1897 — July 1-11, Heat, esp. upper midwest/NE, esp. Chicago/Cincinnati/St. Louis–608-616
— 608-616 Blanchard tally[1] based on State and local breakouts below.[2]
— 350 Evening News-Review, East Liverpool, OH. “350 Deaths From Heat.” 7-12-1897, p.3.
Summary of Heat-Related Deaths by State
Connecticut ( 1) July 10
District of Columbia ( 1) July 3
Georgia ( 6) By July 2
Illinois ( 116) July 1-11 Especially Chicago (87)
Indiana ( 46) July 2-11 Especially Indianapolis (15)
Iowa ( 7) July 8-10
Kansas ( 5) July 9
Kentucky ( 31) July 4-12 Especially Louisville (17)
Louisiana ( 15) July 4-10 New Orleans (15)
Maine ( 5) July 7-10
Maryland ( 3) July 3 and 10
Massachusetts ( 15) July 6-11
Michigan ( 31) July 5-12 Especially Detroit (20)
Minnesota ( 3) July 4-10
Missouri ( 52) July 1-11 Especially St. Louis (42)
Nebraska ( 6) July 2-10
New Hampshire ( 11) July 7-10
New Jersey ( 2) July 7
New York ( 88) July 2-11 Especially NYC (39)
Ohio ( 103) July 3-10 Especially Cincinnati (65)
Pennsylvania (26-34) July 2-12 Especially Pittsburgh (14-22)
Tennessee ( 9) July 2-10
Vermont ( 4) July 8-10
West Virginia ( 2) July 4-11
Wisconsin ( 21) July 3-10
Breakout of Heat-Related Fatalities by State and Locality (where noted):
Connecticut ( 1) July 10
–1 Meriden, July 10. Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.
District of Columbia ( 1) July 3
–1 July 3. William Carroll, hotel worker. Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.
Georgia ( 6) By July 2
–6 Allegany County Republican, Wellsville, NY. “The News Epitomized.” 7-2-1897, p. 4.[3]
Illinois (116) July 1-11 Especially Chicago (87)
–116 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
— 1 Alton, July 10. John Kemp. Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.
— 2 Aurora, July 3. Robert Hillock, Sr., and wife, each 80, in their home.[4]
— 3 Bloomington, July 9. Dr. James A. Manning, Jack Little, Mrs. John F. Trotter.[5]
— 89 Chicago, July 1-11. Blanchard tally based on date breakouts below.
–87 Chicago, July 1-10.[6]
— 6 June 30. Jasper Herald, IN. “Victims of Heat.” 7-2-1897, p. 1.[7]
— 8 July 1. Hornellsville Weekly Tribune, NY. “Death Caused by the Heat.” 7-2-1897, 1.
— 1 July 2. Sailor “found dead from the heat in his bunk on…steamer Sioux City.”[8]
— 1 July 3. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Hot! The Hottest Day of the Season.” 7-3-1897, p1.
— 3 July 4. Lambert Ludberg/carpenter, Henry Behlin/teamster, William Sullivan/laborer.[9]
— 9 July 5. Indianapolis News, IN. “Nine Deaths at Chicago.” 7-6-1897, p. 2.[10]
— 4 July 6. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Still Hot in Chicago.” 7-7-1897, p. 2.[11]
— 3 July 7. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Three Deaths in Chicago.” 7-8-1897, p. 2.[12]
— 4 July 8. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “More Deaths Due To Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2.[13]
–16 July 9. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Hotter Than Ever.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.[14]
— 5 July 10. Winchester Journal, IN. “Death in the Heat.” 7-14-1897, p. 2.
— 2 July 11. Mrs. E. Jones & Allen Thompson, both of whom were overcome earlier.[15]
— 5 Decatur, July 7-9. Blanchard tally from date breakouts below:
–2 July 7-8. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.[16]
–1 July 9. Sunstroke victim John Shirey.[17]
–1 July 9. Max Zudswetz, age 5, after playing in the hot sun.[18]
–1 July 10. Miss Mary Mooney, 20. Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p3.
— 1 Galena, July 8. John Moser, proprietor of the East Galena creamery; heat exhaustion.[19]
— 1 Galesburg, by July 10. Gus Thor, farm hand, sunstroke.[20]
— 1 Kankakee, July 10. Charles Reecke. Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.
— 1 Lacon, July 8. Joseph Wink. Goshen Daily News, IN. “Excessive Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 2.
— 1 Moline, July 9. Miss Hilor Gustafson, domestic kitchen worker.[21]
— 1 Naperville, July 10. Andrew Johnson, farmhand.[22]
— 1 Olney, by July 10. Mrs. Sarah W. McClure.[23]
— 1 Paris, by July 10. Preston Crum, a farmer, overcome and died in the field.[24]
— 6 Peoria, July 4-10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 1.
— 1 Quincy, by July 10. Barney Brink, farmer.[25]
— 1 Springfield, by July 10. Terre Haute Express, IN. “Just Like Epidemic.” 7-13-1897, p. 6.
— 1 Waukegan, by July 10. George Decker, a farmer.[26]
Indiana (46) July 2-11 Especially Indianapolis (15)
–46 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.
— 1 Brookville, July 10. Herman Sander of Cincinnati, driving wagon.[27]
— 1 Crawfordsville, July 7. Prostrated while exercising a colt; Howard Wilcox.[28]
— 1 Denver, ~July 11. Ira Cool, of Denver, working in relative’s harvest field.[29]
— 1 Elkhart, July 9. William Ludwig, 59, working in a cornfield.[30]
— 1 Elwood, ~July 7. Wendel Metz, glass worker.[31]
— 3 Evansville, July 8. Fred E. Blumensteil, Annie Fink and William F. Hartman.[32]
— 1 Fairfield area, July 6. Ed Farrell. Indianapolis News. “Dead on the Pike.” 7-7-1897, p. 1.
— 7 Fort Wayne, July 4-10. Blanchard tally from date breakouts below.
–1 July 5. Samuel Bard, “well known and respected citizen,” from heat stroke 4th.[33]
–4 July 6. Mrs. Amelia Miller, Mrs. Eliza A Ewing, Frank Huxley, Mrs. William Miller.[34]
–2 July 4-10. Mrs. Flora Mooney, 66, and Thomas J. Rush, 32.[35]
— 1 Goshen, ~July 11. B. F. Dodge, 73; heat; tightly closed doors and windows upon retiring.[36]
— 1 Greencastle, ~July 11. Gaspar Renick, ~70, carriage manufacturer, at work.[37]
–15 Indianapolis, Jan 4-11. Blanchard tally from date breakouts below.
–10 July 4-10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, p1.[38]
–1 July 5. John Berberich, Home brewery driver while making delivery.[39]
–2 July 8. Patrick Kelly, hotel clerk, and Leonard Clark.[40]
–2 July 9. Oscar F. Mayhew, 71, and Daniel J. Small.[41]
–1 July 9. Joseph Winston (ret. soldier); boarding house room.[42]
–2 July 10. Cora Robinson, and man known as “Oklahoma Bill.”[43]
— 1 ~July 11. “Infant Bohn, 294 E. New York, heat.”[44]
— 1 ~July 11. Michael Kelly, 54, Missouri and Washington, sunstroke.[45]
— 1 ~July 11. Wm. G. Sloan, 60, heat prostration.[46]
— 1 ~July 11. Wm. Stout, 55, 433 W. Maryland, heat sunstroke.[47]
— 1 ~July 11. Harry St. John Davidson, 29, 3637 N. Illinois, heat prostration.[48]
— 1 Jeffersonville, no date. Casper Seibert.[49]
— 1 Jeffersonville area (3 miles away on Utica pike), July 9. Mrs. Mary W. Oglesby.[50]
— 1 Kokomo, ~July 11. Joseph Engelbert, 47, of Richmond, IN.[51]
— 3 Lafayette, July 9. Dixon Evening Telegraph, IL. “Heat Deaths at Other Places.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.
— 1 Muncie, July 2. Mrs. William M. Peterson, 50.[52]
— 2 Portland, July 7. Henry Ammonds, farmer working in hay field; Catholic nun nearby.[53]
— 1 South Bend, July 4. James Farrington, 25, a stone-cutter, 3 hours after overcome by heat.[54]
— 1 Terre Haute. Terre Haute Express, IN. “Just Like Epidemic.” 7-13-1897, p. 6.
— 1 Utica, 4th. “Heart disease superinduced by the excessive hear…” Mrs. Virginia Ruddell, 65.[55]
— 1 Yorktown, July 6. Timothy Hardwick, 72. Indianapolis News. “Fell from His Fence.” 7-7-1897, p. 1.
Iowa ( 7) July 8-10
–7 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
–1 Burlington, July 9. John Swanson. Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p.3.
–1 Cedar Rapids, July 8. Swede names Johnson; sunstroke; died in thirty minutes.[56]
–1 Cedar Rapids, July 10. Charles Sparenberger [or Scharenberger, ~Norway],[57] a farmer.[58]
–1 Creston, July 8; Mike Lornicka, heat and whisky; 100 degree weather.[59]
–1 Keokuk, July 9. Lawrence Drenke, 45, saloonkeeper “dropped dead of over-heat to-night.[60]
–1 Lyons, by July 10. John Thedens. Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.
–1 Marshalltown, ~July 8. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “More Deaths Due To Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2.
Kansas ( 5) July 9
–1 Atchison, July 9. Lawrence Daily Journal, KS. “Many Deaths.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.
–3 Kansas City, July 9. Emil Dahl, Amos Dowl, laborer, Sophia Hammersberg.[61]
–1 Leavenworth, July 9. William Keeler, 74.[62]
Kentucky (31) July 4-12 Especially Louisville (17)
–31 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.
Breakout of Kentucky Heat and Heat-Related Fatalities by Locality and/or Date, where noted:
— 1 Ashland, by July 12. Jennie Elkins of Sheridan, OH; “extreme heat victim.”[63]
— 5 Covington, Newport and KY suburbs of Cincinnati.[64]
–17 Louisville, by July 10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 1.[65]
— 5 July 4. Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, 1.[66]
— 2 July 7. Portsmouth Times, OH. “Deaths From Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.[67]
— 1 July 8. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “More Deaths Due To Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2.
— 3 July 9. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.
— 1 Rockport, July 4. Miss Maggie Bell, 17, “dropped dead while playing with her companions.”[68]
— 3 KY other than Louisville, July 8.[69]
— 4 KY other than Louisville, July 9.[70]
Louisiana (15) July 4-10 New Orleans (15)
–15 New Orleans, July 4-10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, 1.[71]
Maine ( 5) July 7-10
–1 East Livermore Mills, July 10. Sunstroke while working in his hayfield; John Turner, 60.[72]
–1 Marlboro area, July 6. Sunstroke. Michael Kelliher, middle-aged farmer, found in his field.[73]
–2 Marlboro area, July 7. Bodies of two men found off Crane Meadow rd.; extreme heat and alcohol.[74]
–1 South Berwick, July 9 or 10. Joseph W. Hasty, 31.[75]
Maryland ( 3) July 3 and 10
–1 Baltimore, July 3. Sunstroke; man collapsed at Biddie and St. Paul streets and soon died.[76]
–1 Baltimore, July 10. Insurance collector, Wm. G. Bartram, 28, after walking “a great deal.”[77]
–1 South Cumberland, July 8. Mr. Wilhelm, found in a meadow; Coroner ruled death by heat.[78]
Massachusetts (15) July 6-11
–15 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.
Breakout of Massachusetts heat-related deaths by locality, where noted:
— 4 Boston, July 4-10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 1.[79]
–1 July 6. William Handy, Charlestown Navy Yard worker.[80]
–2 July 7. Victims identified as Michael Fitzgerald, 38, and John Ryan, 55.[81]
–1 July 8. John Shea, 40, teamster, while driving through Faneuil Hall square.[82]
— 1 Danvers, July 7. Deane Shay, found dead in barn; autopsy concluded “effects of heat.”[83]
— 2 Gloucester, July 10. Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.
