— 1,797-1,869 Blanchard tally based on State and local breakouts below.[1]

Summary of 1855 Cholera Fatalities By State

Illinois (323–393) Especially July-Aug. Especially Shelbyville and vicinity

Kansas ( 161) Especially May-Sep Especially Forts Riley and Leavenworth

Kentucky ( 127) Especially July-Aug Esp. Lexington Asylum and Fleming Co.

Louisiana ( 916) Especially New Orleans (883)

Missouri ( 121) Especially April 29-May 17. Especially St. Louis

Ohio ( 126) Especially July 22-Aug 4 Cincinnati

Wisconsin ( 7-9) Waupun

Maritime ( >16)

Breakout of 1855 Cholera Fatalities By State and Locality (where noted):

Illinois (323–393) Especially July-Aug. Especially Shelbyville and vicinity

— 69 Central IL, July-Aug. Custer. “The Roll of the Dead…Asiatic Cholera…” 1929.[2]

–33-70 Bloomington, McLean County. Blanchard range based on sources below.

–>70 Kemp. “‘Dread executioner’ cholera…” The Pantagraph, Bloomington , 4-1-2012.[3]

— 33 Custer. “The Roll of…Dead…List of Deaths…Asiatic Cholera…” 1929.

— 1 Chicago, late Aug. Adams Sentinel, Gettysburg. “Afflicting News…Death.” 9-10-1855, 4.

— 1 Clarksville vic. Custer. “The Roll of…Dead…List of Deaths…Asiatic Cholera…” 1929.

— 1 Clinton. Custer. “The Roll of…Dead: A List of Deaths…Asiatic Cholera…” 1929.

— 5 Congerville vic. Custer. “The Roll of…Dead…Deaths…Asiatic Cholera…” 1929.

— 2 Diamond Grove. Custer. “The Roll of…Dead: A List of Deaths…Cholera…” 1929.

— 1 Fort Leavenworth. Custer. “The Roll of…Dead: A List…Deaths…Cholera…” 1929.

— 2 Funk’s Grove vic. Custer. “The Roll of…Dead: A List…Deaths…Cholera…” 1929.

— 250 Shelbyville and vicinity, Shelby County. Wyman. (200 in Shelbyville; 50 nearby RR)

–200 “ Wyman. Immigrants in the Valley… 1840-1860. 1984 and 2016, p. 97.[4]

–>80 “ July. Janesville Gazette, WI. “The Cholera at Shelbyville.” 7-28-1855, p. 4.

— 50 “ RR workers at Terre Haute and Alton road crossing over the Okaw River.[5]

— 12 “ July. Sheboygan Lake Journal, WI. “Cholera at Shelbyville.” 7-31-1855, 2.[6]

— 1 “ Pastor Grout, Aug 7. Power. History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon Co. p. 712.

— 4 Shirley vic. Custer. “The Roll of…Dead: A List of Deaths…Asiatic Cholera…” 1929.

— 1 Springfield, Thomas W. Elliott. Power. History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon Co. p. 284.

— 1-2 Sullivan, July. Sheboygan Lake Journal, WI. “Cholera at Shelbyville.” 7-31-1855, 2.

— 3 Twin Grove. Custer. “The Roll of…Dead: A List of Deaths…Asiatic Cholera…” 1929.

–18-50 Waynesville, DeWitt County. Blanchard range based on sources below.

–~50 Kemp. “‘Dread executioner’ cholera…” The Pantagraph, Bloomington , 4-1-2012.[7]

— 18 Custer. “The Roll of…Dead: A List of Deaths…Asiatic Cholera…” 1929.

Kansas (161) Especially May-Sep Especially Forts Riley and Leavenworth

— 1 Locale not stated, May 13. Pantle, Alberta. “Death Notices…” KHQ, Aug 1950.[8]

— 1 “ “ “ June 19. Shawnee girl. Pantle, A. “Death Notices…” KHQ, Aug 1950.

— 1 “ “ “ June 21. Shawnee girl. Pantle, A. “Death Notices…” KHQ, Aug 1950.

— >5 Elwood (present day). Galveston…News, TX. “Cholera in Kansas.” 10-9-1855, 1[9]

— 47 Fort Leavenworth. McClellan. “A History…Epidemic Cholera…” Wendt, 1885, 86.[10]

–46 “ Superior Chronicle, WI. “Items of News.” 8-28-1855, p. 2.

— 1 “ Weekly Wisconsin, Milwaukee. “Fort Leavenworth.” 8-29-1855, 5.

–~100 Fort Riley. Historical Marker Database. “Cholera Epidemic of 1855.” 7-7-2010.

— 100 “ New York Times. 8-25-1855, p. 2.

–75-100 “ Omer. “An Army Hospital…” Kansas Historical Quarterly, V23/N4, 1957.

— 100 “ Weekly Wisconsin, Milwaukee. “Cholera at Fort Riley.” 8-29-1855, p. 1.

— 1 Friends Mission, June 18. Shawnee girl. Pantle, Alberta. “Death Notices…” KHQ, 1950.

— 3 near Osawkee, wagon train, Sep 9. Pantle. “Death Notices…” KHQ, Aug 1950.

— 2 Steamer Star of the West, Oct. Pantle, Alberta. “Death Notices…” KHQ, Aug 1950.

Kentucky ( 127) Especially July-Aug Esp. Lexington Asylum and Fleming Co.

