80 –1,226

lornajarrettblanchard June 25, 1913

Last edit by Wayne Blanchard January 21, 2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–1,226 Bureau of the Census, US Dept. of Commerce. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 5, p.353.

[Blanchard note on the Census Data: The Bureau of the Census Letter of Transmittal to the Dept. of Commerce notes “the registration area of the United States for the year 1913…represented an estimated population of 63,298,718, or 65.1 per cent of the total estimated population of the United States.” On page 10 the “registration area” states from which data was obtained are listed as:

California Missouri Ohio

Colorado Montana Pennsylvania

Connecticut New Hampshire Rhode Island

Indiana New Jersey Utah

Kentucky New York Vermont

Maine North Carolina (towns of 1,000 population or over.)

Maryland Virginia

Massachusetts Washington

Minnesota Wisconsin

Additionally data was collected from some cities in AL, DE, FL, GA, IL, KS, LA, NE, OR, SC, TN, TX and WV. Thus, the 1,226 heat deaths noted by the Census Bureau should be viewed as a minimum in that only 65% of the US is included in the data gathered from the registration area.

–249-394 Blanchard tally based on State and local breakouts below for June 25-July 3.

–200 Fort Wayne News, IN. “Heat Wave is Passing Away…Two Hundred Lives.” 7-1-1913, 1.

Summary of State Breakouts Below

California ( 37) New York ( 80)

Colorado ( 1) North Carolina ( 2)

Connecticut ( 4) Ohio ( 178)

Illinois ( 92) Pennsylvania ( 237)

Indiana ( 72) Rhode Island ( 6)

Iowa ( 6) Utah ( 1)

Kentucky ( 65) Vermont ( 3)

Maine ( 8) Virginia ( 20)

Maryland ( 23) Washington ( 1)

Massachusetts( 28) Wisconsin ( 63)

Michigan ( 68)

Minnesota ( 24)

Missouri ( 114)

Montana ( 0)

New Hampshire( 2)

New Jersey ( 44)

Breakout of 1913 Heat-Related Deaths By State (and locality when noted):

California ( 37) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 361.

Colorado ( 1) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 365.

Connecticut ( 4) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 369.

Illinois ( 92) June 25-July 1

— 1 Bay City, June 30. Daily Journal, Stevens Point WI. “Heat…Victims.” 6-30-1913, p. 2.

–79 Chicago. Loerzel. “Another Deadly Chicago Heat Wave: 1916.” [1913: second-highest]

–60 Chicago, June 25-July 1

–40 June 25-29. Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette. “Forty…Dead…Heat…Chicago.” 6-30-13, 1.

— 3 June 26. Logansport Pharos-Reporter, IN. “No Relief is Promised…” 6-27-1913, 1

— 4 June 27. Fort Wayne News, IN. “Chicago Swelters…Heat Wave.” 6-27-1913, p. 18.

–14 June 28. Logansport Journal Tribune, IN. “14 Die…Heat in Chicago.” 6-29-1913, 1

–10 June 29. Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette. “Forty…Dead…Heat…Chicago.” 6-30-13, 1

— 7 June 30. Daily Journal, Stevens Point WI. “Heat Claims…Victims.” 6-30-1913, 2.

–10 June 30. Muscatine Journal, IA. “Heat Wave…Death List Grows.” 6-30-1913, 1.

–10 July 1. Logansport Journal-Tribune, IN. “Shower Breaks Grip of Heat.” 7-2-13, 1.

— 4 Joliet, Jun 30. Daily Journal, Stevens Point WI. “Heat Claims…Victims.” 6-30-1913, 2

— 6 Peoria, Jun 29. Daily Journal, Stevens Point WI. “Heat Claims…Victims.” 6-30-1913, 2.

— 1 “ Jun 30. Washington Post. “Heat’s Toll 74 Lives…Sixth Torrid Day.” 7-1-1913, 1.

— 1 Rockford, Jun 30. Daily Journal, Stevens Point, WI. “Heat Claims…Victims.” 6-30-13, 2.

Indiana ( 72) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 373.

–1 Evansville, Jul 1. Logansport Journal-Tribune, IN. “Shower Breaks Grip of Heat.” 7-2-13, 1

–1 Gary, Jun 27. Logansport Pharos-Reporter, IN. “No Relief is Promised…” 6-27-1913, 1.

–4 Hammond vic. Oakland Tribune, CA. “Death Rides on Wave of Heat.” 6-29-1913, 17-18.

–1 Huntington, Jul 1. Logansport Journal-Tribune, IN. “Shower Breaks…Heat.” 7-2-1913, 1.

–3 Indianapolis, by Jul 1. Fort Wayne News, IN. “Heat Wave is Passing Away…” 7-1-1913, 1.

–5 South Bend, Jun 30. Logansport Journal-Tribune, IN. Shower Breaks…Heat.” 7-2-1913, 1.

–4 “ Jul 1. Logansport Journal-Tribune, IN. Shower Breaks Grip of Heat.” 7-2-13, 1

–1 Vincennes, Jun 29. Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette. “Indiana…Sweltering Heat.” 6-30-13, 1.

