1896 — July 30-Aug 14, Heat, esp., NY/891, IL/277, PA/226, NJ/168, MO/81, WI/77 –2,038
Compiled by B. Wayne Blanchard, March 2010; modified July 2016 and Dec 2019/Jan 2020, for website: Deadliest American Disasters and Large-Loss-Of-Life Events. https://www.usdeadlyevents.com/
— 2,038 Aug 4-13 esp. The Bulletin. “The Terrible Heat of 1900.” 9-15-1900, p. 156.[1]
–1,864-1,954 July 30-Aug 14 Blanchard compilation based on State breakouts below.
— <921 Aug 5-17, 1896 NYT and other newspaper coverage.
Summary of State Breakouts
Arkansas ( 10-15) Little Rock
Connecticut ( 20-21) Hartford especially
District of Columbia ( 13)
Illinois (238-277) Chicago especially (~219-258)
Indiana ( 52) Terre Haute especially (16)
Iowa ( 5)
Kentucky ( 34) Louisville and Owensboro especially
Maryland ( 27) Baltimore
Massachusetts ( 24-29) Boston
Michigan ( >3) Grand Rapids
Missouri ( 81) St. Louis especially (79)
New Jersey ( 168) Jersey City, Newark and Hoboken especially
New York ( 891) New York City (765) and Brooklyn (71) especially
Ohio ( 25) Cincinnati especially
Oklahoma ( 1)
Pennsylvania (180-226) Philadelphia (80-121) and Pittsburgh (~100)
Rhode Island ( 11)
Tennessee ( 2)
Texas ( 2)
Wisconsin ( 77) Milwaukee especially (76)
Total: 2,038-1,954
Breakout of August 1896 Heat Wave by States and Localities (where noted):
Arkansas (10-15) Little Rock
–10-15 Little Rock Aug 10. Cumberland Even. Times (MD). “Heat Deals Death,” 8-10-1896.
–12-15 “ up to Aug 10. Fort Wayne News (IN). “Very Hot Weather,” 8-10-1896, p4, c. 1.
Connecticut (20-21) Hartford especially
— 12 State Aug 10-11 Blanchard tally from breakouts below.
— 9 Hartford by Aug 10 Frederick News, MD. “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, 1.
–2-3 “ Aug 10 Two sources – two numbers.
“ –2 Aug 10 NYT. “New England Suffering,” August 11, 1896.
“ –3 Aug 10 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.
— 3 “ Aug 11 Trenton Times. NJ. “The Deadly Heat,” 8-12-1896, p. 3.
— 3 New Haven Aug 10 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.
— 3 (Elsewhere) Aug 11 Trenton Times, NJ. “The Deadly Heat,” 8-12-1896, p. 3.[2]
District of Columbia ( 13)
–6 Aug 9 Fort Wayne News, IN. “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p. 1.
–4 Aug 10 Quincy Journal, IL. “Heat Plague Continues.” 8-11-1896, p. 1.
–3 Aug 11 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.
Illinois (238-277) Chicago especially (~219-258)
–238-277 State Aug 5-11 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
— 2 Cairo Aug 10 Quincy Journal, IL. “Heat Plague Continues.” 8-11-1896, 1.
— 1 Champaign Aug 7 Victor Johnson, Swedish stonecutter, working on library.[3]
–219-258 Chicago Aug 5-11 Blanchard tally based on breakouts below.
— 1 “ Aug 5 NYT, “Heatstrokes in Chicago,” Aug 6, 1896.
— <109 “ Aug 7 Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, 8.[4]
— 6 “ Aug 8 NYT, “Hottest of the Week at Chicago,” Aug 9, 1896.
— 31 “ Aug 9 Quincy Journal, IL. “Heat Plague Continues.” 8-11-1896, 1.[5]
–20-37 “ Aug 10 Two sources – two numbers.
“– 20 Aug 10 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.
“– 37 Aug 10 The World, NY. “Many Cities Suffer Severely,” 8-11-1896, 2.
— 62 “ By Aug 10? Quincy Journal, IL. “Heat Plague Continues.” 8-11-1896, 1.[6]
— 8-30 “ Aug 11 Two sources – two numbers.
“ — 8 Aug 11 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.
“ –30 Aug 11 NYT. Cooler Weather in Chicago, Aug 12 1896.
— 38 “ Aug 12 Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Die with Relief Near.” 8-12-1896, 3.[7]
— 6 “ Aug 14 Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Sol’s Burning Glass.” 8-14-1896, 6.
— 1 Danville Aug 9 Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Sol’s Burning Glass.” 8-14-1896, 6.
— 2 Decatur Aug 7 Decatur Herald Dispatch, “Heat and Sunstrokes,” 8-8-1896, 7.
— 1 “ Aug 8 Decatur Herald Dispatch, “Heat and Sunstrokes,” 8-8-1896, 7.
— 2 Elgin Aug 9~ Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, 8.
— 1 Galesburg Aug 6 Logansport Reporter, IN. “Victims of Heat,” 8-7-1896, p. 1.
— 1 La Salle Aug 11 Stevens Point Journal, WI. “105 at LaSalle,” 8-11-1896.
— 3 Peoria Aug 7 Eau Claire Journal, “A Wail Goes Up…,” 8-11-1896, p. 1.
— 2 “ Aug 10 August Burcher and Phoebe Siddell, aged 2.[8]
— 3 “ Aug 11 John Stein, Harry Harangaa, and Mrs. John E. Turner.[9]
Indiana ( 52) Terre Haute especially (16)
–52 State Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
–11 Evansville up to Aug 7 Logansport Reporter, IN. “Cuts Them Down,” 8-8-1896, 1.
— 2 “ Aug 8 Alton Telegraph, IL. “Deaths from Heat.” 8-13-1896, p. 7.
— 2 Fort Wayne Aug 10 Cumberland Times (MD). “Heat Deals Death,” 8-10-1896.
— 2 Indianapolis July 30 Republic County Freeman, Belleville, KS. 8-6-1896, p. 6.
— 2 “ Aug 1 Daily Huronite, SD. “Many Prostrations at Louisville,” 8-1-1896.
— 2 “ Aug 10 Frederick News, MD. “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, p. 1.
— 1 “ Aug 11 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.
— 1 Jeffersonville Aug 4 Logansport Journal, IN. [Heat Prostration] 8-4-1896, p. 5.
— 3 Lafayette Aug 10 Logansport Journal, IN. “The Hot Spell.” 8-11-1896, p. 6.
— 3 Logansport Aug 6 Logansport Reporter (IN). “Victims of Heat,” Aug 7, 1896, p. 1.
— 7 Sullivan Aug 11 Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Sol’s Burning Glass.” 8-14-1896, 6.
–16 Terre Haute Aug 11 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.
Iowa ( 5)
–1 Council Bluffs ~Aug 9 Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, p. 8.
–1 Davenport Aug 10 Stevens Point Daily Journal. “In Warm Embrace,” Aug 11, 1896.
–2 Des Moines Aug 8 Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, p. 8.
–1 Independence Aug 8 Pella Advertiser, IA. “The News in Iowa,” Aug 8, 1896, p.2, c. 1.