–127 Blanchard tally based upon locality breakouts below”

— 22 Fayette Co. KY State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860, Fayette County…”

–1 June 28. R. J. Cook, 25. P. 67.

–1 July. David R. Bailey, 39. P. 65.

–1 July 1. Henry Stipes, 28. P. 76.

–1 July 2. Louisa Mayfield, 18. P. 72.

–1 July 10. Ned Marshall, 55. P. 72.

–1 July 13. Timothy Cohen. P. 67.

–1 July 15. Elizabeth Griffin, 25. P. 69.

–1 July 25. Polly Weathers, 60. P. 77.

–1 July 28. Jane May, 40. P. 72.

–1 Aug. Sally Murray, 33. P. 73.

–1 Aug 1. Wm. Bryant, 30. P. 66.

–1 Aug 3. Cath Taylor, 25. P. 76.

–1 Aug 5. John Williams, 52. P. 77.

–1 Aug 10. H. Jeten, 38. P. 70.

–1 Aug 11. W. Jeten, 33. P. 70.

–1 Aug 12. Will Shay, 30. P. 75.

–1 Aug 15. Luther Connell, 35. P. 67.

–1 Aug 15. D. Turner, 30. P. 76.

–1 Aug 15. John Maloly, 35. P. 72.

–1 Aug 30. A. J. Jackson, 19. P. 70.

–1 Oct 9. W. Wilson, 33. P. 77.

–1 Nov 9. Henry Garrett, 52, P. 68.

–40 Fleming County. Kykinfolk.org. “1855 Fleming County Kentucky Deaths.” Accessed 2019.

–1 Mar. Emily Mitchell, 22. KY State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860,” p182.

–1 Apr 7. Oslain Belt, 55. (KY State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860, p. 173.)

–1 July 8. Black female named only as Elizabeth, p. 28.

–1 July 25. Mary Fraley, 35. [Or Mary Maley, 35.][11]

–1 July 27. Mrs. Gill, 25.

–1 July 27. Mrs. Hinds, 28.

–1 July 27. Patrick Hiserman, 1-year-old.

–1 July 29. Michael Hennan, 25.

–1 July 29. Martin Conway, 50.

–1 July 29. John Desery, 28.

–1 Aug. Flemingsburg, “one small child, name not known” from Ireland.

–1 Aug. Flemingsburg, “one small child, name not known,” 2-years old, from Ireland.

–1 Aug. Flemingsburg, “one small child, name not known,” 3-years-old, from Ireland.

–1 Aug. Flemingsburg, “one small child, name not known,” 2 years old, from Ireland.

–1 Aug. Flemingsburg, “one small child, name not known,” 3-years-old, from Ireland.

–1 Aug. Flemingsburg, “one small child, name not known,” 6-months old, from Ireland.

–1 Aug. Flemingsburg, “one small child, name not known,” 1-year-old, from Ireland.

–1 Aug. James Cox, 33. (KY State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860, p. 175.)

–1 Aug. William E. Jones, 40. (KY State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860,” p. 179.)

–1 Aug. Wm. McDonald, 62.

–1 Aug. Hulda Reeves, 26. (KY State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860,” p. 184.)

–1 Aug. Sarah Reeves, 26. (KY State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860,” p. 184.)

–1 Aug. Thomas Reeves, 60. (KY State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860,” p. 184.)

–1 Aug. John A. Young, 25. (KY State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860,” p. 187.)

–1 Aug 1. Female, 1-year-old, last name of Brown.

–1 Aug 1. John Griffin, 21. (KY State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860,” p. 177.)

–1 Aug 10. Black male identified only as Jarred, 60.

–1 Aug 11. Dillen Bridges. (KY State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860,” p. 174.)

–1 Aug 11. Black carpenter identified only as Lewis, 60.

–1 Aug 12. Virginia Chord. (KY State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860,” p. 174.)

–1 Aug 12. Mary Dowen, 25. [Or Mary Dover, 25.][12]

–1 Aug 12. Benjamin Harbeson, 15. KY State Archives. “Kent. Vital Statistics 1852-1860,” 178.

–1 Aug 15. Basil Browning, 66. KY State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860,” p. 174.

–1 Aug 17. Charles Hart, 23. (KY State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860,” p. 178.)

–1 Aug 20. Dr. E. O. Bell, Flemingsburg.

–1 Aug 20. Johan Dale, 42. (KY State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860,” p. 175.)

–1 Aug 26. Elizabeth Allen, 77. KY State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860,” p. 173.

–1 Aug 29. Martin Conway, 50. KY State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860,” p. 175.

–1 Sep. Lena A. Emmons, 23. (KY State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860,” p. 176.)

–1 No date. Michiel Herman (?), 25. KY State Archives. “KY Vital Statistics 1852-1860,” p. 179.

— 1 Forrest Retreat, Nicholas County, Aug 18. Waukesha County Democrat, WI. 10-17-1855, 2

— 2 Hickman Co. KY State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1861…Hickman Co…”

–1 March 16. Robert Cason, 16. P. 334.

–1 May 6. John G. Ramsey, 38. P. 342.

–16 Jessamine County. KY Hist. Soc. “State Archives KY Vital Statistics, 1852-1904…”

–1 June 30. Moses Hunter, 45. P. 154.

–1 July 1. Philip Comins, 34. P. 150.