— 1 Lowell, July 6. W. M. Mulcahey, about 65, prostrated by heat, died soon thereafter.[84]
— 1 Lowell, July 11. Heat prostration; Emma R. Dutton. Lowell Sun, MA. “Funerals.” 7-11-1897, 1.
— 1 Meriden, July 4-10. Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Hottest July 10 Since ʹ80.” 7-11-1897, 30.
— 1 Revere Beach, near Boston, July 6. William Gray, 60, a “slater” working on admin. Bldg.[85]
— 1 Tewksbury, July 8. Thomas Roughan, 27, farm laborer, while at work.[86]
— 1 Watertown, July 9. Sunstroke while working on Main Street; Thomas Coffee, 54.[87]
— 2 Worcester, by July 10. Terre Haute Express, IN. “Just Like Epidemic.” 7-13-1897, p. 6.
–1 July 9. Patrick O’Keefe, 47, a paver in city street department.[88]
Michigan (31) July 5-12 Especially Detroit (20)
–31 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.
— 1 Ann Arbor, July 9, after suffering sunstroke July 8 “drawing hay;” Fred Schneirle.[89]
— 1 Benton Harbor, July 7. Edward Greenland, farm worker, overcome by heat and died.[90]
— 1 Deerfield area, July 9. Sunstroke while working in farm field; Edward Carey, 24.[91]
–20 Detroit, July 5-12. Blanchard tally from date breakouts below.
–13 July 5. Steimlea, Wowalski, Orr, Weber, Birthwhistle, Cummings, 7 children.[92]
— 1 July 12. Heat prostration; collapsed week earlier. Hon. George V. N. Lothrop.[93]
— 2 Grand Rapids, by July 10. Terre Haute Express, IN. “Just Like Epidemic.” 7-13-1897, p. 6.
— 1 Interlochen area, July 8. Overcome by heat at work in lumber camp; Edwin Sweet, 30.[94]
— 1 Menominee, July 9. Sunstroke; John Gillan.[95]
— 1 Niles. July 6. Paper mill company worker Charles Kimmick, 64.[96]
— 1 St. Joseph, July 8. “Joseph Kroff, crazed by the heat, committed suicide…” Jumped into river.[97]
— 1 Traverse City, by July 10. E. C. Van Valkenberg, 35; sunstroke.[98]
— 1 Wyandotte area, July 4. Unnamed man.[99]
Minnesota ( 3) July 4-10
–1 Minneapolis, July 10. Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.
–2 St. Paul, July 4-10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 1.
–1 ~July 8. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “More Deaths Due To Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2.[100]
Missouri (52) July 1-11 Especially St. Louis (42)
–52 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.
— 8 Kansas City, July 4-10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 1.
— 2 Kansas City, July 9. Delphos Daily Herald, OH. “Heat of Death,” 7-10-1897, p. 3.
— 2 St. Joseph, July 9. Lawrence Daily Journal, KS. “Many Deaths.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.
–42 St. Louis, July 1-11.[101]
— 7 July 8. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “More Deaths Due To Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2.[102]
–1 July 2. Suicide; allegedly could not bear the heat; William Marzalof.[103]
— 1 July 7. Unknown man in a stable.[104]
— 7 July 9. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “In St. Louis. Seven Deaths.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.[105]
–14 July 10. Terre Haute Express. “Deaths in St. Louis.” 7-13-1897, p. 6.[106]
Nebraska ( 6) July 2-10
–1 Hooper, July 2. John D. Miller, after farmwork.[107]
–3 Lincoln, by July 10. Terre Haute Express, IN. “Just Like Epidemic.” 7-13-1897, p. 6.
–2 Omaha, July 10. Frederick Carlson, ~36, in his boarding house room;[108] Frank Latenra.[109]
New Hampshire (11) July 7-10
–11 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.
— 1 Berlin, July 7. A child.[110]
— 1 Concord, July 8. Heat exhaustion; John Linehan, 80, of Penacook.[111]
— 1 Dover, July 9 or 10. Overcome by heat while painting bldg., James F. Cook, 60.[112]
— 1 Epping, July 9 or 10. Charles Riley, 30.[113]
— 1 Lisbon, July 9 or 10. Allen Presby.[114]
— 1 Manchester, July 8. Ernest J. Rice, 22, college student, on bicycle road trip.[115]
— 1 Rollinsford, July 9 or 10. Sunstroke while stowing away hay; Henry Moses, 53.[116]
— 1 South Manchester, July 8. Michael O’Neil, 45, tannery laborer.[117]
— 1 Walpole, July 9 or 10. Joseph A. Elliott, 30.[118]
— 1 West Plymouth, July 9 or 10. William Harriman, 66.[119]
— 1 Whitefield, July 10. Sunstroke while working in hayfield; Louis Boyle.[120]
New Jersey ( 2) July 7
–1 Rahway, July 7. Suicide; “the excessive heat of the past few days having affected him considerably.”[121]
–1 Richfield, July 6. Henry Ploch, 65, a farmer, overcome by heat on haystack, fell to ground.[122]
New York (88) July 2-11 Especially NYC (39)
–88 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
— 1 Albany, July 10. John Goodman, elderly male; “became insane from the heat and killed himself.”
— 1 Albany, July 11. John Fairfield of Burlington, VT, working as Albany machinist.[123]
— 1 Albion, July 5. Mrs. James Coop “from the effects of the heat…picking strawberries.”[124]
–16 Buffalo, July 4-10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 1.
— 2 July 4-8. Fort Wayne Journal, IN. “Old Sol’s Harvest.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.
–1 July 8. Frank Brost, a Polish laborer.[125]
— 5 July 9. Fort Wayne Journal, IN. “Old Sol’s Harvest.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.
–12 July 9-10. Seven in Buffalo and five in neighboring towns and villages.[126]
— 9 July 10. Fort Wayne Journal, IN. “Old Sol’s Harvest.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.[127]
— 4 July 12. Daily Times, New Brunswick, NJ. “Thirteen Heat Victims in Buffalo.” 7-12-1897, 3.
–12 By 12th. Daily Times, New Brunswick, NJ. “Thirteen Heat Victims in Buffalo.” 7-12-1897, 3.
— 1 Canajoharie, July 11. Daniel Lampert. The World, NY. “Relief Comes At Last.” 7-12-1897, 2.
— 1 Celeron, July 6. Man by name of Russell, of Oil City, PA.[128]
— 1 Cicero, July 10. Mrs. Allen. Syracuse Standard, NY. “Death and Prostration.” 7-11-1897, 6.
— 1 Dodgeville, July 10. Davenport Sunday Leader, IA. “Heat Record.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.
— 1 Dunkirk, July 10. Mrs. Thomas Wade. Bradford Era, PA. “Condensations.” 7-12-1897, p.1.
— 1 Fort Plain, July 11. John C. Nellis. The World, NY. “Relief Comes At Last.” 7-12-1897, 2.
— 1 Genesee, ~July 7. Italian pea field worker “died from the effects of the heat.”[129]
— 1 Jordan area, July 7. Theodore Webb, 56; had been haying when overcome.[130]
— 1 Little Falls, July 8. Sunstroke; William Henry Walter, 56. a farmer.”[131]
— 1 Liverpool, July 9. Sunstroke; Jeffrey Closkey, of Poland, working on gas pipeline.[132]
— 1 Lockport, July 8. James Clark, 62, while mowing hay.[133]
— 1 Malone, July 8. Henry Trushaw at work in a hop yard; temperature registered 96 degrees.[134]
–39 New York City/Brooklyn, July 4-11. Blanchard tally from date breakouts below.[135]
— 1 July 2. Henry Sweitzer, 67, laborer, at corner of Weirfield and Wyckoff at 10 am.[136]
— 4 July 6. Maggie Eihl, 60, Bernard McGarry, William Smith;[137] James Cross.[138]
— 5 July 7. Rose Cohen, Adam Heilman, Victor Lembert, Joseph Veith, Fred Zinofski.[139]
— 9 July 8. Salt Lake Herald, UT. “Nine Children Dead.” 7-9-1897, p. 2.[140]
–14 July 9. The World, NY. “Heat Kills Fourteen.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.[141]
–George Becker, 4-months, No. 2125 First Avenue.
–Benjamin Brown, 34, of No. 27 Bethune Street.
–Rose Cohen, 57, No. 273 Grand St., Brooklyn, overcome at Grand and Marcy.
–Martin Geisen, 60, No. 448 West Forty-First Street.
–Herman Goerke, 5-months, No. 2433 Second Avenue.
–Rose Greenburg, 27, No. 51 Forsyth Street.
–Adam Heilman, 28, No. 80 Tenth Avenue.
–Adolph Keller, 2-months, No. 247 East Seventy-Seventy Street.
–Bernard McCurry, 4, of No. 231 East Twenty-Eighth Street.
–Thomas Reilly, 40, of No. 448 Amsterdam Avenue.
–Edward Thornstenson, 13, of No. 2180 Third Avenue.
–Joseph Veth, 31, of No. 631 East One Hundred and Fifty-Second Street.
–Christian Wardak, 41, of No. 673 Eleventh Avenue.
–Sarah Wolfern, 4-months, of No. 208 East Ninety-Fifth Street.
— 5 July 10. The World, NY. “Relief Comes At Last.” 7-12-1897, p. 2.
–Peter Davolo, 10-months; of No. 1606 First Avenue.
–Mary Karl, 2½, of No. 3150 Second Avenue; died in German Hospital.
–Charles Reambousck, 1, at No. 431 East Seventy-Third Street.
–Isaac Thomas, age not noted; prostrated July 10; died at No. 146 Garside Street.
–Unknown man found in hallway of No. 431 Ninth Avenue; died at Roosevelt Hosp.
— 1 Onondaga, July 9. Sun stroke at work; Joseph Giddings.[142]
— 1 Oswego, July 10. Harry Carroway, 55, boilermaker.[143]
— 2 Oswego area, ~July 11. Peter Kellar and Thomas Lanning, both farmers. “from the heat.”[144]
— 1 Palestine, July 11. John C. Nellis, while working in farm field.[145]
— 1 Sprakers, July 11. Daniel Lambert, 50, while working in farm field.[146]
— 2 Rochester, July 10. Boston Sunday Globe. “Two Deaths at Rochester, NY.” 7-11-1897, p.1.
— 4 Syracuse, by July 10. Terre Haute Express, IN. “Just Like Epidemic.” 7-13-1897, p. 6.
–1 July 5. John Corning, 63, farmer; “heat reached 100 degs. In the shade…”[147]
–1 July 9. Mrs. Isabella C. Williams, about 47, heat prostration at about 4 pm.[148]
–1 July 9. Mrs. Augusta L. Kelly, apartment of Mrs. E. A Moore, 340 South Salina.[149]
–1 July 10. Andrew McNeil, of Syracuse waterworks department at work in a trench.[150]
— 1 Troy, July 10. Kyran Walsh, overcome on the street and died before medical aid arrived.[151]
— 4 Utica, July 10. Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.
–1 Adolph Freygande[152] of Dolgeville, overcome and died within a few hours.[153]
–1 Fred Wilson, iceman, found dead in field after leaving his wagon in dazed condition.[154]
— 1 Watervliet, July 9. Charles Connell, saloon keeper. Died shortly after prostration.[155]
Ohio (103) July 3-10 Especially Cincinnati (65)
–103 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.
Breakout of Ohio Heat and Heat-Related Fatalities by Locality:
–65 Cincinnati and “suburban points,” July 1-10.[156]
–52 Cincinnati, July 3-10. Blanchard tally from date breakouts below.
–44 Cincinnati, 3-7. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Still More Heat Victims.” 7-8-1897, p. 2.