Kentucky ( 34) Louisville and Owensboro especially
— 1 Lexington Aug 6 Logansport Reporter, IN. “Victims of Heat,” 8-7-1896, p.1.
— 3 Louisville July 29 Herald-Dispatch, Decatur IL. “Overcome…Heat,” Aug 1, 1896.
— 4 “ Aug 1 Daily Huronite, SD. “Many Prostrations at Louisville,” 8-1-1896.
— 6 “ Aug 8 Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, p. 8.
— 1 “ Aug 9 Fort Wayne News, IN, “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p.1.
— 3 “ Aug 11 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.
–16 Owensboro Aug 9-11 Stevens Point Journal. “16 Deaths in KY,” 8-11-1896.[10]
Maryland ( 27) Baltimore
–15 Baltimore. Aug 9. New York Times. “Fifteen Deaths in Baltimore,” Aug 10, 1896.
— 6 “ Aug 10 Frederick News (MD). “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, p. 1.
–25 “ (Up to) Aug 10 Frederick News (MD). “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, p. 1.
— 2 “ Aug 11 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.
Massachusetts (24-29) Boston
— 6 Boston Aug 8 Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, p. 8.
— 2 “ Aug 9 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.
— 3 “ Aug 10 The World (NY). “Many Cities Suffer Severely,’ 11 Aug 1896, 2.
–12-17 “ Aug 11 Two sources – two numbers.
“ –12 Aug 11 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.
“ –17 Aug 11 Sterling Standard, IL. “Big Death List at Boston.” 8-12-1896, 3.
— 1 “ Aug 12 New York Times. “Carriers Quit Deliveries,” Aug 12, 1896.
Michigan ( >3) Grand Rapids
—>3 Grand Rapids Aug 6-10 Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, 8.[11]
Missouri ( 81) St. Louis especially (79)
— 2 Kansas City Aug 9. Cumberland Times, MD. “Heat Deals Death,” 8-10-1896.
–10 St. Louis July 30 Herald-Dispatch, Decatur IL. “Overcome…Heat,” 8-1-1896.
— 2 “ Aug 6 Brimfield News, IL. “Sol Makes ‘Em Sizzle.” 8-6-1896, 14.
–10 “ Aug 7 NYT. “Hot Day in St. Louis,” Aug 8, 1896.
–16 “ Aug 8 NYT. “Sixteen Deaths in St. Louis,” Aug 9, 1896.
–12 “ Aug 9 Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, 8.
–12 “ Aug 10 Frederick News MD. “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, p.1.
–12 “ Aug 11 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.
— 7 “ Aug 12 Evening Bulletin, Decatur IL. “Relief at Last,” 8-12-1896, 4.
New Jersey ( 168) Jersey City, Newark and Hoboken especially
–168 Statewide Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below
— 2 Bayonne. Aug 9 Fort Wayne News (IN), “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p.1.
— 1 Elizabeth. Aug 9 New York Times. “One Fatality in Elizabeth,” Aug 9, 1896.
— 2 Hackensack Aug 11 Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Two Hundred Dead.” 8-12-1896, 3
— 4 Hoboken Aug 10 Frederick News MD. “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, 1.
— 7 “ Aug 11 Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Two Hundred Dead.” 8-12-1896, 3.
— 6 “ Aug 12 New York Times. “Over Six Score Dead,” Aug 12, 1896.
— 2 “ Aug 14 New York Times. “Death List is Smaller,” August 14, 1896.
— 11 Hudson Co. Aug 14 New York Times. “Death List is Smaller,” Aug 14, 1896.
— 1 Jersey City. Aug 9 Fort Wayne News (IN), “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p. 1.
— 10 “ Aug 10 Frederick News MD. “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, p.1.
— 12 “ Aug 11 Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Two Hundred Dead.” 8-12-1896, 3.
— 21 “ Aug 12 New York Times. “Over Six Score Dead,” Aug 12, 1896.
— 10 “ Aug 14 New York Times. “Death List is Smaller,” Aug 14, 1896.
— 3 New Brunswick Aug 10 Frederick News MD. “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, p. 1.
— 45 Newark up to Aug 11 NYT, Four More Deaths in Newark, 45 in all…,” 8-12-1896.
–3 “ Aug 9 New York Times. “Three Deaths in Newark.” Aug 10, 1896.
–8 “ Aug 10 Frederick News MD. “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, p. 1.
–9 “ Aug 11 Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Two Hundred Dead.” 8-12-1896, 3.
— 2 North Hudson Aug 12 New York Times, “Over Six Score Dead,” Aug 12, 1896.
— 3 Passaic Aug 11 NYT. “Mills and Factories Shut Down, August 12, 1896.
— 4 Patterson Aug 11 Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Two Hundred Dead.” 8-12-1896, 3.
— 2 Trenton Aug 10 Frederick News, MD. “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, 1.
New York ( 891) New York City (765) and Brooklyn (71) especially
–891 Statewide esp. Aug 6-17 Blanchard tally from breakouts below.
— 3 Albany. Aug 9 New York Times. “Three Deaths in Albany,” 8-10-1896.
— 71 Brooklyn Aug 6-14 Blanchard tally from sources below.
— 2 “ Aug 6 New York Times. “Death in the Heat Rays,” Aug 7, 1896.
–12 “ Aug 10 Frederick News, MD. “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, 1.
–16 “ Aug 11 The World. “Many Stricken in Brooklyn,’ Aug 11, 1896, 2.
–21 “ Aug 12 New York Times. “Over Six Score Dead,” Aug 12, 1896.
–20 “ Aug 14 New York Times. “Death List is Smaller,” August 14, 1896.
— 3 Buffalo Aug 10 The World, NY. “The Heat Up the State.” Aug 11, 1896, p2.
— 5 Long Island City. Aug 11 Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Two Hundred Dead.” 8-12-1896, 3.
— 4 “ Aug 12 NYT. “Over Six Score Dead,” Aug 12, 1896.
–1500 New York City Aug 4-14 Rosenthal. Evaluating…heat-related mortality [NYC]. 2010, 1.[12]
–1500 “ Ten days NPR. “The Heat Wave of 1896…” 8-11-2010.[13]
— 765 NY City April-Aug NYC Board of Health. Annual Report 1912. 1913, p. 240.
— 1 “ April
— 4 “ May
— 5 “ June
— 30 “ July
–725 “ August
— 5 Aug 6 New York Times. “Death in the Heat Rays,” Aug 7, 1896.
— 10 Aug 7 New York Times. “Record for Aug. 8 Broken,” 8-9-1896.
— 50 Aug 9. Fort Wayne News (IN). “Sol’s Doings” Aug 10, 1896, p.1.
— 72 Aug 10 New York Times. “Deaths from The Heat,” Aug 12, 1896.
>100 Aug 11 Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Two Hundred Dead.” 8-12-1896, 3.
–128 Aug 12 New York Times. “Over Six Score Dead,” Aug 12, 1896.
–158 Aug 13 New York Times. “Death List is Smaller,” Aug 14, 1896.