–1 July 2. Thomas Doolin, 40. P. 151.

–1 July 5. Thomas Welch, 45. P. 161.

–1 July 11. John Horine, 26. P. 154.

–1 July 13. L. A. Campbell, 22. P. 149.

–1 July 15. Leonard Patrick Buget, 35. P. 149.

–1 July 15. M. Cowen, 55. P. 150.

–1 July 20. Robert Carlisle, 70. P. 150.

–1 July 29. Susan Welch, 26. P. 161.

–1 July 31. Susan Turpin, 34. P. 160.

–1 Aug 1. Mariam R. Prewitt, 58. P. 157.

–1 Aug 11. Ann Hawkins, 65. P. 153.

–1 Aug 13. Richard Evans, 45. P. 152.

–1 Aug 18. Richard Walters, 74. P. 160.

–1 Aug 27. Martha Hill, 18. P. 153.

–40 Lexington Lunatic Asylum, Aug 19-25?. Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, IA. 8-29-1855, 1.

— 6 Maysville, Mason Co. July. Weekly Argus and Democrat, Madison, WI. 7-24-1855, p.1, c3.

Louisiana (916) Especially New Orleans (883)

– ->3 Baton Rouge. Daily Free Democrat, Milwaukee. “Cholera…Baton Rouge.” 6-19-1855, 3.[13]

— 30 Bayou Lafourche. Sheboygan Lake Journal, WI. “Cholera near New Orleans.” 7-31-1855, 2.

–883 New Orleans. Peters. “General History of the Disease…up to 1885,” in Wendt, 1885, 30.

–375 “ May 28-June 4. Weekly Wisconsin, Milwaukee. “Cholera at New Orleans.” 6-13-1855, 5.

Missouri (121) Especially April 29-May 17. Especially St. Louis

–22 Georgetown, July. Hudson North Star, WI. “Cholera in Missouri.” 7-25-1855, p. 2.

–14 Jefferson Barracks, May. Illinois State Chronicle, Decatur. “The Cholera…” 5-26-1855, 2.

— 2 Jefferson City, Apr 26. Weekly Argus…, Madison, WI. “Deaths…Ministry.” 5-29-1855, 2.

–70 St. Louis, Apr 29-May 5. La Crosse Ind. Republican, WI. “Cholera in…” 5-23-1855, 2.

–70 “ “ Weekly Jeffersonian, WI. “News Summary.” 5-17-1855, p. 2, c. 6.

–13 Westport, May 3. Potosi Republican, WI. 5-26-1855, p. 3, col. 2.

Ohio (126) Especially July 22-Aug 4 Cincinnati

–81 Cincinnati, Jul 22-28. Weekly Wisconsin, Milwaukee. “Health of Cincinnati.” 8-29-1855, 5

–45 “ Jul 29-Aug 4. Weekly Wisconsin, Milwaukee. “Health of Cincinnati.” 8-29-1855, 5

Wisconsin ( 7-9) Waupun

— 7-9 Waupun. Kenosha Democrat, WI. “Cholera at Waupun.” 9-14-1855, p. 1.

Maritime (>16)

—>3 Steamboat Hartford, May. Cutler, William G. History of the State of Kansas.[14]

— 7 Steamer Montauk, upper MS. Milwaukee Daily Sentinel. “Cholera on…River.” 5-7-1855, 4

— 6 Mississippi River, June. Oshkosh Courier, WI. 6-20-1855, p. 2, col. 7.

Narrative Information

Illinois:

