The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1896-10-01

In the town Of Oneorta, in Otseeo County,
New York. for great many years there has
lived man whose life has been overshsd'
owed by that terrible disease, paralysis.
Recently il was rumored that a miracle had
been performed-that this man had been re-
stored TO his normal health and strength and
10 ascertain the truth or falsity of such
rumor your correspondent visited Oneonts
to-day and being directed to the man sought
an interview with him, which was readily
snd cheerfully granted. The man told his
own story as follows:
My name is Edward Haswell. You
would not think from my appearance, but
was born 77 years ago, in New Scotland,
Albany County. was reared on farm
and blessed by Nature with a strong con.
uitution and good health. Early IN life l
removed 10 Albany thence to Schenevus, in
this county, and finally settled down in On
eonta. where | have lived great many years.
when the war broke out | was strong
snd active being nearly six feet tall and
weighing 225 pounds. | enlisted IN the
Third New York Cavalry and served three
yeaus Of the long, weary marches, especl-
lllv in North Carolina of the days and nights
of exposure l will not speak, for 1t was in
he barracks at Washington that my misery
began. While there heavy rains fell and
not having sufficient protection ohtimes we
lwoke in the morning drenched with the
-aiu. At this time l contracted cold and
along with il came that dread disease, rheu-
nltisn. [ rapidly grew. worse and was re;
moved 10 the hospital where I WAS attended
bv DR.. Leonard. now of Worcester in this
county. He made me as comfortable as any
man could, but l could not shake on the
disease. Il was in my system and after my
return home with impaired health and
strength reduced, my nerves gave out and
additional suffering ensued. / could move
around and was able 10 do some vork-at
length | went to work in the car shops here,
inside work wholly-but the least exposure
would bring on terrible pains and life was
made miserable for me. After a few years
my strength gave out and l was unable to
fght against my pains. In addition TO the
rheumatism extreme nervousness took pos.
I session of me-then heart disease set IN
could not lie down 10 sleep and was brought
very low By this complication of diseases.
! Nv wrists and ankles became swollen, my
/ legs distorted and my hips sunken. now you
can feel the cavities, also thrust your hand
into my back-such were the rsvages o
rheumatism.
but this was not all. About six year;
ago had stroke Of paralysis which affected
somewhat from this. Three years ago | had
g second stroke which rendered me entirely
helpless. Ny left side was wholly useless
snd could not feel il when pin was thrus
full length into my leg or arm. Befor,
paralysis set in thought was nigh to death
but now came the horror of a living death
I On account Of my heart trouble which wa
aggravated by this new disease, could nc
sleep and could be placed only in one pos
tion-bolstered up in chair reclinin
slightly on my right side. Now the para
ysis affected my head and would remain i
that position asleep in the chair for weeks
time without awakening. Words cannC
express the misery was in and the sutfe
ing / endured. All this time | consulte
doctors and tried all kinds Of patent med
cines without receiving any benefit. ! ".
doomed TO lingering death and was
despair One day paper was handed Il