An Early April Fool's Wild Man

Loren Coleman has posted an account at Cryptomundo of an early April Fool's Day Sasquatch story by John Green (before Green became interested in the phenomenon). That may have been one of the first news pranks that actually used the term Sasquatch, but there is a much earlier April 1st tale of a hairy wild man. I included this in The Historical Bigfoot:

"What Is It?
"A Question That is Agitating the People of Auglaize Township.
Capture of a Creature Half Man, Half Beast
Sets the Whole Township Wild With Excitement
Nothing Like It Ever Seen Or Heard Of Before
A Correct History of the Whole Affair

"The greatest excitement prevails in the southern part of Auglaize Township.
"A capture was made yesterday that has taken a heavy burden from the minds of the farmers of that region.
"Fond mothers are hugging their children closer to their bosoms as they reflect in a frightened manner on what might have been.
"Word was received at this office yesterday afternoon by special messenger of the capture, near the village of West Newton, of a frightful creature that was neither man nor beast.
"A representative of the Times left at once for the scene of the capture, returning with Mr. Perry, a farmer. From him it was learned that for some time there have been all manner of depredations going on in that section of the township lying on the northern slope of what is known there as the Backbone. At first they were scarcely noticeable and the occasional absence of a pig or a sheep from some farmer’s flock was attributed to accidents or to dogs.
"These mysterious disappearances were first noticed over a year ago, but they were given little thought till in the past few months when they became so common as to create alarm. Instead of an occasional death, it became a general slaughter. A farmer would awaken in the morning to find every pig in his possession lying dead with its neck broken or half his flock of sheep dead.
"They became half crazed with their fear and losses continued. They never knew when they closed up their sheds for the night how they would find things in the morning. Investigations were made and mass meetings held to compare notes to try and get a clew to the perpetrator of the outrage. The farmers were completely mystified and the fact that no noise was ever heard, no trace left, led them to fear it was a visitation of Divine Providence.
"Strange as it may seem it was decided at their first meeting to hold secret sessions and not mention their peculiar misfortunes till the mystery had been cleared up or they found there was no hope of doing so. For this reason the matter has never before reached the public through the press.
"About the first of March, Mr. H. C. Lemmon was wakened from his slumbers by a violent disturbance in his barn. Hastily dressing himself, he ran out to ascertain the cause. Opening the door he saw by the rays of light from his lantern a sight that made his blood run cold. Struggling in the last throes of death were his two fine horses. Carefully examining them he found that each had its neck broken.
"At the first break of day, he spread the news among his fellow farmers and it struck terror to their hearts. Were their teams and cattle to suffer the same fate as their smaller stock? A close vigil was set and for a time all was quiet.
"Last week, however, the mischief began again, but a clew was gained that led to yesterday’s capture. Two young men were returning home late last Sunday evening and while passing a barn that stood along side the Bellfontaine road on which they were traveling, they saw what looked to be a giant man coming out of the building. They quietly hid in a corner of the fence and watched. Instantly the thought flashed through their minds that they had fathomed the great mystery. And they had. By the moonlight, they were able to get a good view of the destructive monster as he passed near them.
"The alarm was given as soon as the thing had passed out of hearing, and in an hour after the discovery fifty men, some on foot and others on horseback, were on the trail. It was the opinion of the young men that they were hunting a ferocious animal, and when about noon yesterday his capture was effected, their surmise proved to be correct.
"The party had completely lost the trail and were about to give up in disgust when someone noticed a small opening in the hillside under the roots of a bushy tree that stood just to the right of the party. Monster foot steps led to it. There was no need to look further. Here was their game, but how to get it? All sorts of suggestions were offered, but none were practicable. No one was brave enough to enter.
"It was at last decided to smoke the creature out. First a rope was secured and a noose so arranged that the moment it came out, the rope could be pulled taut about his body. A fire was then built near the opening and the wind being favorable, the smoke soon began in pouring in in great clouds into the cave.
"Not long did they have to wait. Dan Cook, one of the young men who had seen the creature on Sunday evening, held the rope, suddenly the head and sholders of the creature peered out of the opening, and gasping and choking, it made a dash for liberty. A quick pull of the rope tightened the noose, and in a trice it was landed with its arms pinioned to its side, right in the midst of the party. The struggle and bellowing of the maddened being were said to be frightful and it is doubtful if had its arms been free it could have been held. It was finally bound tightly round and round from head to foot, and carried to a strong room in West Newton where it was viewed last night by the reporter. It haad the form of a man, but is covered from head to foot with hair that is coarse and matted. Its nails are long and sharp, while its muscles are like iron. The teeth are big and yellow and the mouth has a horrid appearance. The eyes are black and fierce, and altogether the huge captive is a ferocious looking object. The only sound he has muttered, for it is evidently a man, since his capture, has been an occasional groan. He eyes everyone fiercely that comes within the range of his vision, and seems to be entirely bereft of reason.
"The society that was organized to effect his capture, have him in care and are charging an admission of twenty-five cents to see the monster. People are flocking in from all points to which the news has spread and it begins to look as if the proceeds of admission would be sufficient to repay the members for their losses, that being the object of the society.
"The excitement is so great at present over the almost incredible circumstances of the capture of the wild man and his character that no one seems to know what will be done with him in the future.
"It is possible he may be placed on exhibition in Lima and an effort will probably be made to dispose of him to some showman.
"Medical attention will also be directed to this freak of nature, and an effort made to diagnose his case.
"It is the opinion of the Times that in his capture Allen county has produced one of the greatest freaks the world has ever known.
"[This being April first, all fools day, the above article will be appreciated.]"

From the Lima, Ohio, Daily News, April 1, 1890.