A FATAL WEDDING FEAST.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2471, 18 February 1881, Page 4

A FATAL WEDDING FEAST.

Particulars have been received of a terrible posioniug ease in Tennessee. Tbe marriage of Air Joel Hembree and Miss Jane Dale, Roane Country, drew together a large company of their friends and relatives, who belong to the prominent families in the vicinity. The wedding had long been talked of, and was the special event of the year. After the ceremony the company was invited to the hospitable board of Colonel Dale, the bride and the bridegroom in the meantime withdrawing. The tabic was was bountfully supplied, and all ate heartily. The evening was spent in festivities. Another supper was served. After the second meal, several guests began complaining of illness, but it was laughed off and the gaiety continued. About eleven o’clock a sudden lethargy seemed to overtake the whole company, and in a few minutes twenty-seven were unconscious. The few who retained consciousness set themselves at work to resuscitate their companions, but without avail. Twelve were temoved to other houses in 'the neighborhood, and, as the news spread, the whole country around was aroused with excitement, as nearly every prominent family had members present at the fatal feast. Such medical aid as could be summoned could give little relief, and two da3's after the occurrence six of the wedding guests were Robert Dale, the bride’s brother, died next day. Mike Maj r , a relative of the groom, died in a few hours. Albert Gallagher and Miss Mattie Lovelace, well-known young people, died next day. Two young -girls, Emma Peters and Kate Lowey, died within twenty-four hours. Col. Dale and his wife were very low, and their death was momentarily expected. The cause of the tragedy was the use of arsenic instead of salt in seasoning the chickens. Colonel Dale purchased a quantity of arsenic a day or two before to kill crows, and carlessly left it iu the kitchen. A blundering servant mistook it for salt, and hence the fatal results. Only those who partook of the chicken were poisoned.