Compiled by Wayne Blanchard January 12, 2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

—>687 Blanchard compilation based on sources below.

Note that we state “at least” (>) deaths in that we are confident that there were many more. Several sources below note that deaths being reported were far above comparable weeks and months in other years. Additionally, several sources note that uncounted infants, young children and elderly had died, and speculated that the high heat was a direct or indirect cause of death. At least one source notes an unstated higher than usual death rate amongst the very poor in lived in confining, not well-ventilated, conditions. The bodies of infants and the elderly and those with underlying serious medical conditions are indeed less able to deal with the effects of prolonged high heat than others, particularly if nighttime temperatures do not drop significantly and if the humidity is high.

Summary of Heat-Related Fatalities by State

Illinois ( 9)

Indiana ( 29)

Iowa ( 4)

Kentucky ( 14)

Michigan ( 1)

Missouri ( 5)

Ohio (>585) –456 Cincinnati July

Pittsburgh PA( 32)

Tennessee ( 6)

Virginia ( 1)

West Virginia ( 1)

687

Breakout of Fatalities by Locality

Illinois ( 9)

— 1 Alton, July 10. Samuel A. Miller, about 40. Coroner ruled intemperance and exposure.[1]

— 1 Chicago, July 9. William Unrath, bricklayer at work.[2]

— 1 Harristown, July 16. Decatur Daily Republican (IL). July 18, 1881, p. 6.

— 1 Jacksonville, July 9. Col. Henry H. Wood died about an hour after having a sunstroke.[3]

— 1 Kankakee, July 11. Rev. Father Richard H. Conway, 30.[4]

— 1 La Salle, July 9 Notes “The heat has been very intense all the week…today at 99.[5]

— 1 Mendota, July 8. Notes “The great heat still continues…between 94…and 98…”[6]

— 1 Quincy, July 9. Theodore Toben, a saloonkeeper.[7]

— 1 Rock Island, July 8. Daily Argus, Rock Island, IL “City Affairs. Sunstrokes…” 7-8-1881, p4.[8]

Indiana (29)

— 1 Balbec, July 6 Albert Hinshaw, farmer, died after bounding wheat and plowing.[9]

— 1 Columbus, 11 James Davis, overcome by heat working on straw-stack; died.[10]

— 1 Elkhart, July 9 James McElroy, working in a harvest field.[11]

— 1 Fort Wayne, July 9. Unidentified man while walking in the streets.[12]

— 1 Fort Wayne, July 12. John Laner, laborer, residing on Maumee Ave., sunstroke.[13]

— 1 Indianapolis, July 7 The Indianapolis News, IN. “Death from Sunstroke. 7-8-1881, p.1.

— 5 “ July 10 Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Stricken By The Sun.” 7-12-1881, p4.

— 4 “ July 11 Indianapolis Journal. “Coups De Soleil…Sunstroke…” 7-12-1881, p2.

— 1 Indianapolis, July 12 Daniel M. Royse, clerk of the Supreme Court of IN; Frand Hotel.[14]

— 2 Jeffersonville, July 11 Samuel Bachley, ex-City Clerk; Michael Buerk; sunstroke deaths.

— 3 Lafayette, July 10. Michael Mackey, Jno. Quig and unknown Hollander.[15]

— 1 Lafayette, July 13 John Renz, elderly tailor; died “couple of hours” after sunstroke.[16]

— 1 Lebanon, July 10 Thomas C. Ront, found dead from sunstroke in his farm field.[17]

— 1 Liberty, July 11 Miss Lizzie Williams; prostrated on a street; died an hour later.[18]

— 1 Madison, July 13. Mrs. Bridget Collins, 60; death thought to be result of sunstroke.[19]

— 1 Madison, July 14 Mr. L. D. Defarron; put off train for heat prostration treatment.[20]

— 1 Montpelier, July 13 Ripley County Journal, IN. “Indiana State News.” July 14, 1881, 1.

— 1 Muncie, July 13 Jeremiah Helm, farmer, prostrated and died while harvesting.[21]

— 2 New Albany, July 10. Mrs. Martha Winton Coover and John Gassman, saloon-keeper.

— 1 New Albany, July 11. Hardin Hogan, a stock drover, died from the heat.[22]

— 1 Noble Township, July 11. Daniel Dritt, “died very suddenly Sunday…of sunstroke.”[23]

— 1 North Vernon, July 13 Walter M. Taylor, overcome with heat, fell from wagon, died later.[24]

— 1 Vincennes, July 12. Ben Prior, a painter, collapsed of heat and died at Union Depot.[25]

Iowa ( 4)

— 1 Burlington, July 14 Unknown elderly man 2 miles above city; Coroner: exposure/age.[26]

— 1 Dubuque, July 9 George Sykes, laborer making hay near Riverside, Clinton Co.[27]

— 1 Keokuk, July 12 Andrew Johnson, recently arrived from Sweden, sunstroke death.[28]

— 1 Wheeling, mid-July Daily Telegraph, Atlantic, IA. “Iowa News Items.” 7-29-1881, 2.

Kentucky (14)

— 1 Lexington, July 12 Michael Mahoney, prostrated day before, died in the morning.[29]

— 1 Louisville, July 9 Notes: “The weather today has been the hottest…in years…102⁰”[30]

— 3 Louisville, July 10 Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Deadly Heat.” 7-11-1881, p. 2.

— 7 Louisville, July 11 Defiance Democrat, OH. July 14, 1881, p. 1.

— 1 Paducah, July 20 Black “girl named Thomas died to-day from sunstroke.”[31]

— 1 Paris, July 12 Mat. Anderson, Thurston House coachman; 1^st Paris sunstroke death.

Michigan ( 1)

— 1 Grand Rapids, July 9 Notes “heat has been intense here for several days…at 90 or…above.”[32]

Missouri ( 5)

— 5 St. Louis, July 11 Indianapolis Journal. “Coups De Soleil.” 7-12-1881, p. 2.

Ohio (>585)

— 1 Akron, July 11. Mrs. Ann Sederfield, south Main St.; sunstroke; left 5 children.[33]

— 1 Allen Township, July 12. John Morehead, farmer; sunstruck and died quickly thereafter.[34]

— 1 Alliance, July 9. G. Gloster prostrated at Steam Hammer Works.[35]

— 1 Bellevue Fort Wayne Daily Gazette, IN. “Ohio.” 7-29-1881, p. 3.

–500 Cincinnati July 10-16. Denton Journal, MD. “Excessive Heat in the West.” 7-23-1881, 2.[36]

–456 Cincinnati July Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Cincinnati Items.” 8-6-1881, p. 1.

–414 Cincinnati July 10-16 Cincinnati Enquirer. “Cincinnati feels like an oven…” 8-23-1881.

–363 Cincinnati, July 7-14 Statistics from Health Officer Miles, July 7 noon to July 14 noon.[37]

— 20 Cincinnati, July 7 Cincinnati Commercial. “Some Statistics.” 7-15-1881, p. 4.[38]

— 4 Sunstroke

–16 Brought on by Excessive Heat

— 21 Cincinnati, July 8. Cincinnati Commercial. “Some Statistics [deaths].” 7-15-1881, p4.

–10 Sunstroke

–11 Brought on by Excessive Heat

— 41 Cincinnati, July 9. Cincinnati Commercial. “Some Statistics [deaths].” 7-15-1881, p4.

–22 Sunstroke

–19 Brought on by Excessive Heat

— 52 Cincinnati, July 10. Cincinnati Commercial. “Some Statistics [deaths].” 7-15-1881, p4.

