1835 — Apr-Aug, Cholera, esp. Madison, IN; KY, esp. Russellville; New Orleans, TN–590-601
— 590-601 Blanchard tally based on Sate and locality breakouts below.[1]
Summary of State Breakouts Below
Georgia ( ?)
Indiana ( 43) (June 10-July 9)
Kentucky ( 248) (June 14-Aug 28)
Louisiana (140-150) (~Apr 24-May 9) New Orleans
Missouri ( 19) Especially Palmyra
New York ( 4)
Ohio ( 43) (June 13-Aug 3) Esp. Red Lion and West Union
South Carolina ( ?) (Cases reported)
Tennessee ( 93-94) (Apr 13-July 5) Esp. Memphis and TN Penitentiary
Breakout of 1935 Cholera Fatalities by State and Locality
Georgia ( ?)
–? Ogeechee River. Cases “at several places on the Savannah and Ogeechee rivers.
–? Savannah River. Cases “at several places on the Savannah and Ogeechee rivers.
Indiana ( 43) (June 10-July 9)
— 8 Charlestown, Clark Co. June 22-30. Indiana Journal, Indianapolis. 7-17-1835, p. 2.[2]
–32 Madison, Jefferson Co. to June 25. Republican & Banner, Madison. “Extra.” 6-25-1835, 1.
–30 “ June 14-22. Indiana Journal, Indianapolis. “Cholera.” 6-26-1835, 2.
–21 “ June 10-18. Indiana Journal, Indianapolis. “Cholera.” 6-26-1835, 2.
— 3[3] “ July 2-9?[4] Republican & Banner, Madison. “Cholera.” 7-9-1835, 3.
Kentucky ( 248) (June 14-Aug 28)
— ? Columbia, Adair Co. “…is raging with violence…” Boston Morning Post. 7-17-1835, 2.[5]
— 3 Louisville[6] to July 2 Collins and Collins. History of Kentucky (V1), 1882, p. 40.
— 15 Mason County to July 2 Collins and Collins. History of Kentucky (V1), 1882, p. 40.
— 17 Maysville to July 2 Collins and Collins. History of Kentucky (V1), 1882, p40.[7]
— 4 “ to June 11 Boston Morning Post, MA. 6-27-1835, p. 2.
— 7 “[8] to Jun 18. Republican Compiler, Gettysburg. “The Cholera.” 7-14-1835, 1.
— 11 Millersburg to July 2 Collins and Collins. History of Kentucky (V1), 1882, p. 40.
–120 Russelville to Aug 2 Republican & Banner, Madison, IN. 8-20-1835, p. 3, c. 1.[9]
–112 “ to July 2 Collins and Collins. History of Kentucky (V1), 1882, p. 40.
–50-100 by Aug 15. Palladium, Lawrenceburg, IN. “The Cholera.” 8-15-1835.
–1 James Armstrong.
–1 R. Belt.
–1 F. R. Browning.
–1 Miss Burges.
–1 R. S. Emmitt.
–1 George Gray.
–1 Wm. L. Harding.
–1 R. Jackson.
–1 S. W. Linebraugh.
–1 S. Myers.
–1 Miss O’Bannon.
–1 Charles Rhea, Editor of the Weekly Messenger.
–1 Miss Rice.
–1 Col. W. L. Sands.
–1 James C. Slaughter.
–1 Miss Underwood.
–2 Mrs. Warren and her daughter.
–1 Doctor Wilcox.
— 80 “ by June 27 Republican and Banner, Madison, IN. 8-13-1835, p. 3.
— 75 “ Sep 8 report. Huron Reflector, Norwalk, OH. “Cholera.” 9-8-1835, p.3.[10]
— 13 Sharpsburg to July 2 Collins and Collins. History of Kentucky (V1), 1882, p. 40.
— 64 Versailles[11] Aug 15-24 Collins and Collins. History of Kentucky (V1), 1882, p. 40.
–59 “ Aug 16-28?[12] Indiana Journal, Indianapolis. “Cholera” 8-28-1835, 3-4.[13]
— 7 Westport June 14-20 Indiana Journal, Indianapolis. “Cholera.” 6-26-1835, p. 2.
Louisiana (140-150) (~Apr 24-May 9)
— ? New Orleans, June 1 rept.: “The Cholera…prevailing…alarming extent…New-Orleans.”[14]
–150 “ Apr 24-May 9. Kotar and Gessler. Cholera. 2014, p. 137.[15]
–140-150 “ ~Apr 24-May 9. Boston Morning Post, MA. 5-29-1835, p. 2.
Missouri ( 19)
— 1 Natchez, Adams Co., July 11, Mr. Elisha Davis, ~56. Smith abstract, WWR, 7-24-1835.
— 17 Palmyra, Marion Co., by June 22. Boston Morning Post. “St. Louis, June 22.” 7-9-1835, 2.
— 1 St. Louis, June 22, John W. Carpenter. Boston Morning Post. 7-23-1835, p. 2.
New York ( 4)
— 4 Buffalo, by Aug 1. Board of Health, City of Buffalo, Aug 1, 1835; H. Pratt, Mayor.[16]
Ohio ( 43) (June 13-Aug 3)
— 5 Bucyrus, Crawford Co., by June 20. Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, PA. 6-30-1835, p.3.
— 4 “ June. Huron Reflector, Norwalk, OH. “Cholera.” 6-23-1835, p. 3.