Iowa ( 6)

— 1 Burlington, Jun 28. Muscatine Journal, IA. “Heat Wave…Death List Grows.” 6-30-1913, 1

— 1 “ Jun 29. Muscatine Journal, IA. “Heat Wave…Death List Grows.” 6-30-1913, 1

— 1 Des Moines, Jun 25. Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette, IA. “State News.” 6-25-1913, 6.

— 1 Dubuque, Jun 28. Oakland Tribune, CA. “Death Rides on Wave of Heat.” 6-29-1913, p. 17.

— 1 Webster City, Jun 25. Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette, IA. “State News.” 6-25-1913, 6.

Kentucky ( 65) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 377.

Maine ( 8) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 389.

Maryland ( 23) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 393.

Massachusetts ( 28) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 405.

Michigan ( 68) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 409.

— 2 Detroit, ~Jun 28. Marshfield Times, WI. “Heat Kills Many.” 7-2-1913, p. 19.

— 2 Grand Rapids, Jun 28. Evening Chronicle, Marshall, MI. “Many Deaths…” 6-28-1913, 1.

— 1 “ Jun 30. Washington Post. “Heat’s Toll 74 Lives…Sixth Torrid Day.” 7-1-1913, 1

— 1 Hillsdale, Jun 28. Evening Chronicle, Marshall, MI. “Many Deaths…Heat.” 6-28-1913, 1.

— 1 Kalamazoo, Jun 28. Evening Chronicle, Marshall, MI. “Many Deaths…Heat.” 6-28-1913, 1

— 1 Saginaw, Jun 30. Daily Journal, Stevens Point WI. “Heat Claims…Victims.” 6-30-1913, 2.

Minnesota ( 24) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 413.

— 1 Biwabik, Jun 30. Washington Post. “Heat’s Toll 74 Lives…Sixth Torrid Day.” 7-1-1913, 1

— 1 Hibbing, Jun 30. Washington Post. “Heat’s Toll 74 Lives…Sixth Torrid Day.” 7-1-1913, 1

— 2 Minneapolis, Jun 27-28. Daily Commonwealth, Fond Du Lac, WI. “Cleveland…” 6-28-13

— 2 St. Paul, Jun 27-28. Daily Commonwealth, Fond Du Lac, WI. “Cleveland…” 6-28-1913, 1

— 1 “ Jun 28. Oakland Tribune, CA. “Death Rides on Wave of Heat.” 6-29-1913, 17-18.

Missouri ( 114) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 417.

Montana ( 0) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 421.

New Hampshire ( 2) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 426.

New Jersey ( 44) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 429.

New York ( 80) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 433.

North Carolina ( 2) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 437.

Ohio ( 178)

–178 Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 449.

–176 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below, June 26-July 3.

— 11 Cincinnati, June 27-July 3. Blanchard tally from breakouts below

–5 June 27-28. Daily Commonwealth, Fond Du Lac, WI. “Cleveland…” 6-28-1913, 1.

–1 June 28. Oakland Tribune, CA. “Death Rides…Wave…Heat.” 6-29-1913, p. 17.[1]

–4 June 30-July 1. Fort Wayne News, IN. “Heat Wave is Passing Away…” 7-1-1913, 1.

–1 July 3. Newark Advocate, OH. “`Doc’ Simmons is Dead; Heat Victim.” 7-3-1913, 10

–161 Cleveland, by Jun 28. Oakland Tribune. “Death Rides…Wave…Heat.” 6-29-1913, p. 17.[2]

–15 June 26-27. Logansport Pharos-Reporter, IN. “No Relief is Promised…” 6-27-1913, 1.

–17 June 27-28. Daily Commonwealth, Fond Du Lac, WI. “Cleveland…” 6-28-13, p. 1.

— 3 June 28. Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, IN. “Three Deaths at Cleveland.” 6-29-1913, 2.

— 1 June 30. Washington Post. “Heat’s Toll 74 Lives…Sixth Torrid Day.” 7-1-1913, 1.

–13 June 30-July 1. Fort Wayne News, IN. “Heat Wave is Passing Away…” 7-1-1913, 1.

— 2 Columbus, Jun 30-Jul 1. Fort Wayne News, IN. “Heat Wave is Passing Away.” 7-1-13, 1

–2 July 1. Logansport Journal-Tribune, IN. “Shower Breaks Grip of Heat.” 7-2-13, p. 1.

— 1 Newark, by June 28. Marshfield Times, WI. “Heat Kills Many.” 7-2-1913, p. 19.

— 1 Sandusky, June 26. National Democrat, Des Moines, IA. “Woman Dead…Heat.” 6-26-13.

Pennsylvania ( 237) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 453.

— 1 Clarksburg, Jun 28. Evening Chronicle, Marshall, MI. “Many Deaths…Heat.” 6-28-13, 1.

–15 Gettysburg, by July 2. Lock Haven Express, PA. “Killing Heat in Camp…” 7-2-1913, 1.

–18 Philadelphia, Jun 27-28. Daily Commonwealth, Fond Du Lac, WI. “Cleveland…” 6-28-13

— 3 “ Jul 1. Logansport Journal-Tribune, IN. “Shower Breaks Grip of Heat.” 7-2-13, 1

— 1 Pittsburgh, Jun 28. Evening Chronicle, Marshall, MI. “Many Deaths…Heat.” 6-28-1913, 1

— 6 “ Jul 1. Logansport Journal-Tribune, IN. Shower Breaks Grip of Heat.” 7-2-13, 1

Rhode Island ( 6) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 457.

