Bitten By A Rattlesnake.

MCLEAN

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 7/3/2007 at 00:37:13

Jackson Sentinel, July 27, 1899:
Bitten By A Rattlesnake.
James McClean of Taylor Township was bitten by a rattlesnake last Saturday says the Cascade Pioneer. He was climbing over a log and when he sat his foot down on the opposite side he stepped upon the rattler, which promptly buried its fangs into his right foot near the big toe. The fangs penetrated the leather of the shoe and made quite an incision in the skin. Prompt attention and the summoning of Dr. Finley from Cascade saved McLean from the poisonous effects of the bite. The penetration of the leather also neutralized the force of the snake's vicious attack. The accident happened on the Ward farm. McLean bound his handkerchief tightly around his leg below the knee. Later one of the Ward boys tied a piece of cord around the hip, then caught a live chicken and tearing it apart applied it to the wound which had been cut open to allow the poison blood to escape. When the breath of life left the chicken another was applied in the same manner. In the meantime the doctor arrived and necessary medical assistance was given, but the prompt action in treating the wound probably saved Mr. McLean's life. He was in town Tuesday and felt alright again although his foot was sore.