Forepaugh Elephant "Chief" Shot and later killed at Winter Quarters - on Lehigh - The National Police Gazette 3 Nov 1888 - Phila. Inquirer December 17, 1888

AN ELEPHANT IN A RAGE.

(Subject of Illustration,)

"Chief," Adam Forepaugh's ponderous elephant, which ranks next to Bolivar, the largest in size in captivity, lies probably fatally wounded under the covering of the winter quarters, Edgemont avenue, above Lehigh avenue, Philadelphia, Pa;, from twenty-five rifle shots which were fired into his body the other evening and he had broken loose from Bolivar while being taken out of the cars. Chief created a panic among the employees of the circus when he got away from his companion, and was not brought into submissions until he had knocked down nearly a dozen men and smashed many chairs and benches. 

(Foreshadowing above in Police Gazette story of pending end to Chief, w/ this October 18 incident mentioned below in page one story of Philadelphia Inquirer December 17, 1888.)

BIG CHIEF BOWSTRUNG.

The Great Elephant Strangled by His Own Tribe.

 YOUNG FOREPAUGH  EXECUTIONER.

A Noose About the Vicious Animal's Neck Drawn Tight by Bismarck and Basil, and Death Comes in Twenty Seconds.

Big Chief, the "Jekyll" and "Mr. Hyde," at the Forepough Show, perhaps like most vicious and violent and, at times, docile and affectionate elephant in captivity, met a tragic death yesterday afternoon at the winter quarters of the great circus, at Lehigh avenue and Edgemont street. He met death as no other elephant ever met death before. He was strangled, and the noose, circled his neck, was drawn so tight the rope was almost hidden in his hide by chains which two elephants, Bismark and Basil nailed to deadly tautness  at the command of Adam Forepaugh, Jr., the intrepid and daring trainer and manager. 

Chief was killed in self-defense, although his death was only a matter of a short time, and Mr. Forepaugh hit upon this novel way of saving life and property, while the employees of the headquarters were trembling in fear at another threatened outbreak. 

Chief, it will be remembered, shortly after his arrival home from the road, pulled up the stakes to which he was held by chains and started on a wild rampage. This was on October 18, and before he was again secured Mountain Bill, the cowboy, had buried sixteen bullets from a Winchester rifle into the animal's hide. Though literally covered with blood the elephant did not appear to suffer from the wounds. 

Electricity Was to Have Been Employed. 

Owing to his growing viciousness, it was determined to kill him, and the plan adopted by the Robinson Brothers is Cincinnati the other day of taking the life of their elephant, which was also named Chief, was to have been resorted to. The Forepaughs were to have killed their Chief after the first of the year, but when yesterday the animal began his wild trumpeting and restless shaking of head and continued swaying of his body, the keepers were filled with alarm. Word was sent to young Forepaugh, who, taking in the situation at a glance, determined that Chief was set upon mischief and that if something was not done to cripple him rifle bullets could not check his course if once he broke loose. Ordering the release of Bismark and Basil he had them harnessed as though to draw a wagon.

Jumping on Chief's back himself, Mr. Forepaugh encircled the animal's neck and rested on the soft flesh just behind the ears the noose, which he had made of stout rope about half inch in thickness and fifteen feet long. 

The ends of the rope were tied to the chains attached to the harness on the other elephants, and as Mr. Forepaugh gave the word, Bismark and Basil started in opposite directions as deliberately as though they were drawing gaudily painted chariots. 

As the noose tightened Chief's mouth flew open, his trunk shot out straight as a yard stick, and then, without the proverbial dull thud of the sheriff's gallows, the great elephant dropped in a heap, strangled to death. 

Mr. Charles A Davis, business manager of the Forepaugh show, said last night that in exactly twenty seconds after Mr- Forepaugh gave the executioner's signal the monster pachyderm was dead. This happened at about 4 o'clock is the afternoon. 

Chief was purchased by Adam Forepaugh is Hamburg about nine years ago from Carl Hagendach, the celebrated animal dealer. He was then fourteens years old and was prized for his intelligence and healthy and handsome appearance. 

As was anticipated, Chief readily performed the tricks he was taught, but a few years ago his dangerous temper began to show itself and it was necessary to take him off the bills as a special performer and keep him well chained. He was always closely watched, the guard being doubled since his outbreak of last fall. 

Mr. Davis states that the elephant's body will be shipped to the University of Pennsylvania this morning. Dr. Joseph Leidy will dissect the body and the hide will be stuffed and the skeleton mounted. 



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