Custer:
“Mrs. Caroline Mayors…wf. of William J. Mayors…Bloomington, July 1, 1855, aged 31..
Joshua Willhoite, at Diamond Grove, July 27, 1855, aged about 65 years.
Runnion Hougham, Jr., near Funk’s Grove, July 27, 1855, aged 27-5-17.
Mrs. Mary B. Rowan…wf. of Martin B. Rowan, in Bloomington, July 27, 1855, aged 32..
Martin B. Rowan, in Bloomington, July 28, 1855, aged 35 years.
John W. Ross, near Funk’s Grove, July 28, 1855, aged 43-5-4.
John Ackerson, near Waynesville, July 28, 1855.
Mrs. John Ackerson, near Waynesville, about July 30, 1855.
Mrs. Charlotte Montgomery, (nee Ackerson) wf. of Allen Wiley Montgomery, near Waynesville, about July 30, 1855.
Sarah Ann, dau. of John Ackerson, near Waynesville, July 31, 1855 (a child).
Jane, dau. of John Ackerson, near Waynesville, July 31, 1855 (a child).
Daniel W. Denson, near Clarksville, July 29, 1855, aged 42-5-23.
Mrs. Maria E. Rice, (Jenkel) widow of Henry (q) Rice, in Bloomington, July 30, 1855, aged 51
Frederick Weilert, son-in-law of Mrs. Maria E. Rice, in Bloomington, July 30, 1855.
Joseph A. Clark, son of John A. Clark, in Bloomington, July 30, 1855, aged 19-3-21.
Mrs. Polly Willhoite, (Sparks) wf. of Joshua Willhoite, at Diamond Grove, July 30, 1855.
Dr. L. A. Caster, in Bloomington, Aug. 1, 1855, aged 30 years.
Mrs. Mary F. Brown, wf. of Dr. J. H. Brown, in Bloomington, Aug. 1, 1855, aged 36-1-1.
Belinda A., dau. of Dr. J. H. Brown, in Bloomington, Aug. 1, 1855, aged 15-6-7.
J. (“Mat”) Critchet, at Twin Grove, Aug. 1, 1855, aged 21-8-19.
Mrs. Hugh McDonald, at Bloomington, about Aug. 1, 1855.
Timothy Fitzpatrick, in Bloomington, about Aug. 1, 1855.
Mrs. Driscol, in Bloomington, about Aug. 1, 1855.
Mrs. Spires, in Bloomington, about Aug. 1, 1855.
John Phelix, (“a German”) in Bloomington, about Aug. 1, 1855.
Mr. Allin, in Bloomington, about Aug. 1, 1855.
Mr. Fritzer, (“a German”) in Bloomington, about Aug. 1, 1855.
A child (name unknown) of German parentage, in Bloomington, about Aug. 1, 1855.
Henry R. (?) Rice, in Bloomington, about Aug. 1, 1855.
Samuel Denman, son of Zenas H. Denman in Bloomington. Aug. 2, 1855, aged 23-6-22.
Frederick E. Rice, son of Mrs. Maria Rice, in Bloomington, Aug. 2, 1855, aged 23-5-24.
Henry E. Rice, son of Mrs. Maria Rice, in Bloomington, Aug. 2, 1855, aged 12-1-29.
Archibald Thompson, in Bloomington, Aug. 3, 1855.
George Beeler, at Twin Grove, Aug. 4, 1855, aged 52-10-26.
Henry Klemkow, in Bloomington, Aug. 4, 1855.
Mrs. Henry Klemkow, in Bloomington, Aug. 5, 1855.
A child of Henry Klemkow, in Bloomington, about Aug. 5, 1855. (?).
Mrs. Elizabeth Doty, (Livenger) wf. of Henry A. Doty, Sr. in Bloomington, Aug. 5, 1855
John Lang, near Congerville, Aug. 5, 1855, aged 58-1-10.
Jonas Kauffman, Sr., near Congerville, Aug. 6, 1855, aged 29-2-0.
Alexander Hutchison, near Shirley, Aug. 6, 1.855.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ann…Hutchison, wf. of Alexander Hutchison, near Shirley, [~] Aug. 6…
George W. Barker, at Bloomington, Aug. 6, 1855, aged 29-1-25.
Mrs. Jane Hair, wf. of Thomas Hair, near Shirley, Aug. 7, 1855, aged 44 years.
Lorenzo D. Eberman, in Bloomington, Aug. 7, 1855,
John, son of L. D. Eberman, in Bloomington, about Aug. 8, 1855.
Mrs. Catharine Guthrie…widow of Robert Guthrie, in Bloomington, Aug. 8… aged 59…
A child (daughter) of John Ackerson, near Waynesville, Aug. 9, 1855.
Phoebe, dau. of Absolom Skeen, at Twin Grove, Aug. 10, 1855, aged 18-7-22.
Ellen, dau. of George W. Barker, at Bloomington, Aug. 11, 1855, aged 2-5-23.
Dr. Fielding S. Harrison, at Waynesville, Aug. 11, 1855, aged 51 years.
William H. Scudder, at Clinton, Aug. 12, 1855, aged 31-7-1.
Young Fouts, at Waynesville, Aug. 14, 1855.
Mrs. Young Fouts and child, at Waynesville, about Aug. 15, 1855.
Jeremiah Adams, near Shirley, Aug. 15, 1855, aged 32 years.
John A. Clark, at Bloomington, Aug. 15, 1855, aged 45-3-12. ( ?).
Archie McCullough, in Bloomington, Aug. 19, 1855.
Christian Schmidt, near Congerville, July or Aug., 1.855.
Mrs. Christian Schmidt, near Congerville, July or Aug., 1855. Barbara, dau. of Christian Schmidt, near Congerville, July or Aug., 1855.
A young daughter and a young son of Christian Schmidt, near Congerville, July or Aug…
Isaac Bowman, and child, at Waynesville, July or Aug., 1855.
Alexander Gaston, near Waynesville, July or Aug., 1855.
Mr. and Mrs. Grimes, at Waynesville, July or Aug., 1855.
Mrs. Hoagland, (nee Grimes) at Waynesville, July or Aug., 1855.
Dugald Walker, at Waynesville, July or Aug., 1855.

Mrs. Dugald Walker, at Waynesville, July or Aug., 1855.
A child of Dugald Walker, at Waynesville, July or Aug., 1855.
A child of Jeremiah P. Dunham, at Waynesville, July or Aug., 1855.
A child of Mr. Shelley, at Waynesville, July or Aug., 1855.
An unknown person at Waynesville, July or Aug., 1855.”

(Custer, Milo. “The Roll of the Dead: A List of Deaths From Asiatic Cholera in Central Illinois, 1834-1873.” 1929. In “McLean County, Illinois History and Genealogy,” Genealogy Trails, transcribed by Kim Torp.)

July 28: “The cholera has been making sad havoc at Shelbyville. There has been over eight deaths during the past ten days. Among others, Gen. Thornton, one of the most prominent citizens of the state, has been taken off. The town is said to be nearly deserted. – Chicago Jour.” (Janesville Gazette, WI. “The Cholera at Shelbyville.” 7-28-1855, p. 4.)

