ALDERSON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – In the fall of 1890, Alderson eagerly welcomed the arrival of a renowned traveling circus known as the French & Company’s Great Railroad Show.
As fate would have it, during their stay, an extraordinary event unfolded when the show’s lioness gave birth to a litter of three cubs.
However, the circus faced a dilemma as they lacked the space and resources required to care for the newborns.
In a twist of fate, Susan Bebout, the wife of a local blacksmith, happened to be near the river where the cubs were slated to meet an unfortunate fate. Being a compassionate soul, she intervened and offered to adopt the cubs herself.
Taking one cub for herself, she generously distributed the others among fellow townspeople. Fondly, Bebout named her adopted cub French, in honor of the circus proprietor.
To ensure the well-being of her newfound companion, Bebout provided French with a warm and nurturing environment. She lovingly wrapped him in a cozy red flannel and placed him alongside her domestic cat in a makeshift bed fashioned from a soap box.
Although the other lion cubs unfortunately perished, French thrived under Bebout’s care, rapidly growing to a remarkable weight of over 150 pounds by the following summer.
French’s spirited nature often led him to escape the confines of the Bebouts’ backyard, meandering freely through the streets of Alderson. Remarkably docile and unobtrusive, he approached people silently, pressing against their legs and gently nudging them with his head.
While French never caused harm to anyone, the residents began to voice concerns about his presence, prompting the city council to implement a leash ordinance specifically for lions. Astonishingly, this legislation remains in effect to this day, an enduring testament to the captivating tale of French.
In 1891, the Bebouts made the difficult decision to part ways with French, ultimately selling him to the newly established National Zoological Park in Washington. French took up residence at the park on September 12, 1891, becoming the first African lion to grace its grounds.
He quickly won the hearts of visitors with his majestic presence and captivating demeanor. However, in May 1894, French was traded to the renowned Barnum and Bailey Circus, where he spent the remainder of his life as one of the celebrated attractions of “The Greatest Show on Earth.”
The tale of French, from his humble beginnings in Alderson to his stardom in the world of circus entertainment, remains an enchanting chapter in the town’s history.
While time may have dimmed the memories of his presence, the legacy of this extraordinary lion lives on as a testament to the enduring bond between humans and the majestic creatures that inhabit our world.