–40 July 3-6. The World, NY. “Forty Deaths in Cincinnati.” 7-7-1897, p. 1.
–~6 3rd. Norwalk Daily Reflector, OH. “A Long Death Roll.” 7-6-1897, p. 2.[157]
–13 4th. Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, p. 1.[158]
–12 5th. Norwalk Daily Reflector, OH. “A Long Death Roll.” 7-6-1897, p. 2.[159]
— 5 6th. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Heat Still Lingers.” 7-7-1897, p. 2.[160]
— 8 7th. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Still More Heat Victims.” 7-8-1897, p. 2.[161]
— 2 8th. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “More Deaths Due To Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2.[162]
— 7 10th. Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.[163]
— 9 Cleveland, July 3-10. Blanchard tally from date breakouts below.
— 4 July 3-4. Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “…Dead at Cleveland.” 7-5-1897, p. 1.[164]
— 5 July 4-10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 1.
— 8 Columbus, July 7-10. Blanchard tally based on date breakouts below.
–1 July 7. Patrick C. Ryan.[165]
–3 July 9. Delphos Daily Herald, OH. “Heat of Death,” 7-10-1897, p. 3.
–4 July 10. In addition, there were 21 “prostrations” not leading to death.[166]
— 8 Dayton, July 4, 9-10. Blanchard tally of date breakouts below:
–1 July 3-5. (Two deaths are noted for the weekend, but we note one on 4th below).[167]
–1 July 4. Xenia Gazette, OH. “Intense Heat at Dayton.” 7-6-1897, p. 2.[168]
–3 July 9. Daily Leader, Bloomington, IL. “Relief Is At Hand,” 7-9-1897, p. 1.
–3 July 10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.[169]
— 1 Florida area, July 10. Fred Roehrs, 24, while working in a wheat field.[170]
— 1 Lima, July 4. Times-Democrat, Lima, OH. “Found Dead.” 7-5-1897, p. 8.[171]
— 1 Marion, July 8. Col. Nesbitt. Goshen Daily News, IN. “Excessive Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 2.
–10 Toledo, July 4-10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 1.
— 1 July 9. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.[172]
Pennsylvania (26-34 ) July 2-12 Especially Pittsburgh (14-22)
–26-34 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
Breakout of Pennsylvania heat-related deaths by locality, where noted:
— 1 Bradford, July 5. J. J. McCloskey, railroad fireman overcome the day before at work.[173]
— 1 Erie, July 6. Mike Tobin. Bradford Era. “Four Fatalities.” 7-8-1897, p. 4.
— 1 Johnsonburg, July 6. John McCloskey, fireman on Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburg RR.[174]
— 1 Pennsville, July 4. Oil City Derrick, PA. “Two Fatalities Near Connelsville,” 7-5-1897, p.1.
— 7 Philadelphia, July 2-12. Blanchard tally from date breakouts below.
–0 June 30. Noted as among the ten hottest cities, with temp of 91.4° at 4 pm.[175]
–1 July 2. Rose Rider, of Maple Avenue; overcome at Front and Chestnut streets.[176]
–0 July 3. Fifty thousand people reportedly left city for cooler places.[177]
–2 July 9. Unidentified. “Two deaths from the heat occurred in this city yesterday [9th].”[178]
–1 July 10. James Gallaghan, 32, of 2637 Titan Street. Overcome at home; died at hosp.[179]
–1 July 11. Resident of Odd Fellows’ Home prostrated; died on 11th; James M. Knox.[180]
–1 July 11. Mrs. Josephine Engle, 31, of 729 North Front St., overcome/died at home.[181]
–1 July 12. Leather worker overcome in factory; died on way to hospital; Theodore Marx, 34.[182]
–14-22 Pittsburgh, July 3-10. Blanchard tally from breakouts is 14. Newspaper reports 22.[183]
–1 July 3. Samuel Reynolds, Chartiers St., Allegheny; cholera morbus, induced by heat.[184]
–1 July 4. Sunstroke; Joseph Arnold of Lawrenceville (Pittsburgh neighborhood today).[185]
–2 July 5. Michael O’Laughlin and Mrs. Mary Doyle.[186]
–3 July 6. Mrs. John W. Mullen,[187] George Meyer, fireman,[188] Frank Opitz, tannery foreman.
–3 July 7. John Gaver, street inspector; Lawrence Mossburgger; George Reily, RR worker.[189]
–1 July 9. Thought to be Edward Shephard of Washington, DC; overcome on the street.[190]
–3 July 10. Michael Barlie, John Dapchulovic, and Bridget Keenan.[191]
— 1 Vanderbilt, July 4. Oil City Derrick, PA. “Two Fatalities Near Connelsville,” 7-5-1897, p.1.
Tennessee ( 9) July 2-10
–9 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.
–2 Chattanooga, July 10. Notes, additionally, of “a number of prostrations.”[192]
–2 Memphis, July 2. James McMullin, laborer; John O’Brien, shoe dealer, in his store.[193]
–5 Nashville, July 3-10. Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.
–2 July 4. Bradford Era, PA. “The Very Warm Weather.” 7-5-1897, p. 1.[194]
Vermont ( 4) July 8-10
–1 Bellows Falls, July 8. Prostrated by heat while driving wagon; Joseph A. Elliott, 30.[195]
–1 Bellows Falls, prior to July 8. Elliott death (above) noted as second Bellows Falls death.[196]
–1 Bellows Falls, July 10. Unidentified laborer working on a log jam.[197]
–1 East Montpelier, July 9 or 10. George S. Goodwin, 60, while working in his hayfield.[198]
West Virginia ( 2) July 4-11
–1 Bluefield, ~July 4-10. William Barlow.[199]
–1 Webster, July 11? Michael Logan, “overcome by the heat at his home last Sunday.”[200]
Wisconsin (21) July 3-10
–3 Appleton, July 9. Stevens Point Daily Journal, WI. “The Heat Wave,” 7-10-1897, 3.[201]
–1 Janesville, July 10. Infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Vobian, after long ride in heat.[202]
–4 La Crosse. Terre Haute Express, IN. “Just Like Epidemic.” 7-13-1897, p. 6.
–1 Madison, July 9. Michael Murphy, 61; retired farmer.[203]
–4 Milwaukee, July 5-10.
–1 July 5. Charles Fraser, “a workingman.”[204]
–3 July 8-10. Daily Crescent, Defiance OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, 1.[205]
–1 July 9. Hugo Knell.[206]
–5 Oshkosh, July 3-9.
–1 Oshkosh, July 3. Benedict Lett, Jr., 16; sunstroke working on nearby farm.[207]
–1 Oshkosh, ~July 5. George Roe; “heart failure, due to heat exhaustion” (coroner).[208]
–1 Oshkosh, July 7. Dr. Harvey B. Dale, after heat prostration about July 1.[209]
–1 Oshkosh, July 9. Annie Derber; “hysteria caused by the heat.”[210]
–1 Oshkosh, July 10. William Goelshack, after prostration on 9th at lumber co. mill.[211]
–3 Racine, July 5-8.[212]
–2 Racine, ~July 5. Olie Johnson, 65, and Charles Pokonio.[213]
–1 Racine, July 8. William Tepz, 29, stone mason, overcome shortly after 6 pm.[214]
Narrative Information (Chronological)
July 2: “Chicago, July 2.–Men, women and children in Chicago have arisen from passing a sleepless night of suffering to endure a terrific day. The torrid sun’s rays were unmitigated by breeze, for what little wind there is comes up scorching hot from the south and southwest. One death is today added to the list of heat victims. It is: James Williams, sailor found dead in his bunk on the Steamer Sioux City; 28 years old unmarried….” (Morning Herald-Dispatch, Decatur, IL, “Hot At Chicago.” 7-3-1897, p. 1.)
July 3: “Cincinnati, July 3–The heat is more oppressive than ever today. The thermometer ranges from 95 to 98. A number of horses dropped dead on the streets. Fifteen persons have been reported prostrated and four cases are serious….
“Chicago–Four cases of sun-stroke, one fatal, reported today; temperature this afternoon, 94.
“Louisville–The thermometer marked 100 at twelve-thirty this afternoon. A number of prostrations, but no deaths reported. Many horses and mules have fallen on the streets.
“Pittsburg–Two deaths and a number of prostrations from heat today. The thermometer was over 91 at noon.” (Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Hot! The Hottest Day of the Season.” 7-3-1897, p. 1.)
July 4: “Cincinnati, July 4.–This has been the hottest day in the present torrid spell. The weather bureau record showed the mercury at 97 from 2 to 4 p.m., and it was at the maximum, 98, at 5 p.m. The sky was cloudy all day and but few people ventured on the streets. Fifty prostrations and six deaths are reported at 9 o’clock tonight. While there were fifty cases of sun-stroke in this city that required removal to the hospital or to their homes, it is estimated that there were fifty lighter cases, the victims of which went home without assistance. Of the class requiring medical attention, ten cases are quite serious….Local thermometers showed from 102 to 106 in the shade during the afternoon. Since dark a breeze has been cooling the air and the mercury at 9 o’clock stood at 90 degrees. Later.–Seven deaths from heat occurred here in addition to those already sent, making thirteen in the last twenty-four hours….” (Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, p. 1.)
July 4: “Cleveland, July 4.–The heat here today has been most intense, the temperature reaching the highest point for the season. Two fatalities occurred today and one last night and there have been several other prostrations….” (Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, 1.)
July 4: “Connelsville, Pa., July 4.–The heat in the Youghiogheny region today was a death dealer. It is almost beyond precedent. At 9 o’clock this morning the thermometer registered 90 degrees in the shade, while during the day it climbed up to 105 degrees in the shade at many places. Reports of persons being overcome by the intense heat are given out in numbers, one each Pennsville and Vanderbilt being fatal.” (Oil City Derrick, PA. “Two Fatalities Near Connelsville,” 7-5-1897, p. 1.)
July 4: “Detroit, July 4.–The maximum height of the temperature today, according to the official observation, was 94 degrees.” (Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, 1.)
July 4: “Louisville, July 4.–There were many cases of prostration from the heat today, five of them resulting fatally….” (Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, 1.)
July 4: “Nashville, July 4.–The fearful heat prevailing yesterday when the thermometer marked 100 was somewhat lessened today, but not greatly. Three prostrations have been reported today and two deaths….” (Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, p. 1.)
July 4: “Pittsburg, July 4.–The government thermometer registered 98.4 as the maximum, which reached at 5 p.m.” (Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, p. 1.)
July 4: “St. Louis, July 4.–At sunrise today the mercury stood at 90, but went to 100 later and at 11 o’clock tonight it is 89 degrees on the streets. Only three men were prostrated on the streets. No fatal cases have been reported.” (Sandusky Daily Register OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, 1.)
July 4: “Toledo, July 4.–Today was the hottest July day in twenty-five years in this city. The government thermometer registered 99° and the instruments on the streets indicated from 110° to 115°. Many cases of prostration have been reported.” (Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, p. 1.)
July 5: “Cincinnati, July 6.–The names of those who died from excessive heat Monday [5th] are: W. A. Baker; Mary Fleming; Kate Sextro, an infant; Laura Burdsale, an infant; Harry Brown, an infant; John Hempfling; Richard Fleming; Mary Barnum; George J. Hoefling; Joseph Haslascher; Mrs. Elizabeth Burke and Joseph Fischer. This makes 12 fatalities up to 10 o’clock last night….There were 35 other prostrations of which official notice was taken by the police patrol wagons conveying the victims to homes or hospitals, and fully as many minor cases in which the victims were able to go to their homes without help. The weather bureau reports the mercury at 70 at 5 o’clock in the morning and 95 at noon, which was the maximum. A thunder storm set in at 3 p.m. and continued two hours, which cooled the air to 70 degrees at dark. Since then it rose until at 10 p.m. it registered 76 degrees. There have been 31 fatalities in three days.” (Norwalk Daily Reflector, OH. “A Long Death Roll.” 7-6-1897, p. 2.)
