Elihah Berry

BERRY, WILSON, ROBERTSON

Posted By: Ruth McDowell (email)
Date: 7/3/2010 at 13:47:12

Afton Star Enterprise--23 Nov 1911

Died of Hydrophobia - Elijah Berry, Well Known Resident of County Died at Iowa City

It will be remembered that sometime last summer Elijah Berry, a prominent farmer living about tweleve miles southeast of this place was bitten by a dog that was thought to be mad, and was later taken to Iowa City where he was given the anti-rabies treatment. After returning home, Berry got along very well and little was thought of there being any future developments from the bite, until last Sunday when he complained of pains in the back of his neck and shoulders. Believing it to be an attack of rheumatism he sent to Tingley for medicine. Later in the day the gentleman tried to drink some water. He found it difficult to swallow the water and the little he took threw him into spasms. A Tingley doctor was called who, after being with Mr. Berry a short time, asked that another doctor be called and Dr. Lauder of this place was called. When Dr. Lauder arrived Mr. Berry met him at the gate. He informed the doctor that he was feeling fine, but it could be seen that his eyes were shiny, and he talked loud and moved quickly. The doctor asked him to try to take some water which he did with the same effects as on previous attempt. The symptons were unlike any case the Afton doctor had treated in his time, and the doctor of Tingley had had experience with but one case where the symptons were like these. Members of the family took Mr. Berry to Iowa City Tuesday where he entered the university hospital for treatment , but died Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock.

Shortly after Mr. Berry left Afton Monday he grew worse and at Grinnell was taken from the train, but later revived and was taken on to the hospital. Members of the family followed Monday evening.

The remains were brought back to Afton for burial arriving on No. 3 this morning. The day for the funeral has not been set yet.

[Burial: Greenlawn cemetery, Afton, Iowa]