PAY FOR A DEAD HORSE 1901

HENDESHOTT

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 1/17/2017 at 20:30:33

Dubuque Daily Telegraph, October 5, 1901

PAY FOR A DEAD HORSE
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Failure of Western Union
Telegraph Co. to Deliver
Message, a Costly Error
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Ottumwa, Ia. Oct. 5. – Because the Western Union Telegraph Co., in 1893, did not deliver a message addressed to a veterinary surgeon in time for the doctor to go the the Redrick Race Track to render professional services, it is compelled to pay for the loss of Bravo, a finely bred Wilkes stallion.

The animal belonged to L. C. Hendershott, an Ottumwa attorney. The horse it was shown, died from lack of medical attention. The case was fought through the courts for eight years, and the Supreme Court decided today in favor of plaintiff, giving him judgement in the sum of $1,675. The court held that because the veterinary was within easy reach, the message should have been delivered in time for him to go at once.