Dog Trial
New Ipswich Historical Society
Marion Davis Audio-Tape Transcriptions
Sometime before her death in 1986, Marion Davis recorded her memories at the encouragement of her brother, Walter Buck. The recordings were transcribed by a secretary.
The Friends of Wapack have made these available to the Historical Society. Marion was born on February 8, 1894 in Fitchburg, MA.
Buckskin Ellsworth (what a name)
Some men told us to dispose of the dogs but just before we got rid of that affair we had to take the dogs over to a trial in Peterborough--a hearing. So Buckskin Ellsworth came over to the farm --the dogs were his and he wanted them back. I told him he'd have to go to the town of New Ipswich if he wanted his dogs. We sent a bill to the town for the sheep that were killed--14 of them. I had paid $25 apiece for those sheep, but no, they wouldn't give me but $20 dollars. That's all I got out of it. After that I was determined I wasn't going to be beat.
Photo Archives
I believe Marion is second woman from left
James Roger diary entry - Pullets 25
15th January 1913
Hard frost; 18 above zero; wind southwesterly; clouding over in afternoon, threatening rain or snow. David and Daniel chopping round the top field, and they filled in Searles’ grave in the afternoon. I went to Mail and got letter from Tele. Co. asking opinion of service. Got Hall ready for lecture tonight. Daniel fixed the clocks by giving them a kerosene bath. Pullets 25.
This is one wild animal show of Buckskin's that should not succeed. Count me in with the sheep.
Buckskin Ellsworth was known in the Boston area for his animal shows in the early 30s. He collected and trained wild animals including a bear that had severely bitten him. He also adopted wolves and wild dogs. Since wages for road maintenance in New Ipswich were $2/day (that's what my father earned) $20 was 10 days labor. I admire Buckskin but have to take the side of the sheep in this situation.