Utah ( 1) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 461.

Vermont ( 3) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 465.

Virginia ( 20) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 469.

Washington ( 1) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 481.

Wisconsin ( 63) Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1913, Table 6, p. 485.

–13 State, Jun 30. Washington Post. “Heat’s Toll 74 Lives…Sixth Torrid Day.” 7-1-1913, 1

— 1 Lacrosse, Jun 30. Washington Post. “Heat’s Toll 74 Lives…Sixth Torrid Day.” 7-1-1913, 1

— 2 Milwaukee, Jun 27. Fort Wayne News, IN. “Chicago Swelters…Heat Wave.” 6-27-13, 18.

— 6 “ Jun 27-28. Daily Commonwealth, Fond Du Lac, WI. “Cleveland…” 6-28-13, 1

— 2 “ Jun 28. Oakland Tribune, CA. “Death Rides on Wave of Heat.” 6-29-1913, 17.

— 1 “ Jun 30. Washington Post. “Heat’s Toll 74 Lives…Sixth Torrid Day.” 7-1-1913, 1

–18 “ Jun 27-30. Washington Post. “Heat’s Toll 74 Lives…Sixth Torrid Day.” 7-1-1913, 1

— 1 Racine Jun 30. Washington Post. “Heat’s Toll 74 Lives…Sixth Torrid Day.” 7-1-1913, 1

Narrative Information

June 25: “Webster City – C. E. Buell is dead, a victim of heat prostration….

“Des Moines – The six months old son of Mr. and Mrs. John Clemm is dead from prostration by heat.” (Webster City, Jun 25. Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette, IA. “State News.” 6-25-1913, 6.)

June 26: “Milwaukee, Wis., June 26 (UP) – Beginning last night and continuing today a wave of heat swept southern Wisconsin that left the population while perspiring and praying for the rain promised in the weather forecast. Reports fixed average of temperature at 87. It was 96 here at 1 o’clock with several minor prostrations reported. Port Washington reported the lowest temperature of 82 while Elkhorn was sweltering with the mercury at 93.” (Daily Commonwealth, Fond Du Lac, WI. “Wisconsin Swelters in General Heat Wave.” 6-26-1913, 1.)

June 26: “Sandusky, O, June 26. — Mrs. Chester M. Hand was found dead on a couch in her home here by her husband, C. C. Hand. It is supposed she got up in the night and lay on the couch, where she died from exhaustion from the heat.” (National Democrat, Des Moines, IA. “Woman Dead From Heat.” 6-26-1913, 1.)

June 27: “Chicago, June 27. – With four deaths reported during the morning and the thermometer at ninety-three at noon, Professor Henry Cox, of the government weather bureau, issued a special bulletin warning residents of Chicago that the mercury may reach 100 before night and that for the next two or three days the city will suffer a terrific spell of heat. Thunder clouds that hung over the city early in the day disappeared and with them went the weather man’s hopes of a break in the heat wave.

Terrific at Milwaukee.

“Milwaukee, Wis., June 27. – With a record of two dead as a result of the heat the mercury did more record breaking stunts today, when the promised rain failed to materialize, and at noon government thermometers showed a temperature of ninety-two degrees. Many horses are dropping dead and automobile trucks are working far in the night to deliver delayed orders.

Hot in Indianapolis

“Indianapolis, June 27 — Hundreds of persons slept in parks last night to get relief from the heat and humidity. No relief is in sight.” (Fort Wayne News, IN. “Chicago Swelters Under Heat Wave.” 6-27-1913, p. 18.)

June 27: “Chicago, June 27. – Another hot day swooped down upon Chicago today. Slight promise of relief was held out by the weather forecaster, who said that thunder showers were due tonight. Three deaths from heat occurred yesterday, and several prostrations ware reported early today. Four deaths were reported to the police at 9 o’clock. The temperature at this hour, was eighty-eight on the official thermometer, while street thermometers registered ninety-eight to one hundred, the highest temperature of the season at this time of day. No relief was promised by the

weather bureau….

“At 1 o’clock this afternoon the official temperature was 96 degrees and the city was sweltering under the extremely low relative humidity which stood at 62.

“Cleveland, 0., June 27 — The deaths of seven babies occurred last night, due to the terrific heat and humidity which made it the most oppressive night of the year here. Today a breeze off Lake Erie relieved the situation somewhat and hopes for cooler weather were held out by the government forecaster. At noon the heat became terrific and by 2 o’clock, the temperature in the street went to 99, a new record for the year. Fifteen deaths since last evening due to the heat were reported, ten of these being babies.

“Gary, Ind., June 27 — One death and scores of prostrations were reported here today on account of the heat. An unidentified man dropped dead on the street at noon. The hospitals were crowded with men who were overcome at work in the steel mills.” (Logansport Pharos-Reporter, IN. “No Relief is Promised by Weatherman.” 6-27-1913, 1.)

June 27, AP: “Columbus, O., June 27 (AP) – All of Ohio is sweltering with heat, according to reports reaching this city before noon today. Indications were that the temperature would be around the one hundred mark before the middle of the afternoon. The official forecaster does not promise any relief from the torrid spell soon. At 9:30 this morning the official temperature at the weather bureau was 90, the hottest at that hour of the year.

