From the June 3, 1897 New York Times:

“Hagerstown, Ind.–The death of Thomas Purdy of this place yesterday is considered by physicians one of the most remarkable known to science. Some weeks ago Mr. Purdy had all his teeth extracted. Partial loss of the use of the throat muscles and vocal chords ensued.

This was followed by paralysis of these parts, which rendered it impossible for him to take nourishment. After striving twenty days to swallow food, he died in horrible agony of starvation.”