E-Sylum Feature Writer and American Numismatic Biographies author Pete Smith submitted this article on the childhood injury sustained by numismatist Edgar H. Adams. Thanks! -Editor

Early on Monday morning Harry Boroff, son of John Boroff, the grocer, took his shot gun and started out to the woods alone to find some game.

In his scout he went as far as Wheeling Creek, where he found a number of town boys fishing, bathing, &c., among whom was Edgar Adams, who lives with his grandmother in this place, and is a son of Henry Adams of Wheeling.

When the time to start home came, Harry told the boys that he believed he would take to the woods, so that he might find some game, and Edgar concluded to accompany him, the other boys preferring to steer for home direct.

The two boys had proceeded as far homeward as James Frazier's farm, northeast of town, and together, within a few feet of each other, Edgar in the advance, were looking around in a piece of timber, hoping to spy a squirrel, when Harry tripped and fell forward, the hammer of the gun catching in his clothing, causing the discharge of the piece and the emptying of its contents into the left leg of Edgar, midway between the ankle and knee.

Boroff, almost scared out of his wits, undertook to carry Edgar to Mr. Frazier's house, a half mile distant, but being unable to do so, he ran to the house and apprised him of what had happened, when he went to his assistance and removed him to his residence.

Drs. H. and John E. West, Hewetson and Close were called, and as soon as possible had him removed to the residence of Mrs. Adams, when upon examination it was found that the large bone of the leg was fractured and that the small one had been shattered, and two inches of it entirely carried off.

The shattered portions were removed and the limb was dressed, with some encouragement that it may be saved.

This is a most unfortunate accident to Edgar, and will probably cripple him for life.

His youth—being but 11 years of age—and his grit is in his favor, if amputation can be avoided.