Albert Tavenner and the Leopard


Dad, Robert Tavenner, always had stories that he shared with us.  Some about his life, and others about his family.  One that I remember from very early was about his Dad shooting a leopard in rural Vermilion county with a rifle he still had.  The printed version, and the oral version from Dad don't match up exactly but the facts are that Grandpa killed a leopard on a farm using his excellent shooting and hunting skills. Uncle Tom, Dad's younger brother, also told us the story with a few more details.


Albert Tavenner with his Remington
Model 12 chambered in .22 WRF
 and the leopard

Here's the story as I remember it.  There was a circus train that was passing through Ellis, a small town in western Vermilion County, Illinois, when a leopard somehow escaped.  The leopard became a problem in that area as it was raiding the farms and killing animals.  The local farmers asked Grandpa to kill the animal because he was a very good shot as well as good hunter.  At the time he was working as a farm hand for George Hayes.  Ironically at the same time this occurred was when he signed up for the WWI draft, so we know a few more details about him.  

One day Grandpa was contacted and told that the leopard was in a chicken coup.  He went to the farm and shot it.  Dad identified the man helping hold up the leopard with Grandpa as a Mr. Blackford.  There was a farmer by that name that didn't live far from Ellis by the name Wesley Blackford. I can only assume it was him.  I can't even imagine the courage it took to face this animal.

Afterwards the leopard was taken to Danville to a furrier where the hide was removed and preserved.  The hide was sold at public auction on the steps of the Vermilion County Courthouse.  The proceeds were donated to help veterans.  A doctor bought the hide and had it made into a coat for his wife.

Mr. Blackford and Albert Tavenner

The story in the newspapers is a bit different.  Walter Andrews lived in Butler Township, Vermilion County. I've not yet been able to find where he lived exactly.  As for the pistol, I recall Dad talking about a revolver that Grandpa owned.  It was either a .32 or a .38, if I remember correctly.

Grandpa would soon marry, Ada Flora Banks, of Paxton.  They would farm in the same area of Vermilion County northeast of Ellis, where Dad would be born in 1921.


Grandpa shot the leopard with a Remington Model 12 rifle chambered in .22 WRF.  It is a little more high powered round than the standard .22 LR. Somewhat equivalent to the .22 Magnum. My brother now has the rifle.




Location: Armstrong, IL 61812, USA

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