BARNES, William C.

BARNES, KING

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 6/9/2006 at 13:27:40

"Fairfield Ledger", Aug. 8, 1872, Pg. 3, Col. 5

SAD AND SUDDEN DEATH. On last Tuesday afternoon, William C. BARNES, a lad of about 14 years, and a son of Sam'l BARNES, of our city, came to his death by poison. He had been employed by Dr. J. E. KING to take care of his horse, and open and clean up the office. After dinner on Tuesday the Doctor told him to go and open the office while he went to visit some patients. The boy was alone in the office not to exceed an hour, the Doctor having previously told him that all medicines in the case were poison, and not to handle or taste any of them. About 4 o'clock the boy went home, sat down in front of the house and told some companions that he had tested some of the poison in the office, but not enough to hurt him. Shortly after he was siezed with paroxyms and four of our most skilful physicians were summoned, but their efforts were without success, as the boy died at about 9 o'clock. As near as can be ascertained, it was belladonna that he took, although the precise poison will never be known. "Billy" was a general favorite, and his death will cause universal regret. The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon and was largely attended.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.