–153 Aug 14 New York Times. “Deadly Heat Gives Way,” Aug 15, 1896.
— 5 Aug 17 New York Times. “Cool Weather brings Comfort,” 8-17-1896.
— 0 “ September
— 3 North Hudson Aug 14. New York Times. “Death List is Smaller,” Aug 14, 1896.
— 1 Rochester Aug 9. Fort Wayne News (IN), “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p.1.
— 14 Staten Island Aug 10 Frederick News, MD. “Many Victims…Heat,” 8-11-1896, 1.
— 14 “ Aug 11 Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Two Hundred Dead.” 8-12-1896, 3.
— 3 “ Aug 12 New York Times. “Over Six Score Dead,” Aug 12, 1896.
— 2 Troy Aug 10 The World, NY. “The Heat up the State.” 8-11-1896, p. 2.
— 3 Utica Aug 4-10 The World, NY. “The Heat up the State.” Aug 11, 1896, 2.
Ohio ( 25) Cincinnati especially
–22 Statewide July 30-Aug 11 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
— 5 Cincinnati July 30 Herald-Dispatch, Decatur IL. “Overcome…Heat,” 8-1-1896.
— 1 “ Aug 5 Brimfield News, IL. “Sol Makes ‘Em Sizzle.” 8-6-1896, 14.
— 5 “ Aug 9 Fort Wayne News, IN. “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p. 1.
— 1 “ Aug 10 Frederick News, MD. “Many Victims…Heat,” 8-11-1896, p.1.
— 2 “ Aug 11 Sterling Standard, “Few Prostrations…Cincinnati.” 8-13-1896, 23.
— 2 Cleveland. Aug 9 Fort Wayne News (IN), “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p.1.
— 2 “ Aug 10 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.
— 1 “ Aug 11 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.
— 2 Galion Aug 10 Cumberland Times (MD). “Heat Deals Death,” 8-10-1896.
— 1 Massillon Aug 10 Cumberland Times (MD). “Heat Deals Death,” 8-10-1896.
— 1 Sandusky Aug 11 William Axtell of North Bass.[14]
— 1 Tiffin Aug 10~ Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, p.8.
— 2 Toledo Aug 10 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.
— 1 Toledo Aug 10 Fort Wayne News (IN), “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p.1.
Oklahoma ( 1)
–1 Guthrie Aug 10 W.J. Windoffer. Notes “weather is the hottest ever known.”[15]
Pennsylvania (180-226) Philadelphia (80-121) and Pittsburgh (~100)
–180-226 Philly and Pittsburgh Blanchard tally
— 80-121 Philadelphia Aug 6-12 Blanchard tally based on date breakouts below
— 7 “ Aug 7 Frederick News, MD. “Seven Killed by Heat,” 8-8-1896, 1.
— 10 “ Aug 8 Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, p.8.
–18-23 “ Aug 9 Two sources – two numbers.
“ –18 Aug 9 Fort Wayne News (IN), “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p.1.
“ –23 Aug 9 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.
–23-57 “ Aug 10 Two sources – two numbers.
“ –23 Aug 10 NYT. “Further Death at Philadelphia,” Aug 11, 1896.
“ –57 Aug 10 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.
–12-19 “ Aug 11 Range from sources below.
“–19 Aug 11 Sterling Standard, IL. “Nineteen die…Philadelphia.” 8-12-1896, 3
“–18 Aug 11 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.
“–14 Aug 11 NYT. “Further Death at Philadelphia,” Aug 11, 1896.
“–12 Aug 11 NYT. “Ninety-Seven in Philadelphia… ,” Aug 12, 1896.
— 10 “ Aug 12 Quincy Journal, IL. “Ten Deaths at Philadelphia,” 8-13-1896, 1.
— ~100 Pittsburgh[16] by Aug 11 Blanchard tally from breakouts below.
— 1 “ Aug 9 Fort Wayne News, IN. “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p.1.
— 2 “ Aug 3-9 Fort Wayne News, IN. “Very Hot Weather,” 8-10-1896, 4.
— 3 “ Aug 10 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.
–100 “ up to Aug 10. The World, NY. “Many Cities Suffer…,’ 8-11-1896, p. 2.[17]
— 2 “ Aug 11 Portsmouth Times, OH. “Still…Sol Kills…,” 8-5-1896.
Rhode Island ( 11)
–3-4 Providence Aug 10 Two sources – two numbers.
“ –3 Aug 10 The World (NY). “Many Cities Suffer…,’ 8-11-1896, p. 2.
“ –4 Aug 10 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.
— 8 Statewide Aug 11 Sterling Standard, “Industrial Plants Close Down.” 8-13-1896, 23
Tennessee ( 2)
— 1 Kennedy Jul 29. Herald-Dispatch, Decatur IL. “Overcome…Heat,” 8-1-1896.
— 1 Memphis. Aug 9. Fort Wayne News, IN, “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p. 1.
Texas ( 2)
— 1 San Antonio July 29 Herald-Dispatch, Decatur IL. “Overcome…Heat,” 8-1-1896, 3.
— 1 San Antonio Aug 9. Fort Wayne News (IN), “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p.1.
West Virginia ( 1)
–1 Montgomery Aug 10 Mrs. John Waters.[18]
Wisconsin ( 77) Milwaukee especially (76)
— 1 Burlington Aug 6 Logansport Reporter, IN. “Victims of Heat,” 8-7-1896, p.1.
— 60 Milwaukee. Aug 6-7 NY Times, “Many Deaths in Milwaukee,” 8-13-1896.
— 16 “ (babies) Aug 10 Milwaukee Weekly Wisconsin. “In Milwaukee,” 8-15-1896, 2.[19]
Narrative Information
Connecticut
Aug 10, Hartford, CT: “The extreme heat continues…. Two deaths occurred today as a result of the heat.” (New York Times. “New England Suffering,” August 11, 1896.)
District of Columbia
Aug 10, Washington, DC: “The heated term that has been almost without precedent in this city continues, and the general impression is that today has been beyond all doubt the hottest and most uncomfortable of the season. The churches were comparatively very sparsely attended, the streets almost deserted, and many people left the city in the early morning…in the hope of escaping the torrid temperatures of the city.” One heat-related death noted. (NYT, “Nearly 100 in Washington,” Aug 10, 1896) “The expected result of the two weeks’ heated term was realized yesterday by six deaths and a number of prostrations.” (Fort Wayne News (IN), “Sol’s Doings – Numbers His Victims by the Score,” Aug 10, 1896, p. 1.)
Illinois
Aug 5, Chicago: “The hottest weather Chicago has seen this season occurred today. Before the middle of the afternoon the thermometer had reached 96 and between fifteen and twenty persons had been picked up on the streets, overcome by the heat.” Reports one heat-related death.” (NYT, “Heatstrokes in Chicago,” Aug 6, 1896.)
