Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-01-28
CONDITION CRITICAL
J. P. FIckers to Have Taken Over
Dose Of Sleeping Potion.
HAS NOT RECLAIMED CONSCIOUSNESS
1t is Thought He Sought Relief From
Insomnia With Which He Has Been
TroubIed-Every Effort Being Made
for Resuscitation of Patient.
[Trom Saturdays Daily.l

[From Saturdays Daily.1
J. P. Eckers is lying at his home on
North Ward street, South Ottumwa, in
an unconscious and very critical con-
dition from the effects of an overdose
of sleeping potion, which it is sup
posed was taken last night. Several
doctors have been in attendance since
early this morning and with the grief
stricken family have done everything
in their power to bring relief to the
sufferer, but up until noon very little
change in his condition was notice
able and there is considerable fear en-
tertained for his recovery
About ! o'clock this morning Mr..
Eckers was found in his bed in an I'M
conscious condition by his wife, who
had been aroused by his heavy breath
ing and being unable to arouse him
Mrs. Eckers Immediately called
physician when it was discovered
from the symptoms that his uncon-
seriousness was probably due to an
overdose of some medicine. 1t has
been impossible to find out definitely
in regard to the cause of the mis-
attributable to a potion taken by Mr..
which he has been troubled.
Troubled With Insomnia.
For several weeks past Mr. Eckers
has been troubled considerably with
nervousness and has been unable to
sleep we'll at nights. 1t is stated that
once or twice during this time he has
taken a light dose of something to
make him sleep that he might be able
to get little rest. Last evening Mr..
Eckers went home with his wife, who
had been to the North Side. After
chatting for a short time they retired
about IL o'clock. About an hour later
Mrs. Eckers was awakened by her
| husbands heavy breathing and being
unable to wake him she called assist
ance from one of the neighbors. Fur
| Their efforts to arouse him proving
| fruitless Drs. M. w. Pascoe and e. G.
Barton We're called and every effort
was put forth for the resuscitation of
the patient. There being very little
change in the condition of the patient
! DR.. S. A. Spilman was called in con-
sultation about $3.50 o'clock this morn
! ing. Since the doctors first arrived
! the patient has been watched with the
| greatest care and every means posi-
Bile have been used to assist in bring
ing him to consciousness but at a late
1 hour today all efforts have proven un-
available.
Watching Anxiousy.
The relatives of Mr.. Eckers were
summoned to his home early this
morning and have been watching an
xiously for a sign of returning con-
seriousness. They are at complete
loss as to any knowledge of the cause
further than that Mr.. Eckers has been
troubled with insomnia and that pos.
sibly he has taken medicine for this
trouble and accidentally took an over.
dose.
Was an Accident.
Mr.. Eckers has been engaged in the
drug business in South Ottumwa for
the past six months and during this
time succeeded very well. There is a
rumor on the South Side that he took
the drug with intent to commit suicide
but careful investigation seems to to-
tally discredit that statement. All
information that has been secured
rather points to the taking of too large
a dose of sleeping potion through &C