July 31: “The report of the ravages of cholera at Shelbyville seems to be somewhat exaggerated, though there is no doubt it is attended with much fatality. Besides Gen. Thornton, we learn that Capt. Brewster, and several other old citizens, and a number of visitors have fallen victims to the disease. On Thursday, the Decatur Gazette says four deaths occurred and some eight new cases were reported. The cholera is also at Sullivan. One or two deaths had occurred, among whom was the wife of Dr. Kellar of that place.—Ill Journal, 21^st.” (Sheboygan Lake Journal, WI. “Cholera at Shelbyville.” 7-31-1855, 2)

Kansas Territory

Historical Marker Database: “Inscription: In this area rest the remains of approximately 100 soldiers, civilian workers, and their dependents who perished at Fort Riley, Kansas Territory, during the cholera epidemic in the summer of 1855. These soldiers and civilian workers were engaged in the initial construction of the buildings for the new post. Wooden crosses that originally marked their graves were destroyed by a prairie fire allegedly started by the Indians. The exact location of their graves remains unknown.” (Historical Marker Database. “Cholera Epidemic of 1855.” 7-7-2010.)

McClellan: “Cholera was again reported in 1855 at Fort Leavenworth in April, and the epidemic influence lasted until October. One hundred and fifteen (115) cases with forty-seven (47) deaths are reported….

“In July cholera appeared at Fort Riley, Kansas; this post was at the time garrisoned by a detachment of forty-seven (47) men of the 6^th U.S. Infantry; but several hundred quartermasters’ employees were engaged in construction of the fort. Of the forty-seven (47) soldiers, twenty-one (21) had cholera and nine (9) deaths occurred; this number of fatal cases includes one officer. The disease was very fatal among the mechanics, who fled from Riley in great dismay and confusion.” (McClellan, Ely. “A History of Epidemic Cholera, as it Affected the Army of the United States.” 1885, p. 86.)

Omer: “Cholera Epidemic

“In the summer of 1855 all troops at Fort Riley had left for campaigns against the Indians, so that of the military there was left only Asst. Surg. James Simons, John A. Charters, a private of Sixth infantry acting as hospital steward, and Chaplain Clarkson. The hospital steward combined the duties of druggist, medical clerk, and storekeeper as well as assistant to the surgeon. Asst. Surg. James Simons had been the physician in charge of the hospital since April, 1854. The hospital stewards had been Cpl. Jacob Hommes and Private Charters of the Sixth infantry. Margaret O. D. Donnall was the hospital matron.

“Maj. Edmund A. Ogden returned from Fort Leavenworth to command the station and supervise the permanent construction of Fort Riley. The actual construction crews were civilians under the supervision of a Mr. Sawyer, the architect and general superintendent. Ogden was appointed to the United States Military Academy in 1827 and served in many posts throughout his brief career. He participated in the Seminole war, the occupation of Texas from 1845 to 1846 and in the Mexican war from 1846 to 1847. He began construction at Riley during the first week of July, 1855.

“Tragedy struck during the night of August 1 when cholera rapidly developed into an epidemic. Without the healing aid of 20th century intravenous therapy, the bacillus of cholera produces a usually fatal diarrhea. Patients soon filled the temporary hospital and created a mountainous problem of nursing, washing bedding, and cleaning the patients. The camp was filled with panic when it was discovered that Major Ogden was ill. A rider was sent to Fort Leavenworth with a letter requesting medical help. Sawyer appointed men to act as nurses and promised extra pay, but only a few wanted to work at the hospital where the dead were being coffined and carried out by burial parties while new patients took their places. The heroic effort required to attend the men in the agonies of the fatal disease proved too much for Asst. Surg. James Simons, and his mental breakdown was complete after Major Ogden died on the third. In desperation he deserted the hospital and his patients, collected his family and fled east to Saint Mary’s mission during the night.

“On August 4, hope came on horseback from Dyer’s bridge, 19 miles east on the military road near present-day Manhattan. Dr. Samuel Whitehorn, recently from Michigan, had heard of the epidemic while at Dyer’s bridge and came to offer his services to the hospital steward. He was youthful in appearance and manner, and for fear of doubts of his being really a doctor, he showed the steward his diploma and other testimonials from his patients at Dyer’s bridge. Doctor Whitehorn’s presence renewed confidence, and a spoonful of brandy or port wine by the physician’s order gave relief from anxiety if not death. In addition, Whitehorn ordered barrels of pine tar to be burned at the open windows of the hospital. If this served no other purpose, it counteracted the offensive odors.

“Relief came on August 6, 1855, when a four-mule government ambulance arrived from Fort Leavenworth with Lt. Eugene Carr and Dr. Samuel Phillips, a contract physician. While Carr received an account of the situation from Sawyer, Phillips proceeded at once to the hospital for consultation with Doctor Whitehorn. With good nursing and encouragement, each day brought fewer cases and the epidemic was broken. Dr. Samuel Phillips volunteered for his relief duty to Gen. E. V. Sumner, then commanding Fort Leavenworth. General Sumner had asked each of the many physicians practicing in the city of Leavenworth but all had declined the service except Phillips. Doctor Phillips was paid less than $40 for his hazardous tour of duty.

“Maj. John Sedgwick, artillery, came to Fort Riley in October, 1855, to investigate the cholera epidemic and especially Asst. Surg. James Simon’s conduct. The doctor was court-martialed and dismissed from army service on January 15, 1856, for his failure. However, he was reinstated on October 24 of the same year and was brevetted a colonel on March 13, 1865, for faithful and meritorious service during the Civil War.

