from the "ghost" of Paisley Swamp, to two puppies owned by Governor Henry McMaster's grandparents, to Uncle Monty Jacobs' famous pet bear, Tommy.
Deer like these are often seen in the Town of Kingstree.
From the December 15, 1932, The Canandaigua (NY) Daily Messenger:
Foxes Get in The Way
Kingstree, SC (AP) – Foxes are so plentiful in coastal South Carolina this season that deer hunters complain they have difficulty in making drives because the foxes get in the way. Nightly the sonorous fox horn cuts through the air, calling hunters to the chase, but hunters usually return disgusted because the dogs find so many foxes to chase that it is hard to keep them on one trail long enough for the hunt to be a success.
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From the May 26, 1935, Lubbock (TX) Avalanche Journal.
Bear and Puppies Pals
Kingstree, SC (UPI) – Affection of a captive bear for two puppies at the home of M.H. Jacobs recently caused the bruin to spurn liberty. Because of its growth, Jacobs took the bear back to the swamp to set it free. Bur next morning, it was back home, playing with the puppies. Jacobs decided to led it stay.
Tommy the Bear liked his Coca Cola.
Photo Courtesy of Jean M. Martin
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Lawmaker Captures S. Carolina "Ghost"
Kingstree, SC (AP) – G.M. Graham, county legislative representative, has laid the ghost of Paisley Swamp. For years, natives have told stories of a giant snake that inhabited the swamp near here. Its tracks had been seen in the mud. The reptile itself had reportedly been sighted. But it was too big for people to give much credence to. Then Graham, and C.E. McDonald, telegraph office manager, went hunting. Today, Graham placed on exhibit the skin of a fabulous reptile, a rattlesnake which he shot in the swamp. The skin measured 16-feet long and one foot across. It had 48 rattles and one button.
From the April 28, 1936, Florence Morning News.
Paisley Swamp still looks mysterious on a cold January day.
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From the April 28, 1936, Florence Morning News.
Bears Die
Kingstree, SC (AP) – Tommy and Amos, the bears who became civilized, died within two weeks of each other of civilization's ailments. Both were captured in the Santee River swamp two years ago. Tommy was kept here, after a brief stay in the North, and Amos was taken to Elloree. Amos, who belonged to Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Mims of Elloree, died of pneumonia, a disease said often to be fatal to animals in captivity. Tommy developed a diseased jaw and had to be shot by his owner, Monty Jacobs. Both bears had become tame enough to go about unchained at times.
Tommy the Bear with his owner Monty H. Jacobs.
Tommy the Bear with Ike Montgomery.
Both photos above courtesy of Jean M. Martin
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From the June 16, 1936, Florence Morning News.
Fox Terrier Shows G.O.P. Intelligence
Kingstree, SC – "Cuss" and "Sneeze," fox terriers belonging to Dr. and Mrs. John Gregg McMaster, show a remarkable degree of doggish wisdom for their six weeks, but Cuss has quite an edge on his mate. He has learned that in dogdom their are tricks to the trade just as in the world of Man. The two puppies were being fed small chunks of meat one day when it was noticed that Cuss did not tarry when given his share, but scurried around the corner of the house where he apparently devoured his piece in short order and returned for more, just as Sneeze had eaten about half of his. This he did several times getting more than half the meat and much more than his share. (His owners) becoming suspicious, he was followed, and it was found that the tricky little fellow was hiding his beef in a pile out of sight of his mate and had planned a feast all on his own, when the last chunk was gone.
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From the June 6, 1939, The Akron (OH) Beacon Journal.
Cow's Tail Had Strong Grip
Kingstree, SC, (AP) – H.R. Morris, hunting high and low for his missing cow finally discovered Bossy had swished her tail and tied it around a small tree. So secure was the snarl that Morris had to cut down the tree to free the cow.
These cows don't seem in danger of getting their tails wrapped around a tree.
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