The Marblehead Divine and the Fierce Bull

1895

An uncomfortable experience which befell Parson Bartlett, a Unitarian minister, some years ago, used to be related by his clerical brethren with a good deal of glee. The parson had been invited to exchange pulpits with a clergyman in Salem, and it being a delightful Sunday in the spring the parson walked across the fields from his home in Marblehead, starting early enough in the morning to be on time when the hour for service arrived. The congregation assembled at the usual time, but no minister appeared. Minutes passed into a half hour, and from that into an hour, and it began to be apparent that there would be no services that morning. Just as the congregation was about to disperse the parson arrived. He was covered with mud from head to feet. His coat was torn, his hat battered, and a telltale streak on his shirt front exposed his darling vice of chewing tobacco.

An explanation was in order and was given. While the parson was sauntering leisurely along, enjoying the bracing morning air and the picturesque views, thinking now and then of the points in his sermon, he heard a bellowing behind him, and, looking around, saw a belligerent bull, with his nostrils dilated and his tail in the air, rushing directly for him. The parson ran for a wall near by and jumped into the next field. But the bull was not to be eluded in that way. He was over as soon as his clerical victim. The parson jumped over the wall again into the field he had left, but The bull was there before he was. In this way they kept up the jumping and running, first over one wall, then over another, until by scaling a fence the parson reached the open road. The bull was thus brought to a standstill and ran off snorting defiance. Parson Bartlett, exhausted with his unwonted exertion, bruised and sore in every limb, made his way as best he could to Salem. — Boston Globe.

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.