The Dickinson press., 1889-05-18
IT'S A STRANGE STORY.
TWICE INSANE AND FINAL REcoV-
ERY WITH LOSS OF MEMORY.

A Californian Who Lost His Reason For
gets on Recovery That He Was Mar
ricd. and Fails to Recognize tho Cir
lie Lovcd-Bcsinning Life Over Again.
Maurice Long was popular young ranchcl
i'll Kern county i'll 1878. He was then about
- years of age, and possessed Il herd of cat
Tile and about five thousand acres of land \
young lady, the daughter of wealthy mer
chant Ill Bakersfield, was ono day led to Tho
altar by the young gentleman and returned
with him to his ranch us Mrs. Long.
The young couple were us happy us mar
ricd people i'll the books are alleged to bc, and
everything looked bright for the future of
their cozy home i'll the foothills Life, ALWAYS
charming to the young, was particularly
rosy tinted to Mr.. and Mrs Long. Suddenly
dark pail was spread over tho life of Maui
rice, for the young wife sickcncd and died
The remains now lie in the Bakersfield ccmc.
terry by the side Of the mother she lest in he,
early childhood
GRIEF AND A SECOND MARRIAGE.
l-itc lost all its hope to Mr.. Long when hi,
beautiful wife was taken lIe could not ell
durc tho loneliness of his ranch life and, find
ing purchaser, sold everything, determined
to leave California aud cut himself loose from
all tho tender memories of his young man
hood. Remaining fora brief period at tho
house OF his tathcrin in-law, he shortly went to
tho home of his parents, i'll the Santa Clara
valley, near San jose Unable to shake off
his grief, he sank finally into Il melancholy
from which his friends feared he would never
recover. By persistent efforts and the care
of iudicious physician, the young man was
partially restored, but tho condition of hi>
mind was still uncertain. At times the UNI
stcadincss of his reason manifested itself III
foolish imhccility. Apparently he recovered,
however, and went to Chico and located in
that littlo city, opening a feed and alcstahlc
Business prospcred and encouraging reports
camo to the Santa Clara home in the occa-
sional letters received by the parents.
Finally one came announcing his marriage
to n young lady of that city. Scarcely a
year had passed since tho death of his wifcou
tho Kern county ranch, and, although his
friends were surprised at tho announcement
remembering his fondncss for her and his
grief at her dcccasc, they strangely enough
regarded the second marriage as IL further
evidence of restored reason Six months
moro passed, during which ull reports md n
single visit satisfied tho anxious friends that
Mr. Long was i'll perfect mental and physical
health. Ono day Il painful telegram from
his wife announcing the sudden wreck OF
their sons reason was received by old Mr..
Long ut San Jose. Going in answer to the
message to Chico, the terrible truth of tbs
calamity forced itself upon him, for his son
was ravng maniac
with heavy heart tho father conveyed
Maurice Long to Stockton and placed him in
tho insane hospital Thccxamining physician
pronounced him hopelcssly insane The
young wife returned to her parents ~ few
months later slc gave birth to Il child When
sho had grown strong she visited her husband
at tho asylum i'll the vain hope of Il sign OF
recognition or an evidence of affection \
brother remained at Chico conducting the
business. Visits were ma,lo from time to
time by the friends of tho unfortunate pa.
tient, but they always returned more sad
dcned than ever ut his condition.
HE DIDN'T KNOW HIS WIFE
Two years were passed in Stockton, whc,
the joyful intelligence was received by old
Alr. Long that his son seemed in u fair yyay
TO recover. Tho news was almost too good
ID Believe. Careful nursing for six week.
followed, and the physician sent word that
tho wife and friends might visit him. but
with this statement came the startling intclli.
scnco that Maurice Long had absolutely for
gotten all events that had transpircd since
the sale of his ranch after the burial of his
wife ut Bakersfield. Thinking her presence
would restore her to lis memory, the faithful
little mother at Chico went to tho hospital.
carrying with her the boy, now nearly two
years of age. Tho reader can imagine her
terrible grief when she saw before her the
face of her husband and bcheld in it all the
evidence of restored intellect, but no rccog-
milton of his spouse. Vuinly shc recalled the
events Of their courtship and marriage, and
despairingly she held before him the chubby
faced baby. The poor man hung his head ia
despair, unable to remember anything that
sho sought to bring to his attention
The death of her husband in his imbccilit7
would have been easy to bear in comparison
with tho terrific fact which here confronted
her Almost wild with grief she returned To
her home in Chico. Six weeks longer the
poor man stayed at Stockton, gradually gain
ing strength. Tho little woman came no
moro to see him. The father, the brother
and the physician by degrees convinced him
OF the truth Of the story of his marriage and
tho birth of his son. When nc was released
he repaired to Chico and accepted tho silu,.
tion as u truth established in his mind by
testimony but not experience. He took his
wife and child, and selling his business re-
moved to Golcta. Association with the woman
WHO bore his name and the child who called
him papa cntwincd his affection around them.
These strange events occurred seven years
ago Tho couple have resided on their pretty
liltlo ranch at Goleta nearly that length Of
time. To all appearances the man and wife
are one. They never refer to their terrible
sorrow, but each strives to forget tie awful
past and live in the present. 1t is II strange
story. The neighbors know nothing of the
circumstances. Tho gentleman WHO gives
this information was u resident Of Chico at
tho time referred to and familiar with all the
narrowing details, having learned them
directly from brother Of the hero Of the
story.-Los Angeles Tribune.