The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1875-07-22
HIS CAPTOR Cut

/ ESCAPE OF A LUNATIc-HIs CAPToR GUT
End DANeERoUsLYW oUNDED.--Onl last Mon1f
day the assistant physician and attendant at
the Western Lunatic Asylum noticed that one
of the patients, VIM. M. Bryant, who was sub
iect to periodical fits of insanity, but who was
allowed to walk unattended on the grounds
and even OIL the streets when not laborlng rn-
der the fearful malady, appeared rather rest
less and steps were Immediately taken for MS
confinement The patient doubtless appre-
bending some such procedure left the Asylum
grounds, and started up the Midddlebrook road.
His absence was soon noticed, and two OF the
atten dants, Mr. Geo. D. Ramsey and Mr. VIM.
Mcaaney were sent in quest of him. The pu1-
suers came in sight OF their object about mile
and a-half beyond Middlebrook, and as they
approached him, Mr.. Bryant jumped over the
fence into field and shouted TO- them not to
| follow him or he would shoot them, at the
same. lime graspng several large stones ana
throwing them in quick succession at Mr.
Ramsey. Mr.. R. lodged the missiles and
clinching with Bryant, threw him down and
was endeavoring to tie his hands when the
! ppoisoner drew pocket knife with blade
some four inches long and whetted to very
keen edge, and plunged it into Ramsey's left
side, drawing it from behind forward, across
the lower ribs, penetrating the cavity OF the
abdomen, and inflicting fearful wound six or
eight inches in length. Notwithstanding his
condition, Ramsey, with the assistance OF Nc
Haney, succeeded in tying the captive's hands,
and bringing him to the road. McHaney then
took charge of him and returned to the Asy
| lum, and Ramsey mounted his horse and
came back to Mlddlebrook where Drs. McChes-
ney and Dunlap, OF that place, rendered ali
the aid that medical skill could command. The
good people of Middlebrook are bestowing ev-
cry attention on the wounded man and doing
all in their power to alleviate his suffering.
Mr.: Bryant is from Alexandra, Va, and has
been an inmate of the Asylum for several years.
He is a man of commanding appearance,
about six feet high, very compactly built and
OF great physical strength. His manners are
polished and refined, and he has made many
acquaintance and friends in this city. He is a
Son of the Rev. Mr.. Bryant, who died and was
buried at Buchanan. and as he had frequently
expressed desire to visit his fathers grave, it
| IS supposed he was aiming for Buchanan when
overtakcn. AS before stated, he is only subject
to periodical attacks of insanity-at times ap-
pearing as rational as any one.
Mr.. Ramsey, who is recognized as one Of
the most faithful and efficient attend
ants at the Asylum, is about six feet two
Eor three inches in height. perfect athlete and
possessed of the NEST extraordinary courage
When it is remembered that he secured a pow
erfql lunatic after receiving wound which
would have. killed most men, some idea may
be obtained of his strength and nerve. His
condition is very critical, indeed, but his iron
constitution and remarkable coolnefs, it is
hoped, will bear him. safely through. Drs.
McChesney and Dunlap, Of Middlebrook, are
attending him.
The latest intelligence Wednesday, even
ling-s that the wounded man slept well on
Tuesday night, and is in a. much better con-
dition than was expected He is perfectly
calm and hopeful, although not out Of danger.
PATRONS OF NDRY-ORGANIzATION
OF A DISTRICT GEANGE.--A meeting of the
representatives Of the different Oranges was
held in this city on Wednesday and Thursday.
4 Among the gentlemen present were: ]. w.
White, Master OF State Grange, ]. c. Feather
stone, Chief Of the Business Bureau: W. B.
Westbrook, Treasurer, NJ. W. Hazlewood, Sec
rotary, r. L. Ragland, of Halifax, A. NJ. Moore,
of Clark, A. B. Lightner, OF Augusta. Rules
were adopted for the institution of District
Oranges. The Master will proceed to the or
ganization Of these oranges in the different
districts at once. The report of the Chief OF
the Business Bureau was read and proved
highly satisfactory. A great deal OF Business
was transacted. On Thursday Pioneer Grange
for this district was organized with the follow
ing officers
S. Brown Allen. Of West Augusta Grange,
Master; j Fred. Fultz. of Central Augusta
Grange. Overseer; j. w. Gilkeson, OF Mint
Spring Grange, Lecturer; Rev. VIM. Green,
of Central Augusta Grange, Chaplain j. H
Parkins, of Mt Sidney Grange, Steward G
L. Dull, of Summerdean Grange Treasurer
1.-THE election OF Secretary was postponed unit
the next meeting.} David Speck, OF Arbol
Hill Grange, Gate Keeper; Mrs. S. Brown AL
len, of West Augusta. Grange, Ceres; Mrs. G
w. Swoope, Of North Mountain Grange, Pc
mona Miss G. w. Conner, of East Augusts
Grange, Flora Miss Jennie Calbraith, O.
Fisbersv1lle Grange, Lady Assistant Steward
Petition.
7 The folloWino netitiOn was intended to havt
been presented to the Council at its session Oh