Aug 8, Chicago: “This was the hottest day of the scorching, deadly series of the week, and the list of victims was the largest. The temperature at 8 A.M. was 84, and it continued to rise steadily until 98 [degrees] were reported at 8 o’clock. Six deaths were reported to the police. Four other prostrated victims were removed from the streets, where they were working… Scores of men and women were overcome… Horses drawing heavy loads dropped dead by the score in the streets from early morning until late at night. Outdoor labor was suspended for the day, except where it was absolutely necessary.” (NYT, “Hottest of the Week at Chicago,” Aug 9, 1896.)
Aug 10, Chicago: “Again Sunday the sun scorched this city and the records of deaths and prostrations approached those of Saturday. The fatal cases of sunstroke numbered 22, while several others are not expected to live. Many people were mentally affected, and on one of the bridges the police had a struggle with a Swede of giant strength, who attempted to throw people into the river. The heat had made him crazy.” (Perry Bulletin, IA, “Death in…Heat.” 8-13-1896.)
Aug 10, Chicago: “Chicago, Aug 10. – The number of deaths caused by the heat to-day was thirty-seven, prostrations fifty-four. (The World, NYC. “Many Cities Suffer…,’ 8-11-1896, p. 2.)
Aug 10, Peoria: “Peoria, Ills., Aug. 10. – Three fatal sunstrokes occurred here Friday. The victims were: George Archdale, 40 years old of 115 Easton avenue; Mrs. Anna Kleinhanz, 39 years old, of 314 Sanford street, and John Seigle, 45 years old, who came from Keokuk, Ia…” (Alton Telegraph, IL. “Deaths from Heat.” 8-13-1896, p. 7.)
Aug 11, Chicago: “Suffering humanity and the lower animals were favored a 7 o’clock tonight by cessation of the deadly, dry, scorching weather which has prevailed for more than a week…. Thirty deaths we reported today as due to sunstroke or less direct effects of the heat, but most of these victims died late yesterday…” (New York Times, Cooler Weather in Chicago, 8-12-1896.)
Aug 12, Bloomington: “Bloomington, Ill., Aug. 12. – The heat continues here. The following prostrations were reported: Miss Lulu Fowler, laundry employe; Daniel Mulcahy, laborer, will die; Miss Julia Rodenhauser, stenographer. The linemen of the telegraph and telephone companies refused to work on the poles.” (Sterling Standard, IL. “Prostrations at Bloomington, Ill.” 8-13-1896, 23.)
Indiana
Aug 10, Evansville: “Evansville, Aug. 10. – Evansville seems to be the center of the torrid wave that is sweeping over the country. For three days the thermometer has reached above 102 degrees in the shade. There were two deaths Friday as the result of sunstroke and ten prostrations of various degrees.” (Alton Telegraph, IL. “Deaths from Heat.” 8-13-1896, p. 7.)
Aug 11, Indianapolis: “Indianapolis, Ind., Aug. 12. – The mercury in the thermometers in this city is keeping up its pace, with no signs of falling, and the people have come to expect one hot day to succeed another with the regularity that day follows night. Railroad men say the heat is affecting both travel and freight traffic, and that all parts of the state are suffering from the unusual condition. Though the rains have been frequent and copious throughout the state the fields in many sections are seared and brown from the blistering heat of the sun, and fires are frequently started by sparks from the railroad engines as in cases of protracted drouth.” (Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Business in Indiana Affected.” 8-12-1896, p. 3.)
Aug 11, Terre Haute: “Terre Haute, Ind., Aug. 12. – The heat Tuesday [11th] prostrated many persons, among them Col. ‘Dick’ Thompson, ex-Secretary of the navy, now 84 years old…” (Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Col. Thompson Prostrated.” 8-13-1896, p. 23.)
Iowa
Aug 10: “Council Bluffs, Ia., Aug. 10 – The heat here has been extreme for the past week, the thermometer registered from 98 to 100 degrees in the shade. There has been but one fatality. The heated spell was broken Sunday evening [9th] by a heavy rainstorm accompanied by thunder and lightning…” (Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, p. 8.)
Aug 11: “Des Moines, Ia., Aug. 12. – The hot spell was broken in the western half of Iowa Tuesday afternoon [11th], and there is a material reduction in temperature in the eastern half. No prostrations are reported from any part of the state, and it was the first day for more than a week without reports of farmers stricken in the fields.” (Sterling Standard, IL. “Hot Spell Broken in Iowa.” 8-13-1896, p.23.)
Maryland
Aug 9, Baltimore: “The mercury was above 90 [degrees] point at 8 o’clock this morning, and did not descend below that mark until after 9 o’clock tonight. Fifteen deaths and twice as many prostrations were reported up to midnight.” (NYT, “Fifteen Deaths in Baltimore,” Aug 10, 1896.)
Massachusetts
Aug 11, Boston: “Boston, Mass., Aug. 12. – The death list from heat in this city and suburbs Tuesday [11th] foots up seventeen, while the number of prostrations is rising in the hundreds. Men, women and children succumbed on all sides, factories and mercantile establishments were forced to suspend operations, work was stopped on the subway, and even in the federal building it became absolutely necessary to excuse the majority of the clerks.” (Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Big Death List at Boston.” 8-13-1896, p. 23.)
Aug 12, Boston: “The mercury on the streets here today registered 94 [degrees]… Letter carriers were forced to give up the midday delivery for the second successive day.” One heat related death that day reported. (NYT, “Carriers Omit Deliveries,” Aug 12, 1896.)
Michigan
Aug 10: “Grand Rapids, Mich., Aug. 10. – The last five days have been the warmest ever known in western Michigan and rain is badly needed. The thermometer has been above 100 all day and towards evening only lost ten points. Several fatalities have been reported and more are expected unless a cool wave strikes this portion of the state soon. Electrical storms have passed over this section in the last 24 hours, but have had no noticeable effect.” (Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, p. 8.)
Midwest
Aug 9, the Midwest: “Chicago., Aug. 9. Dispatches received from various points throughout the Western country show that no point is exempt from the torrid weather…. For three days the mercury soared above 100 at Evansville, Ind.,… At Kansas City yesterday 102 was reached, the highest point since the bureau was opened eight years ago…. At Anderson, Ind., there was intense suffering among the men in the nail factories… Dispatches from Alton, Hillsborough, Springfield, and Belvedere, Ill., indicate the hottest weather on record. Outdoor work has been suspended at all these points. Vegetation is being burned up by the heat, and in many localities a scarcity of water is threatened. The Wabash Railroad officials have closed the shops of the entire system pending the heated term. At Alton the mercury ranged from 103 to 112 in the shade. Milan, Mo., reported yesterday 106 in the shade, and great mortality among animals. Horses dropped in the streets, and only absolutely necessary work was done. All records were broken at Jefferson, Iowa, when the thermometer indicated 106 in the shade at 2 o’clock….At Des Moines, Iowa, a record of 92 in the shade was reached…. At Springfield, Ill., the day was the hottest of the year, the maximum temperature of 98 prevailing, the street thermometers registering 102…” Reports 8 heat-related deaths (NYT. “Death in Western Heat,” Aug 10, 1896.)
