Le Roy Cow Abduction
Farmer Alexander Hamilton swore in an affidavit that he witnessed a cigar-shaped airship steal one of his cows with a rope. The story became famous before being revealed as a tall tale.
The First Cattle Mutilation?
On April 19, 1897, during the Great Airship Wave, Kansas farmer Alexander Hamilton submitted a sworn affidavit claiming an airship crew used a rope to steal one of his cows—a story that became famous before being revealed as a hoax.
The Story
Hamilton claimed:
- Strange airship appeared
- Over his farm
- Rope dropped
- Cow lifted away
- Witnesses present
The Affidavit
Signed by:
- Hamilton
- Ten prominent citizens
- Attesting to character
- Published widely
- Seemed credible
The Details
According to Hamilton:
- Cigar-shaped craft
- About 300 feet long
- Crew visible
- Strange language
- Cow stolen
The Carcass
Hamilton said:
- Found cow’s hide
- And legs
- Next day
- Miles away
- Apparently butchered
Widespread Publication
The story:
- Reprinted nationally
- Famous during wave
- Cited for decades
- Early cattle mutilation?
- Influential account
The Liars Club
1977 revelation:
- Hamilton belonged to
- Yuma Liar’s Club
- Known for tall tales
- Admitted hoax
- Story debunked
Historical Significance
Despite being hoax:
- Influenced cattle mutilation lore
- Part of Airship Wave
- Shows how stories spread
- Historical importance
- Early UFO culture
The Affidavit Problem
Prominent citizens:
- May have been in on joke
- Small town humor
- Collective tall tale
- Fooled researchers
- For decades
Lessons Learned
The case shows:
- Importance of investigation
- Affidavits not proof
- Historical context matters
- Hoaxes exist
- Critical thinking needed
Significance
A famous hoax from the Airship era that influenced cattle mutilation lore and demonstrates the importance of careful investigation.
Legacy
The Le Roy incident serves as a cautionary tale about accepting sworn statements uncritically, while also showing how hoaxes can influence UFO mythology.