Seattle's Miracle Medicine Salesman
Prominent citizens and former councilmen endorse G. C. Phinney's 'Swamp Angel' rheumatic cure.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Two or three weeks ago G. C. Phinney commenced the manufacture of what he calls 'Swamp Angel's Rheumatic Cure,' from a recipe given him by an old Cariboo miner. A reporter of the Post-Intelligencer was detailed yesterday to interview a number of citizens with regard to the merits of this medicine. He first called at the office of C. A. Weed, who said: 'I have lived in Seattle for 12 years, where I have been honored on several occasions by my fellow citizens, twice having been a member of the City Council. Although one of the incorporators of the Swamp Angel's Rheumatic Cure Manufacturing Company, I have no pecuniary interest in the concern. About a year ago I was attacked with rheumatism in my right arm. Mr. Phinney induced me to try his Swamp Angel's Rheumatic Cure, which I did. From the first dose I commenced to improve, and by the use I had taken the contents of one bottle I was cured.' The next person interviewed was John Sabaly, a well known drayman: 'Three weeks ago I was taken with rheumatism in my right shoulder, and suffered fearfully. I tried three different remedies, no relief. Finally I met G. C. Phinney, who wished me to try his Swamp Angel's Rheumatic Cure, which I did, and am glad of it. The first bottle relieved me.'
“From the first dose I commenced to improve, and by the use I had taken the contents of one bottle I was cured.”
Early Seattle was a hub for patent medicine entrepreneurs who used testimonials from local politicians to build legitimacy. This mirrors modern influencer marketing and the ongoing quest for 'miracle' health solutions.
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