–31 Sunstroke

–21 Brought on by Excessive Heat

Cambridge Jeffersonian, OH. “News of the Week.” 7-14-1881, 2:

— Ben Eisman, of No. 625 Vine street, struck down at 6 p.m.

— Wm. Huttenmueller

— Luther Tiffanny, a laborer

— Charlotte VonSeggern

— Unknown man found near corner of Eighth and Depot streets.

— 68 Cincinnati, July 11 Cincinnati Commercial. “Some Statistics [deaths].” 7-15-1881, p4.

–37 Sunstroke

–31 Brought on by Excessive Heat

— 52 Cincinnati, July 12 Cincinnati Commercial. “Some Statistics [deaths].” 7-15-1881, p4.

–39 Sunstroke

–13 Brought on by Excessive Heat

— 68 Cincinnati, July 13 Cincinnati Commercial. “Official and Appalling.” 7-17-1881, p4.[39]

–43 Sunstroke

–25 Deaths Brought on by Excessive Heat

— 86 Cincinnati, July 14 Cincinnati Commercial. “Official and Appalling.” 7-17-1881, p. 4.

–60 Sunstroke

–26 Deaths Brought on by Excessive Heat

— 50 Cincinnati, July 15 Cincinnati Commercial. “Official and Appalling.” 7-17-1881, p. 4.

–35 Sunstroke

–15 Excessive Heat

— 38 Cincinnati, July 16 Cincinnati Commercial. “Official and Appalling.” 7-17-1881, p. 4.

–19 Sunstroke

–19 Excessive Heat

— 7 Cleveland, July 24 Fort Wayne Daily Gazette, IN. “Ohio.” 7-29-1881, p. 3.

— 1 Columbus, July 11 Indianapolis Journal. “Coups De Soleil.” 7-12-1881, p. 2.[40]

— 2 Columbus, July 12 Memphis Appeal. “Twenty Sunstrokes at Columbus, Ohio.” 7-13-1881, 1.

— 1 Covington, July 10 Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Deadly Heat.” 7-11-1881, p. 2.

— 7 Covington, July 11 Cincinnati Commercial. “Stricken By The Sun…” 7-12-1881, p.4.

“ Terrence Jewett. Fell suddenly and died in a few minutes. Coroner: sunstroke.

John Donnelly. Stricken while driving funeral carriage; died at St. Elizabeth’s

Barney Donnelly, watchman/messenger at K.D. RR round-house; overcome by heat/died.

Catherine Finley, 30, found dead in her house. Coroner: death from overheating.

William Millinga. Suddenly dropped and in a few minutes ceased to breathe.

Mr. J. Mestmacha of Pike and Main. Inquest verdict: sunstroke.

Mr. Thornton, living near first toll gate on Madison pike, fell dead from sunstroke.

— 2 Covington, July 12 Cincinnati Commercial. “More Victims…Dead.” 7-13-1881, p. 4.

Mr. George Brink, prostrated might before, died July 12.

Mrs. Dora Flodderman; “prostration by heat during child-birth.”

— 30 Dayton, mid-July. Miami Helmet, Piqua, OH. 7-21-1881, p. 3.

— 6 Dayton, July 10. Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Deadly Heat.” 7-11-1881, p. 2.

Philip Berlin, employee of Haas’ paper mills.

John Dewing, found dead in an alley near Commercial Street.

John Doran, employee of the Pan-Handle Road.

Frongesio Lusignoli

Dr. W. F. Reima. Boston Globe. “The Fatal Heat…” 7-11-1881, 8.

Phillip Urbane

— 12 Dayton, July 11. Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Stricken By The Sun..” 7-12-1881, p. 4.[41]

Kate Dillon, young woman living on East Second Street.

Mrs. Marie Duval “died in the night from…effects of sunstroke yesterday.”

Alexander Haughey, a soldier, complaining of effects of heat; died.

Joseph Hesch, prostrated 10^th, died 11^th in the morning.

Charles Hess, Perry street, car works employee, fatal prostration.[42]

Mrs. Catharine Hughes, of Fourth St., prostrated 11^th; died overnight.

Dr. O. Reim; prostrated 10^th died late at night.

Mrs. Runck, William Street, West Dayton, died overnight.

Andrew Smith, employee at Mitchell’s tannery.

James Stomps, Water Street, clerk at Galbraith’s feed store.

Mrs. Titts, Miami Street.

Unidentified soldier “at the Home dropped dead at the dinner table.”

— 5 Dayton, July 12 Cincinnati Commercial. “More Victims…Dead.” 7-13-1881, p. 4.

Mrs. Rose Kinney, elderly woman living on East Second Street.

Mrs. Sabina Heil, corner of Richard and LaBelle streets

Edmund J. Huber, Herbig House

David Shroyer child, just beyond city limits

Mrs. Michael Olo, West Dayton.

— 4 Dayton, July 13 Cincinnati Commercial. “Death in the Sunlight.” 7-14-1881, p. 4.

George Schoen, 529 Brown Street

George Kagg, Soldiers’ Home

Mrs. Josephine Soehner, Washington Street

Mrs. John Sullivan, Pulaski Street.

— 1 Georgetown, July 10. Austrian immigrant died from sunstroke at the Pierce House.[43]

— 1 Gore, July 12 George McCafferty, sunstroke.

— 1 Hamilton, July 14 Philip Kippenberger, 80, verdict of death caused by sunstroke.[44]

— >7 Ironton, July 12. Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Death in the Sunlight.” 7-14-1881, 4.

At least 3 infants and children (“deaths had been very great”)

Bates, Sally, elderly; died in the County Infirmary.

Clark, Dr. P. H.; overcome during the afternoon and died.

Robins, Mrs. Becky, elderly; died in the County Infirmary.

Sharp, Mrs. James Jr.; heat.

— 1 Ironton, July 13. Davis, Jenkins, 70.

— 1 Logan, July 12. Jacob Frasch and a Miss Kabet; temperature reached 103⁰.[45]

— 1 Loveland, July 14 William S. Nash. “…apoplexy brought on by the intense heat.”[46]

— 1 Madison, July 12. John McSweeney, farm hand, sunstroke while harvesting.[47]

— 2 Madison, July 13 Cincinnati Commercial. “Death in the Sunlight.” 7-14-1881, p. 4.

— 3 Massillon, by July 9. 3rd death (July 9). Cincinnati Commercial. “Deadly Heat.” 7-11-1881, p. 2.

— 1 Millersburg, July 13. Fred Bott, living 12 miles east of Millersburg, sunstroke death.[48]

— 4 Newark ~July 13. Defiance Democrat, OH. July 14, 1881, p. 1.

— 2 Newport, July 10. Arnold Benoit and Mr. R. W. Stein.[49]

— 1 Newport, July 11. August Huntzelman, about 50, prostrated by sunstroke and died.[50]

— 3 Newport, July 12 Cincinnati Commercial. “More Victims…Dead.” 7-13-1881, p. 4.

Mr. George Frischolz, prostrated few days earlier, died at home.

Mr. Ignatius Weidemer, elderly, “died from the effects of heat…”

Unidentified Irishman, only in city for three days, died at home.

— 1 Newport, July 14 Mrs. Elizabeth Eyer, stricken down by heat the day before.[51]

— 1 Painesville, July 10. Lyman Paine, 83. Prostrated picking berries; heart disease

“superinduce by exposure to the heat of the sun.[52]

— 1 Perry, July 14. Athens Messenger, OH. “Perry.” 7-21-1881, p. 1.

