New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-09-20
WITH A MANIACIN THE DAhh.
FRrGHrFUL STRUGGLE OF A DAUGHTER
WITH HER FATHER.
THE ARRIVAL. OF TWO MEN. AWAKENED By
SCREAMS PREVENTS HIM FROM KILLING
urp AM HER MOTHER

THE ARRIVAL OF TWO MEN. AWAKENED BY
SCREAMS. PREVENTS HIM FROM KILLING
HER AND HER MOTHER.
Passaic. Sept 10 (SpeciaD-James Forsytne'
senior member OF the firm Of Forsythe & Bell
hardware merchants in Passaic-st.. became V'o-
lently insane early this morning and made
desperate attempt to kill his wife and daugh-
ter. Mr. Forsythe lives at No. 40 Pennington
ave Ahout 3 o'clock the neighborhood was
aroused by cries of Help. Help and Muir
DER
John j. Bowers and his son. Louis were the
first to be awakened They arose hastily and
prepared for burglars When they reached
Mr. Forsythe's door they were startled to hear
women screaming and the crashing or lamps
and furniture. They forced their way IN ana
found Miss Sarah Forsythe wagng desperate
battle with her insane father In the darkness
while her mother lay covering in the corner
The three were in their night robes and the IN
terror of the house was almost wreck The
maniac had destroyed every breakable thing
he could lay his hands on. and had nearly
killed his wife and daughter. besides badly cut
ting himself about the head and face. Mr.
Bowers and his son grappled with the maniac
and after considerable difficulty succeeded In
overpowering him. Had It not been for their
timely arrival Miss Forsythe and her mother
would undoubtedly have been killed.
DR.. Edwin De Bann. Forsythe's son-in-law.
and DR.. Pedrick were hastily summoned. and
they placed the unfortunate man under the In
1uence of morphine.
Miss Forsythe's experience was a fearful one
The three have lived alone for some time. and
although Mr.. Forsythe's mind has been weaken
ing for several months his daughter had not
thought it necessary to have any one else in the
house. Ever since his daughter, Mrs. De Baum
died short time ago. he has Imagined himself
dead, but he always mild and peaceful
About . o'clock this morning, Miss Forsythe
says. she heard her father stirring in the next
room. and went In TO see II he wanted anything
Then began a fierce battle the old man, seventy
two years of age. rushed at his daughter and
tried to Kill her. shouting You want to kill me-
but shall kill you first" Mr.. Forsythe and his
daughter grapped. The father who had never
been heard to utter a profane word continually
using the vilest language. Miss Forsythe fed
downstairs and out into the street clad In her
night robe. The maniac followed her and drove
her ustars again On the stairs she caught her
foot between the banisters. the old man pushed
her over backward, breaking her leg and almost
succeeding in breaking her back.
The insane mans attention was then drawn
to his wife. He dragged her from her room and
would have killed her had 1t not been for the In
reference Of Mr. Bowers and his son. her
daughter was powerless to help her. Miss For
sythe says the battle lasted an hour before as
sstance arrived.
Mr.. FOrsythe Is well known among the New
York hardware men. He retired from active
business when his health began to fall and since
then his daughter has managed the business for
him. Miss Forsythe and her mother are physi-
cal wrecks to-day. The father was removed to
Morris Plains Asylum this afternoon.