— 1 Cincinnati, June 7, Dr. William Voris, visiting from Brush Creek Forge.[17]
— ? Cleveland. Cases reported. The People’s Press, Gettysburg, PA. 7-24-1835, p. 4.
— 3 Lebanon and Waynesville, Warren Co., by June 26.[18]
–18 Red Lion, Warren Co., by July 17. Indiana Journal, Indianapolis. 7-17-1835, p. 2
–8 “ by June 25. Adams Sentinel, Gettysburg. “Cholera.” 7-13-1835, p. 3.
–2 “ June 13, Samuel N. Gustin and wife. (Hoot, Tom. Find A Grave.)
–1 “ date not noted, James Gallaher. Bumgarner. “Biographical Information of Mrs. …”
— 16 West Union, Adams County. Evans/Stivers, p. 375. “broke out…with fearful fatality.”[19]
–8 “ June 28.[20]
“ –Rebecca Cluxton, 19, married. Died same day of onset. Evans and Stivers, 374.
“ –Hamilton Dunbar, 53. Evans and Stivers, p. 373.
“ –John Hyde, young man visiting from Maysville, KY. Evans and Stivers, 374.
“ –Samuel McCullough. Evans and Stivers. A History of Adams County… p. 373.
“ –John Seaman, living ~two miles outside of town. Evans, 373-74.
“ –John Sinton, 71. Evans and Stivers. History of Adams County, p. 374.
“ –John H. Thomason, 14; became sick after dinner, soon died. Evans/Stivers, 374.
“ –Mrs. Prudence Woodrow, a young married woman. Evans and Stivers, p.373.[21]
–1 “ June 30, Levi Rogers. Evans and Stivers, p. 375.
–1 “ July 1, William McGovney. Evans and Stivers, p. 375.
–1 “ July 7, Susan Hollingsworth, 12, after 8-hour illness. Evans and Stivers, p. 375.
–1 “ July 11, Daniel P. Wilkins, 37, a lawyer; died same day as attacked. Evans, p. 375.
–1 “ July 12, Roland Dyer, 32, stage driver. Evans and Stivers, p. 375.
–1 “ July 13, Col. John McDade, ex-county sheriff. Evans and Stivers, p. 375.
–1 “ July 29, Mrs. Sara Armstrong, who had fled to Ripley but later returned. Evans, 375.
–1 “ Aug 3, Captain John Vance’ sixteenth and last fatality. Evans and Stivers, p. 375.
South Carolina ( ?)
— ? Charleston. McClellan. “Chap. IV. Cholera Epidemic of …1834 in North America,” 593.[22]
Tennessee ( 93-94) (Apr 13-July 5)
— 7 Beach Grove. Morning Post, MA. 8-8-1835, p. 2, col. 3.
— 1 Clarksville, Montgomery Co., Miss Ann McClure. Smith abstract of WWR, 7-24-1835.[23]
— 10 Franklin,[24] June 28-July 5 Smith abstract, Western Weekly Review, TN. 7-8-1935.[25]
“ July 2, Mr. Jacob Everly, about 37.
“ July 2, Mr. John Graham, 45,
“ July 2, Frank Harris, free negro.
“ July 2, negro girl, named Martha, belonging to Dr. L. O’Brien, about 70.
“ July 3, Mr. Wm. P. Hayes, 40.
“ July 3, Mr. Augustus P. H. Watson, about 19.
“ July 3, negro boy Jack, belonging to Mr. Hughs.
“ July 4, Miss P. Parrish, 18, at the residence of Col. B. S. Tappan.
“ July 5, Mr. John W. F. Baxley, 43.
“ July 5, about two miles from town, John Wilkins, a free negro.
— 1 Franklin, Aug 13, Cpt. Andrew Read, 40. Smith abstract, Western Weekly Review, 8-21-1835.
— 1 Harpeth Lick vicinity,[26] July 3, son of Mr. Noah Scales, between 7 and 8.
— 1 “ July 4, Mr. Daniel Scales, 60.
— 1 Leipers Fork,[27] July 4, on Mr. Jas Hughs Sr., 60.
— 1 “ July 4, in the same neighborhood, Richard Reynolds, esq., 35.
— 1 Maury Co. Eliza M’Crady, 17. Smith abstract, Western Weekly Review, TN, 7-24-1835.
— 35 Memphis, by May 14?[28]Republican Compiler. “Cholera in Memphis.” 6-23-1835, 2.
— 34 “ by May 15?[29] Boston Morning Post. “Explosion of the Majestic.” 6-3-1835, p2.
— 34 “ by ~mid-May Kotar and Gessler. Cholera. 2014, p. 137
— 4 “ week of Apr 13-Apr 23. Memphis Gazette, 4-23-1835.[30]
— ? “ June 1 rpt.: “The Cholera was prevailing at Memphis to an alarming extent.”[31]
— ? Murfreesborough. July 17 report: cholera “has been pretty bad at Murfreesborough.”[32]
–4-5 Nashville, city of, by July 8. Blanchard tally from sources below.
–2-3 “ by June 25. Boston Morning Post, MA. 7-10-1835, p. 2.
–1“ June 18, John V. Cowardine. Western Weekly Review, Franklin, TN. 6-19-1835.
— 1 “ suburbs, June 29. The People’s Press, Gettysburg, PA. 7-24-1835, p. 4.
— 1 “ July 8, Thomas W. Talbot. Smith abstract, Western Weekly Review, 7-18-1835.