Missouri
Aug 7, St. Louis: “Intense Heat prevailed. The mercury touched 103. Ten deaths and forty-two prostrations are reported. Reports from various points throughout Missouri, Arkansas, Eastern Kansas, Southern Iowa, Southern Illinois, and Indiana state that the present hot spell is the highest recorded in many years…. Several towns in Kansas and Arkansas are suffering from ice famine.” (NYT, “Hot Day in St. Louis,” August 8, 1896.)
Aug 8, St. Louis: “There is no cessation of the intense heat from which St. Louis has suffered during the last ten days. At noon today the mercury registered 98 on surface thermometers. Nearly all contractors have abandoned outdoor work. Owing to the high temperature work in the quarries and other exposed places has been suspended. For the twenty-four hours ending at noon today, forty-seven cases of heat prostration were reported at the City Hospital. Sixteen fatalities are recorded. Reports this morning from nearby points in Missouri state that the mercury is close to the 100 mark, and in many sections harvesting is suspended.” (NYT. “Sixteen Deaths in St. Louis,” Aug 9, 1896.)
Aug 10, St. Louis. “Not before in the history of St Louis has its inhabitants suffered from the heat as during the week just ended. The highest point reached by the thermometer was 100 in the shade, and on no day was the maximum below 95. On the streets heat was more intense and the record higher. City Physician Sutter declared last night that the record of hear prostrations and deaths at the hospitals for the past week is unprecedented in its history. He reports that 110 cases, all serious, ware cared for and that 19 of these died, while more are still in a critical condition. This is not the complete record for the city, for at least that many more cases were taken to the dispensaries, where many died and others were sent from there to various hospitals or their homes for treatment.” (Fort Wayne News. “Very Hot Weather,” 8-10-1896, p. 4, c. 1.)
Aug 11, St. Louis: “St. Louis, Mo., Aug. 12. – The thermometer mounted upward again Tuesday [11th] and came within three points of the highest registered thus far this year. At 5 o’clock the government record was 97 in the shade. Many prostrations have resulted, and the city dispensaries and hospitals are again feeling the effect of the rush. Up to 8 o’clock at night twenty cases of prostration were received at the central dispensary and as many more at the north and south branches. A number of deaths occurred.” (Sterling Standard, IL. “No Relief at St. Louis.” 8-12-1896, 3)
Aug 12, St. Louis: “For the 12 hours ending at six p.m. Tuesday there was an average reduction of four degrees…the highest point reached was 96 degrees at five p. m. … In consequence the death-roll is reduced to seven and the prostration to 31. None of the factories that suspended work on account of the heat have resumed, however, and several were added to the list of the idle.” (Evening Bulletin, Decatur, IL. “Relief at Last,” August 12, 1896, p. 4.)
Aug 13, St. Louis: “St. Louis, Aug. 13. – Dispatches show a general breaking up of the heat wave in the Middle West and the West and the Mississippi Valley. From all points come reports of cooling breezes, and most of them bulletin refreshing rains.” (Quincy Journal, IL. “Getting Cooler, 8-13-1896, p. 1.)
Montreal, Canada
Aug 11, Montreal: “The heat here today is intense, and business is almost wholly suspended in consequence. The thermometer in the morning indicated 89 in the shade. John Connolly, a young clerk, was overcome by heat and died shortly after his removal to the hospital.” (NYT, “Montreal Almost Stops Business – The Thermometer…Ran Up to Only Ninety in the Shade,” 8-12-1896.)
New Jersey
Aug 9, Elizabeth, NJ: “This was the most disagreeable day of the hot spell thus far. There was not a breath of air stirring in this city, and the sun’s rays poured down on the streets with an intensity which made it a positive danger to walk. Thousands of people went on the trolley cars for a chance to catch a breath of air, but the hot blasts caused by the cars gave them little relief Thousands crossed the new ferry to Staten Island to seek coolness in the waters of the lower bay.” One sunstroke death was noted. (NYT. “One Fatality in Elizabeth,” Aug 9, 1896.)
Aug 11, Newark: “The thermometer again reached 96 [degrees} in the shade today… Forty-five persons have died in the city since the torrid spell began whose deaths were directly traceable to the heat. In addition, there was an increase in infant mortality caused by the heat. The number of persons temporarily prostrated by the heat would run into the hundreds… The Post Office authorities curtailed the deliveries, as it was too dangerous to send out the carriers… Almost all mills in this city and Harrison are closed.” (NYT. “Four More Deaths in Newark, Forty-five in All Due to the Heat,” August 12, 1896)
Aug 11, Passaic, NJ: “The heat wave was unabated today. All outdoor work has come to a standstill…and most of the mills and factories have shut down…Three persons die in Passaic—deadly heat in other Jersey towns.” (NYT. “Mills and Factories Shut Down, August 12, 1896)
New York
Rosenthal on NYC: “The summer of 1896 started out with seasonal temperatures in New York City, then a rapidly growing industrial city filled with immigrants and home to approximately two million inhabitants, many living in densely populated neighborhoods in lower Manhattan such as the Lower East Side.
“On August 4th, however, hot weather and high humidity came to the city and did not leave for ten days. Daytime temperatures averaged above 90º F outdoors, nighttime temperatures did not drop below 70º F, and stifling conditions were reported in the tenement buildings, where temperatures were estimated at 120º F (Kohn, 2008[20]).
“Unfortunately, New Yorkers started succumbing to these conditions the next day, and for the following nine days, it is estimated that the heat wave caused approximately 1,500 premature deaths in the city (Kohn, 2008), as compared to the same time period in prior years. Especially vulnerable populations were the poor, elderly, very young, and laborers, and those who did not leave stifling tenement apartments during the day. Decades after the last major outbreaks of cholera or yellow fever, the 1896 heat wave became one of New York’s worst public health disasters….
“As the city had banned sleeping in the parks, many lower Manhattan residents took to sleeping on crowded rooftops and piers during the heat wave, and the death records noted the unfortunates
who fell off while trying to cool down….
“In 1896, NYC municipal authorities were unable during the 10-day heat wave to pick up and remove all of the hundreds of dead horses that lined the city’s streets, presenting residents and storeowners with untenable conditions….”
“Substandard housing conditions were a prominent social fact for many heat wave victims in the overcrowded tenements of 1896 New York….” (Rosenthal 2010, pp. 1-2.)
Aug 6-~13: NYC: “….Beginning with August 6, 1896, the high temperature of successive days in New York city were 91, 91, 93, 90, 91, 94, 92, and 88. Night time heat was proportionately high, and the humidity was excessive. During this period 671 persons [the “6” is not clear; could be a 5, 8 or 9, but looks like 6] died of sunstroke and heat prostration in Manhattan alone. Hospitals were jammed with patients, and tents were erected in the yards of Roosevelt and Bellevue hospitals to accommodate the overflow. Around the tents were bathtubs of cracked ice in which to immerse the victims. A single witness saw seven persons collapse in City Hall park within two hours. Hundreds of horses fell dead in the streets.”[21]
Aug 7, NYC: “The thermometer marked 89 at 2 o’clock P.M. yesterday, one degree higher than on Wednesday, but there was 87 per cent of humidity, an increase over the day before of 13 degrees. Many persons were prostrated by the heat, and five deaths from this cause were reported in the city…. The heat was very oppressive in Brooklyn yesterday… there were two fatal cases.” (NYT, “Death in the Heat Rays,” Aug 7, 1896.)