— 1 Piqua, July 11. Henry Smith, machinist, sunstroke and death within an hour.[53]

— 1 Piqua, July 12. Rev. Wm. Langarl, elderly. Death “attributed to the excessive heat.”[54]

— 1 Piqua, July 14? George Graeff, at stone quarry just south of; stricken, died in hour.[55]

— 1 Portsmouth, July 12. Albert Werner “died from the effects of the stroke.”[56]

— 1 Sandusky, July 10 Gootleck Grothold. “…hottest day known here for many years.”[57]

— 1 Sidney, July 11 Benjamin Werst, “…apoplexy, superinduced by heat.” 105 temp.[58]

— 1 Springfield, July 10. Lewis Christian, 40. Notes temp. ranged from 100⁰ to 103⁰.[59]

— 2 Springfield, July 12. Cincinnati Commercial. “More Victims…Dead.” 7-13-1881, p. 4.

Mrs. Madden, East Columbia Street.

Black woman known as “Aunt Sally” Clark, over 100 years old.

— 1 Symnes Corner, July 10. Henry Metzler. Cincinnati Commercial. “Deadly Heat.” 7-11-1881, p. 2.

— 1 Upper Sandusky, July 10. Henry Moyer, about 45; coroner pronounced death due to heat.[60]

— 1 Urbana, July 11. Professor Maurice Bodie, prostrated by hear walking home; died.[61]

— 1 Wapakoneta, July 14? William Orth, tailor; overcome by the heat and died an hour later.[62]

— 1 Waynesville, July 12. William Ketchum, farmer, stacking wheat, overcome and died.[63]

— 1 Zanesville, July 1. Christian Ansel, overcome by heat in harvest-field; died suddenly.[64]

Pittsburgh: (32)

— 3 July 6 Las Vegas Daily Gazette, NM. “Intense Heat.” 7-8-1881, p. 1.

— 3 July 8 Daily Astorian, OR. “The News.” 7-10-1881, p. 2.[65]

–21 July 9-11 Indianapolis Journal. “Coups De Soleil…Pittsburg.” 7-12-1881, p2.

— 8 July 10 Twenty additional heat prostrations noted.[66]

–11 July 11

–21 July 12-13. Defiance Democrat, OH. July 14, 1881, p. 1. [Not counting.]

— 5 July 12. Cincinnati Commercial. “More Victims…Dead.” 7-13-1881, p. 4.

Tennessee ( 6)

–5 Memphis, July 10 Bloomington Daily Leader, IL. “The Torrid Wave.” 7-12-1881, p1.

–1 Nashville, July 13 John Behrens, of Baltimore, tobacco merchant, died of sunstroke.[67]

Virginia ( 1)

–1 Richmond, July 13 Cincinnati Commercial. “Death in the Sunlight.” 7-14-1881, p. 4.

West Virginia ( 1)

–1 Wheeling, July 10. Phillip J. Duffey. Temp. “in the shade at noon” registered 103⁰.[68]

Illinois:

July 8: “The first case of fatal sunstroke occurred at an early hour this morning. Swan Fast employed at the lower saw mill was overcome by the heat yesterday afternoon, and was removed to his home in an insensible condition. Physicians were summoned who worked with him, but to no effect as his death occurred this morning at 1 o’clock….Another workman at the saw mill was also prostrated with the heat yesterday. He is all right this morning. Martin Henshaw, at work on the streets was overcome yesterday afternoon with heat. He was taken home, and is reported to have recovered this morning….” (Daily Argus, Rock Island, IL “City Affairs. Sunstrokes…” 7-8-1881, p. 4.)

July 9: “Chicago, July 9. The heat here is as great here as yesterday. Telegrams show that intense heat extends over all of Illinois and parts of Iowa, and several fatal sunstrokes are reported.” (Daily Kennebec Journal [ME]. “Several Fatal Sunstrokes,” July 11, 1881, p. 2.)

July 10: “Chicago, Ill., July 10….The deaths from sunstroke the last week were few, but increased mortality from the diseases brought on by heat was very perceptible. The deaths amounted o over five hundred.” (Cincinnati Commercial. “Chicago. Fatal Effects of the Heat.” 7-11-1881, p. 2.)

July 18: “A German farm hand…while at work in a field near Harristown on Saturday afternoon [16^th], was prostrated by the intense heat and died soon after he was stricken down….This is the first and only fatal case of sunstroke we have been called upon to chronicle in this county this year. The deceased lately arrived here from Germany.” (Decatur Daily Republican, IL. 7-18-1881, p.6.)

Indiana:

July 8: “The first fatal case of sunstroke of the season in this city occurred yesterday afternoon. James Lohman, a single man aged forty years…being overcome by heat shortly after noon, retired to his room, and a few minutes later was discovered in convulsions and died before medical aid could be secured.” (The Indianapolis News, IN. “Death from Sunstroke. 7-8-1881, p.1.)

July 12: “The heat yesterday [July 11] in the city was most intense. According to the reports of the signal-service bureau here, with the exception of Cincinnati, Indianapolis was the hottest place yesterday north of the Ohio river and west of the Alleghenies. At 6:24 a.m. the temperature was 83⁰, at 1 o’clock 97⁰, at 2 o’clock 98⁰, and at 4 o’clock 100, the maximum. Later in the day the heat slightly decreased, but not perceptibly. So far as is known there were thirteen cases of sun-stroke….

“Thomas C. Ront…living on his farm near Lebanon, Boone county, was found dead in one of his fields, Sunday afternoon, from sunstroke….

“John Bruner, the well-known groceryman and saloon-keeper, on North Mississippi street, died yesterday with hemorrhage of the lungs, his death being accelerated by the heat….

“Richard Kinney, a servant in the employ of R. S. Sinclair, No. 172 North Illinois street, was overcome by the heat about 5 o’clock yesterday afternoon, while working in the yard, and died about 8 o’clock last evening…The deceased was a married man, aged about thirty years.

“Mrs. Jane E. Lewis…residing at No. 97 Locke street, was overpowered yesterday by the extreme heat, and died at 9:30 last night. The deceased was aged fifty, and the mother of several children.

“….Charles Webber, of Morris street, was over-powered by the heat last night, dying shortly afterwards…” (Indianapolis Journal. “Coups De Soleil. Twelve Cases of Sunstroke in This City Yesterday, Four Being Fatal.” 7-12-1881, p. 2.)

July 15: “Daniel Royce, Clerk of Supreme Court, was overcome by heat last Tuesday [July 11] and died before medical assistance could be rendered.” (Tipton Advocate, IN. July 15, 1881, p2.)

Missouri

July 13: “But few sunstrokes have been reported so far to-day. Total mortality in the city yesterday was 71, a very unusual number.” (Cincinnati Commercial. “More Victims…Dead.” 7-13-1881, 4.)

Nebraska:

“Several persons were overcome by the heat in Omaha on the 15^th,^[69] which was the hottest day of the year.” (Sioux County Herald (IA). July 14, 1882, p. 9.)

New Jersey

Aug 4: “New York, August 4….“In Trenton, N.J., several persons and horses were prostrated by the heat. One woman was fatally affected.” (Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Hot Weather–Killed.” 8-5-1881, p 1.)

New York

July 6: “New York, July 6. – There were several cases of sunstroke here to-day.” (Quincy Daily Herald, IL. “Sunstrokes.” July 14, 1881, p. 1.)

July 7: “In New York the death rate is running up with the thermometer. Yesterday two hundred deaths were reported, a large share of the victims being children.” (Philadelphia Inquirer. “The News in Brief.” 7-7-1881, p. 4.)

Aug 4: “New York, August 4 – The weather in the city was very hot today, the thermometer recording 93 in the shade. There were 19 cases of sunstroke in this city and Brooklyn, three fatal.