— 1 Shelbyville, Bedford County. Boston Morning Post, MA. 8-8-1835, p. 2, col. 3.
–28 Tennessee Penitentiary, Nashville. Prison Discipline Society. Annual Report, 1837, p. 52
–25 “ “ “ Boston Morning Post, MA. “Cholera.” 8-5-1835, p. 2.[33]
— 1 Williamson County, June 30, Samuel White. Smith abstract. Western Weekly, 9-4-1835.
— 1 “ Aug 13, Allen Johnson, 70. Smith. Western Weekly Review, 9-11-1835.
— ? Williamsport. Cases reported. Vache. A Brief…Sketch…Rise…of Cholera. 1850. p. 50
— 1 Wilson Co., July 16, Mr. Thomas Drennen, 66. Smith abstract, Western Weekly, 7-24-1835
General
McClellan: “In 1835, cholera was again introduced into the United States from Cuba, where the disease was especially virulent at Santa Iago, Havana and the south side of the island. New Orleans and Charleston, the latter city, for the first time, especially, suffered from the disease….” (“Chapter IV. Cholera Epidemic of 1832, 1833, and 1834, in North America,” p. 593.)
Indiana
June 18 Report on Madison: “It becomes our painful duty to announce the existence and progress of the Cholera in Madison, It made its appearance on Wednesday last [June 10?], when Mr. and Mrs. Meek, two of our oldest citizens, were attacked; they died on Thursday. On Friday, Mrs._____ Black was attacked, and died on Saturday. On Saturday, John Castlen was attacked, and died in about eight hours. No cases occurred on Sunday and Monday, and we flattered ourselves that this terrible disease had ceased its ravages. But on Monday night it appeared in a more malignant form than it had ever visited us before. No deaths occurred until Tuesday morning, since which time, up to 7 o’clock Wednesday morning, there have been 14 deaths. The following we believe, is a correct list of those who have died since its first appearance: On Thursday, Mr. and Mrs. Meek; on Saturday, John Castlen and Mrs. Black; on Tuesday, up to 7 o’clock Wednesday morning, Mrs. (Wm.) White, Archibald Causby and daughter, Samuel Wells, Mrs. Richards, Miss Shannon, James H. Wallace,[34] two children of John Coffman’s, Wm. Smith, Jas. W. Guthrie, Mrs. Gavit, Mrs. Bergin and son, a girl at J. G. Moore’s, name unknown, making the number who have died since its first appearance, nineteen.
“Since writing the above, we have heard of two deaths, Mrs. (Samuel) Wells, and a child of Mrs. Barnum. There are now (Thursday morning [June 18]) but one or two cases which, it is feared, will terminate fatally. Madison Republican, June 18.” (Indiana Journal, Indianapolis. “Cholera.” 6-26-1835, p. 2.)
June 25 on Madison: “We presume our patrons will require no apology from us for presenting them to-day with an ‘Extra.’ If they do, we can only refer them to the derangement, distraction and distress that have prevailed here during the past week, occasioned by the ravages of the Cholera. – Some of our hands left the office; the sick, the dying and the dead, claimed our attention; our co-editor amongst its early victims, — all combined to derange our affairs and prevent the issuing a full sheet. From present appearances, however, we presume we shall be able to continue our regular publications next week. We cannot at this time announce to our readers the entire subsidence of the Cholera amongst us, but we can say, it no longer prevails as an epidemic. During the last two or three days, there have been a few occasional cases, some of which proved fatal, but generally yielded to medical aid.
“We think the disease has been more violent and rapid in its progress at its late visitation, than it was if the fall of 1832. At that time there were 60 cases an 27 deaths reported to the Board of Health; at this time, the number of cases has not as yet been ascertained, but the deaths amount to 32. Twenty-one were announced in our last paper, and the name of one victim (Mrs. Martin), who died before that paper was put to press, was omitted, making 22 up to that time. Since Thursday morning last up to 12 o’clock on yesterday (Wednesday), the following persons are reported to us, as having died of the disease, viz:
June 19th, John Reiter.
“ Dr. Zibe H. King.
“ ____Wright
20th Evan Prethero.
“ a child of Mr. Reed’s.
“ David Miles.
21st a child of Mr. Sammons.
22nd James H. Weatherford.
23rd Mrs. Miles, wife of D’d. Miles.
“ ____ Buckles.
“Making 32 in all who have died within the corporation. We have heard of no now cases today (Wednesday), but the humidity of the atmosphere, and the chilliness of the air, admonish us to be prudent, and to watch every symptom of the disease. The Cholera yields to medical skill, if promptly applied, but if the premonitory symptoms are neglected, it soon obtains the mastery.” (Republican & Banner, Madison. “Extra.” 6-25-1835, 1.)
June 26 report on Madison: “This prince of terrors has again made its appearance, in a very malignant form, on our borders. We had hoped, from its almost entire absence during the last season [1834], that our country might be spared from its further ravages. Its appearance however seems to be about as mysterious as its character. In its movements it baffles all philosophy, and in its treatment it sets at defiance all human skill. Its cause, its remedy, every thing about it, seems to be inscrutable. It made its appearance at Madison[35] during the last week [June 14-20] with a virulence which has scarcely been surpassed any where. Every case, so far as we have learned, had a fatal termination, and in many cases the usual premonitory symptoms did not appear, cramps and spasms in some instances being the first intimations of the approach of the disease. We are pleased to learn that it is abating. The whole number of deaths up to Monday morning [June 22] had been 30, more than half of which occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday preceding [June 16-17]. The account which we copy from the Republican and Banner will give the reader he names of those who had died previous to the issuing of the paper on Thursday. Ten or eleven have died since that time, whose names we are not able to give.
