We are busy getting ready for shearing on Saturday. The cooler weather has been a great relief to everyone, but the sheep will be quite happy to shed their heavy coats. In the meantime, we thought you might find this story interesting. Our Mom ran across this while doing some research for the church; reading old newspapers on microfiche at the Terra Alta Library.
Warning! It is not for the faint of heart…
Queer Accident
Dr. Potter Nearly Loses His Life Shearing Sheep.
On Monday while Dr. W. R. Potter, who resides on the old homestead, a mile from Kingwood, was shearing a sheep, the animal suddenly kicked, struck the shears, and knocked them out of the Doctor’s hands. They went over his head, struck a beam above, and the Doctor dodged them with his head, they came down and the blade entered the calf of his leg, and made a deep and horrible gash, severing an artery and a vein. The Doctor held on the the struggling sheep, unaware of the seriousness of his hurt; but presently, feeling his boot full of blood, he had it pulled off, and tried to stop the flow. Feeling himself weak, he sent the little boy who was with him to the house for help. His sisters came, but before they could get the blood stopped, Dr. Potter bled at least a gallon. He was removed to the house, and before surgical aid could be gotten, he had a spasm and became flighty. The Doctor came near bleeding to death, and it was some time before reaction set in. He is now getting along as well as could be expected.
~ from an 1888 Preston County newspaper (perhaps the Kingwood Chronicle?)
In other news, on that same page…
Wanted at I. Armstrong & Co.’s, Bruceton, W. Va. – 100,000 Lbs. Wool.
(presumably for the woolen mill that was located there)
Alright… after all that excitement… we will now return to our regularly scheduled programming…
pretty sheep pictures.
Intereting article and wonderful pictures. I would love to have such neighbours. Thank you for sharing.
I love the second photo of the sheep with heavy eye lids, looking as though they are ready to nod-off to sleep.
I love the photos…but the article was great! I love reading old newspaper clippings – they had such a different style of writing then. Not sensationalism, just factual writing, with opinions thrown in! Great find!
Your site is always a joy to visit. The photos are great and keep me living in my own little farm land 🙂 Not envying your sheering experience on Sat LOL
I'll be waiting for the photos of the shearing process. I hope it's not to hard on the new mamas–or the shearers!
yikes, beware of kicking sheep…
I can't wait for Saturday. We will be leaving right after the morning milking. We will see you soon.