“Cleveland, Cincinnati and other cities of the state also reported high temperatures this forenoon, with indications of broken records before the middle of the afternoon. Many cities and towns reported prostrations early today and indications were that the list would be increased today…

“Chicago, June 27 (AP) – Intense heat, with no relief in sight for the next few days, is predicted for Chicago and the middle west in a special bulletin issued today by Henry J. Cox, official weather forecaster for this district. The special bulletin reads:

“Fair weather and intense heat will continue throughout the middle west for a period of several days, there being no relief whatever in sight.”

“Despite a brisk breeze from the west the thermometer was 88 at 9 o’clock and was slowly rising.

“Newark is still in the grip of the most oppressive and intense heat of the season, and what’s more, the weather man doped it out Friday that there would be no let up in the high temperature at least for the next few days. One actual prostration has been reported in Newark. Several cases

of over-heating has compelled caution on the part of persons working in the open and exposed to the sun’s rays.

“With the dawn of day, Friday, it became evident that Thursday’s heat would in all probability return, and when at 7:45 a. m. the thermometer at Central fire station registered 84 degrees in the shade, another hot day was assured. The readings showed 73 degrees at 6 o’clock, 78 at 7 o’clock, 84 at 7:45, at 86 at 9 o’clock. From that time the mercury continued to rise until at 1 o’clock it registered 97 in the shade.

“Police patrolman on the public square literally threw down the bars, and swelterers sought the little relief that was offered by shady spots in the court house park. A breeze that prevailed from the west all day brought practically no relief, as the air was dry and hot.” (Newark Advocate, OH. “There Will be No Relief From the Present Heat Wave for Several Days.” 6-27-1913, 1.)

June 28: “Milwaukee, Wis., June 28 (UP) – Business was at a standstill today as the result of the fourth day of the scorching heat which gripped Milwaukee at sunrise and retained its hold till noon when the mercury registered 104. On the verge of prostration themselves business men dismissed clerks and sought country clubs and summer resorts. Milwaukee’s “4,000,000” not having the wherewithal to sojourn in the land jinrickey and julep spent the day at parks and at bathing beaches.

“At noon the list of prostrations swelled from 24 to 45 but no additional deaths were reported. Every cot in the Emergency hospital was filled and one ambulance brought victims to their homes while others brought in new “heat cases.” Many cases are serious.

Chicago Has Slight Drop.

“Chicago, Ill., June 28 — Slight relief from the heat wave that cost sixty-six deaths in the United States in twenty-four hours came in the form of cooling breezes that descended on some of the stricken cities at noon.

“In Chicago, the center of the “heat belt,” the thermometer dropped three degrees and at noon stood at 85.

Overcoats in Crede

“Crede, Col., June 28 – Overcoats were comfortable here today when the thermometer showed a temperature of 40 above at 7 a. m. Reports from Tennessee Pass show 45 above.

Furnaces Going in Duluth.

“Duluth, Minn., June 28 — While the rest of the country was held in the grip of a torrid wave, residents of Duluth wore top coats and started furnaces. Today was the coldest June 28 in years. The thermometer stood 44 at 8 a. m.

Death Toll 18 in Philadelphia.

“Philadelphia, Pa., June 28 — Philadelphia’s death toll from the heat reached eighteen shortly before noon. The weather moderated this afternoon.

Warning is Issued.

“Chicago, Ill., June 28 — With the entire region from Pennsylvania to the Rockies engulfed in an intense heat wave that has cost thirty-nine lives and two hundred prostrations, the government weather bureaus issued warning today forecasting a temperature of 100 before the hot spell is broken.

Ice Famine Adds to Suffering.

“Cincinnati, Ohio, June 28 – Intense suffering which accompanied the heat was aggravated today especially among the poor by an ice famine caused by the strike of ice wagon drivers, engineers and firemen. Lines of citizens many blocks long waited at daylight before plants that have ice on hand.

“Five deaths and scores of prostrations was the toll of the heat today. The city, which has been purchasing ice from out of town stations today sent appeals for aid to all surrounding cities. Every effort is being made to keep hospitals and the sick supplied. Several manufacturers today promised to attempt resumption of operations.

105 at Detroit.

“Detroit, Mich., June 28 — Detroit and all of Michigan faced another day of extreme heat. The local weather bureau indicated no relief. Reports from state points told of deaths and prostrations. Yesterday the temperature in Detroit passed all records. The government at Kiosk registered 105.

Cleveland Death Record 17.

“Cleveland, Ohio, June 28 — That yesterday’s record of 101.2, the hottest June day in Cleveland in years, will be surpassed today was the prediction of the weather forecaster. The death toll of heat in the past twenty-four hours is seven adults and ten infants while scores of prostrations are reported. Hundreds slept in the parks last night, and thousands sought relief in them today.

No Deaths in Lincoln.

“Lincoln, Neb., June 28 — With the mercury registering 88 at 10 o’clock another sweltering day began in this locality. Though this section has been one of the hottest in the country in the past few days no deaths have been reported. Yesterday the government thermometers registered 98.

Denver Gets Off Easy.

“Denver, Col., June 28 — Cloudy and cooler was the forecast for Denver and vicinity today. Though yesterday was the hottest of the year the only prostration reported was that of one of the Turners who over-exerted at Turnklatz. The maximum temperature in the past twenty-four hours was ninety-four.” (Daily Commonwealth, Fond Du Lac, WI. “Cleveland Leads Heat Death Roll.” 6-28-1913, 1.)