“The Cholera also broke out at Westport on the Kentucky side 15 or 20 miles above Louisville during the last week. We are informed that fourteen cases occurred on Thursday, seven of which terminated fatally. We have not heard of its being bad at any other places.” (Indiana Journal, Indianapolis, IN. “Cholera.” 6-26-1835, p. 2, col. 4.)
July 3 report: “The Cholera has nearly subsided at Madison, and we are not aware that it prevails to an alarming extent in any part of our country at this time.” (Indiana Journal, Indianapolis. 7-3-18835, p. 2.)
Kentucky
Collins and Collins: “July 2 – Cholera again visits Ky.’ Deaths to date [July 2?] at Maysville 17, in Mason county 15, in Millersburg 11, in Sharpsburg 13, in Louisville a few deaths, in Russellville 112 or 1 in 12 of the population.
“Aug. 24 – Deaths from cholera in Versailles, within 10 days [Aug 15-24?], 61, or 1 in 15 of the entire population. The deaths from cholera, in the years 1833 and 1835, at Millersburg were 49, or 1 in 9 of the population; in Flemingsburg in 1833, 68, or 1 in 10; in Paris in 1833, 86 or 1 in 14; in Lexington in 1833, 502 or 1 in 11; in Maysville in 1832-’33-’35, 115 or 1 in 20.” (p. 40)
May 27 report: “This disease seems slowly ascending the Western Waters, and settling at various points along the Mississippi valley. The Pittsburg Statesman, on the 27th ult. says the Steamboats arriving at Louisville have had many cases on board; but it makes no mention of the disease having taken root on shore, yet, at that point.” (Adams Sentinel and General Advertiser, Gettysburg, PA. “Cholera.” 6-15-1835, p. 6.)
June 18 on Maysville: “Maysville, Ky. June 18…There have been seven deaths in this city, of Cholera, since the publication of our last paper, viz. One on Wednesday evening the 10th – two on Friday – One on Saturday morning, and one yesterday. A good many cases, and several deaths, have occurred in the county from the disease.” (Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, PA. “The Cholera.” 7-14-1835, p. 1.)
Louisiana
Kotar and Gessler: “A report from the New Orleans Bee, May 9, 1835, stated that cholera had again made an appearance in the city, but most of the 150 deaths attributed to the disease within the past 16 days [~Apr 24-May 9] were confined to persons arriving onboard steamboats who had become intemperate and careless of diet: ‘many of them were but the progress of disease from dysentery to diarrhoea and death. But every fatal indisposition must now be termed cholera.’ Noting there was not much fear among the citizens, as cholera had proven to be noncontagious and ‘scarcely regarded any more than an endemic…easily conquered by our medical practitioners,’ the Bee called for precautionary measures to be adapted to address problems associated with the levee where passengers congregated. Isolated cases were reported throughout the rest of the decade but yellow fever remained the primary health concern.” (p. 137)
May 7 report: “The New Orleans Bulletin of the 7th inst. [May] states that some cases of cholera have unquestionably occurred during the past week or two, on board the shipping and about the Levee – enough to admonish all to be careful in diet – but there is little if any cholera in the city, and not sufficient to justify any alarm.” (Boston Morning Post, MA. “The New Orleans Bulletin of the 7th inst.” 5-22-1835, p. 2.)
May 9 report: “The Steamboat Mail arrived about 9 o’clock, last evening. The New Orleans Bee of the 9th inst. states that there have not been less than 140 or 150 deaths, from cholera, in that city, during the 16 preceding days [~Apr 24-May 9] – it has been principally confined to passengers on board steamboats or flat boats.” (Boston Morning Post, MA. 5-29-1835, p. 2.)
May 9 report: “New Orleans, May 9. The Cholera has again appeared in the city, but certainly not to such an extent nor with such aggravating symptoms as to excite apprehensions in those who are temperate in their drinks, abstemious in their diet, and cartful in their habits. Most of the cases that have occurred were of persons arriving on board the steamboats where they had become careless and intemperate; and many of them were but the progress of disease from dysentery to diarrhoea and death. But every fatal indisposition must now be termed cholera.
“There have not been less than about 140 or 150 deaths from cholera during the past 16 days, but in almost every instance those cases have been confined to the levee–passengers on board steam or flat boats. Should not some municipal code of sanitary law be established on this subject? There is not much fear of the cholera spreading among our citizens, as the disease is proved to be
not contagious ; & precautionary measures should be adopted for the sake of all. – Bee.” (Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, PA. “The Cholera.” 6-9-1835, p. 1.)
May 24 report: “A steam boat which touched here on Sunday morning last [May 24], direct from New Orleans, reports ninety-four deaths, by cholera, in that place, on the day before she left.” (Republican and Banner, Madison, IN. “The Cholera.” 5-28-1835, p. 2.)
June 6 report: “Letters have been received at the Merchant’s Exchange Reading room [Boston], stating that the Cholera and Yellow Fever broke out at New Orleans on the 6th of June.” (Boston Morning Post. “Yellow Fever and Cholera at New Orleans.” 6-29-1835, p. 2.)