“In Hanover, New Hampshire, the thermometer recorded 102 degrees….

“Montreal reports several cases of sunstroke, none fatal…” (Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Hot Weather–Killed.” 8-5-1881, p 1.)

Aug 5: “New York, August 5 – Thirty-nine sunstrokes, six fatal; thermometer 94 in the shade. Work in the mills at Trenton and other manufacturing towns in New Jersey has been suspended. Boston and other New England cities and towns report the hottest day of the season.” (Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Sunstrokes.” 7-6-1881, p. 5.)

Ohio:

July 7: “Deaths from Sunstroke. Of eight cases of prostration from heat, at Cincinnati, July 7, six were fatal – three of the unfortunates falling insensible while at work, and dying in a few minutes.” (Somerset Press, OH. “News of the Week…Deaths from Sunstroke.” 7-14-1881, p. 1.)

July 9: “The heat yesterday reached the highest point known in Cincinnati since the Signal Service Office was opened. At 3:30 in the afternoon the thermometer at this office, which hangs in a protected place, rose to 101⁰. The cases of sunstroke were as follows.

“William Cassidy…succumbed at 7:30 p.m. and died within an hour.

“….Maggie Kennen, aged sixty-three years…was overcome by the heat at 10 a.m. and died suddenly….

“James O’Shaughnessy is lying in a critical condition at his residence….

“At the hospital were found the following cases: [long list]….

“S. D. Elch, private watchman at Shumann’s died suddenly at 9 p.m. from the effects of heat.”

(Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Sunstrokes.” 7-10-1881, p. 6.)

July 10 (Cincinnati): “Yesterday’s [July 10] terrible heat, more severe than Cincinnati has experienced for many long years, was terrible in its effect. Men and women were struck down by the sun’s blazing rays on every hand. The deaths, mot of them coming but a few minutes after the first attack, are numbered in the thirties, while the serious prostrations, many of which will prove fatal, furnish a list of unprecedented length. From morning until long past midnight the Hospital interns were busy receiving those who had been stricken down. Three ambulances were constantly on the go during the day, and there was more work than they could attend to.

“Habig, the city undertaker, had his establishment filled with dead bodies, and the horrible stench emitted therefrom was stifling. One visit there satisfies the visitor that Cincinnati should have a morgue.

“The death-rate has rapidly increased. Yesterday seventy-seven burial permits were issued from the Health Office. Coroner Rendies was overwhelmed last night with unpleasant business. Unable to provide quarters for all the dead, bodies were allowed to lie for hours where they fell, guarded by policemen. Below will be found a list of the fatal cases of sunstroke yesterday and the prostrations. Several of the latter at the Cincinnati Hospital are in a critical condition:

Fatal Cases

“Sarah Todd, forty-seven years of age…was overcome yesterday morning and died shortly after.

“Wm. Wunker, thirty-three years old…died at 5 o’clock yesterday morning.

“H. Summers…prostrated Sunday night, died yesterday morning.

“Henry Grant…waiter at the Miles House…died yesterday morning.

“Andy Baumann was taken to the Hospital…at [11:45 a.m.] 12 yesterday…died in five minutes.

“Anna Miller…twenty-six…overcome by the heat yesterday…died at No. 31 Race street.

“Anna Eibers…servant girl twenty-two…died yesterday morning…prostrated day before.

“Alfred Gordon…about forty…found dead in bed…Teutonia Hotel…Death is believed to have

resulted from prostration by the excessive heat.

“Jas. L. Porter, a tinner, twenty-eight…overcome with the heat…yesterday afternoon, and died.

“Mary Doner, sixty-three…died at 249 State street yesterday morning from sunstroke.

“Otto Rebhabr died from the effects of the heat at the corner of York street and Western…

“Henry Martin was overcome by the heat and died while driving two cows along the

Montgomery road, Walnut Hills, yesterday afternoon…

“Tim Murphy, saloon-keeper on Chapel street, East Walnut Hills, was prostrated by the heat in

his saloon, about 2 p.m. yesterday, and died in a few minutes.

“An unknown man dropped dead from the effects of the heat about 7 p.m. yesterday, at the foot

of Vine street.

“Mr. George Kinney…janitor at the Commercial office, was prostrated yesterday morning…

medical aid was of no avail, and he died at 1 o’clock p.m.

“Colonel Henry E. Collins, Vice President of the Cincinnati Coal and Coke Company, while

driving on the Carthage pike with his little son, was overcome by the heat, and…soon expired.

“Captain James T. Williamson, of Newport, was added to the fatality list yesterday. He had been

slightly indisposed for a few days and as the temperature increased he grew worse [and died]…

“Mr. J. W. Faulkner, bar-keeper at the Burnet House…was overcome by the heat, and died on

Sunday night….

“Mrs. [John] Bailie, died Sunday night about 11 o’clock from prostration by the heat in her

fiftieth year.

“Mary Guyman, residence 45 East Third street, died of sunstroke last evening.

“John Moloney died of the heat yesterday at his residence, corner Third and John.

“Thos. McKelvy…19 Race, died yesterday of congestion of the brain caused by sunstroke.

“Mrs. Guinor died from prostration by the heat at her home, No. 45½ East Third…last night.

“John Ryan…No. 36 East Fifth street, died at his house last night from sunstroke.

“The body of an unknown man was found at the foot of Ludlow street, last evening.

“Frederick Shultz…504 Sycamore…38 years of age, died from sunstroke last evening.

“An employe of W. M. Apping, of Elmwood, died of sunstroke in that suburb yesterday.

“Annie Kane died of prostration from the heat in rear of 21 North street…last evening.

“Thos. Callahan…died from sunstroke at 9 p.m. He lived at the corner of Bank and Freeman.

“Herman Blaser died yesterday evening from the effects of the heat…corner of Second and Ludlow.

“An unknown man was found dead on Western avenue, near Bank, last night.

“Patrick Harrigan…thirty-five…died from congesting of the brain yesterday, produced by sunstroke.

“Ignatz Messer, 40 years…died from congestion of the brain, yesterday, caused by sunstroke.

“Mrs. Thompson…died suddenly at her Melancthon street [home].

“Colonel J. N. Dobel…stopping at the Crawford House, died suddenly last evening in his room.

“Jacob Schwab, driver…was overcome by the heat, and died at 5 p.m. yesterday.”

(Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Stricken By The Sun. Scores of Victims to its Deah Dealing Rays. Men and Women Fall on Every Hand. More Sunstrokes Than Evern Known Before. Dead Bodies Lying in the Public Streets. The City Undertaker’s Place Crowded With Corpses. Wagon Load of Coffins for the Pauper Dead.” 7-12-1881, p. 4.)

July 11: “Cincinnati, July 11. – While the maximum point indicated by the thermometer to-day was 102.5, one degree less than Sunday, the accumulated heat of two previous days, and the consequent debilitation has made more numerous cases of sunstroke. Over thirty cases have been reported, and nearly two-thirds are fatal. Among the fatal cases are John A. Mohdenhoff, a queensware merchant; Capt. James T. Williamson, of the Newport Ferryboat Company, and Col. H. E. Collins, coal dealer….Work was suspended on government buildings, and on many private buildings. Thermometer 92⁰ at 10 o’clock to-night, with very little indication of cooler weather.” (Indianapolis Journal. “Coups De Soleil…Pittsburg.” 7-12-1881, p. 2.)

July 12: “Deaths This Morning.

“Richard Garwood and Charles Phillips, taken to the Hospital prostrated by the heat, died at an

early hour this morning.

