Niels Peter Sorenson
Paris Post, Friday, 16 October 1908, page 7
Ovid-Oct 12-A sensational accident occurred here Thursday the 8th. While Nels Sorenson was descending cemetery hill with a four horse team and a heavy load of gravel, a defective brake bar broke in two near the summitt with the result the wagon and horses were forced with rapid and frightful momentum down the incline, over the embankment at the base of the hill and into the irrigation canal near the southwest corner of John Myer's city lot, killing the rear wheel horse (a valuable animal) and badly bruising its mate.
And presenting a wreck of a nearly buried wagon, bursted log chains and shattered harness and horses all mixed together with mud in the bed of the ditch. Mr. Sorenson and his small son remained on the loaded wagon during the entire descent and neither received serious injury.
It will be remembered that the wheel of a heavily loaded wagon ran over Mr. Sorenson's head last summer which laid him up for several weeks at that time. It really seems that fate is against this man.
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Paris Post, Friday, 21 May 1909, page 1
On Tuesday last, Nels (sic) P Sorenson of Ovid became violently
insane and created one of the liveliest times in the history of the valley
during that afternoon and night. He was run over by a load of rock a year or two
ago and sustained serious injury to his head. He was taken insane about a year
ago in consequence of the accident and was taken to the asylum at Blackfoot. He
remained there about two months and was released as cured.
Since that time he has been living peacefully with his wife and family in Ovid. He is a man of giant stature and as strong as a lion. A week ago he began to show signs of returning dementia and neighbors rendered assistance in watching him. On Wednesday at noon he procured a shot gun and drove his family from the house. Bishop Lindsay, N P Martinus and L P Nelson and many other neighbors gathered and tried to capture him, but he held them at bay all afternoon. At intervals he would issue forth from the house and shoot at everything in sight. They party of neighbors used every plan to quiet him but without avial and were compelled to keep out of his way by his deadly shot gun.
L P Nielsen finally succeeded in reaching the house but could not secure the gun and as he was leaving, Sorenson shot at him, some of the shot striking his leg. Sheriff Arthur Budge and Deputy F Athay were sent for and they arrived early in the evening. Thereupon the effort to pacify the demented individual was renewed and continued until 2 o'clock the next morning before success crowned the efforts of the officers.
He walked out of the house without his gun and the officers succeeded in passing him and secured it. Then began the struggle to subdue him. He fought and it required six men to finally handcuff and quiet him. He was brought to Paris and placed in the county jail opposing every step that was taken.
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The Paris Post, Friday, 9 July 1909, page 4
Information comes from Blackfoot that Sorenson of Ovid, who is confined in the Asylum there is considerable improved but still has spells of insanity, at which time he becomes dangerous. It has been practically decided that he will be retained at the asylum permanently.
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Montpelier Examiner, Friday, 26 May 1916, page 1
DIES AT BLACKFOOT
Nels (sic) P Sorenson of Ovid, died last Saturday night in the
Blackfoot asylum in which institution he had been as inmate for a number of
years. Mr. Sorenson was subject to epileptic fits and was first sent to
Blackfoot for treatment eight years or more ago. After remaining there a year he
was sent home, as his condition was greatly improved. It was not long however,
until his condition was as bad or worse, than ever, and he was taken back to
Blackfoot where he has since remained. His death came last Saturday night after
he had experienced a number of bad spells.
Mr. Sorenson was about 47 years of age and had been a resident of Ovid for 27 years or more. His body was brought home for burial and the funeral was held last Wednesday afternoon at 1 pm. Mr. Sorenson is survived by his widow and five children.