The following is excerpted from W. C. Dodrills "Moccasins Tracks and Other Imprints", P71./ Descendant: Dave (Who wishes he could have hunted with George) --- George Mollohan and Joshua Stephenson were devotees of the chase when great portions of Webster and Braxton Counties were a part of Nicholas. Mast very seldom failed and game of all kinds was plentiful and in prime condition. These two men were brothers in law and spent much of there time in the woods.... Stephenson was not renowned for his bravery, but he was a very good hunter. These two men, in the month of November went to the head of Little Birch (River) to hunt. They had not hunted very long until a large bear was wounded. They thought they would make him furnish his own transportation up a very steep mountain. By throwing stones and barking like a dog, they drove him before them. When he showed fight, they let him rest for a while. In this way they reached the top of the mountain. Their surprise and chagrin can hardly be imagined when the bear suddenly vanished from their sight as if by magic. On investigation it was found that the bear had entered a cave, or den, where bears had been in the habit of hibernation during the winter. Mollohan at once began preparation to follow bruin into the subterranean cavern. He made a pine torch and told Stephenson to shoot the bear when he drove him out. There was a short turn about twenty-five feet from the entrance to the cave and in turning the angle the hunter was greeted with an angry growl. Before he could shoot the bear was upon him, and the torch was extinguished. There was not sufficient room for the bear to pass, and before Mollohan could reach the outer world, he was almost killed. There was scarcely an ounce of sound skin ion his entire body. The flow of blood down his forehead almost blinded him. His clothing was torn to shreds. When Stephenson heard the fight begin, he became so frightened that he ran some distance and climbed a tall tree. It is needless to say that the bear made good his escape. Mollohan was carried home by sympathizing neighbors and lay in bed for a year. He went into the cave the following autumn and retrieved his hunting rifle. He, afterwards moved to Braxton County and cleared a large far, becoming one of the best farmers in the community in which he lived.
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