Oliver R. COTTON

COTTON, HALL

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 4/23/2016 at 22:44:55

April 25, 1887 --– April 24, 1897

Two Boys Poisoned. One Dead The Other Recovered.

Two boys, each about 10 years of age, Oliver Cotton and Frank Hall, while returning from the river Saturday afternoon where they had been fishing, were poisoned by something they had eaten, supposed to be wild parsnip. Upon reaching the big ditch west of town upon Dakota street the Cotton boy complained to his companion of feeling sick and immediately fell in violent convulsions. The Hall boy went for help and then to his home. The Cotton boy was taken by a farmer to the nearest house, Mr. Floyd's, and Dr. McGrath summoned at once. Upon his arrival the Doctor immediately declared the boy to be past help and in a few moments was dead. The other boy although reaching home unaided felt the effects of the poison before getting there. Dr. Will was called and after a struggle the boy was saved. He evidently had eaten less of the poisonous plant than his unfortunate companion.

The funeral of little Oliver was held at his home Sunday afternoon, it being the 10th anniversary of his birth. Rev. Southwell preached the sermon. The entire community feels a profound sympathy for the bereaved family. Parents should at this season of the year caution their children against eating indiscriminately as children are prone to do of vegetation of the nature of which they are ignorant.

Eagle Grove Eagle - Iowa
April 28, 1897