David Costley
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24 August 1837
King David
David Costley | |
|---|---|
| Born | David Trueman Costley 24 August 1837 |
| Died | 3 November 1923 (aged 86) |
| Other names | The Bear Hunter King David |
| Occupations | |
David Costley (24 August 1837 – 3 November 1923) was a Canadian bear hunter and farmer who was active in Nova Scotia.
David Trueman Costley was born in New Ross, Chester, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, Canada on 24 August 1837. Joseph Costley, his father, came from England, and his mother, Hannah Melvin, was a native of Nova Scotia. David had a brother, Amos, and a sister, Sarah.[1]
Career
With a large family to support, David Costley farmed and trapped beaver, otter, mink, and fox for income.[2] Bounties on dead animals were common for many years.[3] Costley became active as a bear hunter and guide from 1852 until 1922.[4] The skins from Costley's hunts in Blue Mountain were taken to buyers in Kentville, Kings County.[2]
Supplying black bear fur for the Queen's Coldstream Guards' bearskins brought David Costley into contact with Queen Victoria, who invited him to London in 1897 to show her appreciation. Since Costley couldn't travel to meet her, the Queen sent him a medal, a gold ring studded with jewels, a Winchester Model 1886, and a collection of personal letters.[2]
Personal life
At 27 years old, Costley married Elizabeth Lockhart on 6 July 1867 on Horton Road (now New Ross Road) in Lunenburg County.[5] They had four daughters and two sons. Their daughter Sarah Lavenia was born in Blue Mountain on 28 May 1870.[6]