Niels Peter Sorenson
Paris Post, Friday, 21 May 1909, page 1
OVID CITIZEN
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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Niels Peter Sorenson 1916 Obituary