Archive:Hugh Monticello Whitney Obituary, 17 August 1920
Archives > Archive:Newspapers > Hugh Monticello Whitney Obituary, 17 August 1920
Whitney Family Groups > John Whitney Family > Ezra-6 Whitney Family > Hugh Monticello Whitney Obituary, 17 August 1920
INVENTOR SLEEPS FOR SIX MONTHS
Hugh M. Whitney succumbs to mysterious disease after sleeping since January 25th. Physicians are baffled Said he would not die happy until he had completel [sic] invention for milling flour. Patents come after it is too late. Hugh M. Whitney of 624 Clark aveenue, Webster Groves, died at Barnes Hospital Thursday, after having been asleep since January 25th. Up to the time he went into the drowse, according to his wife, he had been enjoying perfect health, and had seldom been sick during his life. Dr. Marshall Baker was called and putting forth every effort was able to keep Mr. Whitney alive through a series of experimental treatments. Later Doctor Nolkemper and several physicians including Dr. Schmid of South Broadway and Dr. Frey of St. Louis, who are specialists in nervous and cerebral diseases were called in. About five weeks ago they removed the patient to Barnes Hospital where he continued to sink. Dr. Baker stated that Whitney appeared to be conscious of his surroundings until February 15, then he was able to mumble answers to questions. After that no words left his lips. He was fed liquids at short intervals during his sickness, and for a short time was able to swallow. According to Dr. Baker the disease which has been called lethargic encepalitis which term is meant to express sleeping sickness due to inflamation of membranes is a rarity and baffling to specialists all over the world. Dr. Baker says the disease is not of the class usually termed sleeping sickness which was first known in Africa and with which paralysis sets in. Specialists are all baffled with the disease, have found no cause that [copy of newspaper article in possession of writer does not include the remainder of the obituary, but it appears that the article is much longer. A note dates the article to 'Aug 17 1920 paper'.]
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