“In Covington….Terrence Jewett, who lived at Thorton’s place, near the first toll-gate on the Madison pike, fell suddenly and died in a few minutes. The Coroner held an inquest. Verdict, death from sunstroke.”

[Most of the entire column is of the names of people prostrated but not immediately killed.]

“Owing to the large number of deaths yesterday in the different parts of the city, the Coroner had Habig, the City Undertaker, get a furniture car and fill it with coffins to visit different parts of the city for the pauper dead.” (Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Stricken By The Sun. Scores of Victims to its Deah Dealing Rays. Men and Women Fall on Every Hand. More Sunstrokes Than Evern Known Before. Dead Bodies Lying in the Public Streets. The City Undertaker’s Place Crowded With Corpses. Wagon Load of Coffins for the Pauper Dead.” 7-12-1881, p. 4.)

July 12: “Throughout Ohio and over areas of other States the heat was unusual, and the daily press reports scores of instances where men and horses were stricken down. In Cincinnati last Saturday [July 9], eighteen men were sun-struck, twelve of them dying instantly. In Pittsburgh there was about the same number of fatal cases from excessive heat. Out-door labor generally had to be suspended.” (Coshocton Democrat, OH. July 12, 1881, p. 4.)

July 12, Cincinnati: “The temperature in this city yesterday rose to 102½⁰, which was one degree lower than the highest point of the previous day. The heat, however, seemed more intense than on Monday, owing in part to the buildings and pavements and sidewalks becoming hotter each day….The list of prostration yesterday [12^th] is longer than the day before, but does not include as many people who are generally known. At Habig’s, the city undertaker [says] there were twenty-three dead bodies at one time. As there are accommodations for only four bodies, it is evident there is full warrant for the movement looking toward the establishment of a morgue.

“The following are the prostrations so far as reported: Dead. [We list the deaths in the Cincinnati section above.] (Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “More Victims. The Long List Prostrated by Yesterday’s Sun. Upwards of One Hundred in This City Alone…Nearly Half of the Cases Fatal…Prostration in Other Cities and Towns.” 7-13-1881, p. 4.)

July 13: “Cincinnati, O., July 13 – The terrible heat continues unabated. People are being prostrated to-day with sunstroke in all parts of the city.” (Alton Daily Telegraph (IL). “Terrible Heat,” July 13, 1881, p. 3.)

July 13, Cincinnati named sunstroke deaths or deaths brought on by excessive heat, from:

Cincinnati Commercial. “More Victims…Dead.” 7-13-1881, p. 4:

Buhler, Alexander, 89, Sycamore Street.

Chambers, Julia; body at Habig’s.

Collins, Colonel H. C. died at Walnut Hills residence.

Doeppe, Herman, 413 West Third, dead.

Doyle, Edward, lived Third near Park; died at 8:45.

Duffy, J., Third and Park, dead.

English, Tom, died at 28 Harrison St., recently from the workhouse.

Frich, Catherina, 202 Pleasant.

Gordon, Alred, 13 East Ninth Street.

Guinan, Edward, 70; East Third Street; wife died previous night.

Haddinger, James, 21, 65 West Fifth Street, 10 p.m.

Harper, Charles, 84, Laurel Street, 2 p.m.

Harrigan, James, bar-keeper at Kennedy’s saloon; died at 10 p.m.

Holthaus, Herman Vine and Canal; overcome 7:30 a.m., died 8:30.

Husted, George D., worked at Eureka Foundry, died on Freeman St.

Lasan, John; Herancourt’s brewery; prostrated 6:30 a.m., died 9:15 a.m.

Maresch, A. W., resided corner of Sixth and John streets.

Maybery, James P., of Maybery Brothers, sunstroke, 171 Main.

McDonough, Mrs., dead; body at Habig’s

McGlansy, Peter, Wade & Cutter streets; sunstruck on 11^th, died 12^th.

Mellinger, William, Seventh and Central Avenue.

Mueher, Henry, laborer, died at Third Street Station house.

O’Neil, Neil, 232 East Sixth.

Porter, Newton L., 129 George; died from heat and intemperance.

Price, John, Price’s Hill, prostrated about 5 p.m., died 8;30 p.m.

Sanders, John, coal-shoveler, 202 Webb Street.

Schabb, Henry, corner of Liberty and Freeman,

Schemberger, August, Walnut and Allison.

Scheurer, Louise, 60 Mohawk Street.

Schuselberger, John; died 3 p.m. after returning home from work.

Shannon, Mrs., 89 Central Avenue.

Steinman, Abraham, Wade and Canal.

Thompson, Katie, 79 Melanethon St.; “overheat and intemperance.”

Weimer, F. saloon-keeper, 627 Central Avenue, died at 1:30 p.m.

Weldon, F. H., 42 West Court.

Unknown person at 282 Water Street.

Unknown person at No. 2 Brooks alley.

Unknown woman brought to hospital from 247 Broadway; died.

Old man, in his bed, 454 West Third Street.

July 13: “Columbus, O., July 13.—There were twenty sunstrokes to-day.” (Colorado Springs Weekly Gazette. July 16, 1881, p. 2.)

July 14: “The heat throughout the North for the past few days has been unparalleled. Large amounts of grain are being harvested by moonlight, the reapers dreading the sun’s rays. Indianapolis reports eight prostrations. In Pittsburgh, for the past two days, there were twenty-one deaths from sunstroke, half the street cars were withdrawn, and dead animals by the dozen were taken from stock trains. In Louisville the mercury has stood at 101 degrees since Friday last, and there were seven deaths from sunstroke on Monday. Nine cases of prostration occurred at Newark, O., four of which were fatal. At Cincinnati last evening the mercury stood at 92 degrees, and twenty deaths from heat were, announced.” (Defiance Democrat (OH). July 14, 1881, p. 1.)

July 14: “The hottest weather for years is that of the past week, and hundreds of deaths from sunstroke are reported in the cities in all directions. The mercury has been above 100 degs. At times almost every day for week.” (Ohio Democrat, New Philadelphia. 7-14-1881, 3.)

July 14: “Cincinnati, July 14.—The heat has been excessive all day and with but little signs of a break to-might. Highest, 102; mean temperature 91. Twenty–seven deaths from sunstroke, mostly occurring in the street. Thirty dead bodies are at the City Undertakers for identification. The Board of Health will establish a temporary morgue…Fifty million gallons of water were used to-day, or more than the capacity of the pumps. The thermometer shows 91 at noon. This day is the coolest within a week. Eight cases of sunstroke are reported up to noon – four of them fatal. Fifty-six burial permits were issued. Four deaths by heat.” (Salt Lake Daily Tribune. “Troubles in Cincinnati,” July 15, 1881, p. 1.)

July 14, Cincinnati: “Cincinnati Commercial. “Death in the Sunlight.” 7-14-1881, p. 4.

