September 11, 1880

 

JONES, DAN - A few weeks ago a young colored man, Dan Jones, died under circumstances which appeared mysterious, and rumors were rife as to the cause of his death.  Some claimed to have proof that his death was ensued from injuries received in a fight with a young man named Charles Biggs, a few evenings before.  Others asserted positively that Dr. E. W. McCann, who was called to attend Jones the evening prior to his death, had administered too heavy a dose of morphine.  Upon these assertions, coming from responsible members of society, the UNION noticed the affair and called for an investigation.  On Friday of last week the body of Jones was exhumed and a post mortem examination held.  Coroner Kitzmiller examined all who knew anything about the affair and finally submitted the following report, in which it will be seen he exonerates Dr. McCann from any blame.  After having heard the evidence and examined the body, I do find that the deceased came to his death by causes unknown to the Coroner.  The evidence, however, shows that the deceased at the time of his death, and a short time previous thereto, was suffering from a severe attack of Delirium Tremens, and the evidence further show that one Charles Biggs made a violent and unprovoked assault upon the deceased about three days before his death, in which he beat and kicked him in the sides and chest, producing serious internal injuries.  I further find that Dr. E. W. McCann, the physician attending upon the deceased at the time of his death, is no wise to blame--giving only such medicines and treatment as is proper in such cases.  Young Biggs was arrested on the charge of assault and battery and had a hearing before Mayor Thomas Thursday afternoon, but nothing sufficient was developed to justify holding him and he was discharged.