Watertown Republican

AN ENTIRE CONGREGATION POISONED AT A LOVE FEAST.

NAPERVILLE, Ill., June 10.—Never before in the history of Naperville was such an excitement created as on last Sunday evening, when it was reported that the entire congregation of the Dunkard Church, who were celebrating a love feast, had been poisoned by eating meat prepared in a copper kettle and allowed to remain there until the liquid had become oxidized. Nearly every one in the village had a friend or a relative in attendance, and consequently there was a general rush for the church in question. Upon entering the building the scene which met their gaze verified the reports. In different portions of the church were the sufferers, some sitting up, others lying down, the latter twisting themselves into all sorts of positions, rolling around the floor, and all apparently suffering the most excruciating pain. Medical assistance was at once summoned, but, as it was very limited, considerable time elapsed before all could be attended to. The stomach pump was brought into requisition, and those gave evidence of suffering the most were considerably relieved by its use. It was found upon actual count that no less than one hundred and thirty were more or less affected, the major portion, however, but slightly, they having partaken of but a small quantity of the food. About twenty were found to be in a dangerous condition. These were removed to their homes, and every attention paid them, and before morning many of them were out of danger. Those who were but slightly affected, with some little assistance got home, and in a short time were entirely recovered. It seems that the members were, as is mentioned above, celebrating a love feast. On Saturday last a quantity of meat was cooked in a copper kettle. About one-half of it was eaten that day, and the remainder allowed to remain in the kettle until Sunday, on account of there being no other place to keep it. Remaining so long in the liquid it became oxidized, and when partaken of, of course poisoned those who ate it. Some of the sufferers did not recover for two or three days, but now all are pronounced out of danger.