Mississippi
May 22 report: “Three cases of cholera are reported for the week ending 29th ult. [April] by the Natchez Board of Health.” (Boston Morning Post, MA. 5-22-1835.)
Missouri
June 22 report: “St. Louis, June 22. — Our city, at present, as far as we can learn, is very healthy for the season. We have had but little cholera, and this disease with us appears to be less violent in its attacks than formerly. Cases of Cholera have appeared at Galena; but it was not prevailing to much extent. We are sorry to hear it has broken out with considerable fatality at Palmyra, seventeen deaths out of about twenty-five cases having happened. Among the number, we have heard the name of Daniel Bradley, Sheriff of the county, and Capt. William Massey. The Cholera has disappeared at St. Charles and Alton.” (Boston Morning Post. “St. Louis, June 22.” 7-9-1835, 2.)
Ohio
June 20 report, Bucyrus vicinity: “The People’s Advocate, printed at Bucyrus, Crawford county, Ohio, dated on the 20th inst. states that 16 or 17 cases of Cholera had occurred within a few miles of that town. Four brothers of the name of Shtull, and a son of one of them, had died.” (Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, PA. 6-30-1835, p. 3.)
June 23 report on Bucyrus: “On Saturday last, we had sight of a handbill published at Bucyrus on the 19th inst. – stating that the Cholera was prevailing there; to what extent it did not state, nor mention any deaths – report says, there has been 14 cases and 4 deaths.” (Huron Reflector, Norwalk, OH. “Cholera.” 6-23-1835, p. 3.)
June 25 report on Red Lion, Lebanon and Waynesville: “Cholera. – The Franklin {Ohio} Argus of the 25th ult. [June], states that the Cholera continued its ravages in the neighborhood of Red Lion, Warren county. The following names are given as of those who had fallen victims to it: Dr. Joseph Stanton, Postmaster at Springs-borough; Benajah Gustin; Miss Hannah Gustin; Joseph Green; George Rosser; Mrs. Marshall; John Bogarth, and James Gallagher. At the last accounts, however, there had been no new case for the preceding 24 hours.
“The Columbus {Ohio} State Journal of the 26th ult., states that several deaths by Cholera had taken place in the vicinity of Lebanon, and at Waynesville, in Warren county. The town of Columbus has enjoyed excellent health.” (Adams Sentinel, Gettysburg. “Cholera.” 7-13-1835, 3.)
June 28-29 report, West Union: “…eight persons died that Sunday [June 28] when the disease appeared, and all within six or eight hours from the time they were attacked. The village was at once shut up; no one went in and no one came out except the Armstrong family, whose members went to Ripley. The country people would not come to the village for their mail or anything else. The citizens, as much as possible remained in their homes, and did not go out, except to minister to the sick, or to bury the dead. They would eat no fruits, believing if they did, they would be attacked with the cholera. They lived chiefly on bread and milk. There was one notable and noted exception; this was Rev. Dyer Burgess. He went everywhere and told the people that slavery was worse than the cholera. He circulated his abolition tracts right along, and wherever in could nurse the sick, or pray with them, or minister to their needs in any way, he would do so, and it made no difference whether the persons ministered to were friends or enemies. He alone, of all the people in the village, ate all the fruit he wished; and to show his contempt for current theories during the scourge, he sat in his front door and ate publicly, a whole dish of sliced cucumbers, which, at that time, were believed to be sure death.” (Evans and Stivers. A History of Adams County, Ohio. 1900, pp. 374-375.)
Tennessee
Kotar and Gessler: “Cholera appeared in Memphis, Tennessee (population 2,000), in early May 1835, forcing the Gazette to publish only a half sheet on the 14th, as three of their journey men were sick. The disease was considered ‘mild,’ however, yielding ‘so easily and readily to medicine.’ Four days later, however, attention turned to the explosion of the Majestic.[36]….As an afterthought, one report indicated ‘thirty-four deaths by Cholera had already occurred in that ill-fated city…and four transpired on the day of the accident’.” (p. 137)
April 23 report: “The Memphis Gazette of the 23d April, says – ‘Memphis has again been visited with the Cholera. It made its appearance last week; in the course of three days, eight or ten well developed cases, four deaths – two whites and two blacks – three of those had had very bad health for some time. The town is again entirely healthy’.” (Boston Morning Post, MA. “Cholera in Tennessee,” 5-14-1835, p. 2.)
May 12 report: “Cincinnati, May 12…There is no doubt of the existence of the Cholera in Memphis, Tennessee. We have just conversed with a highly respectable gentleman direct from that place who assures us that it prevails there with a very malignant type. – The Episcopal Clergyman, resident there, died the day he left, and there were daily from three to five deaths in that place. The population is about 2000.” (The Compiler, Gettysburg, PA, “Cholera in Memphis,” 5-26-1835, p. 3.)
May 14 report: “Cholera in Memphis, (Miss.)[37] – The Memphis Gazette, of the 14th ult. issued in a half sheet, with this explanation:
“On account of the continued prevalence of the cholera, we have been obliged to publish the present number of the Gazette on a half sheet — three of our journeymen have been sick, but are now convalescent.
“The Cholera. — Since our last, the Cholera has prevailed more generally than it has since its prevalence here. — Almost every person has felt more or less the symptoms, which have produced great precaution both in diet and using medicine in the onset of the disease. There seems to be no disease extant, which yields so easily and readily to medicine, in its inception, as the Cholera. Although the number of cases has increased, yet the type is much milder, frequently attacks run into a bilious fever; formerly all other attacks ran into a Cholera.