July 5-6: “Detroit, July 6.–Thirteen persons died here yesterday and today from the heat.” (Norwalk Daily Reflector, OH. “Thirteen Heat Victims.” 7-6-1897, p. 2.)
July 6: “Fort Wayne, Ind., July 6.–This was another hot day here. The thermometer was above 96 degrees nearly all day. Those who succumbed were: Mrs. Amelia Miller, Mrs. Eliza A. Ewing, Frank Huxley and Mrs. William Miller. Mrs. William Potter was prostrated while in a cherry tree and fell to the ground. Both legs were broken.” (Portsmouth Times, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.)
July 6-7: “Cincinnati. July 7.–The cool wave that followed the rainstorm of Monday evening [6th] was of short duration and now the mercury in the thermometers is again up in the nineties… there were five fatal cases of sun-stroke yesterday…there was a number of prostrations, but all are likely to recover.” (Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Heat Still Lingers.” 7-7-1897, p. 2.)
July 7-8: “Cincinnati. July 8.–The excessive heat continues, eight deaths occurring yesterday ….This swells the number of fatalities in the last five days to 44. There was a corresponding number of serious prostrations. The maximum mercury by street thermometers was 95 degrees at noon. The weather bureau reports the mercury 78 at b a.m., maximum 94 at 3 p.m., 89 at 6 p.m. and 84 at 10:30 at night. The mean humidity for the day was 68 per cent.” (Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Still More Heat Victims.” 7-8-1897, p. 2.)
July 7: “St. Louis, July 7.–St. Louis was scorched again yesterday. The government thermometer registered 96 degrees; other thermometers registered 100 degrees. A number of prostration cases have been treated at the hospital, but none has resulted fatally.” (Piqua Daily Call, OH. “No Deaths in St. Louis.” 7-7-1897, p. 2.)
July 8-9: “Cincinnati, July 9.–The intense heat still prevails, although there has been quite a decrease in the number of fatalities. Yesterday there were only two deaths and 23 prostrations….Street thermometers registered 97, but the weather office showed a lower temperature by several degrees. The intense heat continues throughout Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. The maximum temperature was at Marshalltown, IA., where the mercury touched 107 degrees in the shade. One fatality resulted. Business, especially farmwork, is practically suspended and crops are beginning to wither. Minnesota and Wisconsin are also receiving a scorching. One death and six prostrations were recorded at St. Paul.” (Piqua Daily Call, OH. “More Deaths Due To Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2.)
July 9: “Chicago, July 10.–Of all the hot days that have made life a burden since the warm weather of 1897 began, yesterday was the worst. There were more deaths of human beings and of animals and the number of prostrations was greater than upon any other day of the long hot spell that has hung over Chicago. Sixteen people are dead from the heat; two are insane and out of a large number of prostrations, 12 cases are critical….Two men were driven insane by the heat; there were 12 people prostrated who are in a very critical condition and 12 others who will recover. Out in the Bridewell[215] where seven prisoners went insane Thursday because of the heat, the others suffered the same fate yesterday. Three men either strong in the belief that a life of rectitude insured an eternal abode in some place less hot than this–or determined to be packed in ice at any cost–took their lives.
“The night was a sizzling horror, there was comfort to be found nowhere–it was the hottest night Chicago has ever known. The mercury was 87 at midnight and although near the lake it sank to 82, the decrease in temperature was more than offset by an increase in the humidity, which through the night made the discomfort far greater than is implied by the record of thermometer.
“Yesterday was especially severe on horses, over 100 dying in the streets.
“Sixteen hundred men and boys were temporarily thrown out of employment in Pullman yesterday. Owing to the intense heat the managers found it necessary to close the works at noon.” (Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Hotter Than Ever. Heat Wave Continues Over the Central States. Many Deaths Have Occurred.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.)
July 9: “Dayton, O., July 10.–Three deaths from the heat have occurred. Charles W. Mack, a well-know butcher, was prostrated by the heat Thursday and died Friday morning [9th]. He was 51 years old. George Taylor, suffering from rheumatism, died Friday morning. Percy Cummins, an inmate of the asylum, walked in the grounds of that institution and later died from exposure.” (Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.)
July 9: “Decatur, Ill., July 10.–John Shirey died with sunstroke Friday afternoon [9th]. He was unmarried. This makes the third death in three days with the heat. There were nine prostrations Friday. The thermometer reached 100, the highest in years. Relief came at night in a fall of 18 degrees in two hours.” (Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.)
July 9: “Dubuque, Ia., July 10.–Three days of excessive heat was broken at four o’clock Friday afternoon [9th] by a deluge. The storm lasted an hour, and over two inches of rain fell in that time. The street curbs were full and debris from the hill streets piled on those on the level, stopping cars and choking sewers. During the storm at Richardsville Ernest Goodman was killed by lightning.” (Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.)
July 9: “Elgin, Ill., July 10.–The heat Friday [9th] was even more excessive than on Thursday. There is little business done and nearly all outdoor work is suspended. There were several prostrations from the heat. John Lenner, a stranger, who commenced work in the Coleman gravel pit, was sunstruck while at work and will die. Charles Prouty also suffered a probably fatal sunstroke while working in a garden. Thomas Barclay, a bricklayer, and Antone Anderson, a farmhand, were overcome by the heat. The mercury reached the hundred mark.” (Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.)
July 10: Kokomo, Ind., July 10. — Yesterday was the hottest day here for sixty years; ther-mometer, 105. The workmen on the Greentown pike quit work on account of many of their force being prostrated.” (Daily Times, Columbus, IN. “Hottest Day for Sixty Years.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.)
July 9: “Louisville, Ky., July 10.–The maximum reached Friday morning [9th] by the thermometer was 95 degrees at 11 o’clock, after which the mercury gradually receded until 12 o’clock when another upward spurt was taken, which nearly sent it bubbling out of the tube. Three deaths are reported in the city and vicinity from the intense heat and four from the state, with hundreds of prostrations.” (Daily Crescent, Defiance OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, 1.)
July 9: “Milwaukee, July 10.–The heat aided by the high humidity caused many deaths in Wisconsin Friday [9th]. In this city nine prostrations and one death occurred, the latter a Berlin, Ont., man named Hugo Knell. At Appleton the thermometer marked 100 degrees, and three deaths and several prostrations; at Milton 100 degrees and two prostrations; Whitewater 100 degrees, one prostration and work suspended; Oshkosh reports one death and three prostrations; Madison one death and two prostrations.” (Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.)
July 9: “Pittsburgh, Pa., July 10.–A colored man, supposed to be Edward Sheppard, of Washington, D.C., was overcome by the heat on the street and died a short time after being removed to the hospital. Three serious cases of prostration also occurred Friday morning [9th]. The mercury touched 88 degrees at one o’clock Friday afternoon.” (Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.)
July 9: “St. Louis, July 10.–Seven people died from the heat in St. Louis yesterday, the 10th [unclear] day of insufferable heat….There were numberless prostrations in St. Louis. A. Smith, the Brooklyn’s catcher, and Grady, first baseman on the St. Louis team, were prostrated during the baseball game yesterday afternoon. Smith is unconscious and his condition appears to be serious….Seventeen prostrations occurred in the streets and were taken to hospitals. Six of them thought to be fatal. In the last 24 hours there has not been a second’s remission from the heat. Last night was frightful. Street thermometers registered 91 degrees throughout the night. In the house it was four degrees hotter. Sleep was impossible to most. Hundreds of people slept out on the Eads bridge. It was only 86 degrees out there, and was the coolest spot in St. Louis. Thirty-four prostrations were reported during the night.” (Piqua Daily Call, OH. “In St. Louis. Seven Deaths.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.)
July 9: “Toledo, O., July 10.–The weather bureau thermometer registered 95 degrees Friday [9th], but the street heat far exceeded this. There were a half dozen prostrations and one death, that of Henry Rosebrook.” (Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.)
July 10: “Washington, July 10.–The weather bureau has issued the hollowing hot weather bulletin:
The heat wave continues over the central portion of the country, as far east as the Appalachian mountains. Along the Atlantic coast from Eastport to Key West, except at Boston, the maximum continues below 90. Since July 1 the maxim temperature has ranged from 90 to 98 over the lower Missouri and lower Mississippi valleys and as far east as Alabama and Tennessee, with extreme temperatures from 100 to 102 in Kansas. The temperature has fallen rapidly over Colorado, western Nebraska and northward, and will probably break into the extreme heat over Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio Saturday. A relief from the extreme heat has been occasioned by thunderstorms in Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, South Dakota, Iowa, southern Minnesota, Wisconsin and upper Michigan. On Saturday night the changes in temperature will be accompanied by thunderstorms. The following maximum temperatures were reported Friday night: Concordia, Kan., 102; Omaha, Neb., 94. Davenport, Ia., 98; Kansas City, 98; St. Louis, Mo., 96; Nashville, 98; Cincinnati, 96; Indianapolis, 98; Chicago, 88; Boston, 94; New York, 84; Philadelphia, 90; Atlantic City, 82; Eastport [ME], 76; St. Paul, 80; Washington, 88; Detroit, 92; Savannah, 86; New Orleans, 94; Key West, 84; Nantucket, 74.” (Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.)
July 12: “Chicago, July 12.–The fierce heat under which the greater portion of the country has sweltered since July 1 has moderated in many localities. Reports from all sections of the country show prostrations numbering in the neighborhood of 2,000 with fatalities close to 350. In addition to this there were scores of deaths resulting indirectly from the intolerable heat, th death rate in many of the large cities showing a fearful increase over previous years. The central states suffered more severely than other sections, the heat being most deadly in Chicago, Cincinnati and St. Louis. In number of fatalities this city heads the list, with 87 deaths, Cincinnati and suburban points reporting 65, and St. Louis 42.” (Evening News-Review, East Liverpool, OH. “350 Deaths From Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 3.)