June 28: “Pittsburg, Pa., June 28. – One death and several prostrations were reported in Pittsburg today. Forecaster Pennywitt said it would be the hottest day of the year. Coming as a climax to several days when ‘it wasn’t the heat, but the humidity,’ Pittsburgers were sure the day would break all records. Mrs. Susan White, 69, died at her home, 5811 Broad street.

“Mrs. Belle Jacobs, 58, died of heat prostration at her home in Clarksburg [east of Pittsburgh]….

“Philadelphia, Pa., June 28…. Philadelphia’s death toll from the present heat wave reached 18 shortly before noon when John McClinteck, 57 years old, dropped dead from the oppressive heat.” (Evening Chronicle, Marshall, MI. “Many Deaths Caused by Heat.” 6-28-1913, 1.)

June 28: “Cleveland, O., June 28. – Three deaths of adults in addition to the usual quota of infant deaths, were added to the toll of heat victims here to-day. The dead are:

Mrs. Mary Belcher, 67.

Philip Vollmer, 77.

Mrs. Elizabeth Wagner, 76.

“Last night was the hottest of the year, and thousands fled to the parks and beaches for relief. To-day the thermometer started out to break all altitude records with a mark of 89 degrees at 9 o’clock.” (Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, IN. “Three Deaths at Cleveland.” 6-29-1913, 2.)

June 28: “Chicago, June 28. — Four days and nights of uninterrupted heat brought their result here today in fourteen deaths from heat stroke and four from drowning directly attributable to the heat. The temperature today was not extreme, but the mercury stood in the neighborhood of 88 all day and the debilitating effects of the hot nights affected the death toll.” (Logansport Journal-Tribune, IN. “14 Die From Heat in Chicago.” 6-29-1913, p. 1.)

June 28: “St. Paul, Minn., June 28. – Patrick Whalen is dead, two others are in the hospital and another deranged is being sought by the police as the result of the heat.

“Milwaukee, June 28. – William Tecrick, employed in an undertaking parlor, was overcome by heat and died almost instantly.” (Marshfield Times, WI. “Heat Kills Many.” 7-2-1913, p. 19.)

June 28: “Chicago, June 28. – There was no relief from the intense heat blanketing the middle west and extending eastward today. Temperatures continued to hug the 100 mark and reports of deaths and prostrations continued to come from all directions. Official high temperatures reported to the weather bureau were as follows: Cincinnati, Evansville, Ind., Peoria, Springfield, Ill., and St. Louis, 98; Dayton, O., Fort Wayne, Ind., Davenport, Ia., Cairo, Ill., and Concordia, Kas., 96…unofficial reports showed as high as 110. The latter figure was reported by Centralia, Ill. All business was suspended for three hours there during the afternoon there because of the heat. It was the hottest day in twenty years. Physicians were kept busy ministering to prostrated victims. Sycamore, Ill., reported a official temperature of 101½ degrees….

“Public work suspended at Dubuque, Ia.

“Nine deaths and twenty-seven prostrations in Chicago….

“St. Louis reported the hottest day of the year, the thermometer reaching 98½ degrees. Despite the high temperature but one heat prostration was reported.

“In Omaha the official government temperature was 98, but unofficial thermometers went a high as 102. Higher temperatures ruled throughout the state of Nebraska. Valentine reporting 104. No deaths were reported in Omaha, although there were many prostrations. Lincoln reported four prostrations and scattering reports from the state at large bring the total prostrations up to twenty. The weather forecaster at Omaha holds out no hope of relief.

“Practically all public work was suspended in Dubuque, Ia., because of the heat. The thermometer registered 96. One death resulted.

“Two deaths and several prostrations were reported from Milwaukee. Spreading rails as a result of the heat caused the derailing of an interurban street car bound from Milwaukee to Kenosha. The passengers were shaken up, but none was seriously injured.

“Cincinnati reported the hottest June day in the history of the weather bureau there. The official temperature was 97½ degrees, while street thermometers were almost ten degrees higher. One suicide resulted from the heat, while there were a dozen prostrations. A store window full of fireworks was fired when the heat caused a premature explosion.

“The official high temperature in Cleveland was 90, while the thermometer in the government kiosk on the public square registered 101. Thirteen died from the heat, three were driven insane, two were killed and five seriously injured by lightning and thirty-eight prostrations were reported to hospitals. The intense heat of the summer in Cleveland has caused the deaths of 148 babies and thirteen adults.

“Hammond, Ind., reported four deaths from the heat in that vicinity.

“One hundred icemen in Grand Rapids picked out today, the hottest of the year, to strike for a raise. They got it.

“While the official temperature in St. Paul was but 94, street thermometers registered as high as 105. There was no breeze and suffering was intense. One death and five prostrations were reported.” (Oakland Tribune, CA. “Death Rides on Wave of Heat.” 6-29-1913, pp. 17-18.)

