Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1877-09-18
A Sad Affair.

The Baltimore correspondent of the New
York Herald says: l-7
"The death of Miss Ida V. Branch, aged
twenty, three, which followed a surgical opera
tion at the Maryland University Hospitalyes-
tcrday, has brought to light a singular ro-
nance 10 real life. She was the daughter of
James Branch, residing near Smithfeld, Isle
of Weight county, Va and possessed extra
ordinary beauty, and was besides young lady
of culture and refinement. She was the
belle of the village and had many admirers.
Among others who sought her hand was Mr..
Ferguson the son Of neighboTing farmer, 10
whom with the consent of her father Ida be-
came bctrothed. In January last certain in-
dications in the appearance OF Miss Branch
aroused a suspicion on the part OF her fathor
that the intimacy between thom had been of
IN improper character, and Mr.. Branch COM
muuicated his suspicious to his daughter
The latter earnestly denied the imputation,
aud solemly protested that her intimacy had
not exceeded that of the strictest propriety.
His suspicious were allayed, but subsequently
they were again aroused, and Miss Branch
was sent TO her sister. Mrs. Ferguson, at
Charlottesville. To this lady Ida made an
equaly positive denial, but her physical con-
dition was such that her father deemed
medical examination necessary. He visited
Charlottesville, and the physician, after an
examination, confirmed his suspicious. Not
withstandipg this she again protested her in-
poeence, and second examination by
another physician revealed the presence of
an ovarian tumor. DIR. Randolph, who made
this discovery, recommended her removal to
Baltimore for medical treatment. She ar
rived here on the 18th instant and was placed
under the care of Professor Johnston and other
eminent physicians comprising the faculty OF
the Maryland University. The tumor grew
SO rapidly that operation was found necessary.
She was assured that the tumor would re-
suit iu death in few days, while tho opera
ton might possibly save her life. She read
ily assented, requesting tbst if she died
post mortem might be made in order to es-
tablish her purity and innocence. The opera
alton was performed on Friday, and the
tumor, when removed, was found to be of
the extraordinary weight of forty-four pounds.
She rallied slightly, but subsequently, sank,
and death eDsued on Saturday afternoon. IL
was discovered that decomposition had begun
before the tumor was removed, and that she
could not in any case have lived more than
day or two. Her rcmaines were taken to
Virginia for burial"
A BRUTE SKINNED ALIvE-Severa1
weeks ago an eleven year old daughter of y
Ballard county farmer mysteriously disap-
peared, and all efforts to find her whereabouts
were fruitless until ten days after her disap-
pearauce, when neighbOring farmer, out
searching for his COW, heard the cries Of some
one in distress, and following the direction
of the sound found the lost child in dens
thicket, with both hands tied together with
q rope, one end of which was tied to tree.
Near the tree were some old clothes upon
which the child slept. The farmer inquired
of the child how she happened TO be there
in that condition, when she told him that
negro man had brought her there and that
he came there every night and brought her
somthiug to eat aud drink, and that he yIoiz-
ted her person. The farmer told the child to
remain quiet until night, and he would pro-
cure assistance, and when the negro came
back tba. night they would secure him,
which they did When the girl was asked
wba, must be done with him she said, "Skin
him alive" which they proceeded to do inn
mediately. They commenced at the crown
of his head and stripped the skin to his feet.
BE only survived about Eve minutes after the
operation NeHfeld (Ky) Democrat.
"A young man, II years of age, died re-
Gently at CharIestoHn, Mass, of hemorrhsge,
resulting from the extraction of tooth.
Nine of the young mans relatives have died