antedating of "bug-eyed" (1879)

[Sam Clements]

OED and M-W both have 1922 for the adjective.  While I can't attest to the writer of my cite using the term to refer to the eyes resembling an insect, I still offer:

24 April, 1879 _Reno(NV), Weekly Gazette. 2/3.

<<It is unfair for the newspapers in their reports of ministerial and other church trials to indulge in unsavory flings at prayer.  The report usually says:  "After prayers were offered, Brother So-and-so plead not guilty to a charge of undue familiarity or of something else," and pretty soon it says, "Sister biggs told Brother Hayne he was an old bible-backed, bug-eyed liar from Bitter creek," and winds up with "the session closed with the doxology and benediction by Brother Myers."

SC