June 29: “Chicago, June 29. – The fifth day of sever heat brought the death roll of this hot spell here to about forty to-night. Ten deaths to-day were reported by the police and there were hundreds of prostrations taxing the capacity of public and private hospitals. The maximum temperature here today was 90 and the mercury stood near that point all day. For more than 120 hours the thermometers have registered around that figure, and neither night nor day has there been more than a suspicion of lake breezes to temper the suffering. Thousands rushed to the lake for relief and several drownings were reported here and at suburban points. “At Joliet, Ill., four persons died today from the heat and seven others are reported near death.” (Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette. “Forty…Dead…Heat…Chicago.” 6-30-13, pp. 1 and 11.)

June 29: “Washington, June 29. – An end is in sight to the hot wave that has held sway over the central states for several days. In its weekly bulletin to-night the weather bureau predicted that the extreme heat would be broken in the plains states Monday or Tuesday and that a cool wave then would move slowly eastward.

“Indianapolis, Ind., June 29. – Indiana sweltered in the heat wave again to-day and to-night, with the thermometer registering a hundred or more in many places….Several prostrations were reported here. The maximum temperature reported by the local weather bureau was 96.2 while the kiosk, at the street level registered 104 degrees. All heat records for the year were broken at Evansville, when the government street level thermometer reached 106 and that on the federal building topped 100.

“At Lafayette where 100 degrees was registered, the heat was so oppressive that several of the ministers asked the men in their congregations to remove their coats. One prostration was reported there.

“For the third consecutive day 100 degrees, was reached in Vincennes. Edward Cobin, 39, died in the street as a result of the heat.

“The heat was so great in Washington, Ind., that some of the preachers held their evening services from the steps of the churches.

“The hottest day of the year was recorded in Valparaiso, with a temperature of 100 degrees. There were five prostrations and Howard Pridgeon, 22, of Gary, while trying to cool-off in Flint Lake was downed in sight of 2,000 resorters.

“The parks here were crowded with persons, trying to keep cool. To-night the grass of the parks and newspapers are beds for hundreds, who found their homes too hot for sleep.” (Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, IN. “Indiana is Held in the Grip of Sweltering Heat.” 6-30-1913, 1.)

June 30: “Results of the Heat Wave.

Dead Prostrated

Chicago 7 6

Joliet, Ill. 4 7

Bay City, Ill. 1 —

Rockford, Ill. 1 5

Peoria, Ill. 6 12

Saginaw, Mich. 1 2

Nashville, Ill. 1 —

St. Louis 1 2

21 [22] 34

“Chicago, June 30. – Lake Michigan’s ever ready breeze, minus the punch which it usually possesses during a heat wave, brought partial relief to sweltering Chicagoans, but not until after seven more deaths had been claimed. The list of prostrations reached 35. The two days’ heat wave already has increased infant mortality. Twenty-one deaths of infants were reported.

“A ray of hope was seen in reports from Salt Lake City and Duluth, where furs and overcoats were much in evidence, but the chilly winds failed to reach this section of the country. In Salt Lake City rain and snow fell and the temperature was 53 degrees, 29 below normal. At Duluth the thermometer registered as low as 42 degrees. Reports of almost unprecedented heat, however, continued to move in from the south and west.” (Daily Journal, Stevens Point, WI. “Heat Claims More Victims.” 6-30-1913, p. 2.)

June 30: “Chicago, June 30. – Thirty-nine persons are known to have died here today as a result of he intense here…Ninety-nine degrees was registered by the government thermometer above the weather bureau. The government thermometer on the street level showed a temperature of 102 degrees. The heat last night and today was not tempered by a breeze. The record-breaking heat today was the culmination of a six-day period in which the thermometer dropped below 90 degrees only for a few hours in the early mornings. U to the last 24 hours more than forty are known to have died as a result of the heat….

“Extra police crews were detailed to ambulance duty and patrol as well as the regular ambulances were called in to use to carry heat victims to their homes or to hospitals.

“Reports from Coroner Hoffman indicate that few persons under forty years of age had been seriously affected by the heat. The average age of those who died was fifty years….

“A new month record for heat was made this June. There were eight days on which the thermometer registered 90 degrees or above. The hospitals reported many cases of patients having been bitten by dog.” (Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, IN. “Thirty-Nine Dead in Chicago from Heat’s Ravages.” 7-1-1913, 1.)

June 30: “Chicago, Ill., June 30. — Twenty-seven deaths — ten of them today — and scores of prostrations was the record at 2 p. m. of this, the sixth day of the hot spell. All June records for heat were broken at 2 o’clock this afternoon when the weather bureau reported “99 degrees and rising.”

“A thunderstorm promised for tomorrow is the only relief in sight but it is predicted the humidity will decrease also. If the weather forecast materializes the temperature may be 10 degrees lower tomorrow. The dead today included:

Gustave Lundgren, hanged himself while insane from heat.

Frank Schorrney, prostrated in street, died at hospital.

Lena May Zook, overcome while picking cherries at La Grange, a suburb, fell from

ladder and was killed.

Joseph Vetula, jumped in pool of water in clay hole, while overheated, drowned.

Peter E. Berry, paving inspector, died at a wedding, heart disease, superinduced by heat.

Joseph Smith, Laborer, died of sunstroke.

Michael Borres, sunstroke.

John Rosenberger, overcome last Thursday, died today.

“….Last night was the hottest of the summer and thousands of persons slept on roofs, porches, in backyards and on sidewalks. Every public park was crowded with people unable to sleep in their homes. There have been 42 deaths and more than 200 prostrations from the heat in three days. The mortality rate among infants has been larger than in several years. Charity organisations continued the delivery of free ice in the tenement house district.

