The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-06-05
A MATE FOR The ELECTRIC GIRL.
A Burning Boy Whom Water VIII Not
Ouench.
New Orleans Times-pemocrat.

Ouench.
New Orleans Times Democrat.
Perhaps the greatest curiosity the world has
ever beheld has been living in this city for the
last six years. Only few os the immediate
nelghbors have ever more than heard the rumors
that such thing was near and could be seen
every day. Many of the children had seen the
boy; ana nurse girls, who had quit in alright,
had spoken of it. but no credence was given to
what appeared t. be such a wild impossblity.
Tho other day, however. as the reporter was
saunter1ng outln the vicinity of the fair grounds,
he heard street urchin who was all doubled up
in his efforts to get better view through a crack
in the fence, say Little Jerry is a-fre again.
Finding knot hole, the reporter closed it up
with his inquisitive optic, and saw surprising
sight. Sitting there on the back gallery of the
little house with his legs crossed. and in a per
feet state of nudity, was big, fat chubby boy,
enveloped in a flame of blush light He was
literally on lire from the soles of his feet to the
crown of his head
His feet We're burning as freely as sticks of
kindhng wood; his fingers were lighted like so
many tapirs: his hair was blazing like pile of
fat pine shavings and the liquid flames were
running up and down his entire body. He sat
there kicking his legs out, clutching at the flame
and laughing at the sensations it seemed to pro
duce. When he would snap his eyes sparks like
those produced by striking flint with steel would
fly out and scatter in all directions Then no
would run his tongue out, licking up the fire
around him, then puff it out Of his mouth in jets
and curls as if it were smoke from pipe. The
Slght was truly wonderful one.
All OF ii sudden he gave quick. strong blow,
and all was eXtngushed. us il by magic. The
reporter dumbfounded but shortly re-
covered and sought the front door bell. 1t was
evidently case requiring investigation, Quite
handsome middle-aged lady answered the
ring, and. on being told the nature Of the caIl,
she invited the scribe in and told him all about
little Jerry.
She said she was his mother, and that her hlts-
band, John L. Hilbert, was stih alive and doing
nrf an bn rpad Inr..x Sba cai1
was the youngest of three children, and was now
six years of age.
When he was born his very deep carnation
color was the cause of much uneasiness to both
parents, but the doctor said THAT at The worst it
could only be eczema; so, as soon as his conSti-
tuition would permit. they commenced to rub him
with all sorts Of saves, ointmepts and hniments
but Jerry only became the redder after each APP
plieatiOn of the prescribed preventiyes. Then
the physicians said that it some sort of
hereditary complaint, but as no disease could be
traced back as far as the great grandparents, it
was left to be supposed that the family tree must
have been sick at some period of antiquity, but
recovered only to break out again in little Jerry.
Jerry, however grew apaee. notwithstanding the
fact that he was lahoring undertbe disadvantages
OF weighty medical opinions Every month
found him fatter and of brighter vernlifliou
hue, and by the time he three years of age
he was aglow with a red heat.
just about this time the nurse girl came in
one morning screaming that Jerry was on fire
to her boy only to find him in circle of flame
Jerry was in full blaze but was not being con
sUmed. Water was thrown over him. but to no
purpose Then they wrapped him in blanket
but it was useless Jerry continued to burn
right along. The incident created quite com
motion in the house, and bafied the ingenuity Of
the inmates. Just then, however, the door
swung open, gust of wind came in, and Jerry
went out.
This was quite relief. and gave time to send
for doctor The doctor came, and on hearing
what had happened. Immediately sent for more
doctors. Consultation ON the subject discovered
a variety of medical theories and opinions, none
OF which, however seemed 60 reach ,IerPyS case
at least as far as curing it was concerned The
girl explained that Jerry at the time of the out
burst, was sitting on the floor, along which he
drew his finger, calling to her to look at the
bright spot on the end She looked. and saw
the digit burning like candle. Suddenly it
took "a running start and Jerry was completely in
flames
Ever since that day Jerry has been subject to
catching on fire. and seems to enjoy the act inn
mensely. A draft of air or a sudden puff of
wind always puts him out, which he can do by
blowing on himself 1t is impossible TO dress
him up, or for him to sleep in bed like ordinary
children His father has procured small iron
bedstead for his use; he plays in the rain, and
stands cold weather without either having the
least effect ON him. His mother laughed at the
suggestion or exhibiting him in public, but will
allow any one who desires to call and see him at
any time.
The reporter called on several of the eminent
physicians of the city, and, although some of
them have already examined the case, they were
not prepared to pass any definite opinion ON it.
1t might be the mixture of some kind of gases
that in soma unaecOuntable way got confined
under the skin, and that contact with the air
caused it 10 ignite. 10 might be termination of
fluid electricity; but, nevertheless. 1t is an extra
ordinary case, and one that the faculty viii en-
deavor to solve and cure if possible.
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