At 85 Trapper Tramps Trails of His Youth

Scott Boyer, Descendent of Pioneers, Still Lives in Locality of His Birth

(By Mrs. Addle Boom in the Portland Review)

Scott Boyer, 85 years of age, Is one of the oldest, If not the oldest operating trapper in Michigan. He is a descendant of pioneers of Eaton county, and has trapped along the streams near the southern boundary of Danby township for 74 years.

Short, stockily built, with eyes as bright and keen as those of a man of 50, Mr. Boyer modestly tells of supporting himself by raising a big garden, specializing in melons (many of which he gives away) and of doing chores on a small farm. He catches fur bearing animals each season and his trapping efforts usually net him $100 per season. Mr. Boyer has also killed about 100 deer in his day, having hunted in northern Michigan for 32 seasons. He discontinued the latter sport several years ago. Mr. Boyer has never applied for an old-age pension, insisting he can still well take care of himself.

Mr. Boyer recalls the days when wolves were common in his neighborhood, and as he recalls it now, the wolf was the only animal of which he ever had any fear.

In his many years of trapping, this pioneer's best luck came about 10 winters ago, when on a single day he collected two mink pelts and one muskrat pelt from his trap line. He made $21 from this sale. Experience has taught Mr. Boyer that the muskrat is the easiest animal to catch, while the sly fox is the hardest.

Mr. Boyer, always cordial and entertaining, displays a certain dignity which nearly all out-door men possess. He makes no wise cracks about being "85 years young," but did confide to the writer that he was going to trap next season, over the same old trails lie has followed since days of his youth.

Winfield Scott was living in Roxand when his mother died in 1910.

Services were held at the Methodist Church in Mulliken, Michigan. Rev Fred Schaenzlin officiated. Scott died of coronary thrombosis.