Death from Hydrophobia

A horrible death from hydrophobia occurred yesterday. The victim was a young man, twenty-five years old, named William Goodwillie, foreman in a box factory on North Pier. Nine weeks ago a friend brought into the shop a little dog picked up in the street. Goodwillie in fondling it was bit in the thumb. Little notice was taken of the wound and it apparently healed over. The first symptoms of hydrophobia appeared yesterday morning. When he arose to wash himself the sight of water threw him into paroxysms. Medical aid was summoned, but tbe malady increased during the day and night. He "foamed at the mouth, snapped at members of his family, and was seized with convulsions every few minutes. He realized at intervals his situation, and begged his friends to keep away for safety. This afternoon it was determined to try the effect of a sulpher vapor bath. The patient was handcuffed and kept in the bath half an hour at a temperature of 186 degrees. When taken out and laid on a lounge he first seemed better ; but in 15 minutes be died in horrible spasms. He leaves a wife and children.

Chicago Tribune, April 27, 1869