Early California Assemblyman's Encounter with a Six-Foot Tall, Fur-Covered Creature

In a recent video from the YouTube channel Grave Time, host Brian takes us on a journey to Woodland, California, located in Yolo County. The video, titled "1891 RUMSEY BIGFOOT SIGHTING," explores the grave of James Kenson Smith, a well-known citizen who had an encounter with a "wild man" in 1891, an event documented by the Woodland Daily Democrat. James Kenson Smith was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1831 and passed away in Woodland, California, in 1910. During his lifetime, he lived an adventurous life, moving from Virginia to Glasgow, Missouri, at the age of eight, and later heading westward to California with three other neighborhood boys when he was 18. He became a member of the Freemasonry, a California citizen, and a state assemblyman for 10 years. He also owned two grocery stores, a furniture store, and was a local undertaker. In Woodland, he continued his Freemasonry and joined the Odd Fellows, among other fraternal organizations. He was a member of the Christian church and was well-known and well-liked within his community. The video focuses on an encounter Mr. Smith had with a "wild man" while hunting near Rumsey, California, in 1891. According to the Woodland Daily Democrat, Mr. Smith and a party of hunters were above Rumsey when he heard a peculiar noise coming from an oak tree. Upon looking up, he saw what appeared to be a man clothed in a suit of shaggy fur. Believing it to be a wild man, Mr. Smith attempted to communicate with the creature, but it only responded with grunts of unmistakable anger. The creature then began to trot along the ground as a dog or any other animal would do. Upon seeing the "monstrosity," Mr. Smith and his companions decided to go in search of the creature. They soon came upon it, and the animal began to devour the contents of Mr. Smith's game bag. An effort was made to set the dogs upon it, but they crouched at their masters' heels and gave vent to the most piteous whines. The creature then fled to the undergrowth, and the hunters gave chase. They soon gained upon the strange beast, which then turned and began to beat its breast with its hairy fists. The hunters, realizing they had a creature with the strength of a gorilla to contend with, beat a hasty retreat to Camp. The video is a fascinating look into the history of Bigfoot sightings and encounters. While the term "Bigfoot" did not exist until 1958, and the term "Sasquatch" was a First Nations terminology out of British Columbia, the concept of a "wild man" or "hairy man" has been present in various cultures throughout history. This particular encounter, documented in the Woodland Daily Democrat, provides a unique glimpse into the history of such sightings and the impact they had on those who experienced them. The video is a captivating exploration of a piece of history that has been largely forgotten. It serves as a reminder that the search for Bigfoot is not just a modern phenomenon, but something that has captured the imaginations of people for centuries. Whether you are a seasoned Bigfoot researcher or a casual enthusiast, this video is sure to provide a fascinating look into the history of Bigfoot sightings and encounters. If you're interested in learning more about this particular encounter, be sure to check out the link to the article from bigfootencounters.com in the video description. And, as always, keep an eye out for future videos from Grave Time, as Brian continues to explore the fascinating world of cemeteries, lost landmarks, and California history.