“Somewhere between 75 and 100 persons died in the cholera epidemic of 1855 and were buried in the present cemetery. Lead linings from tea caddies were procured from the commissary to make an airtight coffin for Major Ogden. However, wooden headboards were used to mark the graves and the headboards were subsequently destroyed in a prairie fire set by Indians. Today, a grassy area is set aside in the post cemetery with a few stones set at random to indicate the resting place of the victims.” (Omer, George E. Jr. “An Army Hospital: From Dragoons to Rough Riders.” Kansas Historical Quarterly (Kansas Historical Society), Vol. 23, No. 4, Winter 1957, pp. 337-367.)

Pantle: “Andrew, Mahala. Shawnee Indian girl, aged about 16 yrs., d. at Friends Mission, June 18, 1855, of cholera. (Lawrence, Kansas Free State, July 9.)….

“Ballou, Dr. Jonathan, of La Porte County, Ind., formerly of Vermont, aged 28 yrs., d. May 13, 1855, of cholera. (Lawrence, Kansas Tribune, May 23.)….

“Dagley, Harrison, of Samuel Ferandis’ train, while en route to Ft. Riley, d. near Osawkee, on Grasshopper River, Sept. 9, 1855, of cholera. (Lawrence, Kansas Tribune, Oct. 17.)….

“Dockery, John, of Samuel Ferandis’ train, while en route to Ft. Riley, d. near Osawkee, on Grasshopper River, Sept. 9, 1855, of cholera. (Lawrence, Kansas Tribune, Oct. 17.)….

“Emery, Wm., of Samuel Ferandis’ train, while en route to Fort Riley, d. near Osawkee, on Grasshopper River, Sept. 9, 1855, of cholera. (Lawrence, Kansas Tribune, Oct. 17.)….

“Fee, John, d. in this territory, opposite St. Joseph, of cholera. (Atchison, Squatter Sovereign, Sept. 24, 1855)….

“Fish, Mary Jane, dau. of Charles, of the Shawnee Indian Nation, age abt. 10 yrs., d. June 21, 1855 of cholera. (Lawrence, Kansas Free State, July 9.)

“Fish, Nancy, dau. of Charles, of the Shawnee Indian Nation, aged about 8 yrs. d. June 19, 1855, of cholera. (Lawrence, Kansas Free State, July 9.)….

“Goss, Susan Alice, dau. of Geo. W. & Susan C., formerly of W. Randolph, VT, aged 4 yrs., d. on steamer Star of the West, 1855, of cholera. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Oct. 27.)….

“Harlow, Mrs. Mary P., wife of Oscar, of Lawrence, late of W. Randolph, VT., aged 29 yrs., d. on steamer Star of the West, Oct. 8, 1855, of cholera. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Oct. 27)….

“Lecompte, –, dau. of Judge Samuel D., d. at Fort Leavenworth, of cholera. (Lawrence, Kansas Free State, July 23, 1855.)….

(Pantle, Alberta. “Death Notices from Kansas Territorial Newspapers, 1854-1861.” Kansas Historical Quarterly, Vol. 18, No. 3. Aug 1950, pp. 302-323.

Aug 28: “At Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley the cholera is raging. At the former forty-six persons have died. Major Ogden and Major Woods, his wife and four children have died of the same disease at Fort Riley.” (Superior Chronicle, WI. “Items of News.” 8-28-1855, p. 2.)

Aug 29: “Dr. Simmons, army surgeon, who was at Fort Riley during the prevalence of the cholera, has lately died of that disease at Fort Leavenworth.” (Weekly Wisconsin, Milwaukee. “Fort Leavenworth.” 8-29-1855, 5.)

Kentucky:

July 24: “Cholera has broken out at Maysville, Ky., and six deaths occurred in twelve hours.” (Weekly Argus and Democrat, Madison, WI. “Editorial Paragraphs.” 7-24-1855, p. 1.)

July 28: “The cholera has made its appearance at Lexington, Ky., and proves very fatal.” (Superior Chronicle, WI. “News Items,” 7-28-1855, p. 2.)

Louisiana:

June 12: “On the 30^th ult. [May], the Board of Health at New Orleans declared the cholera an epidemic in that city, the deaths from the disease during the previous week having been numerous.” (Weekly Argus and Democrat, Madison, WI. “Cholera in New Orleans.” 6-12-1855, p. 6, col. 8.)

June 13: “The total mortality of the city for the week ending on the 4^th inst. [Monday], was 500, including 375 from cholera.” (Weekly Wisconsin, Milwaukee. “Cholera at New Orleans.” 6-13-1855, p.5, col. 4)

June 18: “The Board of Health has voted that epidemic cholera has ceased in that city.” (Milwaukee Daily News. “Health of New Orleans.” 6-18-1855, p. 2., col. 1.)

June 19: “A dispatch from Baton Rouge, dated the 14th, says that the cholera has appeared in an epidemic form among the United States troops stationed at that place; that fifty of them were very ill with it, that several deaths had already occurred.” (Daily Free Democrat, Milwaukee, WI. “Cholera at Baton Rouge.” 6-19-1855, p. 3, col. 2.)

