There is a story in south-eastern New England told to most
children/youngsters about one of the great pioneers of the area
and his bold courage, and as its being in New England, ends with
a bizarre twist. The story is of Israel Putnam, a brave fighter
and national hero and a wolf defending its life. I believe it to
be one of the most amazing accounts I’ve heard in recent years
of researching the history of southern New England. Especially
the “wolf jubilee” that was held afterward. Here is the full
story as is known…. “Israel Putnam moved to Connecticut from
Massachusetts in 1740 at the age of 22. He had been living upon
his farm two or more years when an incident occurred which was
destined to be always closely associated with his name. This was
the wolf hunt in the winter of 1742-43. A she-wolf caused Putnam
and some of the other settlers great loss by preying upon their
sheepfolds. She had repeatedly eluded the hunters, although they
were successful in killing most of her young. She frequently
returned fro