The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1861-09-05
DREADruL TRAGEDY WHOLE

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NEfoHBoRHooD PoIsoNED.-We have informed by
Mr.. B. f. Fowler, son of one of the victims. of
the particulars, as far they can be learned, of
one of the hellsh deeds ever brought to light
in this section. 1t appears that the family of Mr.
John Sutherland, living in the township of Pipe
stone, Berrien County, consisting of seven per-
sons, on Sunday::of last week. went to neighbours
and spent the day, and during their absence, their
well, flour and lard were poisoned by some fieud
in human FORM On returning home at night they
retired Immediately to rest and were all well the
next morning when they arose, but shortly after
eating breakfast the entire family were taken sick
DIR. VIM. B. Fowler, their family physician, was
Immediately sent for, who pronounced them poi
soned Shortly after Mr.. Sutherland family were
taken sick, two childran of a neighbor-a Mr..
Hinchman-came to Mr.. SIS, found the family
sick, took a drink from the well, and started for
home; they were taken sick on the way, but
managed to reach home, when they reported the
condition of Mr.. SIS family to their parents, who
Immediately went to their assistance.
Through the urgent solicitation of Mr.. s., DIR.
Fowler consented to remain all day with the fami-
ly. In the evening Mrs. Hinchman prepared sup
per; and only supposiug the well to have been
poisoned, she procured water from another place,
and made biscuit from the flour in the house.
All partook, the Doctor eating rather heartily
Shortly after supper, Mr.. F. started for home, but
had proceeded but short distance, when he was
taken with all the symptoms of poisoning. He
was assisted home by neighbor, where he fingered
in great agony, until Thursday evening last, when
he breathed his last. One of Mr.. Sutherland's
children, aged about 8 years, died the same day.
This is all that have died thus far, though the
manning members of MIR. SIS family are very low
Mr. Hinchman's family are all considered out of
danger Himself, wife and two children were
poisoned.
1t now appears that every thing eatable about
the house was posoned,-four, lard, meat and
water. Some of the biscuit eaten for supper, were
given to the fowls, and they died almost immedi-
ately. Portions of the lard -four and biscuit have
been sent to the Medical College at Ann Arbor
for analysis
negro, named Shoemaker, living near Suther
lands, has been arrested charged with the crime,
and is now in Berrien County Jail. The testimony
against him, although circumstantiai very strong
leaving but little doubt of his guilt Tracks
corresponding with his boots were found from his
door to the back door of Sutherand's house, and
it has zen ascertaned that on Saturday he pur-
chased one-half pound of arsenic from druggist
at St. Joseph. A personal difficulty has also ex-
listed between himself and Mr.. S. for about two
years. An attempt was made on Friday last to
lynch the villain but through the active exertions
of the Sheriff assisted by few citizens, it did not
succeed.
DR.. Fowler well known in this village, as
genial, kind hearted, whole souled man. He was
an affectionate husband, kind father, and firm
friend, and leaves behind him large circle of
sympathising friends and acquaintance to mourn
his untimely death.