June 19: “Dr. McFarlane has published a letter in the New Orleans True Delta, in which he declares that Cholera, small-pox and yellow fever now prevail in that city, and that the two former are almost epidemic.” (Sheboygan Lake Journal, WI. 6-19-1855, p. 2., col. 2.)

July 16: “The New Orleans Crescent of the 16^th says: The Cholera is prevailing very extensively all along the Bayou Lafourche, La., and is of an exceedingly malignant type. IT broke out suddenly about five days since, and within this short space of time, there have been about thirty deaths. The people are panic-struck, escaping in all directions.” (Sheboygan Lake Journal, WI. “Cholera at Shelbyville.” 7-31-1855, 2)

Missouri:

May 12: “The St. Louis Democrat of last week [presumably May 6-12] says that during the previous week [presumably April 29-May 5] there were seventy deaths in that city from cholera.” (Weekly Jeffersonian, WI. 5-17-1855 [Thursday], p. 2, col. 6.)

May 23: “The St. Louis Democrat, of last Tuesday, says that during the previous week there were seventy deaths from cholera in that city.” (La Crosse Independent Republican, WI. “Cholera in St. Louis.” 5-23 [Wed.]-1855, p. 2, col. 5.)

May 26: “Thirteen people died of Cholera at Westport, Missouri,[15] on the 3d inst., in the course of twenty-four hours.” (Potosi Republican, WI. 5-26-1855, p. 3, col. 2.)

May 26: “The ravages of cholera, has already been felt in St. Louis, Dubuque; and on the Illinois river it is prevailing to a great extent. At the Jefferson Barracks, among the new recruits, seventy cases have occurred, fourteen of which terminated fatally.” (Illinois State Chronicle, Decatur. “The Cholera Season.” 5-26-1855, 2.)

July 25: “Cholera has broken out in Georgetown, Mo., and there had been twenty-two deaths at the last accounts. Not a single family in the town had escaped visitation with the epidemic. A large portion of the population had fled in consequence.” (Hudson North Star, WI. “Cholera in Missouri.” 7-25-1855, p. 2.)

Wisconsin:

Aug 29: “The cholera still continues to rage among the soldiers at Fort Riley. One hundred soldiers had died of the scourge at the last accounts.” (Weekly Wisconsin, Milwaukee. “Cholera at Fort Riley.” 8-29-1855, p. 1.)

Sep 14: “We learn from undoubted authority that the cholera has broken out in Waupun, and six or eight Norwegians and one American have died within a few days. Our citizens can not be too particular in keeping their premises in a state of cleanliness. – Fond du Lac Herald.” (Kenosha Democrat, WI. “Cholera at Waupun.” 9-14-1855, p. 1.)

Maritime:

Cutler: “April 27, 1855, a colony left Cincinnati, Ohio, on the steamboat Hartford, bound for Central Kansas, via the Ohio, Mississippi, Missouri, and Kansas rivers. The name of Manhattan had been fixed upon as the prospective town, as it was though there would be room for a town that might bear some comparison to New York. At St. Louis the company numbered about eighty. Deeming the steamer an abolition boat, the authorities at St. Louis delayed her some days. A pilot was hired at the extravagant price of $750, and the voyage for Kansas City was begun. Cholera broke out on the steamer and the death of several members of the colony ensued.” (Cutler, William G. “Riley County, Part 5, Manhattan, Part 1.” In History of the State of Kansas. Chicago, IL: A. T. Andreas, 1883.)

May 7: “We learn from the Dubuque Observer, that this scourge has appeared among the emigrant passengers on the upper Mississippi. On Monday last the steamer Montauk buried seven of her passengers, victims of cholera, between Keokuk and Dubuque. There were, we understand, seventeen cases on the Royal Arch, during her upward trip to St. Paul.” (Milwaukee Daily Sentinel. “Cholera on the River.” 5-7-1855, p. 4.)

May 17: “The Cholera is already raging on the Upper Mississippi. Seven persons died last week on a steamboat bound from Dubuque to St. Paul. Its appearance so severe, thus early in the season, should induce the utmost caution in regard to exposure and diet.” (Wisconsin Pinery, Stevens Point. 5-17-1855, p. 2., col. 1.)

June 20: “Some week ago, a family named Huff – consisting of a man, his wife, and his four sisters – left Maryland for Iowa. While proceeding up the Mississippi river, the cholera broke out among them, and before the steamer arrived at its destination every one of the party had perished.” (Oshkosh Courier, WI. 6-20-1855, p. 2, col. 7.)

Sources

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Custer, Milo. “The Roll of the Dead: A List of Deaths From Asiatic Cholera in Central Illinois, 1834-1873.” 1929. In “McLean County, Illinois History and Genealogy,” Genealogy Trails, transcribed by Kim Torp. Accessed 10-2-2012: http://genealogytrails.com/ill/mclean/asiaticcholera.html

Cutler, William G. History of the State of Kansas. Chicago: A. T. Andreas, 1883. Accessed 11-1-2013 at: http://www.kancoll.org/books/cutler/

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Kemp, Bill. “‘Dread executioner’ cholera was once on the march in Central Ill.” The Pantagraph, Bloomington , 4-1-2012. Accessed 11-14-2019 at: https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/dread-executioner-cholera-was-once-on-the-march-in-central/article_a0aa2a94-7b7e-11e1-8ea7-0019bb2963f4.html

Kenosha Democrat, WI. “Cholera at Waupun.” 9-14-1855, p. 1. Accessed 10-2-2012 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=53904842