“Our Sexton informs us that six persons have died since our last. His report will show that since the Cholera came here, there have been 35 deaths.” (Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, PA. “Cholera in Memphis.” 6-23-1835, p. 2.)
May 20 report on Memphis: “The Evansville Journal of the 20th inst. states, ‘by a steam boat passenger, we have been favored with a hast glance at a Memphis paper, which states that the choler is prevailing there to an alarming extent. Almost every person had the premonitory symptoms.’ The article is concluded by a happy hit at the municipal authority of Evansville, for their reprehensible negligence, in permitting nuisances, such as ponds of stagnant water, the offal of pork houses, &c. to remain undisturbed, until their pestilential influence visits the citizens….” (Republican and Banner, Madison, IN. “The Cholera.” 5-28-1835, p. 2.)
June 3 report on Memphis: “Explosion of the Majestic. — About sixty persons were scalded, a large portion of them mortally….To add to the distress of the sufferers, the cholera is prevailing at Memphis to an alarming extent. Thirty-four deaths by cholera had already occurred in that ill-fated city, and four transpired on the day of the accident….” (Boston Morning Post. “Explosion of the Majestic.” 6-3-1835, p. 2.)
June 25 report on Nashville: “The Nashville Republican of the 25th ult. [June] says, ‘within a few days past the health of the city has much improved. There have been but two or three deaths from Cholera, and but few from other diseases. From what we can learn, Nashville is more healthy than some of the surrounding counties. We understand that the cholera has raged with considerable violence in Wilson, and that it prevails to some extent in Rutherford’.” (Boston Morning Post, MA. 7-10-1835, p. 2.)
Sources
Adams Sentinel and General Advertiser, Gettysburg, PA. “Cholera.” 6-15-1835, p. 6. Accessed 2-19-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=200291013
Adams Sentinel and General Advertiser, Gettysburg, PA. “Cholera.” 7-13-1835, p. 3. Accessed 2-19-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=38729478
Adams Sentinel and General Advertiser of Gettysburg, PA. [Cholera, Tennessee Penitentiary]. 9-7-1835, p. 6, col. 3. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/pennsylvania/gettysburg/gettysburg-adams-sentinel/1835/09-07/page-6?tag=cholera&rtserp=tags/cholera?psb=dateasc&page=3&pci=7&ndt=bd&pd=1&pe=30&pem=9&py=1835&pm=9&pey=1835
Adams Sentinel and General Advertiser, Gettysburg, PA. “Important News.” 6-1-1835, p. 6. Accessed 2-18-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=199375260
Boston Morning Post, MA. [Cholera, Columbia, KY] 7-17-1835, p. 2. Accessed 2-20-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=224627475
Boston Morning Post, MA. [Cholera, Maysville, KY] 6-27-1835, p. 2. Accessed 2-19-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=224627407
Boston Morning Post, MA. [Cholera, Nashville] 7-10-1835, p. 2. Accessed 2-19-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=224627451
Boston Morning Post, MA. [Cholera, Shelbyville and Beach Grove, TN] 8-8-1835, p. 2, col. 3. Accessed 2-20-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=224627551
Boston Morning Post, MA. “Cholera” [Tennessee Penitentiary, Nashville]. 8-5-1835, p. 2. Accessed 2-20-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=224627539
Boston Morning Post, MA. [Cholera death, St. Louis.] 7-23-1835, p. 2. Accessed 2-20-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=224627495
Boston Morning Post, MA. “Cholera in Tennessee,” 5-14-1835, p. 2. Accessed 2-19-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=224627259
Boston Morning Post, MA. “Explosion of the Majestic.” 6-3-1835, p. 2. Accessed 2-19-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=224627327
Boston Morning Post. “Extract of a letter dated Lexington, Kentucky, Aug. 19th.” 8-29-1835, p. 2, col. 1. Accessed 2-21-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/massachusetts/boston/boston-morning-post/1835/08-29/page-2?tag=cholera&rtserp=tags/cholera?psb=dateasc&page=2&pci=7&ndt=bd&pd=26&pe=30&pem=8&py=1835&pm=8&pey=1835
Boston Morning Post, MA. “St. Louis, June 22.” 7-9-1835, p. 2. Accessed 2-10-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=224627447
Boston Morning Post, MA. “The New Orleans Bulletin of the 7th inst.” 5-22-1835, p. 2. Accessed 2-19-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=224627287
Boston Morning Post. “Yellow Fever and Cholera at New Orleans.” 6-29-1835, p. 2. Accessed 2-19-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=224627411
Bumgarner, Mary Ann. “Biographical Information of Mrs. Sarah (Samuel) Gallaher.” Washington County Genealogy Project, 2004. Accessed 2-19-2015 at: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~pawashin/scrapbook/gallaher-sarah_bio.htm
Collins, Lewis and Richard H. Collins. Collins’ Historical Sketches of Kentucky. History of Kentucky By the late Lewis Collins, Judge of the Mason County Court. Revised, Enlarged Four-Fold, and Brought Down to the Year 1874, by his son Richard H. Collins (Vol. I). Covington, KY: Collins & Co., 1882. Accessed 2-16-2015 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=xMM6AQAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
Evans, Nelson W. and Emmons B. Stivers. A History of Adams County, Ohio From its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time. West Union, OH: E. B. Stivers, 1900. Google preview accessed at: https://books.google.com/books?id=8HwUAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
Gettysburg Star & Republican Banner, PA. [Cholera, Columbia, KY] 7-20-1835, p. 2. Accessed 2-20-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=199383595
