Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1885-03-28
Our Lewis County Letter.

WESTON, March loJn, looO.-Ine
general health of the inmates OF asyl-
um is remarkably good. My antici-
patton from the very severe cold ex-
perienced during the winter was that
much sickness might develop amongst
patients, but am agrt aably disap-
pointed. As q general feature of in
sanity, patients are down greatly in
physical condition when admitted,
requiring time and medical treat
ment to bring them up into health Of
body, which, when fully restored, aids
mental recovery very greatly. Not
always so, however, as many cases
demonstrate. The physical func
tions of the body may be perfect as
far as can be discovered, and yet the
mind continue disturbed.
There are to day in asylum 67S pa
tients under treatment. Many are
in fair way for discharge at an early
day, eagerly looking forward with an
ticipated pleasure of reunion with
friends and family. During the past
week six have been discharged fully
three males and three fe-
males, who have returned to their
homes, one female taken out under
bond by friends. Two deaths have
occurred Mr. Skidmore, of Brax-
ton county, who was inferred in asy
lum cemetery, and Mr.. j. Fl. Strib-
ling, of Parkersburg, Wood county,
whose body was sent to his friends
at Parkersburg. He was well known
by the writer as worthy, excellent
young man, reliable in business and
correct in morals, having served for
several years in railroad service to-
gether. On last Sabbath, in appar-
emit full health, he sat in the Chapel,
seeming to enjoy the services. He
was very insane, but yet harmless
in manner. On Monday he fell from
a chair in commissions and never re-
covered. His disease was softening
of the brain and therefore considered
incurable. One female has been a :
mitted, think from Ohio county.
We anticipate during this summer
quite boom for labor and building
material at this place, in the erection
of additional building to this asylum,
provided for by an appropriation of
$4,000 by the late legislature. Con-
tract for said building will be provid
ed for by the directors at their next
meeting, which is announced for
April 7th. 1t is also reported that
the u s. Government will expend
$4,000 in building at Clarksburg
this summer. Any spare labor and
mechanics in your neighborhood may
secure lucrative employment or pos
sibly the contract if applied for.
Patients from Berkeley and Jeffer-
son counties are enjoying good health,
physically, and many improving grad
ually in mental restoration.
We have had marked case of
wifely devotion under difficulties ex-
hibited this week. A lady living in
Greenbrier county, not having the
means to travel by public convey
ance, rode on horseback, carrying a
young child the distance of $50 miles
for the purpose of visiting her hus-
band, paralytic patient in asylum,
and if possible, taking him home with
her. The meeting of husband, wife
and child was affecting in the ex-
trance. He will return with her as
he is as well as he may ever become
in mind They will return by rail
and boat, as she has disposed of her
horse and intends using the money
so received for personal expenses.
The State being under obligation to
return restored patients to their
home, it is probable they will make
her the messenger and pay her ex-
penses also, which | hope can be done,
so that she can have the means of re-
placing the horse by purchasing an
other. p. G..