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Daily Leader, Bloomington, IL. “Relief Is At Hand,” 7-9-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/bloomington-daily-leader-jul-09-1897-p-2/
Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “Coroner’s Inquest.” 7-6-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oshkosh-daily-northwestern-jul-06-1897-p-1/
Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “Death By Sun Stroke.” 7-6-1897, p. 4. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oshkosh-daily-northwestern-jul-06-1897-p-4/
Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “Dr. H. B. Dale Is Dead. Illness of Seven Days…” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oshkosh-daily-northwestern-jul-07-1897-p-1/
Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “Sun Stroke Was Fatal.” 7-10-1897, p. 2. Accessed 5-5-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oshkosh-daily-northwestern-jul-10-1897-p-2/
Daily Republican, Defiance, OH. “Sun Stroke Victim, 7-12-1897, p. 3. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/definance-daily-republican-jul-12-1897-p-3/
Daily Times, Columbus, IN. “Hottest Day for Sixty Years.” 7-11-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/columbus-daily-times-jul-11-1897-p-1/
Daily Times, New Brunswick, NJ. “New York’s Hot Wave.” 7-7-1897, p. 7. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-brunswick-daily-times-jul-07-1897-p-7/
Daily Times, New Brunswick, NJ. “Thirteen Heat Victims in Buffalo.” 7-12-1897, p. 3. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-brunswick-daily-times-jul-12-1897-p-3/
Daily Times, New Brunswick, NJ. “Two Drop Dead From the Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 3. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-brunswick-daily-times-jul-12-1897-p-3/
Daily Times, New Brunswick, NJ. “Two Heat Victims of the Harvestfield.” 7-12-1897, p. 3. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-brunswick-daily-times-jul-12-1897-p-3/
Davenport Sunday Leader, IA. “Heat Record.” 7-11-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/davenport-daily-leader-jul-11-1897-p-1/
Davenport Weekly Leader, IA. “The Heat At Moline.” 7-13-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/davenport-weekly-leader-jul-13-1897-p-1/
Decatur Review, IL. “Death Came in The Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 8. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/decatur-daily-review-jul-08-1897-p-8/
Delphos Daily Herald, OH. “Heat of Death,” 7-10-1897, p. 3. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/delphos-daily-herald-jul-10-1897-p-3/
Des Moines Daily News, IA. “Terrific Heat Brings Death. Yesterday Was the Hottest Day in Iowa for Years. Several Dead and Many Prostrated.” 7-9-1897, p. 3. Accessed 4-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/des-moines-daily-news-jul-09-1897-p-3/
Dixon Evening Telegraph, IL. “Slain By The Sun…Heat Deaths at Other Places.” 7-10-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/dixon-evening-telegraph-jul-10-1897-p-2/
Evening Herald, Syracuse, NY. “Hottest Day Yet.” 7-10-1897, p. 6. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-evening-herald-jul-10-1897-p-6/
Evening Herald, Syracuse, NY. “Off the State Wire.” 7-6-1897, p. 10. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-evening-herald-jul-06-1897-p-10/
Evening News, Benton Harbor, MI. “Heat is Intense.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-1-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/benton-harbor-evening-news-jul-07-1897-p-1/
Evening News, Benton Harbor, MI. “Hit in Niles.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-1-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/benton-harbor-evening-news-jul-07-1897-p-1/
Evening News, Benton Harbor, MI. “News So Glorious.” 7-9-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-1-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/benton-harbor-evening-news-jul-09-1897-p-1/
Evening News, Benton Harbor, MI. “St. Joseph Woman Dies.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-1-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/benton-harbor-evening-news-jul-07-1897-p-1/
Evening News-Review, East Liverpool, OH. “350 Deaths From Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 3. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/east-liverpool-evening-news-review-jul-12-1897-p-3/
Evening News Review, East Liverpool, OH, “Killed by the Heat,” 7-13-1897, p. 4. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/east-liverpool-evening-news-review-jul-13-1897-p-4/
Evening New Review, East Liverpool, OH. “Sufferers From the Heat.” 7-7-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/east-liverpool-evening-news-review-jul-07-1897-p-2/
Evening Times, Cumberland, MD. “Not Foul Play.” 7-13-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-30-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/maryland-cumberland-evening-times-jul-13-1897-p-1/
Fort Wayne Journal, IN. “Old Sol’s Harvest.” 7-11-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fort-wayne-journal-jul-11-1897-p-1/
Fort Wayne Sentinel, IN. “Heat Killed Him.” 7-5-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fort-wayne-sentinel-jul-05-1897-p-1/
Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel, IN. “Hot, Very Hot.” 8-14-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fort-wayne-weekly-sentinel-jul-14-1897-p-1/
Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel, IN. “The Week’s Dead.” 7-14-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fort-wayne-weekly-sentinel-jul-14-1897-p-1/
Frederick News, MD. “Cyclist Killed by the Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-30-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/frederick-news-jul-10-1897-p-1/
Goshen Democrat, IN. “Death From Sunstroke.” 7-14-1897, p. 3. Accessed 4-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/goshen-democrat-jul-14-1897-p-3/
Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/goshen-daily-news-jul-10-1897-p-3/
Goshen Daily News, IN. “Excessive Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/goshen-daily-news-jul-08-1897-p-2/
Herkimer Democrat, NY. “Deaths From the Heat.” 7-14-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-3-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/herkimer-democrat-jul-14-1897-p-1/
Hornellsville Weekly Tribune, NY. “Death Caused by the Heat.” 7-2-1897, 1. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hornellsville-weekly-tribune-jul-02-1897-p-1/
Indianapolis News, IN. “A Horseman Fatally Prostrated.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-07-1897-p-1/
Indianapolis News, IN. “Dead on the Pike.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-07-1897-p-1/
Indianapolis News, IN. “Death from the Heat.” 7-2-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-02-1897-p-2/
Indianapolis News, IN. “Death from the Heat.” 7-5-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-05-1897-p-2/
Indianapolis News, IN. “Death Returns.” 7-12-1897, p. 9. Accessed 4-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-12-1897-p-9/
Indianapolis News, IN. “Deaths and Prostrations.” 7-6-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-06-1897-p-2/
Indianapolis News, IN. “Died From The Heat.” 7-6-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-06-1897-p-2/
Indianapolis News, IN. “Died While Driving Homeward.” 7-12-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-12-1897-p-2/
Indianapolis News, IN. “Fell from His Fence.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-07-1897-p-1/
Indianapolis News, IN. “General State News.” 7-12-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-12-1897-p-2/
Indianapolis News, IN. “The Heat at Louisville.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-07-1897-p-1/
Indianapolis News, IN. “Two Deaths at Pittsburg.” 7-6-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-06-1897-p-2/
Indianapolis News, IN. “Two Fatal Prostrations.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-07-1897-p-1/
Indianapolis Sun, IN. “Another Fatality.” 7-9-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-sun-jul-09-1897-p-1/
Jasper Herald, IN. “Victims of Heat.” 7-2-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/jasper-herald-jul-02-1897-p-1/
Jeffersonville News, IN. “Died, Mrs. Mary W. Oglesby Passes Away at 6 o’clock This Morning.” 7-9-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/jeffersonville-news-jul-09-1897-p-1/
Jeffersonville News, IN. “Heat and Heart.” 7-6-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/jeffersonville-news-jul-06-1897-p-1/
Kalkstein, L. S. and R. E. Davis. “Weather and Human Mortality: An Evaluation of Demographic and Interregional Responses in the United States.” Annals of the Association of American Geographers, Vol. 79, No. 1, March 1989, pp. 44-64. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249415816_Weather_and_Human_Mortality_An_Evaluation_of_Demographic_and_Interregional_Responses_in_the_United_States
Kokomo Daily Tribune, IN. 7-6-1897, p. 1, column 6. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/kokomo-daily-tribune-jul-06-1897-p-1/
Lawrence Daily Journal, KS. “Many Deaths. Heat Has Caused Fatalities.” 7-10-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-30-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lawrence-journal-world-jul-10-1897-p-1/
Lawrence Daily Journal and Evening Tribune, KS. “The Torrid Heat.” 7-5-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-30-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lawrence-journal-world-jul-05-1897-p-2/
Logansport Daily Reporter, IN. “Die from the Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 4. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/logansport-reporter-jul-08-1897-p-4/
Lowell Sun, MA. “Funerals.” 7-11-1897, 1. Accessed 4-30-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lowell-sun-jul-13-1897-p-9/
Morning Herald-Dispatch, Decatur, IL. “Claims Another Victim.” 7-19-1897, p. 9. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/morning-herald-despatch-jul-10-1897-p-9/
Morning Herald-Dispatch, Decatur, IL, “Hot At Chicago.” 7-3-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/morning-herald-despatch-jul-03-1897-p-1/
Morning Record, Traverse City, MI. “Another Victim. Edwin Sweet Died…of Sunstroke.” 7-11-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-1-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/traverse-city-record-eagle-jul-11-1897-p-1/
Morning Record, Traverse City, MI. “Thirteen Deaths,” 7-7-1897, p. 2. Accessed 5-1-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/traverse-city-record-eagle-jul-07-1897-p-2/
Morning Record, Traverse City, MI. “Victims of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 2. Accessed 5-1-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/traverse-city-record-eagle-jul-10-1897-p-2/
Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Dies From Heat Prostration.” 7-4-1897, p. 3. Accessed 5-1-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lincoln-nebraska-state-journal-jul-04-1897-p-3/
Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Hot Weather in the South.” 7-3-1897, p. 2. Accessed 5-1-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lincoln-nebraska-state-journal-jul-03-1897-p-2/
Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Victim of Liquor and Heat.” 7-19-1896, p. 3. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lincoln-nebraska-state-journal-jul-10-1897-p-3/
Norwalk Daily Reflector, OH. “A Long Death Roll.” 7-6-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/norwalk-daily-reflector-jul-06-1897-p-2/
Norwalk Daily Reflector, OH. “Thirteen Heat Victims.” 7-6-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/norwalk-daily-reflector-jul-06-1897-p-2/
Oil City Derrick, PA. “Death in a Torrid Wave.” 7-5-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oil-city-derrick-jul-05-1897-p-1/
Oil City Derrick, PA. “One Death Near Detroit.” 7-5-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oil-city-derrick-jul-05-1897-p-1/
Oil City Derrick, PA. “One Victim in Pittsburg.” 7-10-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oil-city-derrick-jul-10-1897-p-1/
Oil City Derrick, PA. “Two Fatalities Near Connelsville,” 7-5-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oil-city-derrick-jul-05-1897-p-1/
Oswego Daily Palladium, NY. “Died From the Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 2. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oswego-daily-palladium-jul-10-1897-p-2/
Oswego Daily Palladium, NY. “Heat Kills One at Celeron.” 7-7-1897, p. 2. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oswego-daily-palladium-jul-06-1897-p-2/
Philadelphia Inquirer. “Death From The Heat.” 7-13-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-inquirer-jul-13-1897-p-2/
Philadelphia Inquirer. “Two More Deaths at Pittsburg.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-3-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-inquirer-jul-07-1897-p-1/
Philadelphia Times. “Died From Heat Prostration.” 7-3-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-3-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-jul-03-1897-p-1/
Philadelphia Times. “Heat Claimed One Victim.” 7-12-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-jul-12-1897-p-1/
Philadelphia Times. “Heat Drives Crowds Away.” 7-4-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-3-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-jul-04-1897-p-1/
Philadelphia Times. “Hot Day In Pittsburg.” 7-4-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-3-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-jul-04-1897-p-1/
Philadelphia Times,. “Killed by the Heat.” 7-3-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-jul-03-1897-p-1/
Philadelphia Times. “Mercury Went Far Too High.” 7-1-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-3-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-jul-01-1897-p-5/
Philadelphia Times. “One Death Reported.” 7-11-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-jul-11-1897-p-1/
Philadelphia Times. “The Hot Spell Broken At Last.” 7-13-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-jul-13-1897-p-1/
Philadelphia Times. “Three Deaths in Pittsburg.” 7-8-1897, p. 5. Accessed 5-3-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-jul-08-1897-p-5/
Philadelphia Times. “Two Deaths From the Heat…Continued High Temperature To-Day.” 7-10-1897, p. 5. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-jul-10-1897-p-5/
Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Heat Still Lingers.” 7-7-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-07-1897-p-2/
Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Hot! The Hottest Day of the Season.” 7-3-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-03-1897-p-1/
Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Hotter Than Ever. Heat Wave Continues Over the Central States. Many Deaths Have Occurred.” 7-10-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-10-1897-p-2/
Piqua Daily Call, OH. “In New York City. Three Deaths and Eleven Prostrations Caused by the Heat.” 7-7-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-07-1897-p-2/
Piqua Daily Call, OH. “In St. Louis. Seven Deaths., Two Driven Insane and Six Fatal Cases.” 7-10-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-10-1897-p-2/
Piqua Daily Call, OH. “More Deaths Due To Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-09-1897-p-2/
Piqua Daily Call, OH. “No Deaths in St. Louis.” 7-7-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-07-1897-p-2/
Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Peacefully Passed Away.” 7-13-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-13-1897-p-2/
Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Relief Has Come.” 7-12-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-12-1897-p-2/
Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Still Dying in Chicago.” 7-12-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-12-1897-p-2/
Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Still Hot in Chicago.” 7-7-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-07-1897-p-2/
Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Still More Heat Victims.” 7-8-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-08-1897-p-2/
Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Three Heat Victims in Boston.” 7-7-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-07-1897-p-2/
Plainfield Daily Press, NJ. “Heat Leads to Suicide.” 7-8-1897, 8. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/plainfield-daily-press-jul-08-1897-p-8/
Portsmouth Times, OH. “Deaths From Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/portsmouth-times-jul-10-1897-p-3/
Portsmouth Times, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/portsmouth-times-jul-10-1897-p-3/
Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Killed By The Heat. William Tepz Succumbs…Hot Weather.” 7-9-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-5-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/racine-daily-journal-jul-09-1897-p-1/
Racine Journal, WI. “Sudden Deaths.” 7-8-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/racine-journal-jul-08-1897-p-1/
Salt Lake City Herald, UT. “Nine Children Dead.” 7-9-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/salt-lake-city-herald-jul-09-1897-p-2/
Salt Lake City Herald, UT. “Two Deaths at Indianapolis.” 7-9-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/salt-lake-city-herald-jul-09-1897-p-2/
Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sandusky-daily-register-jul-05-1897-p-1/
Seymour Daily Republican, IN. “Central State Notes.” 7-13-1897, p. 8. Accessed 4-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/seymour-daily-republican-jul-13-1897-p-8/
Steubenville Herald, OH. “Death From Heat.” 709-1897, p. 5. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/steubenville-herald-jul-09-1897-p-5/
Stevens Point Daily Journal, WI. “Hot Wave in Wisconsin.” 7-6-1897, p. 2. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/stevens-point-daily-journal-jul-06-1897-p-2/
Stevens Point Daily Journal, WI. “Many Die From Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2. Accessed 5-5-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/stevens-point-daily-journal-jul-09-1897-p-2/
Stevens Point Daily Journal, WI. “The Heat Wave,” 7-10-1897, p. 3. Accessed 5-5-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/stevens-point-daily-journal-jul-10-1897-p-3/
Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fort-wayne-sunday-gazette-jul-11-1897-p-1/
Syracuse Daily Standard, NY. “Onondaga.” 7-13-1897, p. 7. Accessed 5-3-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-daily-standard-jul-13-1897-p-7/
Syracuse Standard, NY. “Death and Prostration.” 7-11-1897, p. 6. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-standard-jul-11-1897-p-6/
Terre Haute Express, IN. “Just Like Epidemic.” 7-13-1897, p. 6. Accessed 4-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/terre-haute-semi-weekly-express-jul-13-1897-p-6/
The World, NY. “Deaths and Distress From The Hot Wave.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-york-world-jul-07-1897-p-1/
The World, NY. “Forty Deaths in Cincinnati.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-york-world-jul-07-1897-p-1/
The World, NY. “Heat Kills Fourteen.” 7-10-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-york-world-jul-10-1897-p-2/
The World, NY. “Killed by Heat Near the City.” 7-7-1897, p. 2. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-york-world-jul-07-1897-p-2/
The World, NY. “Relief Comes At Last. Death List Reduced By It.” 7-12-1897, p. 2. Accessed 5-3-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/world-jul-12-1897-p-2/
Warren Republican, Williamsport, IN. “Indiana State News,” 7-8-1897, p. 4. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/williamsport-warren-republican-jul-08-1897-p-4/
Waterloo Press, IN. “State Items of Interest.” 7-15-1897, p. 3. Accessed 4-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/waterloo-press-jul-15-1897-p-3/
Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL. “Awful Heat at Decatur.” 7-9-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/bloomington-weekly-pantagraph-jul-09-1897-p-1/
Winchester Journal, IN. “Death in the Heat.” 7-14-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/winchester-journal-jul-14-1897-p-2/
[1] Number should be viewed as minimum. In addition to all the deaths we have not seen reported in our search, we note that the stress on the body from prolonged exposure to heat, particularly amongst the elderly, further weakens already weakened hearts, leading to spikes in heart-related deaths during and immediately after heat waves. (See, for example, Kalkstein and Davis, 1989.)
