The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-08-24
A LONG SLEEP.
Kewanee, ILL, Woman Sank In
to a Heavy SIumber
Ten Weeks Ago and Can Not Be
Awakened.
REMAINS IN A STUPOR.
Husband Expended All His
Savings For Relief.
Now Woman Is Exhibited For a
Consideration.
REMAINS IN A STUPOR.

Kewanee Ill, Aug. 24.-Mrs. Rosaline
Haven, wife of d. s. Haven Of wyoming,
a village three miles south of here, fell
asleep ten weeks ago and has since lain in
stupor, from which nothing can arouse
her. The case has baffied all the physi-
clans of this city. Mrs. Haven appears to
sleep peacefully. She is given nourish-
ment three times a day and is apparently
gaining in flesh, but she is entirely oblvi-
Gus to all surroundings and happenings.
Mrs Haven's long sleep began May IS.
Previous to its coming she had suffered
from nervous prOstratio and at times
would become unconscious for hours. dur
ing which time her body became stiff and
rigid These attacks were frequent in
the latter weeks in May, and Mrs. Haven
complained of being excessively tired.
She anticipated a lasting stupor, and
confded her fears to her husband, who
ridiculed the thought. When her present.
iment was fulfilled she was removed to
the home of her aunt, Mrs. Collins, where
she still remains wonder to the residents
of the village and puzzle to the numer-
GUS physicians who have attempted to
diagnose her aiIment.
As she lies in bed she sleeps as peace
fully as child, and a person might read
lily conclude the body was lifeless were it
not for a breathing motion which indicates
life. Her pulse is regular and not above
normal, and her temperature, which has
been noted by physicians through the long
intervals, remains practically the same.
She has not opened her eyes nor spoken
a word since the stupor came on, and the
muscles of her whole body are completely
relaxed. 1t has been noticed at times
that the positions Of her feet and hands
are changed, but SO slight as to be al
most imperceptible. Occasionally she
groans, as if in great pain, but her ex-
preston is one of rest.
All the food she takes consists Of milk
or cruel, which is forced between her lips
every day, but in quantities much smaller
than is given to the average sick person.
In spite of this treatment she has gained
steadily in weight. and her aunt says her
appearance is much better at present than
at any time for a number of years before
she began her long rest.
Physicians have been called from all
the surrounding towns to treat Mrs. Ha-
ven. but they have not had success, even
In the slightest degree. They agree in
on record A prominent physician of this
city who has seen persons afflicted with
long sleep, expresses the belief that it is
a kind of hysteria, which manifests itself
in this UNCOMMON form
The Collins household has been turned
into a laboratory, and is filled with all
kinds of mechanical apparatus, electrical
appliances and strong restoratives, all of
which have been used upon Mrs. Haven
Mr.. Haven who is business man, has
spent all his savings in the effort
cure successful treatment for his wife,
circumstances. At first curious neighbors
and visitors were not permitted to see the
sleeper, but of late the calls have been
so FREQUENT and the case has become so
contributions are left for the family by in
terested persons of means. These char
liable offerings amount to enough to pro-
vide medical assistance.
Mrs. Haven has lived all her life in Wy
oming. Her maiden name was Rosaline
Newman, and she is 81 years of age.
Eleven years ago she was married to d.
dren tb oiae+ 10 we ar ~ % c+ M
youngest born less than a year ago. 1t
is believed the care. of her baby, coupled
with household duties, is responsible for
Mrs. HaVen'S condition.