“The weather forecaster predicted that thunder showers will bring relief tomorrow.” (Muscatine Journal, IA. “Heat Wave…Death List Grows.” 6-30-1913, 1.)

June 30: “Burlington, Iowa, June 30. – Two deaths from heat prostration is the record here for Saturday and Sunday. The victims were Henry Smith, farm hand, overcome Saturday afternoon and died Saturday night.

“James Gallagher, laborer, overcome Sunday afternoon, died in a hospital two hours later. Yesterday was the hottest day of the season, the maximum temperature being 98. Today promises to break this record. It was 90 degrees at 7 a. m., 10 degrees hotter than at the same hour Sunday morning.” (Muscatine Journal, IA. “Deaths at Burlington.” 6-30-1913, 1.)

June 30: “Chicago, June 30. — Reports received up to a late hour tonight showed that at least 74 persons died today as a result of the heat wave in the central West. The heat wave, which has continued uninterruptedly for six days, extended from Denver to Pittsburgh, and as far north as Lake Superior. Chicago, with a temperature of 102 degrees, was the hottest place in the United States except Tucson, Ariz., where the temperature also was 102.

“Intense suffering was reported in all the large cities enveloped in the heat wave. Fatalities due to the heat were reported at Hibbing, Minn.; Biwabik, Minn.; Milwaukee, Racine, Lacrosse, Wis.; Peoria, St. Louis, Grand Rapids, and Cleveland.

Thirty-nine Fatalities in Chicago.

“Thirty-nine persons are known to have died here today as a result of the intense heat. This number includes only the cases reported by the coroner and the police, and, it is expected, will be increased by reports of private physicians. Of these deaths, 32 were the direct result of heat strokes, 5 persons committed suicide as a result of the heat, and 2 deaths were of children seeking relief. This was the hottest June day recorded in this city since the government records were begun in 1872. More than 100 cases of heat prostration were reported to the police today. Hospital ambulances handled as many more, and all the hospitals in the city are filled tonight with those stricken in the streets.

Thirteen Dead in Wisconsin.

“Milwaukee, Wis., June 30 – Thirteen deaths from heat in Wisconsin were reported today. There were scores of prostrations. In Milwaukee eighteen have died from heat in the last four days. A rainstorm swept over the city late this afternoon, and the weather officials predict comfortable weather tomorrow. Heavy rain and wind storms were reported throughout the northern and central parts of the State, and some damage is said to have been done to crops.” (Washington Post. “Heat’s Toll 74 Lives. Chicago’s Record 39 Fatalities on Sixth Torrid Day.” 7-1-1913, 1.)

July 1: “Chicago, July 1. – Lowering clouds that threatened to deluge half the states of the middle west today forecasted quick relief from the four-day heat wave that has taken a toll of 200 lives and nearly 1,000 prostrations since the mercury first began to mount last Friday [June 27]. The torrid spell reached its climax yesterday and before midnight the temperature was reported to be dropping in nearly all the cities of the heat belt. Locally cooling breezes from the lake caused a drop of nearly 20 degrees in twelve hours, thermometers registering from 81 to 85 today.

“Chicago’s list of dead for the twenty-four hours ending today is now thirty-eight, with reports of infant mortalities coming in hourly. The mercury went to 98.6, the hottest June day in the history of the government weather bureau. The toll of dead set a new record also.

“Telegraphic reports from all over the middle west today indicate that more than fifty persons died in yesterday’s torrid spell. Mad dogs added to the terrors of the day and twenty persons were bitten in Chicago alone. Light showers will give relief today, according to the weather man, and the thermometer at no time will register above 85.

Ohio Still Swelters.

“Cleveland, O., July 1. – While Ohio cities along the lake shore got relief from the terrific heat today by a light breeze, inland cities continued to suffer intensely as the thermometer again began to climb toward the hundred mark. Reports today indicated that deaths from heat in the state during the past twenty-four hours would total close to twenty-five. In this city alone eleven babies and two adults have died from heat. Columbus reports two deaths and Cincinnati four.

“While the temperature here reached 101 yesterday afternoon, indications were that that mark would be passed. At Lima the mercury in a thermometer touched 117 and then exploded.

“Ice famines are reported in several Ohio cities. At Cincinnati the ice strike is causing unusual suffering. Springfield ice dealers are only making half portion deliveries and Toledo’s supply is very low.

Third Victim at Indianapolis.

“Indianapolis, Ind., July 1. – The heat wave claimed its third victim here when Albert Jordan, sixty, who was overcome by heat Monday, died this morning at the City hospital.” (Fort Wayne News, IN. “Heat Wave is Passing Away…” 7-1-1913, 1.)

July 1: “Evansville, July 1.– The hot wave was broken here this afternoon when the thermometer fell from the high point, 95 degrees at 4 o’clock, to 80 degrees at 6 o’clock. At 7:30 a rain began, which has been falling intermittently during the night. A seven mile wind from the northeast brought the big drop in the temperature. High temperature in the Kiosk on the street level was 104. Although not the hottest day of the season the heat prostrations were more numerous than any other day a dozen cases having been reported. The death of one aged woman was attributed to the heat…

Pittsburgh, July 1. — Six dead from heat, three drowned while seeking relief in the rivers and over a score of prostrations marked the heat wave here today. Late this afternoon a terrific electrical storm occurred. At least four persons were killed by lightning and a number stunned. The thermometer during the afternoon reached 93.3 degrees, but tumbled rapidly after the storm.

