In September 1896, Isaac Koppenhaver (1849-1900), then proprietor of the Freeland House, southwest corner of the central square in Millersburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, had dinner with a guest, and consumed some poisoned mushrooms that were served as part of the meal. Both men became violently ill, but by the next morning had recovered. The incident was reported in the Harrisburg and Sunbury newspapers, both incorrectly naming the proprietor as “J.” Koppenhaver.
From the Harrisburg Telegraph, September 22, 1896
ATE TOADSTOOLS
A MILLERSBURG LANDLORD AND A GUEST POISONED
Millersburg, September 22 [1896] — J. Koppenhaver, proprietor of the Freeland House, and a commercial friend from Gettysburg yesterday had for dinner mushrooms that turned out to be the usual toadstools. Both were violently ill all afternoon, but were brought around all right by this morning. The alleged mushrooms were purchased from a farmer who brought them to Millersburg. Only a few of them were served and Mr. Koppenhaver divided them with his guest.
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From the Sunbury Daily Item, September 23, 1896:
ATE TOADSTOOLS
J. Koppenhaver, proprietor of the Freeland House, at Millersburg, and a commercial friend from Gettysburg Monday had for dinner mushrooms that turned out to be the usual toadstools. Both were violently ill all afternoon, but were brought around al right by next morning. The alleged mushrooms were purchased from a farmer. Only a few of them were served and Mr. Koppenhaver divided them with his guest.
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News article from Newspapers.com.
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