Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1869-10-07
The Blind Preacher Partial Restora.
ten Of nsSIght. /.

F(tUSm S00 WV AV1A AsosUsssS DA&ss
There is no one in the clerical profession
more widely known than Rev. William H.
Milburn, the Blind Preacher. His lectures
In al the leading cities aud towns Of the
Union have mainly contributed to his ex-
tended celebrity. While all listened with
pleasure to his clear, ringing voice. and
yielded to the magustio in1uence 0f his Inn
passioned style Of oratory, the loss Of his
sight that saddest OF human ealsmities,
61cited for him in the hearts Of everybody
a feeling IF nniy&tsAl and sprofound COM
miseration. It Win be pleasing intelligence
to this widely scattered host of acquain-
tances, friends apd admirers, to know that
there exists q cleaning hope Of bis recov-
,sfing his lost vision.
A lev dsys since Mr.. Mjlburn arrived in
this CITY from Europe, where he has been
UNDERGOING surgical treatment ct tho hands
Of LII. Won Grssfs, Of Berlin, the eminent
occulist.
It will be remembered that Mr.. Milburn
lost his sight through receiving. when he
was five years old, an accidental ont on the
left eye with q piece of glass. A physician
in operating on the eye used nitrate of sil.
yer, and he used it so eifectually a. 20 de-
stroy the sight of the organ. Inflammation,
the result OF sympathy. quickly attacked
the remaining eye, and gradually this eye
also lost the power Of vision. 1t was years,
however, before tho entire vision was de-
stroyed. Through shading his eyes and
bringing book close mp to them he could
discern single letter at time on the
printed page, and thus studied his way
ing this pursuit Of knowledge under diff
oulties, with high heuors. At length came
total darkness tho utter gloom Of perpet~
nal night For years he tried the most
eminent oculists here, but with no success.
Az final resort he went sixteen months
ago to Europe, placing himself under the
care, az stated above, of DIR. Won Graef.
Last December the doctor performed the
first operation and was successful TO that
extent that Mr.. Milburn at its close could
see the fame of candle at the distance of
thirty feet The intention OF the doctor was
to perform . second operation and remove
the Opaque chrystaline lines, tho great re-
naming obstacle TO restoration of sight,
which result, it was believed, would be
readily accomplished: Within three or
four weeks after the first operation this
second was to have been made, but unfor-
tunately twelve days after, Inflammation
set in, which was soon followed by an at
tack of serious illness from which he barely
recovered. Altogether it was deemed best,
considering the state Of his eyes, to defer
further operation until next year. and SO
Mr.. Milburn returned home again. The
result of the operation already made has
melted in Mr., Milburu very great conf
dence as to the future, and if he is per-
mitted to pursue the programme of treat
meDt began he believes it will result in the
restoration of his sight. Meantime his
travel and sojourn abroad, Notwithstanding
the temporary severe illness alluded to,
have had most materially improving effect
upon his health. Aldermanio robustness
now characterize his physical outlines. He
IS the perfect picture Of health, and the
picture ne says, is true to nature. He will
shortly take tho lecture field, aud has two
new Lectures prepared, characteristically
entitled, 'What Blind Man Saw in Paris
and "A Blind Mans Experience in Search
of Sight"
DIR. Strongsburg, Jew, who, seven or
eight years ago. lived a Penniless alventu
Tor6o,n o>rrot 10 nom Ill a,