Aug 8, NYC: “The heat of yesterday was a continuation in intensified form of conditions that prevailed during the earlier part of the week. The record in deaths and prostration in this city alone doubtless tells a small part of the story, for, in all parts of the country the mercury ranged high. The Weather Bureau officials said that it was the hottest day of the year in this city, and the hottest Aug. 8 on the record of the bureau, which goes back twenty years. The temperature reached its maximum in Kansas City, where the mercury registered 102… The highest temperature in New York was reached at 2:45 o’clock P.M., when the thermometer indicated 92. The lowest was at 4 o’clock A.M. – 73. The average for the day was 82.” Listed deaths of 10 men in twenties, thirties and forties. (NYT, “Record for Aug. 8 Broken,” August 9, 1896)
Aug 9, Albany, NY: “Three deaths resulted here today from the heat.” (NYT, “Three Deaths in Albany,” August 10, 1896)
Aug 10, NYC: “Seventy-two deaths from the heat and over 170 prostrations were reported yesterday in this city, and many more casualties in Brooklyn and neighboring cities.” (NYT. “Deaths from The Heat,” Aug 12, 1896.)
Aug 11, Brooklyn: “Brooklyn sweltered as did New York, and its list of deaths and prostrations was proportionately large. Sixteen persons are reported as having died from the heat, while thirty were treated in the hospitals for prostration….Forty horses died on the streets during the day – about the same number as have died every day since Friday. Citizens are continually calling upon the Health Board to remove the bodies of the horses from the streets, but the contractor who removes dead animals has his hands more than full….” (The World, NY. “Many Stricken in Brooklyn,’ Aug 11, 1896, p. 2.)
Aug 12, NYC & suburbs: “The days of death continue. The sun is still unwearied of scourging. Eight days there have been when it seemed as though from beneath the crust of the earth flames were struggling to force a way through, join with the blazing orb of the sky, and seize and destroy mortals by fire. One hundred and twenty-eight deaths and 293 prostrations were reported yesterday at this city. There were 21 deaths in Brooklyn, 21 in Jersey City, 6 in Hoboken, 4 in Long Island City, 3 on Staten Island, and 2 in North Hudson, N.J….No section of the city was spared…. The hot wave covers the greater part of the country… The bulletins at the Weather Bureau from other cities showed these highest temperatures: Boston 88; Albany 94; Philadelphia 98; Indianapolis, 94; St. Louis, 96, Kansas City, 98; Chicago, 92…” (NYT, “Over Six Score Dead,” Aug 12, 1896)
Aug 12, NYC & suburbs: “The rain that the Weather Bureau promised as a relief from the fatal heat came not yesterday, and the mercury clung to the high figures well into the evening…. The present killing heat spell began Aug. 3, when the mercury was up to 90 [degrees]. The total number of deaths thus far reported is 454. This, however, includes this entire vicinity – Brooklyn, the rest of Long Island, and Hudson County, N.J…. The condition of affairs in the streets and hospitals differed little from that of the day before. Men and horses fell side by side in the streets and lay there… So great were the demands on the hospitals that every one of them was obliged to appeal for outside help. Roosevelt Hospital called upon every physician who has served there and who is within reach to assist its ambulance corps…. Many physicians left their own practice for the cause of humanity, and students of the medical schools who are in the city were of great assistance after patients had been taken to the hospitals. But with all this help at hand a more difficult problem arose. The ambulances were not numerous enough to respond to all the calls. Some of them were taking in two cases on each trip. Patrol wagons had been pressed into service Monday, but these were not sufficient yesterday,…because the calls seemed to come a dozen at a time…. ‘We have sent word to the police’ said the Superintendent [Roosevelt Hospital] ‘to get sufferers here by any conveyance at hand – trucks, wagons, cabs, and even wheelbarrows if they cannot do better. We simply cannot answer one-third of the calls with the ambulances. ‘We are overcrowded now and have put cots in every available place. If it is possible to send a patient home or to Bellevue, without jeopardizing life, we do so. That is the only way we can keep up with the rush’…. Coroner O’Hanlon and the physicians of the Coroners’ office worked until after 2 o’clock yesterday morning, and soon after sunrise they were busy again. ‘We are obliged to hasten the work of issuing certificates’ said Dr. O’Hanlon, ‘because the weather is as inconsiderate of the victims after death as it is before, and they must be buried quickly’…. The day was a particularly hard one on the horses that draw the street cars and other heavy loads about the city. More than 500 of them have been taken away dead in the last five days. This, it was said at the offices of the Board of Health, was a record unprecedented…. In the Essex Market Police Court yesterday, Magistrate Flammer expressed great sympathy for the unfortunates arraigned before him for petty offenses. The courtroom was crowded and the heat was almost unbearable. In nearly all the cases the Magistrate gave the prisoners the benefit of the doubt, saying that it would be a shame to put human beings in cells unless they had committed some serious offense.” (NYT. “The Hospitals Overtaxed,” Aug 12, 1896.)
Aug 12, NYC: “As on the five preceding days, the people in this and neighboring cities sweltered and suffered in the heart of the pitiless sun. The number of deaths in this city was 93, while 314 persons were prostrated. With hardly a moment’s warning, they were struck down in their houses and in the streets. From early morning until late at night ambulances and patrol wagons were kept busy carrying the stricken to hospitals, where physicians and nurses who had worked three days without rest were themselves ready to collapse from physical and mental exhaustion.” (New York Times, “Another Death Day,” Aug 13, 1896.)
Aug 14, NYC: “For the twenty-four hours ending at noon yesterday, 374 death certificates were filed at the office of the Board of Health, and it was officially stated that 158 of these deaths were due directly to the heat. This makes 1,224 deaths for the first five days of this week, of which number 362 were attributable to the heat. For the corresponding week last year there were 614 deaths…. From Aug. 5 to 13 inclusive, the average maximum temperature was 90.77 [degrees]…. There was a heated tern in 1876, which continued for twenty-nine days, beginning on June 24, when the maximum temperature was 88 [degrees]. During that term there were thirteen days on which the temperature was 90 [degrees] or higher… This latest term has lasted nine days…
“A meeting of the heads of city departments was held yesterday afternoon at the Mayor’s office to take action to relieve the situation among the poor, resulting from the heated term. It was called at the suggestion of …the Health Board, because the heat had sent the death rate up higher than it ever was before – even during the cholera epidemic back in the fifties. It was decided to call on the city to appropriate $6,000 to buy ice for free distribution. The Board of Estimate a few minutes later made the appropriation asked for.