“South Bend, July 1. — Four persons died from the effects of the heat and another was overcome here today. Five died yesterday, the result of prostrations. A thunderstorm late this afternoon caused a drop in temperature of from 100 to 86 degrees. The dead: The Rev. Valentine Czyzowiski, 76, pastor of St. Hedwigs Catholic church; Wilhelmina Mueller, 2 months; Peter H. Osch, 75; William Brown, 57…

“Chicago, July 1. — Although the heat was broken last night and the government thermometer indicated 79 degrees, ten additional deaths were reported to the coroner this afternoon of persons previously stricken…

“Columbus, 0., July 1. — Two deaths and four prostrations due to the intense weather, were recorded here today. The government thermometer registered 97 degrees while street thermometers registered 102 degrees. Thunderstorms brought slight relief tonight…

“Philadelphia, July 1. — Three deaths and numerous prostrations were caused by the excessive heat today. The highest temperature was 91 at 3:45 this afternoon…

“Huntington, Ind., July 1. – James Fulton, thirty-five, was overcome by heat and died within a short time here today. Two other persons were prostrated. The temperature today was 95, while yesterday it reached 100.” (Logansport Journal-Tribune, IN. “Shower Breaks Grip of Heat.” 7-2-13, 1.)

July 2: “Gettysburg. Pa., July 2. — Only two deaths were reported in or near the great camp of Union and Confederate veterans on the battlefield yesterday; but it was learned from reliable sources that news of deaths was being held back by the authorities until the last day, in order not to needlessly scare the veterans away from the camp. It was stated in other quarters that 19 persons had died in town and camp up to 3 o’clock yesterday morning, and that yesterday’s terrible heat had killed at least 15 of them.

“Christopher Yates, 78 years old, a veteran of the One Hundred and Twelfth Pennsylvania, whose home is at No. 315 Washington street, Latrobe, Pa., was one of the victims of yesterday’s heat whose name was made public. He was found dead in his tent.

“The first death of a veteran in the town of Gettysburg proper was reported yesterday afternoon. The victim was J. D. Albert, of Washington, D. C., about 70 years old, said to be prominently connected with the United States pension bureau. Death was due to a stroke of paralysis. Mr. Albert came here Monday and secured quarters in a boarding house in preference to going to camp.

“The man who was seen dead Monday night, but whose name the doctors at the provisional hospital refused to tell, was Otto L. Stamm, of Almond, N.Y., a veteran of the Twenty-seventh Massachusetts Infantry.

Some of the Death Secrets.

“In spite of the effort of the authorities, wild rumors of deaths have been floating around the camp all day. Two men died in the New Jersey camp Monday, and other veterans saw them pass away. The veterans were astonished when they saw no mention of it in the papers, and came to the correspondents’ camp to ask why no notice had been printed. They did not know the names of the men who had died….

“Nine hundred persons were treated for heat prostration by Red Cross stations on the outskirts of the camp, in addition to 500 treated in the camp. Several women visitors were among the victims.

“Peter B. Walters, Tarentum, Pa., 72 years old, a veteran, was prostrated by the heat at York last night while on his way to Gettysburg. The train was stopped there and the old soldier was taken to the York hospital, where it is said his condition is serious. He was a member of the Third Pennsylvania Artillery.

Doctors Amazed.

“The doctors were amazed yesterday at the way the veterans withstood the unusual heat, for it poured down in a way to keep men scores of years younger in the shade. About 30 veterans were taken sick in the big tent during the exercises, but most of them were able to get up and walk away from the relief stations to which they were taken after a few minutes’ rest.

“The army ambulances were fairly busy during the day, and there were several hundred men who dropped in at relief stations, got a bit of medicine, rested for a half-hour or so, and then went back to their tents. Out-and-out cases of heat prostrations were unusual, considering the vast army in the field, and altogether the veterans showed their mettle was still good throughout a trying day.” (Lock Haven Express, PA. “Killing Heat in Camp Lays Up Many Veterans.” 7-2-1913, 1.)

“This morning’s Harrisburg Patriot says: About two thousand of the veterans in six train loads from the Gettysburg Encampment, returned to this city yesterday by way of the Reading, on account of the intense heat. When one old fellow was asked what the trouble was he said: They might as well put us to work at once at the steel works, for the heat over at camp is just as bad”.” (Lock Haven Express, PA. “Veterans Driven From Camp by Intense Heat.” 7-2-1913, 1.)

Sources

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Bureau of the Census, US Dept. of Commerce. Mortality Statistics 1913. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1915. Accessed 1-21-2024 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsushistorical/mortstatsh_1913.pdf

Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette, IA. “State News [Webster City, IA Heat Death].” 6-25-1913, p. 6. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52318970

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Evening Chronicle, Marshall, MI. “Many Deaths Caused by Heat.” 6-28-1913, 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=102431582

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[1] Reported as “one suicide resulted from the heat.”

[2] “The intense heat of the summer in Cleveland has caused the deaths of 148 babies and thirteen adults.” Most accounts on the time include only adult fatalities and prostrations.