Nat Foster facts for kids
Nathaniel "Nat" Foster Jr. (born June 30, 1766 – died March 14, 1840) was a famous hunter and trapper. He explored the Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York. Many people believe he was the real-life inspiration for a character named "Natty Bumppo" in books by James Fenimore Cooper.
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Nat Foster's Early Life and Family
Nat Foster was born in 1766 in Hinsdale, New Hampshire. At that time, this area was mostly wilderness. When he was about ten years old, his father joined the Continental Army. His father fought in the American Revolution.
Nat's mother, Nathaniel, and his five brothers and sisters stayed home. They had to take care of themselves. In 1782, his father came home. The family decided to move west into New York. They settled near Fish House, New York, north of Johnstown.
Marriage and Hunting Life
When Nat Foster was around 23 or 24 years old, he married Jemima Streeter. The couple made their home in Salisbury, in Herkimer County, New York. During the summer, Nat worked as a farmer. In the winter, he hunted and trapped animals for their furs. He hunted animals like wolves, bears, and panthers.
Nat used a special type of rifle. It was called a "double shooter." This rifle had one barrel but two firing parts. This meant he could fire two separate shots quickly.
In 1832, Nat Foster moved to Old Forge, New York. He rented his farm in Salisbury to his son, Amos. By this time, Nat had become quite well-known. Many visitors came to his home to meet him.
A Conflict in Old Forge
While living in Old Forge, Nat Foster had a serious disagreement with a Mohawk man named Peter Waters, also known as "Drid." Several incidents happened between them. This led to a knife fight where Nat Foster was hurt.
After this, Drid went on a hunting trip up the lake. Nat Foster stayed behind. He waited for Drid's return at a spot now called "Indian Point." When Drid came back in his canoe, Nat Foster shot him. Nat Foster was later put on trial for this event. However, he was found not guilty.
Later Years and Passing
After the trial, Nat Foster and his wife visited relatives. They stayed in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. While there, Nat became ill. He decided he wanted to return home to his daughter, Jemima. She lived in Ava, New York, in what is now Oneida County. Nat Foster passed away there in 1840. He was buried in Ava.