“The streets in the thickly populated districts were generally flushed last night by men from the Department of Public Works…. Ice was distributed free to the poorer classes last night by the police. One hundred tons had been purchased but this was inadequate to supply the demand…. About 20,000 persons were served. The demand so far exceeded the supply that Mr. Roosevelt [President of the Police Board] will today recommend that 200 tons…be distributed until further orders. There was so many people in front of the station houses that it became difficult to keep order…. City Parks Thrown Open…to persons seeking relief from the excessive heat.” (New York Times, “Death List is Smaller,” August 14, 1896)
Heat-related deaths around NYC reported in the Aug 14 NYT for the preceding day were:
20 – Brooklyn
11 – Hudson County
10 – Jersey City
2 – Hoboken
3 – North Hudson (New York Times, “Death List is Smaller,” August 14, 1896)
August 15, NYC: “After more than a week of drought and death-dealing heat, rain fell early yesterday morning and again in the afternoon and brought to the suffering millions of the Greater New York the first relief they have had since the hot wave’s arrival…. There were fewer deaths and prostrations yesterday. The deaths were of persons who were stricken during the intense heat and whose recovery was impossible under any circumstances, and the prostrations were of persons who were unable longer to endure the strain under which they had struggled. There were 321 deaths reported at the Bureau of Vital Statistics for the twenty-four hours from Thursday noon to yesterday noon, of which 153 were attributed to the heat.” (NYT, “Deadly Heat Gives Way,” Aug 15, 1896)
August 17, the Northeast and NYC: “The fatalities from heat, in northern cities, have reached such proportions that there is no word which can accurately express the alarming nature of the results of the heat wave now sweeping over that part of the country. When sixty-eight people die in New York in a single day from insolation it almost taxes credulity to think that there is any safety from the heat in that latitude.” (Daily Herald, Brownsville, TX. Aug 17, 1896, p. 2)
August 17, NYC: “A lower temperature made yesterday a day of great relief…. Despite the more tolerable condition of the weather, the day was not without its victims of heat.” Notes deaths of five men, 17-40 years old.” (NYT, “Cool Weather Brings Comfort,” Aug 17, 1896.)
Ohio
Aug 11, Cincinnati: “Cincinnati, Ohio, Aug. 12. – Tuesday [11th] was as oppressive as Monday and Sunday, but the prostrations were fewer because of great precautions taken by the people. There were but two fatalities.” (Sterling Standard, IL. “Few Prostrations at Cincinnati.” 8-13-1896, p23.)
Oklahoma
Aug 9, Perry, OK: “Prairie fires are raging in the Comanche Indian country southwest of here. Thousands of acres of grain have been swept by the flames. The fires follow a term of hot winds which have parched vegetation and caused cattle to suffer. The thermometers registered 108 yesterday.” (NYT, “108 Degrees in Perry Oklahoma,” August 10, 1896.)
Pennsylvania
Aug 10, Philadelphia: “There was…a falling off in the fatalities and prostrations from yesterday when 23 deaths occurred and 90 people were overcome by the heat. The deaths reported today were 14, and the prostrations numbered 30.” (NYT, “Further Death at Philadelphia,” 8-11-1896.)
Aug 11, Philadelphia: “The highest temperature yet recorded during the present heated spell by the local Weather Bureau was reached today, when the thermometer went a fraction over 97 [degrees]. On the streets shaded thermometers touched from 100 to 104….There were twelve deaths recorded by the police today and fifty cases of prostration were admitted to the hospitals.” (NYT, “Ninety-Seven in Philadelphia – Shops Closed in Susquehanna,” August 12, 1896.)
Aug 11, Pittsburgh: Two deaths “from the heat” are reported. (Portsmouth Times (OH), “Still at it – Old Sol Kills People Right and Left Today,” August 15, 1896.)
Aug 12, Philadelphia: “Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 13. – The mercury yesterday reached 97 degrees. There were in the neighborhood of forty prostrations and ten deaths from the excessive heat, and the hospitals were taxed to the utmost to furnish relief, due to the fact that all wards are full. If anything, the weather was less bearable than Tuesday, when the mercury reached a degree higher. Many horses succumbed.” (Quincy Journal, IL. “Ten Deaths at Philadelphia,” 8-13-1896, p. 1.)
Rhode Island
Aug 11: “Providence, R.I., Aug. 12. – The awful heat continued t kill in all parts of Rhode Island, and Tuesday night [[11th] eight deaths were recorded. Many industrial plants closed down in and about this city, and the number of prostrations exceed anything ever known here.” (Sterling Standard, IL. “Industrial Plants Close Down.” 8-13-1896, p. 23.)
Tennessee
Aug 9, Nashville, TN: “For four days the heat here has been unusually intense, being untempered by a breeze. Yesterday’s thermometer registered 97, and the sun’s rays were almost unendurable.” (NYT, “The Hot Spell in Nashville,” Aug 10, 1896.)
Wisconsin
Aug 8, Milwaukee: “The extreme heat of the past four days has caused the number of deaths in this city to more than double. The average number of deaths a week in Milwaukee is about sixty. Up to last night 115 had been reported, and the record for the week will show about 140. On Wednesday and Thursday alone 60 infants died from causes which may be attributed to the heat. Old people also suffer greatly.” (NYT, “Many Deaths in Milwaukee,” August 13, 1896; cites Milwaukee Sentinel, Aug 8.)
Aug 11, Milwaukee: “Milwaukee, Wis., Aug. 12. – A thunder shower late Tuesday afternoon [11th] afforded much needed relief from the hot have that has enveloped the city for more than ten days. Before the storm the heat was terrible, the temperature running up in the nineties.” (Sterling Standard, IL. “Cooler at Milwaukee.” 8-13-1896, p. 23.)
