Sad Affair.— Marvin Harris, a young man o f about thirty years of age, residing at Dresden, about a year ago became afflicted with a tumor of a peculiar nature which made its appearance upon the abdomen and continued increasing in size until, in the meantime, it had obtained a prodigeous growth, extending up his right side and continuing to the arm. It was extremely painful, and every day of his life was a living death,—for a whole year he was literally dying by inches. The most celebrated physicians were consulted in reference to the practicability of the removal of the tumor, but all united in the opinion that it was firmly grown upon the vitals wherever it could reach them, and that death would be the immediate result of an operation. It became evident to the sufferer and his friends that death must result from this fearful disease very soon at best, and they determined to hazard the chances of an operation, as it might result favorably.
The day was appointed for the operation.—The surgeons had papers prepared which showed that they were acting in accordance with the wishes of the suffering man and his friends, and which would protect them from the unjust censures of the public, in event of the man’s death from the operation. Friday last, the 4th inst., was the day appointed, and the best and most skilled surgeons employed. The operation was conducted rapidly and skillfully, but the poor man was spared further suffering, as he died almost at the outset. The terrible sufferings of upwards of a year are no longer felt by him.—He had experienced religion some time previous to his death, and submitted himself to the ordeal which was to him life or death, calmly and determinedly.
His funeral took place at Dresden on Saturday last, at 2 o’clock, and was conducted with the Masonic ceremonies, R. W . James Burns, of this place, conducting the Masonic rites. The remains were interred in the Cemetery at Dresden.
Source: Penn Yan Express, Penn Yan, New York, 9 Jun 1869, Page 3