Bonnat, Mary, aged 6, 60 Hunt Street.
Bright, Mattie; No. 686 West Sixth; effects of heat and morphine.
Cohen, Mrs., of No. 325 John; prostrated by heat and died.
Conrad, Jacob; No. 7 Buckeye; body found decomposing in room.
Davis, William, No. 19 Race Street; ‘stricken with heat…taken to…Hospital…died.”
Diamond, John, 84; 176 East Eighth Street; effects of the heat.
Dryssen, John; 199 Oliver Street, died from effects of the heat.
Fortreider, William; prostration from the heat at home and died.
Fraud, John; barkeeper at Front and Central avenue; sunstroke.
Gausner, Jno., baker, State and Harrison; prostrated/killed by heat.
Greiner, Hermann, 22 Liberty Street.
Grimm, Michael. Saloon-keeper; died at 8 p.m.
Guyman, Edward, 61, 45½ West Third Street.
Jones, Mrs. William J.; living near Storrs Station, overcome by heat.
Kennedy, Frank; prostrated at Banner Slaughter-house; died at home.
Klein, Frederick, 38; 881 Central Avenue.
Kunhe, Anton, 59, 127 Woodward Street.
Lemar, John, barkeeper, found dead in his 656 Vine St. room. “Cause, overheat.”[70]
Martin, Henry; died on Walnut Hills.
McGliney, Frank, 375 Central Avenue; died from overheating.
Mooney, Anna, 52, No. 206 East Seventh Street.
Muchon, John, Central Ave. between Wade and Melancthon.
Munich, Andrew, 91, found dead at 56 McMicken Avenue home.
Naber, Mrs. Anna C., 77, 53 Woodward Street.
Pratt, Miss Mollie, 18, 145 Smith Street.
Quinn, Mat., died in hospital.
Rand, Charles E., 50; printer.
Rice, Mrs. Eliza, 47; 114 Park Street.
Ryan, Mrs. Linn Street; taken to hospital where she died.
Simon, John, found dead in his room, 656 Vine Street; “cause heat.”[71]
Spaeth, Frederick, 49; peddler, died at 66 McMicken Ave. home.
Sullivan, Katie, 24; died at home 716 West Sixth Street.
Unidentified infant, 11 months old, died at 62 McMicken Avenue.

July 15, Cincinnati: “Health Officer Miles yesterday evening reported 81 burial permits during the day. He also reports 549 deaths from noon of July 7 to noon of July 14. Those from sunstroke proper, or brought on by the heat, are summarized as follows [we put the data for the 213 sunstroke deaths and the 150 excessive heat deaths (363) in the Cincinnati by date column at the top]. This is the largest number ever known in a week since the severe cholera season of 1849, when the population was scarcely one-tenth of what it is now….” (Cincinnati Commercial. “Some Statistics.” 7-15-1881, p. 4.)

July 10-16, Cincinnati: “….Of all the cities in the country Cincinnati seems to have suffered the most since the heated term set in. During the past week the death rate exceeded that of any week in the history of the city, not excepting the visitations of fatal epidemic diseases. Besides the 500 reported fatal cases of sunstroke may of the deaths from other diseases were no doubt accelerated if not occasioned by the high temperature. The mortality was not entirely confined to the crowded sections of the city and to the badly ventilated houses and narrow streets, and even those who took pains to keep out of the heat of the sun as much as possible were sometimes stricken in their homes, and in a few instances while lying in their beds. Of those who have partially recovered from the first shock of the prostration many, it is thought, will no doubt be permanently injured in mind and body.” (Denton Journal, MD. “Excessive Heat in the West.” 7-23-1881, p. 2.)

July 10-16: “During the heated term at Cincinnati, that is from July 10 to July 16, inclusive, 414 persons died from sunstroke and heat.” (Alton Daily Telegraph, IL. 7-28-1881, p. 2.)

July 21 report: “It is safe to say that hundreds of persons died of sunstroke during the late torrid weather. Our of 100 strokes in Dayton, 30 proved fatal. In Cincinnati there were 30 deaths in one day alone.” (Miami Helmet, Piqua, OH. 7-21-1881, 3.)

Aug 5: “Cincinnati, August 5 – The weather has been dry and warm for several days, but the atmosphere has not been oppressive. The temperature to-day reached 98⁰. But one fatal case of sunstroke has been reported to-day. The official report of deaths in the city for July show the total number of deaths to be 924; of these 456 were from excessive heat.” (Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Cincinnati Items.” 8-6-1881, p. 1.)

Pennsylvania

July 11: “Pittsburg, Pa., July 11. – The past forty-eight hours ending this evening has been a period of heat almost unparalleled in this vicinity, causing terrible suffering to man and beast, proving death to man…Up to this evening twenty-one deaths and thirty-five prostrations from heat have been reported.. Yesterday at 2 p.m. the thermometer reached 103 in the shade, the highest point for nine years.” (Bloomington Daily Leader, IL. “The Torrid Wave.” 7-12-1881, 1.)

Sources

Alton Daily Telegraph, IL. [Sunstroke Deaths in Cincinnati] 7-28-1881, p. 2. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/alton-daily-telegraph/1881-07-28

Alton Daily Telegraph, IL. “Terrible Heat,” 7-13-1881, p. 3. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=116695349

Alton Daily Telegraph, IL. “The Heated Term. Death from Sunstroke.” 7-11-1881, p. 3. Accessed 1-12-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/alton-daily-telegraph-jul-11-1881-p-3/

Athens Messenger, OH. “Perry.” 7-21-1881, p. 1. Accessed 1-9-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/athens-messenger-jul-21-1881-p-1/

Bloomington Daily Leader, IL. “The Torrid Wave.” 7-12-1881, p.1. Accessed 1-12-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/bloomington-daily-leader-jul-12-1881-p-1/

Boston Daily Globe. “The Fatal Heat-Wave in the West.” 7-11-1881, p. 8. Accessed 1-12-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/boston-daily-globe-jul-11-1881-p-8/

Cambridge Jeffersonian, OH. “News of the Week.” 7-14-1881, p. 2. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com

Chicago Tribune. “The Weather…The Thermometer Ranging from Ninety to One Hundred and Five Degrees. Many Case of Fatal Sunstroke Reported in Different Cities and Towns.” 7-10-1881, p. 8. Accessed 1-10-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/chicago-daily-tribune-jul-10-1881-p-9/

Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Chicago. Fatal Effects of the Heat.” 7-11-1881, p. 2. Accessed 1-10-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/cincinnati-commercial-jul-11-1881-p-2/

Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Deadly Heat. Scores of Victims Slain by Old Sol. Fatal Cases Reported From All Quarters…Thirteen Bodies at One Undertakers. Prospect of a Still Larger List of Fatal Cases Today.” 7-11-1881, p. 2. Accessed 1-10-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/cincinnati-commercial-jul-11-1881-p-2/

Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Death in the Sunlight. Another Day’s Terrible Work by the Grim Reaper. Ninety-Six Burial Permits Issued, Seventy-Five Caused by the Heat…” 7-14-1881, p. 4. Accessed 1-11-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/cincinnati-commercial-jul-14-1881-p-4/

Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Madison.” 7-15-1881, p. 3. Accessed 1-12-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/cincinnati-commercial-jul-15-1881-p-3/

Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “More Victims. The Long List Prostrated by Yesterday’s Sun. Upwards of One Hundred in This City Alone…Nearly Half of the Cases Fatal…Prostration in Other Cities and Towns. No Immediate Prospect of its Becoming Cooler.” 7-13-1881, p. 4. Accessed 1-11-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/cincinnati-commercial-jul-13-1881-p-4/

Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Newport.” 7-15-1881, p. 3. Accessed 1-12-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/cincinnati-commercial-jul-15-1881-p-3/

Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Official and Appalling. The Record of Last Week’s Deaths. Four Hundred and Fourteen Victims to the Heat Alone.” 7-17-1881, p. 4. Accessed 1-12-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/cincinnati-commercial-jul-17-1881-p-4/

Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Paducah….Fatal Result.” 7-21-1881, p. 4. Accessed 1-12-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/cincinnati-commercial-jul-21-1881-p-4/

Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Rapidly Abating. A cool Wave Strikes Cincinnati, and Sunstrokes Cease. Only Three Deaths Yesterday…” 7-15-1881, p. 4. Accessed 1-12-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/cincinnati-commercial-jul-15-1881-p-4/

Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Stricken By The Sun. Scores of Victims to its Deah Dealing Rays. Men and Women Fall on Every Hand. More Sunstrokes Than Evern Known Before. Dead Bodies Lying in the Public Streets. The City Undertaker’s Place Crowded With Corpses. Wagon Load of Coffins for the Pauper Dead.” 7-12-1881, p. 4. Accessed 1-10-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/cincinnati-commercial-jul-12-1881-p-4/

Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Sunstrokes.” 7-10-1881, p. 6. Accessed 1-10-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/cincinnati-commercial-jul-10-1881-p-11/

Cincinnati Daily Gazette. “Hamilton.” 7-16-1881, p. 3. Accessed 1-12-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/cincinnati-daily-gazette-jul-16-1881-p-3/

Cincinnati Daily Gazette. “Loveland.” 7-16-1881, p. 3. Accessed 1-12-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/cincinnati-daily-gazette-jul-16-1881-p-3/

Cincinnati Enquirer (Cameron Knight). “‘Cincinnati feels like an oven:’ The story of the hottest day ever in the city.” 8-23-3023. Accessed 1-9-2023 at: https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2023/08/23/the-story-of-the-hottest-day-ever-in-the-queen-city/70659232007/

Colorado Springs Weekly Gazette, CO. “Columbus” [Sunstrokes], July 16, 1881, p. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=140226494

Coshocton Democrat, OH. 7-12-1881, p. 4. Accessed 1-9-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/coshocton-democrat-jul-12-1881-p-4/

Daily Argus, Rock Island, IL “City Affairs. Sunstrokes…” 7-8-1881, p. 4. Accessed 1-9-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/rock-island-argus-jul-08-1881-p-4/

Daily Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME. “Several Fatal Sunstrokes,” July 11, 1881, p. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=30689364

Decatur Daily Republican, IL. [Sunstroke], July 18, 1881, p. 6. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=139170

Daily Telegraph, Atlantic, IA. “Iowa News Items.” 7-29-1881, p. 2. Accessed 1-9-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/atlantic-daily-telegraph-jul-29-1881-p-2/

Defiance Democrat, OH. [Heat-wave], July 14, 1881, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=4675086

Denton Journal, MD. “Excessive Heat in the West.” 7-23-1881, 2. Accessed 11-28-2012 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/denton-journal/1881-07-23

Fort Wayne Daily Gazette, IN. “Ohio.” 7-29-1881, p. 3. Accessed 11-28-2012 at:

http://newspaperarchive.com/fort-wayne-daily-gazette/1881-07-29

Friendship Chronicle, NY. “State and General News.” 7-27-1883, p. 3. Accessed 1-9-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/friendship-chronicle-jul-27-1881-p-3/

Hancock Herald, IA. “News Summary.” 7-23-1881, 7. Accessed 11-28-2012 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=2164909&sterm

Indianapolis Journal. “Coups De Soleil.” 7-12-1881, p. 2. Accessed 1-12-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-journal-jul-12-1881-p-2/

Indianapolis Journal, IN. “Death From Sunstroke.” 7-9-1881, p. 5. Accessed 1-10-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-journal-jul-09-1881-p-5/

Las Vegas Daily Gazette, NM. “Intense Heat.” 7-8-1881, p. 1. Accessed 1-9-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/las-vegas-daily-gazette-jul-08-1881-p-1/

Memphis Daily Appeal. “Twenty Sunstrokes at Columbus, Ohio.” 7-13-1881, p. 1. Accessed 1-12-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/memphis-daily-appeal-jul-13-1881-p-4/

Miami Helmet, Piqua, OH. 7-21-1881, 3. Accessed 1-9-2024 at:

http://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-miami-helmet/1881-07-21

Ohio Democrat, New Philadelphia. [Sunstrokes] 7-14-1881, 3. Accessed 11-28-2012 at:

http://newspaperarchive.com/new-philadelphia-ohio-democrat/1881-07-14

Palo Alto Pilot, Emmetsburg, IA. “Accidents.” 7-29-1881, p. 6. Accessed 1-9-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/emmetsburg-palo-alto-pilot-jul-29-1881-p-6/

Philadelphia Inquirer. “The News in Brief.” 7-7-1881, p. 4. Accessed 1-12-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-inquirer-jul-07-1881-p-4/

Postville Review, IA. “Accidents.” 7-23-1881, p. 1. Accessed 11-28-2012 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=158235121&sterm=sunstroke+kill+death

Quincy Daily Herald, IL. “Sunstrokes.” July 14, 1881, p. 1. Accessed 1-9-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/quincy-daily-herald-jul-07-1881-p-1/

Ripley County Journal, IN. “Indiana State News.” July 14, 1881, p. 1. Accessed 1-9-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/osgood-ripley-county-journal-jul-07-1881-p-5/

Salt Lake Daily Tribune, UT. [Heat wave fatalities], July 19, 1881, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=91119641

Salt Lake Daily Tribune, UT. “Troubles in Cincinnati” (Heat wave and tunnel collapse], July 15, 1881, p. 1. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=91119629

Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Cincinnati Items.” 8-6-1881, p. 1. Accessed 1-9-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sandusky-daily-register-jul-06-1881-p-5/

Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Hot Weather–Killed.” 8-5-1881, p 1. Accessed 1-9-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sandusky-daily-register-jul-05-1881-p-1/

Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Sunstrokes.” 7-6-1881, p. 5. Accessed 1-9-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sandusky-daily-register-jul-06-1881-p-5/

Sioux County Herald, Orange City, IA. [Heat wave in Omaha]. 7-14-1882, p. 9. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=107008174

Somerset Press, OH. “News of the Week…Deaths from Sunstroke.” 7-14-1881, p. 1. Accessed 1-9-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/the-somerset-press-jul-14-1881-p-1/

Steubenville Weekly Herald, OH. “Sunstrokes.” 7-15-1881, p. 2. Accessed 1-12-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/steubenville-weekly-herald-jul-15-1881-p-2/

Sullivan Union, IN. “The News” 7-27-1881, 2. Accessed 1-9-2024 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/sullivan-union/1881-07-27

The Indianapolis News, IN. “Death from Sunstroke. 7-8-1881, p.1. Accessed 1-9-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-08-1881-p-1/

Tipton Advocate, IN. [Heat fatality], July 15, 1881, p. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=142433935

[1] Alton Daily Telegraph, IL. “The Heated Term. Death from Sunstroke.” 7-11-1881, p. 3.

[2] Chicago Tribune. “The Weather…Thermometer Ranging from Ninety to [105].” 7-10-1881, p. 8.

[3] Chicago Tribune. “The Weather…Thermometer Ranging from Ninety to [105].” 7-10-1881, p. 8.

[4] Cincinnati Commercial. “More Victims…Dead.” 7-13-1881, p. 4.

[5] Chicago Tribune. “The Weather…Thermometer Ranging from Ninety to [105].” 7-10-1881, p. 8.

[6] Chicago Tribune. “The Weather…Thermometer Ranging from Ninety to [105].” 7-10-1881, p. 8.

[7] Chicago Tribune. “The Weather…Thermometer Ranging from Ninety to [105].” 7-10-1881, p. 8.

[8] Swan Fast, employed at the lower saw mill. Was “overcome by the heat yesterday…was removed…home in an insensible condition. Physicians were summoned…but to no effect as his death occurred this morning at 1 o’clock ….Another workman at the saw mill was also prostrated with the heat yesterday. He is all right this morning.”

[9] Indianapolis Journal, IN. “Death From Sunstroke.” 7-9-1881, p. 5.

