The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1891-08-28
THE BUTzBACH HOMICIDE.
THE CENTRAL POOR DISTRICT SEND
MARX LONG TO INvESTIGATE-THE
REPORT FROM sUPERINTEND-
ENT SCHULTZ.

bach, at the Danville hospital for the
insane, under circumstances which
pointed to homicide at the hands of a
keeper, prompted the Central Poor
District, whose charge Butzbach was,
to send one of their number to Dan
vile to investigate Marx Long went
thither, and has returned with the fol-
lowing report from DR.. Shultz, giving
full and fair statement of the unfortu-
nate case ..
THE STATE HOSPITAL FOR THE In
SANE, DANvILLE, PA, August IS,
1891. Hon. MARX LONG, Director
Central Poor District, Wilkes-Bar
Pa, Dear Sir: In compliance with
your request personally addressed to
me this morning in behalf of your
board, l give you below the facts con-
cerning the death of Anthony +. Butz-
bach, recen. y an inmate Of this hospi-
tai, commi. I'd and maintained by the
Board of Central Poor District of Lu-
zerne County.
At about o'clock on the morning
Of Saturday, August I, Andrew Brown,
an attendant in the employ of the hos
pital, heard shrek for help coming
from an apartment some ten yards
away from where he was at the time
occupied. When he came to the
place from whence the call proceeded,
he found the patient, Butzbach, and
Marion B. McHenry, another attend
ant, engaged in a struggle with each
other, the patient apparently hav-
ing the advantage of his attendant.
Before Brown had completely sepa-
rated the two Butzbach had sustained
injuries from which he died in about
thirty-three hours-that is, at 3 p. m.
Sunday. Violent assaults were made
on Butzbach by McHenry after the
latter had been rescued from danger
by Brown. The above facts appear
from the sworn testimony given in the
coroner's inquest. The verdict Of the
inquest was to the effect that Butz-
bach died from the shock of physical
injuries inflicted by McHenry. Brown
had been in the service of the hospi-
tai, as attendant, about twenty one
months, and McHenry fourteen
months. ....
Butsbach was considered a more
than ordinarily dangerous patient from
his bodily strength, but much more
from the nature of his insane delus-
ions. He was, therefore, not allowed
to mingle with the other patients in
his ward, as is usually done, bat he
was secluded alone during the day in
a hall Sx26 feet. The attendants were
instructed not to 60 into this hall un-
less at least two were together, for
natural protection in case of trouble
with the patient. McHenry took the
risk, at this time, of entering this hall
and doing the work in Butzbach's room
alone, or unaccompanied by another
attendant. As soon as it was ascer-
tanned how the trouble had arisen Nc
Henry was discharged. As near as I
can recall this was done by noon.
AS early on Monday as the attorney
of the hospital could be communicated
with, arrangements were made for the
inquest, with the exception of the
hour. This was fixed later, after the
friends of the deceased had been in,
formed of the cause of death and con.
suited when they, or their representa-
tives, if they wished it, could be pres
ent. A nephew of the deceased was
present at the inqnest at p. m. on
Tuesday.
From the time Of the injury to the
hour Of death the unfortunate man re-
ceived such medical and surgical treat
ment and care of attendants as his
condition seemed to require.
The information before the justice
of the peace, on which the warrant OF
McHenry's arrest issued, was made
by one of the trustees of the hospital
A report of the whole matter, so fal
as | thought it called for or desired
was promptly made to the Committee
on Lunacy of the Board of Public
Charities, as the law requires.
Should your board desire any fur
ther information on any point relatin.
to this affair, need hardly add that
will cheerfully give it so far as l can.
Before concluding this communica
ton l wish to assure you, that witt
the exception of the immediate rela
tives of Mr.. Butsbach no one can NOR,
sincerely regret this deplorable occur
, renee than do. am also sure::tha
the trustees of the hospital as well a
t my colleagues in the administration G
, its affairs and the care of its inmate
t share the same feelings.
t Very truly yours,
S. S. SCHULTZ M. d., Supt.
, - Wilkes Barre Record.