John Swartz
Died July 14, 1902
John Swartz, who is suffering from hydrophobia as the result of having been bitten by a mad dog, is still living, but the attending physicican[sic] expects that the end will come within the next 48 hours. It is an extremely sad case. (Niles Daily Star, Monday, July 14, 1902, page 3, col 3, microfilm Niles District Library)
Next day:
John Swartz, Victim of Hydrophobia, is Dead
John Swartz, after having suffering untold agony for several days, died at 5:30 o'clock last evening, a victim of hydrophobia. Mr. Swartz was bitten by a mad dog last April when a number of persons were attacked, among them being Wellington Welling, who was immediately sent to the Pasteur Institute in Chicago, where the virus treatment is given.
The wound in the left hand from which Mr. Swartz has suffered almost untold agony, had healed up and no evil results were anticipated, but last Wednesday the usual hydrophobia symptoms appeared. First a loss of appetite and violent pains, radiating from the left hand were experienced, which grew rapidly worse.
Mr. Swartz' illness was accompanied by an abnormal dread of water, said to be a symptom of canine madness. The deasase is caused by a bite from a rabid creature, as was the case in the present instance, or with the inoculation of a mad dog. The chief symptoms of the disease, all of which Mr. Swartz' condition showed, are, a sense of dryness and constriction in the throat, causing difficulty in deglutition, a marked heightening of reflex excitability, producing convulsions whenever the patient attempts to swallow, or is disturbed in any way, as by the sight or sound of water.
Mr. Swartz was 79 years of age and has been a resident Niles for nearly forty years. He is survived by six children, four sons and two daughters.
The funeral will be held from the residence of Harry Swartz on Third street, to-morrow at 4 o'clock, p.m. , Rev. Ager, officiating. Interment will take place at Silver Brook. (Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, July 15, 1902, page 3, col 3, microfilm Niles District Library)
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The funeral services of the late John Swartz were held this forenoon at 10 o'clock at the home of his son, Harry, on north Third street, Rev. Charles Ager conducting the services. The remains were laid to rest in Silver Brook cemetery. (Niles Republican, Thursday, July 17, 1902, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library)