“Harvey Ploof got four more,” from Times reporter John Cotton in 1946
Thanks to Steve Cotton, great grandson of the author and relative of Ploof
Harvey Ploof of Adrian is the acknowledged rattlesnake killer of Steuben county. For years he has killed or taken alive anywhere from 30 to 50 rattlers.
Sunday was a fair day for Harvey. He went up the creek back of Hartlo Athertons and captured 4 rattlesnakes all around 4 feet long. He took them home alive. He had 3 others at home, but killed them.
The Times reporter asked John L. Cotton how Ploof manages to take these snakes alive: “Well, I don’t just know, except that he grabs them up and puts them in a box.”
It is a simple method—anybody can do it, too, if they follow these directions—only watch out that you don’t get bit.
But Harvey wasn’t satisfied with 4 snakes, Sunday. Two snakes, big fellows, got away. Instead of standing their ground they put on full speed and disappeared under the rocks before Ploof could grab them.
Ploof has hunted rattlesnakes for years and has killed a large number. Last year he “grabbed up” and killed 54.
Love history? Check out these two online estate auctions, both close this week so register to bid today!! Tap on the sale to get started:
