WOLF DAYS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 97 



XIX, called "The Black Wolf of Oak Valley." As 

 the story in question happened within the past twenty 

 years, it was found necessary to alter and disguise 

 names of persons and places. Still there are many 

 who will penetrate this veil and can gather more infor- 

 mation upon the subject if interested. It appears that 

 a notorious mountain character,, who was "wanted" 

 by the authorities on several charges, barricaded him- 

 self in his log cabin home, resisting arrest. The house 

 was set on fire, but rather than fall into the hands of 

 his enemies the fellow cut his throat and fell back 

 into the flames. Shortly after this a black wolf was 

 noticed running in and out of the oak-wood where he 

 was buried. Hunting parties were organized, but the 

 wolf, despite its boldness, could not be shot. A re- 

 puted ^witch was appealed to, who advised that the out- 

 law's body be taken from the oak grove and interred 

 in the cemetery of a religious denomination, beside 

 the grave of his mother. This was done, and the 

 black wolf was seen no more. Going back a hundred 

 years, there is the story of Mrs. Mike McClure, of 

 Wayne Township, Clinton County. This estimable 

 woman had gone to a neighbor's to borrow a Dutch 

 oven. Having secured it, and on her way home, she 

 stopped to talk with a friend, Mrs. Jake Simcox, who 

 resided on the bank of the river. She heard a scraping 

 sound by her side, and looking around saw the head of 

 a brown wolf appearing from a pile of rocks. Quick 

 as a flash she seized the Dutch oven, which had on the 

 top an iron circular handle, and bringing it down 



