Harry Barlien (1925)

BARLEIN, BOLING, PURCELL

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 1/9/2011 at 14:20:41

Winterset Madisonian – May 6, 1925
Pg 1

FEARFUL TRAGEDY AT COUNTY FARM

Pres Boling, Insane Ward of County, Kills Harry Burlein, Fellow Patient

While chopping wood at the county farm on Monday afternoon, Pres Boling, an insane patient, drove an ax into the head of Harry Burlein, a fellow patient, killing him instantly. The first blow almost severed the head, but with insane fury, he continued to rain blows upon his helpless victim. At least five ax wounds were inflicted about the head.

Pres Boling, a long time resident of Monroe township, was taken to the county home about two months ago. On April 16th, he was adjudged insane and sent to the county home by the commissioners of insanity. On last Sunday night, he broke out of his locked room and came to Winterset, scantily clad. On the following day, Steward W. G. Gilleland came to Winterset and reported that he was unable to control Boling and asked the board to take some action. On that account, Mr. Gilleland cannot be criticized in the least. In fact, as the Madisonian sees it, no one was guilty of gross negligence, since Boling had not given any evidence of violence, although clearly insane. He did seem to be obsessed with the idea that Burlein wanted to injure him.

Burlein, who was mentally deficient, was said to be a well behaved, industrious patient. He was the son of Mrs. Matt Purcell of Winterset, and was 23 years of age.