Irving Adelbert Orton

Irving Orton was a fireman on the railroad. However, for over ten years, he suffered from epileptic seizures caused by a gun accident in Gove County, Kansas while hunting antelope near the Smoky River. The injury healed without skillful treatment then about two years later he began to have epileptic fits. Although naturally a very bright young man, his mind became seriously impaired. Finally, after consulting with Dr. Conger, a trephine operation was done on his skull (an opening cut into the skull to remove pressure). At first, the operation seemed to stop the seizures but on the day of his death, the "fits" were implicated. He and his brother were at work on his timber claim when Irving became thirsty and told his brother he was going to the spring to get a drink. When Irving didn't return, his brother went to find him and found him lying face downward in the spring. He showed signs of life when taken out but soon expired. Dr. Kidd was at once sent for but arrived too late to be of any service. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. W.A. Saville.

[Clippings pasted in the Bible belonging to his mother, one page missing from article written shortly after his operation.]

The article about the circumstances of his death and funeral appeared in the ELLIS REVIEW 26 Jun 1891.

Information also from CEMETERY RECORDS ELLIS COUNTY, KANSAS (1967,68) p.5