The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-11-21
A SLsEPING BEAUTY.
Strange Case of Miss Grace Gridley of
Amboy, Ill
From the st. Louis Republic

From the st. Louis Republic.
DIXON, ILL, Nov 14-One of the
strangest and most interesting cases to the
medical profession, as well as to the people.
is that of Miss Grace Gridley, pretty
young society lady Of Amboy, Ill. Her
singular case has called the attention Of the
medical profession far and wide, and they
have thus far been unable to solve the mys-
terry. Your correspondent called at the
home of the parents at Amboy, and was
met at the door by Mrs. Gridley, a moth
erly woman, who, when told of the errand,
said:
1T is very embarrassing for us, and we
have felt delicate in saying anything to
strangers about our dear Grace. There is
hardly mail that does not bring letters of
advice and inquiries from doctors and
strangers from all over the country. We
have asked the local papers to respect us in
our sad bereavement and say nothing
about the matter, and they have respected
our request, but as you say there have been
reports in other papers, and l don't know
but that it would be best to have something
like the facts appear, though my husband
or myself do not like the attention of our
friends called to our sad trial Grace
had severe case of la
grippe along in February, from
which, we supposed, she had fully
which left her languid. She was always a
bright active child, of a nervous tempera-
ment. She is now over % years of
age. We first noticed that, contrary to her
usual custom, she wanted to lie in bed in
the morning, which gradually grew upon
Ter until on April 1, we were unable to
arouse her. Medical assistance was called
in, aud not until a strong current of elec-
tricity had been applied did she awake
She remained awake for two days and on
the third we again had to resort to electric
ity. She awoke with a scream, and said
Don't do that; it hurts me so. Mamma,
don't want to wake; am 50 comfortable.
/ understand and know everything
that is going on around me- and
you find her in to-day. Yes. she got out Of
bed once. 1t was several days after the
second application of the battery, and we
found her IN the front parlor-her room is
upstairs-by the window with an open
Bible on her lap She turned the leaves
| restlessly, but did not seem to read. | am
sure she did not know what she was doing,
and she did not seem to recognize me when
| led her back to her room. she seems con-
| scious at times ana to this day seems to
| notice the presence of stranger in the
| room, as the presence of any but the family
| seems to distress her."
When asked if it had not been reported
| that the strange illness had been brought on
| by religious excitement at a revival, Mrs.
| Gridley said: There has been such a re-
| port, but there is no truth in it, though
| Grace is an ardent christian and member
! of the church. She has not attended any
revivals for over year, and she was never
unduly excited over religion"
Miss Gridley Ii slowly wasting away,
though she is given liquid food about every
three hours, and swallows naturally. At
times she seems TO be awake, opening her
eyes about quarter Of the way. She
turns herself in tine bed and seems to have
complete control of her limbs.
when she had opened her eyes" said
Mrs. Gridley I'VE have earnestly asked,
even implored, Grace to make some sign. a
movement of the hand or eye, or TO do
something to show that she recognizes us,
but she makes no sign. We can't under
stand it.",