Did you know that the cure for cancer was claimed to have been found here in Bell Buckle waaaaaaay back in 1853? Yes, the father of our town’s founder – Mr. Townzin Fugitt said he had discovered the recipe and placed advertisements for it in the newspaper. $5 and it was all yours! That’s about $200 today.
He went public with it in 1866 and the entire recipe was published. It was said to be already in use by a Dr. Bowlin and Dr. January. You can see here what the “receipt” called for.
Pulvarized Beech Drops – 29 grains
Red Puccoon Root – 3 grains
Pure arsenic – 1 & 1/4 grains
Mix thoroughly together and keep in a dark place.
The instructions also said to create a paste with several other things including slippery elm, a handful of the weed life-everlasting, and a pound of mutton suet.
Just another interesting story from old Bellbuckle!
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