The record-union., 1896-03-14

Florence, the coy little suburb to the
north of Omaha is agog with excitement.
The older generation, of which the popula-
ton of Florence is mostly composed, are ap-
parently getting young again, and vie with
the younger generation IN teats OF strength
and agility.
A World Herald reporter was attracted by
the evidence of renewed activity of some OF
the older inhabitants of the village and en-
quired the cause. Mr.. Andrew Finkenkeler,
who was a member of Company B of the
First Iowa Volunteers during the war, made
the following explanation of his strong,
healthy appearance, when for years he had
been crippled or compelled to lie on sick
bed with a complication of disorders result
ing from the hardships which he was COM
PEELED to endure. He said:
In July, 1866 while my company was
on the march through to Austin, Texas, my
leg troubled me considerably. But thought
that it was nothing but a recurrence of the
effects of sprain | had received during the
war by my horse falling on me, but the
pain soon increased to such degree that
was compelled to ask for medical treatment.
The surgeons pronounced the cause rheu-
matism. and that of the worst order. At
Alexander, Louisiana, was in such weak
ened condition, though | continued to march
with my company, that the excessive heat
overcame me and [ was sunstruck, remain
ing unconscious several hours. As a result
of the sunstroke, | was unable and have
ever since been unable to remain in the
glare of the sun, even on moderately cool
day, and every summer / have been over
come by the heat so that | would be COM
PEELED to give up my work. The feeling
that I experienced was sort of bearing
down on my head, as though heavy body
was resting there and at times it would
come quickly, like blow and | would un-
consciously stoop as though involuntarily
avoiding an obstacle presenting itself to my
head. This bearing down gradually grew
into steady pain which increased until it
seemed as though my head would burst.
"There was also a constant ringing in my
ears rendering it very difficult for me to
hear. Coupled with this, palpitation of
the heart caused me great trouble, and this
grew so that the slightest shock to my
nerves from a slight noise or other disturb
ance would set my heart to humping against
my chest and [ would tremble from head to
foot as though had st. Vitus' dance. Three
times, from slight circumstances the palpi-
tation was so great that | tainted and re-
mained unconscious for from seven to ten
hours, at which times my relatives de-
SPARED of my life. In addition to this the
rheumatism, which had been felt only in
my ankle, began to work up my right leg
until the whole right side of my body was
affected by it, so much indeed, that my
head was drawn down to my right shoulder.
/ was totally unfit for work, lost my strength
and flesh 1 tried every physician who was
reported to me to have a special knowledge
of my case, but after long trials, l only ex-
perienced temporary relief from the pain.
/ was confined to my bed during the greater
part of the cold weather of each year.
For twenty. eight years have consulted
physicians and taken their prescriptions
without deriving any material benefit My
ailments increased in intensity until | was
assured that there was no hope for me. Dur
ing last year | went into the butcher busi-
ness, but the dampness from the ice used
increased my rheumatic pains to such an
extent that ] was not only compelled to
quit the business but was confined to my
house and bed for nearly six months.
81 had given up all faith of being a vel
man again when in November last l read ii
the World Herald case of man who haG