A Grizzly Bear and an Answer to Prayer by Laurette Platt

With the celebration of Pioneer Days, the reflection of inspiring stories from past relatives came into my mind and a desire to share those sweet tales with my grandchildren. So I preceded to relate the adventure my Grandpa Fredrick Hamblin had with a grizzly bear upon a high mountain in Alpine.

To prepare them for this introduction to this brave relative, we got into the minivan and traveled to the beautiful town of Alpine itself. Before reaching the cemetery to find his grave, and see the mountain where the bear lived, we, of course, stopped at the Lollipop Shop for nourishment and refreshment. With suckers in hand and taffy and chocolate in the bag, we found the quaint cemetery hidden among the pines. It was delightful to watch the children run from headstone to headstone as we located Grandpa Hamblin's grave and so many of our dear relatives. They were thrilled to become acquainted with these great people and laughed and squealed with joy as each person was found. We finally set upon the ground, tired and happy with our candy in tow as I began the tale of their great, great, great grandpa. I thought you as readers would enjoy this story as well. It is an inspiration to all who hear it of great faith and perseverance.

Grandpa Hamblin was one of two men who purchased the entire Alpine Valley. He is brother to Jacob Hamblin, the famous tracker and missionary to the Indians. Grandpa had also served as a missionary along with Jacob and was equal in his ability to track and hunt. After the acquisition of the land, Frederick moved his family to the beautiful mountains and began his trade as a rancher and farmer. He was married to Frances Jane Prudum, and they had a happy and prosperous life in the lovely white mountains.

One early winter morning, Grandpa arose to begin his chores. After feeding and checking on the water, he noticed a dead calf in one of his fields. Upon further investigation, he saw bear tracks - Grizzly Bear tracks - all around the dead animal! His heart sank within his chest as he knew the bear would be back for more cattle. He resolved upon a stratagem right then. He would track the bear and kill it. The predator would be gone, and they would have bear meat for the winter as well as a warm winter coat. 

He got his trusted horse, Lucky, his best gun, and food for the day. After bidding the family he loved so much goodbye, he began his journey of tracking the huge animal. The trail led him up one of the tall mountains surrounding the beautiful valley, but Grandpa Hamblin had no success the whole day. He was led on a merry goose chase all over that mountain without a trace of that bear. The day was going quickly, and Frederick realized he would have to head home soon.  Tired and discouraged, he sat on a log to rest, with Lucky by his side. After a few minutes, he heard a rustle behind him in the bushes. As he turned to look, a horrible site caught his eyes. The grizzly bear was upon him, standing to his fullest height and ready to attack. Grandpa had no time to load his gun before the animal was upon him. He instead used the gun to deliver blows to the bear's head and down his throat. It stopped the attack for a minute, and, in the process, knocked out several of the bear's teeth. Alas, it was not long before the bear was upon him, ready to destroy his life. Grandpa was a strong and healthy man so was able to defend himself for some time. In the fight, the bear lost two claws off one paw and three off of the other. As time wore on, though, it became evident that the Grizzly was winning. Frederick became weak from the loss of so much blood and began to realize the bear was killing him. At that point, he began to pray fervently for God's help. As he prayed, a distinct thought came into his mind. He was told to fall to the ground and not to move. He must lay as still as possible, as if he were already dead. Grandpa immediately did as the spirit instructed him to do. As soon as he fell, the bear stopped the work of destruction and got down on all fours. He then began to circle Grandpa Hamblin, sniffing him as he went and nudging him with his nose. After several minutes, the bear ran off into the forest, and Grandpa was left alone with his wounds.

He lay for a long time in shock and gratitude that he was yet alive. He was finally able to, by the grace of God, pull himself up and get onto his valiant horse. He lay across the horse’s back and prayed for a safe return to the cabin.  Lucky was a true and steady horse and was able to make his way down the mountain and back home without losing Grandpa to the ground. It was way after dark when they rode into the homestead. Jane and the children had been praying fervently as well and watching and hoping. As he came to the cabin, they ran out but could not recognize him as he was covered in blood! It was a cold night, and they quickly got him inside, scared and yet overjoyed that he was safe. They made a bed by the roaring fire and began the process of cleaning his wounds while providing hot soup and drink to nourish his depleted body. It took six months for Frederick to walk again and recover. For the first month all he could say was the word "bear" over and over again.

When spring finally came, two hunters visited Grandpa at the cabin. They had interesting news for him. They had been upon the mountain when they came upon a bear that had died. As they inspected it, they realized it was a grizzly and was missing a great number of teeth as well as two claws on one paw and three on the other. They knew it was the bear he had fought, and Grandpa confirmed that for them. The bear must have starved to death with few teeth left and no claws. After they left, Grandpa again knelt in prayer to thank Heavenly Father for saving his life and answering his prayer. Frederick fathered 17 children, established the town of Alpine, and served God all his days.

May this great story touch your family as it has ours for so many years. May it give you hope in the power of prayers and the inspirational whisperings of the spirit. God bless you all!