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Tag: tragedy

“A Horrible Cutting Affair,” 1874

On September 20, 2016January 12, 2017 By Jessica HilburnIn History & ObituariesLeave a comment

Despite the constant reports of violence we are inundated with every day, we live in a low-violence society compared to the 1800s in the Oil Region! In particular, 1874 was a very violent year.

Beheaded in the Jailhouse, 1872

On July 29, 2016January 12, 2017 By Jessica HilburnIn History & Obituaries1 Comment

"Horrible Homicide!" the August 15th, 1872 edition of the Titusville Morning Herald screamed from page three. "A man had his head chopped off in the Corry Lock-Up. The Slayer an insane man!" Comforting words to read while sipping your morning tea, no?

The Chloroform Victims

On July 14, 2016January 12, 2017 By Jessica HilburnIn History & Obituaries2 Comments

Imagine going to the dentist. You know you need a root canal and boy is it going to hurt. But you aren't too worried because you know that a simple injection of Novocaine will do the trick to eliminate the majority of the pain. But, that's today. Now, imagine you need a root canal, but the year is 1860. Feeling slightly more nervous? You should be.

The Barr Family Tragedies

On March 2, 2016April 11, 2018 By Jessica HilburnIn History & ObituariesLeave a comment

AKA: Episode 2 of A Thousand Ways to Die in the Oil Region. Just after the oil boom, Dr. George W. Barr moved to Titusville with his wife and children in mid-1865. Little did he know the tragedy that would befall him in his new home.

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