[2] Compiled April-May 2019 by B. Wayne Blanchard, for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com
[3] “The heat in Atlanta and throughout Georgia has been unusually severe. There were scores of cases of prostration and six deaths have been reported.”
[4] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Six Dead From The Heat.” 7-4-1897, p. 3.
[5] Dixon Evening Telegraph, IL. “Slain By The Sun…Heat Deaths at Other Places.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.
[6] Evening News-Review, East Liverpool, OH. “350 Deaths From Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 3. Another paper writes that in addition to the 87 direct heat deaths “Six were drowned while bathing in the lake to escape the sizzling rays of the sun; six were driven insane; a like number suicided and 347 prostrations occurred. The health department reports a great increase in mortality of children and suffering from chronic diseases.” (Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat,” 7-12-1897, p. 1.)
[7] Notes, additionally: “Five persons seeking relief from the heat went swimming, and the excessive temperature of their bodies induced cramps, and all were drowned.”
[8] The Philadelphia Times, PA. “Killed by the Heat.” 7-3-1897, p. 1.
[9] Lawrence Daily Journal and Evening Tribune, KS. “The Torrid Heat.” 7-5-1897, p. 2.
[10] Victims identified as Simon Koosents, Celia Halis, 4-months, Albert Kath, George Williams, Emma Zareal, James Cudahy, Samuel Walzber, Adolph Voldner, C. Taylor. Another source writes: “There were 125 deaths in Chicago on July 5, the largest number that ever occurred in the city on one day.” (Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL. “Awful Heat at Decatur.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.)
[11] Victims identified as Adolph Balkman, Edward G. Born, Sven J. Johnson and Charles Smith. There were four cases of prostration, only one of which is serious.”
[12] Victims identified as Stanislaus Zanitzsch, 3-months; Anthony Zenethal, and Claude Winne. Notes “seven prostrations which are likely to result fatally and 12 not so serious.”
[13] Identified as: Martin Varley, Henry Holznkecht, Fred Kaiser, and an unidentified man.
[14] Fatalities identified as: Charles Benson, John Eaton, Rev. Otto Groenebaum, Henry Hazmann, Helen Halloren, Dora Johnson, Frederick Kaiser, Thomas Lynch, Annie O’Donnell, Rachael Riston, Fred Schlomann, Jacob Staub, William Scienberger, Rev. August Tolton, August Vanerslee, and an unidentified man found in Washington Park.
[15] Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Still Dying in Chicago.” 7-12-1897, p. 2.
[16] One was Harvey Baker, about 50, a farm hand, who died from a sunstroke in the afternoon of July 7. (Decatur Review, IL. “Death Came in The Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 8.) Second was Mary Ann Woody, on July 8. (Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL. “Awful Heat at Decatur.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.)
[17] Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.
[18] Morning Herald-Dispatch, Decatur, IL. “Claims Another Victim.” 7-19-1897, p. 9.
[19] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Excessive Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 2.
[20] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.
[21] Davenport Weekly Leader, IA. “The Heat At Moline.” 7-13-1897, p. 1.
[22] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.
[23] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.
[24] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.
[25] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.
[26] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.
[27] Indianapolis News, IN. “Died While Driving Homeward.” 7-12-1897, p. 2.
[28] Indianapolis News, IN. “A Horseman Fatally Prostrated.” 7-7-1897, p. 1.
[29] Indianapolis News, IN. “General State News.” 7-12-1897, p. 2.
[30] Goshen Democrat, IN. “Death From Sunstroke.” 7-14-1897, p. 3.
[31] Warren Republican, Williamsport, IN. “Indiana State News,” 7-8-1897, p. 4.
[32] Logansport Daily Reporter, IN. “Die from the Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 4.
[33] Fort Wayne Sentinel, IN. “Heat Killed Him.” 7-5-1897, p. 1. Was 73 years old.
[34] Portsmouth Times, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.
[35] Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel, IN. “The Week’s Dead.” 7-14-1897, p. 1.
[36] Indianapolis News, IN. “General State News.” 7-12-1897, p. 2.
[37] Connersville Daily Examiner, IN. “Fell Dead in His Factory.” 7-12-1897, p. 1.
[38] “Up to six o’clock Saturday night [10th] ten deaths and about 50 prostrations as a result of the excessive heat were reported in Indianapolis. The highest point reached by the thermometer during the heated term was 99 degrees.”
[39] Indianapolis News, IN. “Died From The Heat.” 7-6-1897, p. 2.
[40] Salt Lake City Herald, UT. “Two Deaths at Indianapolis.” 7-9-1897, p. 2. “Indianapolis, Ind., July 8.–The hot spell continues here, the official thermometer registering 89, and prostrations are becoming more general. Patrick Kelly, a well-know hotel clerk, and Leonard Cox died today from the heat and there were at least ten prostrations besides. Tonight the thermometer is about at 90.”
[41] Dixon Evening Telegraph, IL. “Slain By The Sun…Heat Deaths at Other Places.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.
[42] Indianapolis Sun, IN. “Another Fatality.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.
[43] Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel, IN. “Hot, Very Hot.” 8-14-1897, p. 1.
[44] Indianapolis News, IN. “Death Returns.” 7-12-1897, p. 9.
[45] Indianapolis News, IN. “Death Returns.” 7-12-1897, p. 9.
[46] Indianapolis News, IN. “Death Returns.” 7-12-1897, p. 9.
[47] Indianapolis News, IN. “Death Returns.” 7-12-1897, p. 9.
[48] Indianapolis News, IN. “Death Returns.” 7-12-1897, p. 9.
[49] Waterloo Press, IN. “State Items of Interest.” 7-15-1897, p. 3.
[50] Jeffersonville News, IN. “Died, Mrs. Mary W. Oglesby Passes Away at 6 o’clock This Morning.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.
[51] Indianapolis News, IN. “General State News.” 7-12-1897, p. 2.
[52] Indianapolis News, IN. “Death from the Heat.” 7-2-1897, p. 2. Writes that “The heat is so intense in the glass and iron factories still running that they may be closed. The employes suffer greatly, many of them having been taken dangerously sick.”
[53] Indianapolis News, IN. “Two Fatal Prostrations.” 7-7-1897, p. 1.
[54] Indianapolis News, IN. “Death from the Heat.” 7-5-1897, p. 2.
[55] Jeffersonville News, IN. “Heat and Heart.” 7-6-1897, p. 1.
[56] Des Moines Daily News, IA. “Terrific Heat Brings Death. Yesterday…Hottest…in Iowa…Years.” 7-9-1897, p. 3.
[57] Burlington Hawk-Eye, IA. “The Heat in Iowa.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.
[58] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.
[59] Des Moines Daily News, IA. “Terrific Heat Brings Death. Yesterday…Hottest…in Iowa…Years.” 7-9-1897, p. 3.
[60] Burlington Hawk-Eye, IA. “The Heat in Iowa.” 7-10-1897, p. 2. Notes temperature was 92° at midnight.
[61] “Kansas City, MO., July 10.–The excessive heat of yesterday was more than a local visitation. The heated area includes all of Missouri and Kansas. In Kansas City five deaths and 20 or more prostrations were recorded. Those who lost their lives in Kansas City by the heat were: Michael Dougherty, bottler, 918 Cherry street; Patrick White, laborer, 712 East Eighteenth street; Emil Dahl, unknown, died in St. Margaret’s hospital, Kansas City, Kan.; Amos Dowl, laborer, 25 South Second street, Kansas City, Kan., and Mrs. Sophia Hammersberg, 2310 Summit.” (Lawrence Daily Journal, KS. “Many Deaths. Heat Has Caused Fatalities.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.)
[62] Lawrence Daily Journal, KS. “Many Deaths.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.
[63] Seymour Daily Republican, IN. “Central State Notes.” 7-13-1897, p. 8.
[64] Article notes twelve deaths in this area — just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. We note seven unidentified location KY heat deaths by date below however, and thus choose to subtract that number from twelve to derive five.
[65] Plus “about 50 serious prostrations, all due directly to the intense heat.”
[66] Victims were John Suete, Warren Tolbert, Marie Ford, Michael Hinds, and unknown man found at Fifth St.
[67] Adam Grau, 40, and Eli Burtt, 80. (Indianapolis News, IN. “The Heat at Louisville.” 7-7-1897, p. 1.)
[68] “Excessive heat was the cause.” (Kokomo Daily Tribune, IN. 7-6-1897, p. 1, column 6.)
[69] Piqua Daily Call, OH. “More Deaths Due To Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2.
