Ben Lilly was a man who lived an extraordinary life. Born in Alabama in 1856, he spent most of his youth working as a blacksmith. However, he was also a skilled hunter, and he spent much of his free time in the woods, honing his skills and developing a deep love of nature. In the 1880s, he moved west and became a professional hunter, working for the government and private companies. He became renowned for his ability to track and kill wild animals, and he developed a reputation as one of the greatest hunters of his time.

Category | Information |
Full Name | Benjamin Vernon Lilly |
Occupation | Hunter, Trapper, Guide |
Birthdate | December 31, 1856 |
Birthplace | Cherokee County, North Carolina, USA |
Nationality | American |
Known for | Hunting and trapping large predators, including grizzly bears and mountain lions |
Training | Learned hunting and trapping skills from his father and other hunters in the area |
Career Highlights | Became a legendary figure in the American West for his ability to track and kill large predators; worked as a guide for numerous wealthy and famous clients, including Teddy Roosevelt and William Howard Taft; was known for his unorthodox hunting methods, including crawling on his hands and knees to approach prey |
Legacy | Considered one of the greatest hunters and trackers in American history; his stories and adventures have become the stuff of legend; his legacy is celebrated in North Carolina, where a historical marker and annual festival honor his life and contributions |
Death Date | December 17, 1936 |
Death Place | Couch, Missouri, USA |
Early Life and Career
Ben Lilly was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, in 1856. His father was a blacksmith, and Ben followed in his footsteps, learning the trade at a young age. However, he was also an avid hunter, and he spent much of his free time in the woods, tracking games and developing his skills. As a young man, he moved to Mississippi, where he worked as a blacksmith and continued to hunt in his spare time.
Moving West
In the late 1870s, Ben Lilly decided to move west in search of new hunting opportunities. He settled in Texas, where he quickly established himself as a skilled hunter and tracker. In 1880, he was hired by the Texas and Pacific Railway to hunt wolves and other predators that were attacking livestock along the rail line. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled hunter and began to receive offers from other companies and government agencies.
Professional Hunter
In the 1890s, Ben Lilly became a professional hunter, working for the government and private companies. He was known for his ability to track and kill wild animals, including bears, cougars, and wolves. He was also an expert marksman, and he could shoot accurately from long distances. He developed a reputation as one of the greatest hunters of his time, and he became a sought-after guide for wealthy hunters and adventurers.
Adventures in the Wild West
Ben Lilly spent much of his life in the wilderness, and he had many adventures in the wild west. He hunted in the mountains of New Mexico, the deserts of Arizona, and the forests of Montana. He encountered many famous figures of the time, including Teddy Roosevelt, who hired him as a guide on a hunting trip in Arizona.
Legacy and Controversy
Ben Lilly’s legacy is somewhat controversial. While he was undoubtedly a skilled hunter and a pioneer of the Wild West, he also played a role in the destruction of many wild animal populations. He was known for his ruthless approach to hunting, and he killed many animals purely for sport. However, he also had a deep love and respect for nature, and he was one of the first people to recognize the importance of conservation.
Remembering Ben Lilly
Today, Ben Lilly is largely forgotten by history. However, he remains an important figure in the history of the Wild West and the conservation movement. His legacy is complicated, but his life is a testament to the power of human ambition and the beauty of the natural world.
FAQs
What made Ben Lilly such a skilled hunter?
Ben Lilly’s skill as a hunter was due to a combination of natural talent, years of experience, and a deep love and respect for nature.
Did Ben Lilly ever hunt for sport?
Yes, Ben Lilly was known for his ruthless approach to hunting, and he killed many animals purely for sport. However, he also recognized the importance of conservation and played a role in the early conservation movement.
What was Ben Lilly’s most famous hunting expedition?
Ben Lilly’s most famous hunting expedition was with Teddy Roosevelt in Arizona in 1905. The two men hunted