Title: A Copper-head’s Fatal Poison

Mr. J. M. ALEXANDER, of Steel Creek, was in his corn crib last Wednesday, and picked up an ear of corn to kill what he conceived to be a rat whose body was partially exposed to his view.  He struck at it and the head of a copper head snake projected from the corn, and almost before he knew it, the reptiles fangs were fastened in his fore-finger.  He hurried to the house and barely succeeded in getting within doors before he became blinded from the effects of the poison and perfectly helpless.  His wife poured whisky into him, as much as his system would hold, and summoned medical assistance.  The bite was cauterized, and at last accounts Mr. ALEXANDER was slowly improving. — Charlotte Observer

Source: Raleigh News and Observer. 14 Sep 1880. pg. 2.