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New York Times. “Over Six Score Dead – Fatal Work of the Heat in This City – Hospitals Overcrowded.” August 12, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9D01E2DD1E3AE533A25751C1A96E9C94679ED7CF
New York Times. “Record for Aug. 8 Broken,” 8-9-1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9F04E4DE1E3AE533A2575AC0A96E9C94679ED7CF
New York Times. “Sixteen Deaths in St. Louis – Work in Nearly All Exposed Places Abandoned for the Time,” 8-9-1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9D04E4DE1E3AE533A2575AC0A96E9C94679ED7CF
New York Times. “The Hospitals Overtaxed; All Kinds of Vehicles Pressed into Service and Physicians Called In,” 8-12-1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9901E2DD1E3AE533A25751C1A96E9C94679ED7CF
New York Times. “The Hot Spell in Nashville.” August 10, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9F03E1DE1E3AE533A25753C1A96E9C94679ED7CF
New York Times. “Three Deaths in Albany.” August 10, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9500E1DE1E3AE533A25753C1A96E9C94679ED7CF
New York Times. “Three Deaths in Newark.” August 10, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9400E1DE1E3AE533A25753C1A96E9C94679ED7CF
NPR (National Public Radio). “The Heat Wave of 1896 and The Rise Of Roosevelt.” (author Interview. 8-11-2010. Accessed 1-1-2020 at: https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129127924&ft=1&f=1022
Pella Advertiser, Pella IA. “The News in Iowa,” Aug 8, 1896, p. 2, col. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=145109551
Perry Bulletin (Iowa). “Death in the Heat.” August 13, 1896. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/PdfViewerTags.aspx?img=7258856¤tResult=1&src=search
Portsmouth Times, OH. “Still At It – Old Sol Kills People Right and Left Today.” 8-15-1896. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/PdfViewerTags.aspx?img=55921737¤tResult=7&src=search
Quincy Journal, IL. “Getting Cooler, 8-13-1896, p. 1. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/quincy-journal-aug-13-1896-p-1/
Quincy Journal, IL. “Heat Plague Continues.” 8-11-1896, p. 1. Accessed 1-1-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/quincy-journal-aug-11-1896-p-1/
Quincy Journal, IL. “Ten Deaths at Philadelphia,” 8-13-1896, p. 1. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/quincy-journal-aug-13-1896-p-1/
Republic County Freeman, Belleville, KS. Aug 6, 1896, p. 6, c. 3. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com
Rosenthal, Joyce Klein. Evaluating the impact of the urban heat island on public health: Spatial and social determinants of heat-related mortality in New York City (Doctoral Dissertation). NYC: Columbia University, 2010. Accessed 7-30-2016 at: http://academiccommons.columbia.edu/catalog/ac%3A148820
Simonds, W. E. (Editor). The American Date Book. Kama Publishing Co., 1902, 211 pages. Google digital preview accessed 9-8-2017 at: http://books.google.com/books?id=JuiSjvd5owAC
Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Big Death List at Boston.” 8-12-1896, p. 3. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-daily-standard-aug-12-1896-p-3/
Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Business in Indiana Affected.” 8-12-1896, p. 3. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-daily-standard-aug-12-1896-p-3/
Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Col. Thompson Prostrated.” 8-13-1896, p. 23. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-standard-aug-13-1896-p-23/
Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Cooler at Milwaukee.” 8-13-1896, p. 23. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-standard-aug-13-1896-p-23/
Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Die with Relief Near.” 8-12-1896, p. 3. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-daily-standard-aug-12-1896-p-3/
Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Few Prostrations at Cincinnati.” 8-13-1896, p. 23. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-standard-aug-13-1896-p-23/
Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Hot Spell Broken in Iowa.” 8-13-1896, p. 23. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-standard-aug-13-1896-p-23/
Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Industrial Plants Close Down.” 8-13-1896, p. 23. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-standard-aug-13-1896-p-23/
Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “No Relief at St. Louis.” 8-12-1896, p. 3. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-daily-standard-aug-12-1896-p-3/
Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Prostrations at Bloomington, Ill.” 8-13-1896, p. 23. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-standard-aug-13-1896-p-23/
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Stevens Point Daily Journal. “16 Deaths in Kentucky,” 8-11-1896. Accessed at: httpo://www.newspaperarchive.com
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The Bulletin (Published for the American Iron and Steel Association). “The Terrible Heat of 1900.” 9-15-1900, p. 156. Accessed 1-1-2010 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=WhojAQAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
The World, NYC. “Many Cities Suffer Severely,’ Aug 11, 1896, p. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=157139207
The World, NYC. “Many Stricken in Brooklyn,’ Aug 11, 1896, p. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=157139207
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Trenton Evening Times, NJ. “The Deadly Heat,” Aug 12, 1896, p. 3, col. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=2190892
Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Sol’s Burning Glass.” 8-14-1896, p. 6. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/bloomington-weekly-pantagraph-aug-14-1896-p-12/
[1] Writing of the heatwave of Aug 3-14, 1896, notes: “This caused a death rate and a record of prostrations never exceeded since, as altogether 2,038 deaths from sunstroke were recorded in the entire region affected, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington furnishing 1,461 of the total and St. Louis and Chicago 310. The records, however, are known to be incomplete and the actual number of deaths was much larger.” The previous paragraph and table relate to the August 1900 heat wave, and cites the Weather Bureau for the statistics. Presumably the Weather Bureau also provided the August 1896 data.
[2] The number “3” is derived from “Deaths from sunstroke and prostrations are reported from a number of cities and towns…” “Work of the Hot Wave in Connecticut.”
[3] Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Sol’s Burning Glass.” 8-14-1896, p. 6.
[4] “Nearly all the 109 deaths reported to the health department for Friday [7th] were traceable more or less directly to the heat. The awful record of deaths for six days of last week is 492. The average death list for Chicago is 50 a day, which would make the deaths for the last six days 200 above the average.”
[5] “Chicago, Aug. 11. – Discomfort and death were still being dealt by the sun’s rays yesterday…Twenty-one gave up their lives Sunday [Aug 9]. Hundreds are dying from the indirect effects of the heat…”
[6] “The fatalities from heat yesterday, as reported in dispatches, are: … Chicago…62.” (Conceivably, deaths by 10th.)
[7] Chicago, Aug. 12. – ….To the health department 134 deaths were reported from various causes, thirty-eight of them being attributed to sunstroke. Some of those overcome on Monday [11th] and Sunday [10th] were reported.”
[8] Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Sol’s Burning Glass.” 8-14-1896, p. 6.
[9] Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Sol’s Burning Glass.” 8-14-1896, p. 6.
[10] “Sixteen deaths from various causes, all super-induced by excessive heat, occurred here in the last three days.”
[11] Notes “Several fatalities have been reported and more are expected unless a cool wave strikes this portion of the state. For the purpose of contributing to a tally we translate “several” into three.
[12] The difference between Rosenthal’s number and the NYC Board of Health number is that the Board of Health number represents “direct” heat deaths, whereas Rosenthal presents “premature deaths in the city” by comparing deaths in 1896 to deaths in the same time-frame “in prior years.” It is of course accurate to note, as Rosenthal does, that “the poor, elderly, very young, and laborers” as well as tenement dwellers were “especially vulnerable populations.” An indirect effect of unrelenting high heat on an unacclimated population is to weaken the body and lead to early deaths from other conditions. Thus deaths spike during heat waves over previous years, though death certificates may not note excessive heat as the cause of death.
[13] Based on interview with Edward P. Kohn, after publication of his book Hot Time in the Old Town. 2010.
[14] Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Sol’s Burning Glass.” 8-14-1896, p. 6.
[15] Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Sol’s Burning Glass.” 8-14-1896, p. 6.
[16] See footnote to The World article of Aug 11, citing Pittsburgh physicians to the effect that they attributed 100 deaths to the direct and indirect effects of high heat.
[17] “While but three deaths have been attributed to the intense heat, physicians estimate that 100 patients have died whose lives could have been saved but for the terrible weather.”
[18] Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Sol’s Burning Glass.” 8-14-1896, p. 6.
[19] “Milwaukee, Wis., Aug. 10, – Sixteen deaths of babies as a result of the heat were registered at the health department this morning, the result of yesterday’s oppressiveness. Three other cases of babies a day or two old are also reported and it is very probable that the hear also caused these deaths.”
[20] Kohn, E. P. (2008). The scourge of summer. New York Archives Trust, 8(1), 8-11. Website accessed March 14, 2010, at www.nyarchivestrust.org
[21] Earlier in this article James H. Scarr, chief of the New York Weather Bureau, is cited for data on the 1925 NY heat wave. Presumably all the data in the article concerning NYC is from Mr. Scarr.