[70] Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.
[71] “At New Orleans, La., the actual deaths from heat prostrations during the week were 15. A much larger number of sick persons and children, however, died as indirect result of the heated spell.”
[72] Boston Sunday Globe, MA. “John Turner Drops Dead…Sunstruck in His Hayfield.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.
[73] Boston Post, MA. “Three Killed By Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 2.
[74] Boston Post, MA. “Three Killed By Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 2. Victims identified as Martin Berry, 56, farm laborer, and James O’Neil, 35, laborer. It is noted that in Augusta, ME, on the 7th, the temperature registered 90-95°, while in Fairfield it was 104, and in Waterville, 102..
[75] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Fatal Cases of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.
[76] Baltimore Sun, MD. “Widespread Hot Wave.” 7-5-1897, p. 2. Notes that July 4th was “the fourth day of the hot spell” and “was marked by a maximum temperature of 86 degrees.”
[77] Physician ruled the death was caused by the heat. (Baltimore Sun, MD. 7-12-1897, p. 10, col. 2.)
[78] Coroner’s verdict was “fatty degeneration of the heart and prostration caused by exposure in the heat.” (Evening Times, Cumberland, MD. “Not Foul Play.” 7-13-1897, p. 1.)
[79] One fatality was Mrs. W. J. Rutherford. (Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.)
[80] Boston Post, MA. “Humidity That Kills.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Notes a number of people overcome or prostrated by the heat, some in serious condition, taken to City Hospital, Emergency Hospital, and Massachusetts General. Notes others were transported by ambulance to their homes.
[81] Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Three Heat Victims in Boston.” 7-7-1897, p. 2
[82] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Victims of the Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.
[83] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Peabody Man the Victim of Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 4. Had recently moved to Danvers.
[84] Concord Enterprise, MA. “Prostrations at Lowell.” 7-8-1897, p. 5. Notes that five other heat prostration victims were taken by ambulance to St. John’s hospital during the afternoon.
[85] Boston Post, MA. “Humidity That Kills.” 7-7-1897, p. 1.
[86] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Victims of the Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.
[87] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Thomas Coffee Died from Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.
[88] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Worcester Man Dies from Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.
[89] Morning Record, Traverse City, MI. “Victims of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.
[90] Evening News, Benton Harbor, MI. “Heat is Intense.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Wrote on July 9 that the Weather Bureau was predicting temperatures to start dropping overnight as thunder storms moved through. (Evening News, Benton Harbor, MI. “News So Glorious.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.)
[91] Morning Record, Traverse City, MI. “Victims of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.
[92] “Detroit, July 6.–The list of persons who died from sunstroke and heat prostration in this city yesterday is swelled today to 13….The adults who died from sunstroke and heat prostration are as follows: Conrad Steimlea, aged 47; Mrs. Wowalski, Portland, Mich.; Mrs. Catherine Orr, aged 90; Mrs. Weber, aged 24; Geo. Birthwhistle, aged 60; Patrick Cummings, aged 61. The other seven were young children.” (Morning Record, Traverse City, MI. “Thirteen Deaths,” 7-7-1897, p. 2.)
[93] Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Peacefully Passed Away.” 7-13-1897, p. 2.
[94] Morning Record, Traverse City, MI. “Another Victim. Edwin Sweet Died…of Sunstroke.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.
[95] Morning Record, Traverse City, MI. “Victims of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.
[96] Evening News, Benton Harbor, MI. “Hit in Niles.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Notes another victim in critical condition after having been overcome by heat which “registered 100 nearly all day.” Writes: “Reports of numerous horses being killed by the heat are coming in from the country. It was one of the hottest days ever experienced here. [Niles].”
[97] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Excessive Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 2.
[98] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.
[99] Oil City Derrick, PA. “One Death Near Detroit.” 7-5-1897, p. 1.
[100] Another source notes the man was a day laborer. In addition there were six prostrations. Notes maximum official temperature was 94, during the day and 92 at 7 p.m. (Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL. “Awful Heat at Decatur.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.)
[101] Evening News-Review, East Liverpool, OH. “350 Deaths From Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 3
[102] Fatalities identified as: Henry Floerke, Henry Bampman, Jacob Herzog, Henry Artkras, William Spillmeyer, Charles Steffell and John Braun.
[103] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Six Dead From The Heat.” 7-4-1897, p. 3.
[104] Brookfield Gazette, MO. “Heat Victims.” 7-10-1897, p. 8. Writes on July 8: “St. Louis broke the country’s heat record yesterday morning with a temperature of 83 at seven o’clock. Four hours later it was 96 degrees. On the streets it averaged 102 degrees. At midnight it was 90. This is the tenth day of intense heat in St. Louis and the effects are beginning to show. Sleep indoors has been almost impossible. Henry Durling, a city employe, crazed by the heat and lack of sleep, killed himself yesterday. Albert Weiser was prostrated in Forest park, where he went to escape the heat. His condition is serious. Five prostrations occurred in East St. Louis and 13 here….Five of the cases are expected to be fatal in St. Louis. Reports from Missouri and southern Illinois show this to be the hottest day of the year. Work was suspended in many places, as horses and men were dropping in the fields.”
[105] Fatalities identified as: Henry Campman, Charles Diedier, Michael Edel, Julia Friedman, Jacob Grimmont, Siebert Munster, Joseph O’Bey, Theodore Schote and Robert Wright.
[106] Fatalities identified as: Baptiste Grimmond, William Koetter, William Sheeley, R. D. Wright, John Anderson, Albert Robst, Mahale Brown, Michael Algier, Emil Person, Mrs. Charlotte Blatto, Patrick O’Donnell, Carl Wanbaur. Dan Dougherty and Philip Bain.
[107] Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Dies From Heat Prostration.” 7-4-1897, p. 3.
[108] Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Victim of Liquor and Heat.” 7-19-1896, p. 3.”Dr. Ralph says his death was caused by a combination of liquor and heat.”
[109] Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.
[110] “Berlin, N.H., July 7–Although somewhat cooler this evening the mercury still held its own with yesterday and Monday, from 96° to 102° in the shade. These were the three hottest days this city has ever experienced. There were several prostrations and the death of one child as a result of the terrible heat. People living in tenement houses sleep on roofs and piazzas.” (Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Three Awful Days.” 7-8-1897, p. 1.)
[111] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Victims of the Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.
[112] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Fatal Cases of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.
[113] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Fatal Cases of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.
[114] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Fatal Cases of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.
[115] Frederick News, MD. “Cyclist Killed by the Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.
[116] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Fatal Cases of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.
[117] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Victims of the Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.
[118] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Fatal Cases of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.
[119] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Fatal Cases of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.
[120] Boston Sunday Globe, MA. “Louis Boyle Dies in Hay Field.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.
[121] George H. Reed, married with eight children. (Plainfield Daily Press, NJ. “Heat Leads to Suicide.” 7-8-1897, 8.)
[122] The World, NY. “Killed by Heat Near the City.” 7-7-1897, p. 2.
[123] Bradford Era, PA. “Fatalities in Albany.” 7-14-1897, p. 1.
[124] Evening Herald, Syracuse, NY. “Off the State Wire.” 7-6-1897, p. 10.
[125] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Deaths From The Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 16.
[126] Boston Globe, MA. “Extra Ambulances Needed, Hottest Day in Buffalo in 12 Years…Yesterday.” 7-11-1897, 1. Highlighted in yellow to denote that either this report is inaccurate, or that of the Fort Wayne Journal, or both.
[127] “Buffalo, N.Y., July 10.–At midnight five additional deaths, due to heat, were reported by the police. This makes nine deaths in Buffalo today.”
[128] Oswego Daily Palladium, NY. “Heat Kills One at Celeron.” 7-7-1897, p. 2.
[129] Concord Enterprise, MA. “Three Days of Intense Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 5.
[130] Syracuse Standard, NY. “Death and Prostration.” 7-11-1897, 6.
[131] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Deaths From The Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 16. Notes: “The heat has been oppressive here, with serious results…The thermometer registered from 96 to 100 in the shade.” Besides the death, “three serious cases of prostration in this vicinity re reported.”
[132] Syracuse Standard, NY. “Death and Prostration.” 7-11-1897, 6.
[133] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Deaths From The Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 16.
[134] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Deaths From The Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 16. Notes additionally: “Many prostrations have occurred here within the past few days, especially among railroad section hands.”
[135] A post out of New York on July 10 writes that in addition to sunstroke deaths, “There were numerous deaths from heart failure and other diseases, hastened by the heat. Total deaths for the week, 966.” [Unclear — looks like 966.]. Fort Wayne Journal, IN. “Old Sol’s Harvest.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.
[136] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Death From The Heat.” 7-2-1897, p. 1.
[137] “New York, July 7.–A warm wave, which is said to be due to a combination of an area of low pressure to the north and a high pressure area to the south, struck this city yesterday, and at noon the thermometer on the street level registered 102 degrees, while the humidity recorded was 91 per cent. As the result of this intense heat there was one death. Maggie Eihl, 60 year old, and 11 prostrations. Bernard McGarry, aged 4, was overcome by the heat, fell from a fifth-story window and was killed. William Smith, keeper of the morgue at the city hospital, on Blackwells Island, died in Central park of heart failure induced by heat.” (Piqua Daily Call, OH. “In New York City. Three Deaths and Eleven Prostrations Caused by the Heat.” 7-7-1897, p. 2.)
[138] The World, NY. “Deaths and Distress From The Hot Wave.” 7-7-1897, p. 1.
[139] Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Still More Heat Victims.” 7-8-1897, p. 2.
[140] “New York, July 8.–Nine children died suddenly today and their deaths were due indirectly to the heat. Seven persons were prostrated in the streets.”
[141] Additionally, notes the names of twenty-six individuals “prostrated by the heat” on this page, before continuing the listing on page 2, which we were not able to access.
[142] Syracuse Daily Standard, NY. “Onondaga.” 7-13-1897, p. 7.
[143] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Hottest July 10 Since ʹ80.” 7-11-1897, p. 30.
[144] Daily Times, New Brunswick, NJ. “Two Drop Dead From the Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 3.
[145] Daily Times, New Brunswick, NJ. “Two Heat Victims of the Harvestfield.” 7-12-1897, p. 3.
[146] Daily Times, New Brunswick, NJ. “Two Heat Victims of the Harvestfield.” 7-12-1897, p. 3.
[147] Baltimore Sun, MD. “A Hundred in the Shade.” 7-5-1897, p. 1.
[148] Evening Herald, Syracuse, NY. “Hottest Day Yet.” 7-10-1897, p. 6. After noting the temperature had reached 100 degrees, it is written: “In the poor sections the suffering has been intense. In general there has been scarcely a breath of air stirring and the nights have been as warm as the days [80 the night before]. Every shelter that could be found from the penetrating rays of Old Sol was crowded. The parks, small as they are, have been of…[unclear] help for those seeking fresh air. In the tenements, with small, ill-ventilated rooms, the oppression beggars description. Many mothers and children have been unable to do work and could only sit and gasp. Many families were ignorant of ordinary rules that would help them bear the heat. Water, the great necessity, is difficult for some to procure and combining all these lacks it is not be wondered at that many fared badly. It is hoped that within a few hours a change will come and nature will alleviate the suffering. Beasts have felt the heat as badly as men. Horses have tugged along under the boiling hot sun until they could struggle no longer and dropped from exhaustion. Workmen have been unable to stand the strain in the heat of the day and there prostration have been frequent.”
[149] Syracuse Standard, NY. “Death and Prostration.” 7-11-1897, 6.
[150] Oswego Daily Palladium, NY. “Died From the Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.
[151] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Hottest July 10 Since ʹ80.” 7-11-1897, p. 30.
[152] Or “Freygang.” Herkimer Democrat, NY. “Deaths From the Heat.” 7-14-1897, p. 1.
[153] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Hottest July 10 Since ʹ80.” 7-11-1897, p. 30.
