Adventurous Minister Shows Bull Who's Boss

1904

Taming a Bull

The Rev. Elijah Kellogg was a most unconventional minister. There are many stories of his daring on sea and land. So undaunted was he that his influence over sailors and other men of adventurous life was very great.

When he was settled at Harpswell he had on his farm a bull that had become exceedingly trying and even dangerous to visitors, who liked to take a short cut across the pasture. The bull, said Mr. Kellogg, must be disciplined and taught some slight respect for humankind.

He therefore harnessed the animal to the front wheels of a heavy cart, preparatory to driving him over the road and showing him who was master. But before the guiding ropes had been adequately arranged the bull took to the woods in a mad rush, leaving fragments of the cartwheels and harness on his trail.

The little minister was not to be outdone. The next day at flood tide he lured the bull to the end of the wharf by a tempting display of fodder and, watching his opportunity, shoved him into the hay. Then he jumped astride his back and with the prowess of a "broncho buster" thrust his head under water until the creature was conquered. Thereafter he was a law abiding beast.