It is related that Henry Troyer once came to Shank’s mill early in the morning to get a bag of flour. He had no money and Shank refused to give him credit. He then asked if he could exchange a bearskin for flour.
“Certainly” replied Shank, “but when did you kill the bear?”
“I haven’t killed him yet, but if you give me the flour, as sure as I’m alive I’ll bring the skin here before evening.”
The miller trusted to Troyer’s word and gave the flour. Troyer lived up to his agreement and returned with a bearskin the same day, exclaiming, as he handed it over to Shank,
“Now Betsey and I are all right! We have a good supply of bread and bear meat.”
(Source: History of Bedford, Somerset & Fulton Counties, PA; 1884)
About Author
