Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-03-20
A FURIOUS ASSAULT.
0verseer of Poor G. M. John
son Roughly Handled
BY Nelson Campbell Who Renews De-
mands Repeatedly Refused.
Campbell Promptly Arrested and Will Receive
Full Extent OF Law.

Overseor of the Poor Geo. \. john
son was assaulted Saturday morning,
by Nelson Campbell who is an inmate
of the amshousc but who at the time
Of the ARRAY, was in Mr.. Johnson's
office.
During the past few weeks. Campbell
has been suffering from Illness. At the
commencement of his sickness. about
two months ago. medical assistance
was needed. and as he was financially
embarrassed al the time. he asked for
assistance from the city. lie was placed
under the care of City Physician DIR.
W. o. COBB. and was soon able To at
tend to work.
Campbell caused the city no further
trouble until about two weeks ago
when he was again taken sick and
called for further help. His request
was granted but he was not satisfied
with the medicine that the physician
was furnishing him. He decided he
wanted a change. and told the overseer
Of the poor of a certain patent medi
cine Wnlcn ne ilouSlli NbuII just III
his case.
Mr.. Johnson told him any prescrip-
ton the doctor would give him would
be promptly filled. Campbell said he
knew what he wanted and was deter
mined to have the same. He continued
10 gain under the care of the phySi-
clan. until March 10. when he thought
that if he could not have the medicine
he wanted that the city could pay all
his expenses. Accordingly he was
taken from his home on Middle street,
TO the city almshouse. Friday. March
10.
His health was fairly good at the
time but he was still determined upon
having some of that patent medicine.
Last Friday, he secured permission
from the manager of the city home. to
go down street. He took direct
course for the city physicians office to
procure a prescription for this we'll
known patent medicine. which was re-
fused him.
He again asked permission to visit
Water street. Saturday morning, which
was granted He went direct to G. N.
Johnson's office arriving there about 9
O'Clock. He walked in with the air of
the proprietor,' took off his coat and
hat, and sat down. When Mr.. Johnson
asked what was wanted. he replied Il
want that medicine / have been telling
you about and l am going to have il"
Mr.. johnson explained that the
city physician had the care of the sick
of the poor department and that any
prescription issued by the city physi-
~ ,.1 cd IN
bell made no reply but sat in his chair
and sulked until about noon. When it
became time to close the office, Mr.
johnson said, Nelson, l want to go to
dinner now" which received the prompt
reply from Campbell. Go. l don't give
-.
Mr.. johnson again asked him
to leave the office, and then started to-
ward the corner of the room which was
occupied by Campbell, whereupon
Campbell jumped to his feet, grabbed a
chair and started for Mr.. Johnson. Mr..
Johnson who had prepared to go to din
ner, had on heavy overcoat. gloves
and hat, and was wholly off his guard
when attacked.
The story of the combat is told as
follows by Mr.. Johnson: II was never
more surprised in my life than when
Nelson took a chair and attempted to
knock me down. the blow was aimed at
my head. but I avoided the full force
of the blow by stepping one side and
throwing up an arm. | then saw that
he was crazy. or crazy mad. and ! tried
to eject him from the room. Nelson
jumped to one side and struck me twice
in the face I started to move toward
the door and in some way tripped and