Death of Frank Hughes

   We had merely time before going to press last week to announce the
tragic death of Frank Hughes.

   From what we can learn, the following is nearly a true statement of
facts in the case:

   The father of the deceased is a farmer residing about four miles south
west of Naperville, and on the evening of July 9th, went with his sons and
hired men into a hay field to work during the cool of the evening.  Frank
desired to drive the team and permission was given to do so, but before he
had driven the team very long, one of the horses caught the line under its
tail and began to run.  He tried to stop the horses, but was unsuccessful,
and the right spring of the seat breaking next to the mower, he was thrown
in front of the sickle and so fearfully mangled and cut up that he did not
survive the injuries.

  As soon as his father and others saw what had happened they went to his
rescue, sent for horse and buggy to take him home, sent for surgical
assistance, and did all in their power to save his life and alleviate his
suffering.

   Drs. Bell and Potter were on hand as soon as possible, and found that
Frank's right leg had been literally sawed off between the knee and hip
joint, that he had two fingers cut off his right hand, and that his left
arm was injured and his left hand fearfully lacerated.

   After due consultation, and by consent of B.W. Hughes, deceased's
father, the doctors proceeded to amputate right leg, and the unfortunate boy seemed to endure the operation right manfully.  This having been successfully
performed, the next in order would have been the amputating of left arm,
but before the surgeons were ready to enter upon this painful duty, the boy
showed signs of great exhaustion, and it was deemed advisable to wait until
exhausted nature had rallied its strength; but alas could not be done, and
Frank breathed his last about 2 o'clock on the morning of July 10th, 1872.

   Dr. Potter remained to properly prepare the mangled corpse for the rites
of burial; and while combing the hair of deceased, ascertained a serious
wound on the head, occasioned, perhaps, by being thrown upon one of the
sickle guards, causing concussion of the brain, and death in so short a
time.

   The funeral took place on the 11th, and was attended by a large
concourse of relatives and friends.  His remains were interred in Naperville
Cemetery.

 Submitted by Mike Johnston
 MJohns1752@aol.com

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