Hoot, Tom. “Samuel N Gustin.” Find A Grave. Record added 10-24-2009. Accessed 2-19-2015 at: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=43483437
Huron Reflector, Norwalk, OH. “Board of Health, City of Buffalo, Aug. 1st, 1835.” 8-11-1835, p. 2. Accessed 2-20-1835 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=242986081
Huron Reflector, Norwalk, OH. “Cholera.” 6-23-1835, p. 3. Accessed 2-19-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=6364911
Huron Reflector, Norwalk, OH. “Cholera” [Russelville, KY]. 9-8-1835, p. 3. Accessed 2-21-2015: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/ohio/norwalk/huron-reflector/1835/09-08/page-3?tag=cholera&rtserp=tags/cholera?psb=dateasc&page=4&pci=7&ndt=bd&pd=1&pe=30&pem=9&py=1835&pm=9&pey=1835
Indiana Journal, Indianapolis, IN. “Cholera.” 6-26-1835, p. 2, col. 4. Accessed 2-18-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=198022676
Indiana Journal, Indianapolis. “Cholera in Versailles.” 8-28-1835, pp, 3-4. Accessed 2-21-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/indiana/indianapolis/indianapolis-indiana-journal/1835/08-28/page-3/?tag=cholera&rtserp=tags/cholera?pci=7&ndt=bd&pd=26&pm=8&py=1835&pe=30&pem=8&pey=1835&psb=dateasc
Indiana Journal, Indianapolis. [Cholera, Madison, IN] 7-3-18835, p. 2. Accessed 2-19-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=198022681
Indiana Journal, Indianapolis. [Cholera, multiple places, IN, OH, MO, TN] 7-17-1835, p. 2. Accessed 2-20-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=198022689
Kotar, S. L. and J. E. Gessler. Cholera: A Worldwide History. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Co., Inc. 2014. Google preview accessed 2-18-2015 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=I3bzAgAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
McClellan, Ely, M.D. (Assistant Surgeon U.S. Army). “A History of the Travels of Asiatic Cholera…In North America,” Part Second in: The Cholera Epidemic of 1873 in the United States (Ex. Doc. No. 95., House of Reps., 43d Cong., 2d Sess.). Wash.: GPO, 1875. At: http://books.google.com/books?id=RDUAAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_v2_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=true
Palladium, Lawrenceburg, IN. “The Cholera.” 8-15-1835. Accessed 11-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lawrenceburg-indiana-palladium-aug-15-1835-p-5/
Prison Discipline Society, Boston. Annual Report of the Board of Managers of the Prison Discipline Society, Boston. Boston: Samuel N. Dickinson, 1837. Accessed 2-20-2015 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=fUs6AQAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=true
Republican & Banner, Madison, IN. “Cholera.” 7-9-1835, p. 3. Accessed 2-19-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=196864667
Republican & Banner, Madison, IN. [Cholera, Russelville, KY] 8-20-1835, p. 3, col. 1. Accessed 2-20-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=196864691
Republican & Banner, Madison, IN. “Extra.” 6-25-1835, p. 1. Accessed 2-19-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=196864659
Republican & Banner, Madison, IN. “Obituary.” 6-18-1835, p. 3. Accessed 2-19-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=196864657
Republican & Banner, Madison, IN. “The Cholera.” 5-28-1835, p. 2. Accessed 2-19-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=196864644
Republican & Banner, Madison, IN. “The Cholera” [Russelville, KY]. 8-13-1835, p. 3. Accessed 2-20-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=196864687
Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, PA. [Cholera, Bucyrus, OH] 6-30-1835, p. 3. Accessed 2-19-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=2859663
Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, PA. “Cholera in Memphis,” 5-26-1835, p. 3. Accessed 2-19-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=2858773
Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, PA. “Cholera in Memphis.” 6-23-1835, p. 2. Accessed 2-19-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=2859454
Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, PA. “The Cholera.” 6-9-1835, p. 1. Accessed 2-19-2015 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ThumbImage.ashx?i=2859081
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Vache, Alexander F., M.D. “A Brief Historical Sketch of the Rise and Progress of Cholera, Etc., Etc., in a Letter Written to the Hon. C. D. Robinson, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Medical Societies and Colleges in the Senate of the State of New York.” 2-23-1850, in: Letters on Yellow Fever, Cholera, and Quarantine, Addressed to the Legislature of the State of New York: with Additions and Notes. NY: McSpedon & Baker, 1852. Accessed 4-24-2015 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=44PeX7rlPCIC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
[1] Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Feb 2015 and modified Nov 2018 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com
[2] Jacob Martin in town on 22nd, Phenia Money and Mrs. Harris in the country on 28th, Charles Pierce, Mary Canada, Mr. Paget on 29th, John Boyer on 30th in the country.
[3] It is written that “Some few deaths…” occurred. We have translated “some few” into “3” in order to count.
[4] The paper writes on Thursday, July 9, that there were “some few deaths…in town during the past week by cholera. We have taken the past week to mean Thursday July 2 through Thursday July 9. However it could conceivably mean the previous week of Monday June 39 through Sunday July 5, or some such accounting, though we wonder why print this article on July 9 if this were the case.