[10] Indianapolis Journal. “Coups De Soleil…Sunstroke…” 7-12-1881, p. 2.

[11] Chicago Tribune. “The Weather…Thermometer Ranging from Ninety to [105].” 7-10-1881, p. 8.

[12] Chicago Tribune. “The Weather…Thermometer Ranging from Ninety to [105].” 7-10-1881, p. 8.

[13] Cincinnati Commercial. “More Victims…Dead.” 7-13-1881, p. 4.

[14] Cincinnati Commercial. “More Victims…Dead.” 7-13-1881, p. 4.

[15] Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Deadly Heat.” 7-11-1881, p. 2.

[16] Cincinnati Commercial. “Death in the Sunlight.” 7-14-1881, p. 4.

[17] Indianapolis Journal. “Coups De Soleil. Twelve Cases of Sunstroke in This City Yesterday.” 7-12-1881, p. 2.

[18] Notes the thermometer read 104 to 107 degrees “in the shade.” (Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Stricken By The Sun. Scores of Victims to its Deah Dealing Rays.” 7-12-1881, p.4.)

[19] Cincinnati Commercial. “Death in the Sunlight.” 7-14-1881, p. 4.

[20] Cincinnati Commercial. “Madison.” 7-15-1881, p. 3.

[21] Cincinnati Commercial. “Death in the Sunlight.” 7-14-1881, p. 4.

[22] Cincinnati Commercial. “More Victims…Dead.” 7-13-1881, p. 4.

[23] Indianapolis Journal. “Coups De Soleil.” 7-12-1881, p. 2.

[24] Cincinnati Commercial. “Death in the Sunlight.” 7-14-1881, p. 4.

[25] Cincinnati Commercial. “More Victims…Dead.” 7-13-1881, p. 4.

[26] Cincinnati Commercial. “Found Dead.” 7-15-1881, p. 3.

[27] Chicago Tribune. “The Weather…Thermometer Ranging from Ninety to [105].” 7-10-1881, p. 8.

[28] Cincinnati Commercial. “More Victims…Dead.” 7-13-1881, p. 4.

[29] Cincinnati Commercial. “More Victims…Dead.” 7-13-1881, p. 4.

[30] Chicago Tribune. “The Weather…Thermometer Ranging from Ninety to [105].” 7-10-1881, p. 8.

[31] Cincinnati Commercial. “Paducah….Fatal Result.” 7-21-1881, p. 4.

[32] Chicago Tribune. “The Weather…Thermometer Ranging from Ninety to [105].” 7-10-1881, p. 8.

[33] Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Stricken By The Sun. Scores of Victims to its Deah Dealing Rays.” 7-12-1881, p.4.

[34] Cincinnati Commercial. “Death in the Sunlight.” 7-14-1881, p. 4.

[35] Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Deadly Heat.” 7-11-1881, p. 2.

[36] Not used as high number for Cincinnati — could not find corroborating sources.

[37] Cincinnati Commercial. “Some Statistics.” 7-15-1881, p. 4.

[38] “Health Officer Miles yesterday evening reported 81 burial permits during the day. He also reports 549 deaths from noon of July 7 to noon of July 14. Those from sunstroke proper, or brought on by the heat, are summarized as follows:…” [We put the data under the relevant date below.]

[39] Numbers are for sunstroke and excessive heat, July 10 to July 16, reported by the Cincinnati Health Department. In regards to other deaths reported, note that “The deaths from ‘old age,’ cholera, cholera morbus and cholera infantum may be largely attributed to heat, increasing the total number arising from the brief heated term to nearly 500, as the average weekly rate does not largely exceed 64, and the week’s terrible total is 564. With 500 dead, the actual prostrations were probably five times that number, making 2,500 people down from the weather, some of whom will not survive, and man of whom will never be themselves again mentally, sunstroke frequently leaving that most terrible of all the trials of diseases, brain trouble. The fatality was rendered the more horrible by the suddenness with which men were called – only two or three hours often elapsing between the first warning and the last burning breath, while the interval was spent unconscious of everything save suffering….It is among the poor, ‘God’s Poor’ as they are sometimes called, that death has stalked unchallenged…where whole families have cooked, eaten, slept or essayed to sleep, and sweltered and died in rooms close and stifling, even in ordinary weather…”

[40] While noting but one death, also noted that “the mortality among aged persons and infants was very large,” and that “The heat was intense here to-day.”

[41] Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Stricken By The Sun. Scores of Victims to its Deah Dealing Rays.” 7-12-1881, p4.

[42] Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Stricken By The Sun. Scores of Victims to its Deah Dealing Rays.” 7-12-1881, p4.

[43] Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Stricken By The Sun. Scores of Victims to its Deah Dealing Rays.” 7-12-1881, p4.

[44] Cincinnati Daily Gazette. “Hamilton.” 7-16-1881, p. 3.

[45] Cincinnati Commercial. “More Victims…Dead.” 7-13-1881, p. 4.

[46] Cincinnati Daily Gazette. “Loveland.” 7-16-1881, p. 3.

[47] Cincinnati Commercial. “More Victims…Dead.” 7-13-1881, p. 4.

[48] Cincinnati Commercial. “Death in the Sunlight.” 7-14-1881, p. 4.

[49] Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Deadly Heat.” 7-11-1881, p. 2.

[50] Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Stricken By The Sun. Scores of Victims to its Deah Dealing Rays.” 7-12-1881, p4.

[51] Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Newport.” 7-15-1881, p. 3.

[52] Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Stricken By The Sun. Scores of Victims to its Deah Dealing Rays.” 7-12-1881, p4.

[53] Cincinnati Commercial. “More Victims…Dead.” 7-13-1881, p. 4.

[54] Cincinnati Daily Gazette. “Piqua.” 7-16-1881, p. 3.

[55] Steubenville Weekly Herald, OH. “Sunstrokes.” 7-15-1881, p. 2.

[56] Cincinnati Commercial. “More Victims…Dead.” 7-13-1881, p. 4.

[57] Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Deadly Heat.” 7-11-1881, p. 2.

[58] Indianapolis Journal. “Coups De Soleil…Sunstroke…” 7-12-1881, p.2.

[59] Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Deadly Heat.” 7-11-1881, p. 2.

[60] Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Deadly Heat.” 7-11-1881, p. 2.

[61] Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Stricken By The Sun. Scores of Victims to its Deah Dealing Rays.” 7-12-1881, p4.

[62] Steubenville Weekly Herald, OH. “Sunstrokes.” 7-15-1881, p. 12.

[63] Cincinnati Commercial. “More Victims…Dead.” 7-13-1881, p. 4.

[64] Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Stricken By The Sun. Scores of Victims to its Deah Dealing Rays.” 7-12-1881, p4.

[65] “Ten sunstrokes occurred in Pittsburg on Friday [July 8], three fatal. Work has been suspended in the mills.”

[66] Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Deadly Heat.” 7-11-1881, p. 2.

[67] Cincinnati Commercial. “Death in the Sunlight.” 7-14-1881, p. 4.

[68] Cincinnati Commercial, OH. “Deadly Heat.” 7-11-1881, p. 2.

[69] Suspect a typo (13^th?) in that the date of publication is the 14^th.

[70] Cincinnati Commercial. “Rapidly Abating…Only Three Deaths Yesterday…” 7-15-1881, p. 4.

[71] Cincinnati Commercial. “Rapidly Abating…Only Three Deaths Yesterday…” 7-15-1881, p. 4.

1881 — July 6-16 esp., heat/sunstroke, esp. OH/585 (Cincinnati/456), also Pittsburgh — >687