[154] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Hottest July 10 Since ʹ80.” 7-11-1897, p. 30.
[155] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Hottest July 10 Since ʹ80.” 7-11-1897, p. 30.
[156] Evening News-Review, East Liverpool, OH. “350 Deaths From Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 3.
[157] Our number. Paper reports 31 heat deaths in Cincinnati in three days, including 12 on the 5th. There were 13 reported heat deaths on 4th. Thus, we subtract 25 from 31 to derive six.
[158] Fatalities identified as: Mrs. Dalia Rinner, Chas. Stahley, Bertha Decker, Jacob York, Mrs. Mary A. Klostermann, unidentified man thought to be Louis Smith, Mrs. Noel Winter, Fred Buehring, Fred Dietrich, Thomas Schnaebewl, Christine Tissy, Mary Qury, John Zoiler.
[159] Victims identified as: W. A. Baker, Mary Barnum, Harry Brown (infant), Laura Burdsal (infant), Mrs. Elizabeth Burke, Mary Fleming, Joseph Fisher, Richard Fleming, Joseph Haslacher, John Hewfling, George J. Hoefling, Kate Sextra (infant). (Indianapolis News, IN. “Deaths and Prostrations.” 7-6-1897, p. 2.)
[160] Fatalities identified as: L. Benton, 40; Philomena Sorg, 33; Dina Breckinridge, baby; Mildreth O’Donnell, 2-months; August Wyandt, 50.
[161] Fatalities identified as: John Brennens, Della Kidwell, Flora Brown, Mrs. Charles Scherman, Emma Duffee, George Gillette, Charles L. Benton, James Matthews.
[162] Fatalities identified as: Mrs. Kate Herwich, and James Elliot. Additionally, notes 23 heat prostrations.
[163] Arthur Affrey, Hyman Benjamin, 18-months, Edmund Born, Phil Leddy, Mrs. Eva Renkart, Carrie Selkatz, John Stenger. Article notes: “In Cincinnati hospitals there are 40 sufferers from sunstroke, and a total of 358 cases under treatment are very largely fro ailments superinduced by the heat. The maximum heat marked was 93 at 1 p.m. and 85 at 6 p.m. On the street at 9:30 tonight it was 83. The thunderstorms cooled the air but little.”
[164] Fatalities identified as: Miss Sarah Clinton, 50, found on a street; Mrs. Lena Sedusky, 66, in her room at place of employment; Mrs. Agnes Lee (nervous prostration brought on by heat); and John Hendel, soon after prostration..
[165] Steubenville Herald, OH. “Death From Heat.” 709-1897, p. 5.
[166] Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.
[167] Alton Evening Telegraph, IL. “Death At His Harvest.” 7-6-1897, p. 2.
[168] Victim identified as Aloys Horn, a baker, “who fell in front of a bake oven…” “In some places the mercury reached the 104 mark.”
[169] Fatalities identified as: Charles W. Mack, 51; George Taylor and Percy Cummins.
[170] Daily Republican, Defiance, OH. “Sun Stroke Victim, 8-12-1897, p. 3.
[171] Victim identified as Robert Owens, a stone mason.
[172] Victim identifies as Henry Rosebrook.
[173] Bradford Era, PA. “The Very Warm Weather.” 7-5-1897, p. 1. Paper notes that depending on the thermometer, temperatures varied from 95 to 100 degrees “in the shade” — “by all odds the hottest day of the season.”
[174] Oswego Daily Palladium, NY. “Heat Kills One at Celeron.” 7-7-1897, p. 2.
[175] “Philadelphia was among the ten hottest cities in the United States yesterday [June 30]. The government thermometer reached the maximum of the year, 91.4 degrees at 4 P.M. The minimum temperature of the day was 73 degrees at 5:30 A.M., and the mean was 82 degrees, 2 degrees warmer than the mean temperature any day this year, and 8 degrees above normal….The genuine suffering caused by extreme heat is beginning to make itself apparent, especially so in the narrow, cramped tenement houses, with their seemingly innumerable occupants, to whom a breath of fresh air is a luxury….As usual the government thermometer was more conservative in its estimates than nearly all the other thermometers in the city, which did duty down near the sidewalks where people lived and suffered. Many of the less elevated showed a maximum of 95 degrees and several of more or less trustworthiness reached figures even higher….” (Philadelphia Times. “Mercury Went Far Too High.” 7-1-1897, p. 1.)
[176] Philadelphia Times. “Died From Heat Prostration.” 7-3-1897, p. 1.
[177] Philadelphia Times. “Heat Drives Crowds Away.” 7-4-1897, p. 1.
[178] Philadelphia Times. “Two Deaths From the Heat…Continued High Temperature To-Day.” 7-10-1897, p. 5. Notes: “Yesterday the maximum temperature was 90 degrees…reached at 2:30 o’clock in the afternoon. This was two degrees higher than the maximum on Thursday. The lowest point to which the mercury dropped was 70 , and the mean temperature of the day was 80. At 8 o’clock in the morning the thermometer registered 75 degrees, and at 8 o’clock in the evening 82. At 8 o’clock A.M. the humidity was 82 and 8 o’clock P.M. 60.”
[179] Philadelphia Times. “One Death Reported.” 7-11-1897, p. 1. Notes that the maximum official temperature was 94, and that there were a number of heat prostrations as well — on hot streets, at work and homes.
[180] Philadelphia Inquirer. “Death From The Heat.” 7-13-1897, p. 2.
[181] Philadelphia Times. “Heat Claimed One Victim.” 7-12-1897, p. 1. Notes that at 2 pm the temperature reached maximum of 91 and that heat prostrations dropped to eight.
[182] Philadelphia Inquirer. “Death From The Heat.” 7-13-1897, p. 2. Philadelphia Times article of same date on his death has the name as Thomas Marks. Also notes that the high for the day was 90, but cooler weather expected.
[183] Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 1.
[184] Philadelphia Times. “Hot Day In Pittsburg.” 7-4-1897, p. 1.
[185] Philadelphia Times. “Hot Day In Pittsburg.” 7-4-1897, p. 1. Another paper wrote: “This was Pittsburg’s hottest day for years…The government thermometer registered 98.4 as the maximum, which was reached at 5 p.m. Ordinary everyday thermometers on the streets showed the mercury ranging between 108 and 110 almost the entire day.” (Bradford Era, PA. “Hottest In Years.” 7-5-1897, p. 1.)
[186] Indianapolis News, IN. “Two Deaths at Pittsburg.” 7-6-1897, p. 2. Notes: “The thermometer here yesterday [5th] reached 99 degrees, the hottest July day for ten yeasts. As a result of the intense heat two deaths and seventeen prostrations are reported.” Notes she was visiting from St. Joseph, MO.
[187] Evening News, Benton Harbor, MI. “St. Joseph Woman Dies.” 7-7-1897, p. 1.
[188] Philadelphia Inquirer. “Two More Deaths at Pittsburg.” 7-7-1897, p. 1.
[189] Philadelphia Times. “Three Deaths in Pittsburg.” 7-8-1897, p. 5.
[190] Oil City Derrick, PA. “One Victim in Pittsburg.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.
[191] Boston Sunday Globe, MA. “Three Deaths in Pittsburg.” 7-11-1897, p. 1. Notes it was 91 degrees at 1 pm.
[192] Fort Wayne Journal, IN. “Old Sol’s Harvest.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.
[193] Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Hot Weather in the South.” 7-3-1897, p. 2. Writes: “The mercury registered 94 in the shade at Memphis today [2nd]. There were several prostrations from the heat and two deaths….”
[194] “Nashville…July 4. The fearful heat prevailing yesterday when the government thermometer marked 100 degrees was somewhat lessened to-day, but not greatly. Three prostrations have been reported to-day and two deaths.”
[195] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Second To Die In Bellows Falls.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.
[196] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Second To Die In Bellows Falls.” 7-10-1897, p. 10. Since Bellows Falls and East Montpelier are not close to each other, this could not be a reference to that death,
[197] Boston Sunday Globe, MA. “Third Death. Bellows Falls’ Heat of Great Deadliness.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.
[198] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Fatal Cases of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.
[199] Bluefield Daily Telegraph, WV. “In City and Coal Field.” 7-14-1897, p. 1.
[200] Evening News Review, East Liverpool, OH, “Killed by the Heat,” 7-13-1897, p. 4.
[201] Writes “At Appleton the thermometer marked 100 degrees, and three deaths and several prostrations resulted.”
[202] Daily Gazette, Janesville, WI. “A Child Made Sick By Intense Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 5. Notes the parents went to see friends nine miles away and “when the return trip was undertaken the sweltering rays of the sun were felt. When Mr. and Mrs. Vobian reached their Western avenue home the babe was very ill. Dr. J. F. Pember, who was summoned found the little one’s pulse registering 107 degrees, and in spite of all that could be done, the babe died.” Notes, additionally, that at workman at the Newville bridge was overcome the day before “and is very sick.”
[203] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.
[204] “Milwaukee, July 6.–The intensely hot wave continues unabated and the record of 97 degrees was reached again Monday [5th]. Charles Fraser, a workingman, died here from the heat and there were numerous prostrations. Other parts of southern Wisconsin are suffering the same as Milwaukee.” (Stevens Point Daily Journal, WI. “Hot Wave in Wisconsin.” 7-6-1897, p. 2.)
[205] Notes 13 non-fatal heat prostrations as well.
[206] Daily Crescent, Defiance OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.
[207] Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “Death By Sun Stroke.” 7-6-1897, p. 4.
[208] Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “Coroner’s Inquest.” 7-6-1897, p. 1.
[209] Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “Dr. H. B. Dale Is Dead. Illness of Seven Days…” 7-7-1897, p. 1.
[210] Stevens Point Daily Journal, WI. “Many Die From Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2. Paper notes “The thermometer registered 101 degrees at two p.m.”
[211] Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “Sun Stroke Was Fatal.” 7-10-1897, p. 2. Notes that victim was taken to a hospital in serious condition where “After having been in the ice bath half an hur his temperature was still at 110 degrees. Gradually it decreased for a short while and again began to rise. All the afternoon the physicians and nurses worked over the unfortunate man, but without avail. The temperature, whicvh had been decreased to 103 degrees after having been in the ice bath an hour, rose again to 107 degrees. The man was then too weak to be again immersed, so stimulants were applied. He grew weaker and weaker and died at two o’clock this morning. The deceased man is a native of Germany, and has resided in the city for about two years…”
[212] A paper on the 9th wrote: “The mercury last Sunday [4th] reached 95 degrees twelve hundred feet west of the lake [Lake Michigan]. On Monday it wavered between 91 and 94; on Tuesday it was about 90 and yesterday it reached 94 in the shade while in th sun it was simply fearful and few were able to stand the heat for any length of time. Yesterday afternoon at least half a dozen foundries were closed, the men not being able to stand the terrible heat which was increased while the pouring off was in progress. Here in Racine the harbor piers afforded a great relief last evening. Hundreds of people occupied places at the extreme end and all along the line while many slept there all night. The street cars were liberally patronized and it was cool while the cars were running. The weather man sent out a telegram yesterday that today would witness the hottest weather of the year, and, in fact, warmer than before in years….” (Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Killed By The Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.)
[213] Stevens Point Daily Journal, WI. “Hot Wave in Wisconsin.” 7-6-1897, p. 2. Notes three others “prostrated.” Another paper has the second victim’s name as Charles Pokorny and notes he had arrived from Bohemia just two weeks earlier. (Racine Journal, WI. “Sudden Deaths.” 7-8-1897, p. 1.)
[214] Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Killed By The Heat. William Tepz Succumbs…Hot Weather.” 7-9-1897, p. 1. Paper notes he became prostrated after reaching his boarding house after a full day’s work. Died four hours later despite medical attention.
[215] Bridewell Prison was in South Lawndale community area of Chicago. (ChicagoHistoryMuseum.)