Iowa
Old Press
The Lyons Mirror
Lyons, Clinton co., Iowa
Thursday, March 18, 1858
A Case of Insanity
March 4th, Mathew Castello, of Deep Creek township,
filed an affidavit with Daniel McNeil, Judge of clinton county,
stating that his son, Thomas Castello, a resident of Deep Creek,
is insane, and has been for some time past; that his condition is
such as renders it perilous for him to remain at large; that his
family and others are n danger of being injured by him.
On Thursday the 11th inst., a petit jury was called before Judge
McNeil, to hear an enquiry into the alleged insanity of Thos.
Castello. e. Graham, Esq., appeared for the plaintiff, and
Prosecuting Attorney W. Graham for the defendant. From the
testimony elicited, it appears, that said Thos. C. has a wife and
seven children - the oldest one is thirteen years of age, the
youngest, thirteen months.
Five years ago this spring, his father left him in Canada, sane.
In July following, he was mowing hard one day, and he says he
felt a slap on his cheek; it is supposed he received a
sun-stroke; he was immediately taken sick and showed signs of
insanity. His friends tried all the medical skill they could get,
for his recovery, but could do him no good.
Three years ago last summer he came to his father, who had
settled in this county. His family connections entered forty
acres of land for him, near them in Deep Creek township. Himself
and family have since been sustained by his friends working his
farm, and by his wife earning all she could. He has grown worse
during the last year, and his wife has been obliged to leave him.
He treated his children cruelly, thought everybody his enemy; for
two months he had staid in the log house on his farm, and would
not allow any one to go in to him, not even his father or mother;
during this time he would have his oldest girl, and his boy, who
is seven years of age, and his youngest child, with him and
threatened the life of his wife if they were taken away; his
parents sent them food daily by the boy. When the house was
broken into, to take him, it was found to be in no way fit for
human beings to live in, and the youngest child was almost dead.
His hands were tied during his trial. He exhibits a nervous
affection, his whole body occasionally shivering, as if seized
with a paralysis. The jury brought in a verdict of insanity.
Clinton County Medical Association
At a meeting of the Clinton County Medical Association,
held in Lyons City, Iowa, March 16, 1858, the following officers
were present - Dr. A.T. Hudson, Vice Pres.; Dr. Geo. McPherson,
Sec. The day was chiefly spent in the report and discussion of
cases, several of which were of much interest. Doctors Benedict,
Harvey, and Howell, were admitted to membership in the
Association. Dr. James Harvey, of De Witt, was elected Delegate
to the State Medical Society. The Association adjourned to meet
on the third Wednesday in May next, at Clinton City, Iowa. -Geo.
McPherson, Sec.
[transcribed by S.F., March 2015]