The New York herald., 1869-02-25
HYDROPHO8IA.
Ancii,er Death from Rabies Cauiua in Rock
land County.

AuciEer Death from Rabies Cauiua I'm Rock
land County.
Mr.. John Eckers0n, residing In Rockiand county
NJ ", ON the Jersey line. above the Saddle River
church, died on Tuesday from hydrophobia, OF
which the following the paTticulars:-On Tues
day morning, January 49, while Mr.. Eckerson was
In the hay NOW at the barn throwing down fodder
for his cattle, his vile coming towards the place
to milk the cows, when she was attacked by large
dog The animal tore considerable portion Of the
clothing from her person and bit her in several
places through her dress, making large black and
blue marks, but not puncturing the skin
ana drawing no blood. Her husband, hear
Ing her screams, ran TO the rescue where
upon the dog new at Mr.. Eckerson's throat.
Throwing his hand to ward the animal on, that
member was seized by the brute and badly bitten.
In endeav0rng TO dsengage himself from the
ferocous animal he threw out his other hand, which
the dog Immediately seized hold OF, and would not
let go, but 'coniinued To tear ana chew the fingers
until Mrs. EckersOn bravey came forward with =
broom. the handle OF which she pushed down the
dogs throat until he was forced to relax his mold
Mr.. Eckerson then seized an axe and Killed the ami
mai on the spot. a physician was instantly called.
who al once cut oT all the loose and torn
nesh and tied up an artery which mad been
severed, and from which the blood lowed cUpi0usly.
One thumb was almost mashed 70 Jelly by tho
dogs teeth ana both hands were terribly laceracd.
The dog was owned by Mr.. Abraham Hopper, OF
Saddle River and was bitten last summer by a dog
supposed TO be mad and which had also bitten 6a~
era other dogs all OF which had been klea - onca
The owner OF us Cog, hQMeu,r did not KIN
him. but scpt T1ni chaiDa. Ic broke his ciiain the
DR. before biting Mr.. Eckerson and ran away from
home Mr.. Hopper seemed to much regret the
cuyyence aud donated Mr.. Eckerson atty dollars,
with The edvce 10 as once place himself under ths
care OF some physician. This he did by consulting
DIR. Reeves, OF POmptDn.
On sunday Mr.. Eckers0n began To feel az he
expressed it, 'very curiOGS,N and stated that ne was
afraid he about TO go mad Acting strangely all
day. the next morning ne was taken with violent ts
which continued at intervals until Tuesday, when
death ended ms sufierings During the paroxysIs,
which were terrible, he ived Juriousy and snapped
deavoring TO bite them. Those present positively
affirm that many times he growled and barkcd
like o dog. IL was with the greatest difficulty
that six strong men could hold ilni
prevent his doing violence during the preva-
lence OF the cOnvulsons, so violent were the
paroxysms. His suferings appeared to be horrible,
and he finally died in state OF great exhaustion.
Mr.. Eckerson owned the little plot OF land upon
which he lived, but was not N afiuent circuIn-
stances He leaves wife and several children.
Since the attack by the dog Mrs. Eckerson has been
confined, and her condition is now very delicate,
that 1t was deemed advisable TO keep from her the
cause OF her husbands DEATH for fear that the ap
pearance or the malady may be provoked IN her
result, as the skin was not broken where she
btten but 1t is apprehended the shock to her mind
in connection with the circumstances, might Of It
self be sufficient cause TO bring on the spasIns AZ
Is very certain, however, that the araIr be
kept from her for any great length OF tfme. Mr..
Eckers0n leaves large circle OF acquaintance, and
his terrible death has naturally created a very ex-
cited feeling in the Ieghb0rh0od. IL Is feared that
other dogs still exist IN the vicinity tnat were bitten
by Mr. Hoppcr's dog and It is said tnat some OF the
stock in tue Locality are believed to have also been
bitten.