[5] A later report, “A letter from Columbia, Adair County, Ky. Under date of June 29th says, ‘The Cholera is raging here with great violence.” (Gettysburg Star & Republican Banner, PA. 7-20-1835, p. 2.)
[6] Our number – we take the liberty of translating “a few” into “3” for the purpose of contributing to the tally.
[7] One was Alexander Mitchell, 30, a miller on Brush Creek, who died June 4, leaving four children. (Evans and Stivers. A History of Adams County, Ohio From its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time. 1900, p. 372.)
[8] In addition to the seven deaths in Maysville it is noted that there were “several deaths…in the county…”
[9] Paper notes that “The entire population is only about 1000~ It is said the town is almost entirely deserted.”
[10] Notes that the seventy-five died in “three or four days, out of a population of 600 persons.”
[11] Versailles had a population of “about 1000 inhabitants” twelve miles from Lexington, at the time. (Boston Morning Post. “Extract of a letter dated Lexington, Kentucky, Aug. 19th.” 8-29-1835, p. 2, col. 1.)
[12] The Indiana Journal was published on Aug 28, and it pulls from the Frankfort (KY) Commonwealth for its information, which could have been printed the day before or earlier – we do not know, though.
[13] A list of 33 victims is provided as well as the note that 32 were white and 27 black.
[14] Adams Sentinel and General Advertiser, Gettysburg, PA. “Important News.” 6-1-1835.
[15] Kotar and Gessler note, from the New Orleans Bee report of May 9, some skepticism on the part of the paper that every death from “cholera” was actually cholera and not the more common dysentery or diarrhoea.
[16] This notice, published “By order of the Board of Health, H. Pratt, Mayor.” Is in: Huron Reflector, Norwalk, OH. 8-11-1835, p. 2. The “History of Buffalo” website notes that Hiram Pratt was the Mayor in 1835 and 1839. The notice is primarily about making the point that “the cholera season” is over and there were but few cases and deaths.
[17] Evans and Stivers. A History of Adams County, Ohio From its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time. 1900, 372.
[18] Our number – cites Columbus, OH State Journal to effect “that several deaths by Cholera had taken place in the vicinity of Lebanon, and at Waynesville, in Warren county.” We translate “several” into “3” in order to count.
[19] The People’s Press, Gettysburg, PA. 7-24-1835, p. 4. Cites the Hillsboro {Ohio} Gazette.
[20] “…eight persons died that Sunday when the disease appeared, and all within six or eight hours from the time they were attacked. The village was at once shut up…”
[21] Evans and Stivers. Write that she suffered all night and died the next day. Only one person attended her funeral.
[22] “…Charleston…for the first time, especially, suffered from the disease….”
[23] Ambiguous wording. The death notice reads: “In Clarksville, of cholera, Miss Ann McClure…” then there are five other names – perhaps cholera deaths, or perhaps not.
[24] Franklin is a few miles southwest of Nashville.
[25] The Western Weekly Review editor writes on July 7: “We confidently hope and believe…that the worst is over. Thirty seven cases have occurred, out of which fourteen have died. The following is a list of the deaths, both in town and country. We omit the first three names mentioned in that these deaths occurred on June 28 and July 1 in that the editor notes that the first cases were on July 2, and their inclusion would take the number of deaths to 17.
[26] Harpeth Lick is near Franklin, a few miles to the south east.
[27] Leipers Fork is near Franklin, a few miles to the west.
[28] The first paragraph from the Memphis Gazette is from May 14 edition. The next paragraph, which starts, “Since our last…” does not indicate a date.
[29] The article is about the boiler collapse/explosion on the Majestic at Memphis (which, though variously dated, appears to us to have been on May 15).
[30] Cited in Boston Morning Post, MA. “Cholera in Tennessee,” 5-14-1835, p. 2.
[31] Adams Sentinel and General Advertiser, Gettysburg, PA. “Important News.” 6-1-1835.
[32] Indiana Journal, Indianapolis. 7-17-1835, p. 2, col. 6.
[33] On Sep 7, the Adams Sentinel and General Advertiser of Gettysburg, PA, writes that the Nashville Banner had listed the names of twenty-four of the “convicts who have died in the Tennessee Penitentiary of the cholera the present season.” We have not, though, seen that paper.
[34] Mr. Wallace was “one of the Editors and Proprietors of the Republican and Banner [Madison], in the 37th year of his age. We left our Colleague in the office on Tuesday afternoon, in that apparent enjoyment of as good health and in as fine spirits as we ever saw him. He was attacked about 6 o’clock, and despite the efforts of medical skill and the assistance of his friends, he sunk rapidly, to his death. Mr. Wallace was a native of Mason county, Ky., whence he emigrated to Madison in the year 1818. He has filled successively, the responsible stations of Justice of the Peace, Sheriff of Jefferson county, and member of the State Legislature….” (Republican and Banner, Madison, IN. “Obituary.” 6-18-1835, p. 3.)
[35] In Jefferson County across the Ohio River from Kentucky and downstream from Cincinnati, Ohio.
[36] See our separate entry on the boiler collapse/explosion on the steamboat Majestic on May 15 (according to the preponderance of our sources) resulting in at least 10 deaths, with some reports of up to 25.
[37] While there was a village of Memphis, MS, we suspect that the “Miss.” reference is to the Mississippi River borders Memphis on the west.