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Kentucky Historical Society. “State Archives: Kentucky Vital Statistics: 1852-1861, 1894, 1902, 1904: Hickman County–Deaths of Persons Over Fifteen.” The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society, Vol. 52, No. 181, October 1954, pp. 332-346. Accessed 11-14-2019 at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/23373800?read-now=1&refreqid=excelsior%3A9374539ef8511e1cfa096db9ede11088&seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents

Kentucky Historical Society. “State Archives Kentucky Vital Statistics, Jessamine County Deaths 1852-1904.” The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society, Vol. 55, No. 2, April 1957, pp. 148-170. Accessed 11-14-2019 at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/23374237?read-now=1&refreqid=excelsior%3A1f44ae672cdb0551517fc7cc0f684a43&seq=14#page_scan_tab_contents

Kentucky Historical Society. “State Archives: Kentucky Vital Statistics: Marshall County, Kentucky, Deaths: 1852-1859, 1861, 1893-1894.” The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society, Vol. 62, No. 3, July 1964, pp. 230-252. Accessed 11-14-2019 at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/23375984?read-now=1&refreqid=excelsior%3Aa5ab42694dd142db81b758f90c10109d&seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents

Kentucky State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860, Fayette County–Deaths of Persons Over Fifteen.” Accessed 11-14-2019 at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/23372616?read-now=1&refreqid=excelsior%3Aa1ba1ced235c8a2d20b95831954f8bb3&seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents

Kentucky State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860, Fleming County–Deaths of Persons Over Fifteen.” Accessed 11-14-2019 at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/23372777?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents

Kykinfolk.org. “1855 Fleming County Kentucky Deaths.” Accessed 11-14-2019 at: http://kykinfolk.org/fleming/flemdeaths1855.html

La Crosse Independent Republican, WI. “Cholera in St. Louis.” 5-23-1855, p. 2, col. 5. Accessed 10-3-2012 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=34511163

McClellan, Ely. “A History of Epidemic Cholera, as it Affected the Army of the United States.” Section II, in Wendt, Edmund Charles (Ed.). A Treatise on Asiatic Cholera. NY: William Wood and Co., 1885. Google digitized. Accessed at: http://books.google.com/books?id=3ugSAQAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

Milwaukee Daily Sentinel, WI. “Cholera on the River.” 5-7-1855, 4. Accessed 10-3-2012 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=34552536

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Omer, George E. Jr. “An Army Hospital: From Dragoons to Rough Riders.” Kansas Historical Quarterly (Kansas Historical Society), Vol. 23, No. 4, Winter 1957, pp. 337-367. Accessed 10-2-2012: http://www.kshs.org/p/kansas-historical-quarterly-an-army-hospital-from-dragoons-to-rough-riders/13141

Oshkosh Courier, WI. [Cholera on Mississippi River] 6-20-1855, p. 2, col. 7. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=35323793&sterm=cholera

Pantle, Alberta. “Death Notices from Kansas Territorial Newspapers, 1854-1861.” Kansas Historical Quarterly, Vol. 18, No. 3. Aug 1950, pp. 302-323. Accessed 10-2-2012 at: http://www.kshs.org/p/kansas-historical-quarterly-death-notices-from-kansas-territorial-newspapers/13093

Peters, John C. “General History of the Disease and the Principal Epidemics up to 1885,” Section I in Wendt, Edmund Charles (Ed.). A Treatise on Asiatic Cholera. NY: William Wood and Co., 1885. Digitized by Google at: http://books.google.com/books?id=bk4gp1QXHM4C&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_v2_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Potosi Republican, WI. [Cholera at Westport, MO] 5-26-1855, p. 3, col. 2. Accessed 10-3-2012 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=33427918

Power, John Carroll. History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County, Illinois. Springfield, IL: Edwin A. Wilson & Co., 1876. Google preview accessed 11-14-2019 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=lkgWAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=true

Sheboygan Lake Journal, WI. “Cholera at Shelbyville.” 7-31-1855, 2. Accessed 10-3-2012 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=35019223

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Weekly Argus and Democrat, Madison, WI. “Deaths in the Ministry.” 5-29-1855, p. 2, col. 6. Accessed 10-3-2012 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=34514029

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Weekly Hawk-Eye and Telegraph, Burlington, IA. [Cholera in Lexington, KY] 8-29-1855, 1. Accessed 10-2-2012 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=851286

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Wyman, Mark. Immigrants in the Valley: Irish, Germans, and Americans in the Upper Mississippi County, 1840-1860. Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press, 1984 and 2016. Google preview accessed 11-14-2019 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=44dkDQAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=true

[1] Compiled by B. Wayne Blanchard, Oct 2012 and modified Nov 2019 for: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com

[2] Custer, Milo. “The Roll of the Dead: A List of Deaths From Asiatic Cholera in Central Illinois, 1834-1873.” 1929. In “McLean County, Illinois History and Genealogy,” Genealogy Trails, transcribed by Kim Torp. Highlighted in yellow to denote we do not use in tally because the locality breakout numbers may include some of these fatalities.

[3] “The summer of 1855 marked the worst outbreak in this area’s history, with deaths likely numbering well above 70 souls. According to Dr. Charles R. Parke, cholera first appeared [in Bloomington] that year at a saloon and boarding house on the corner of Front and Center streets, where the illness claimed ‘five or six’ German immigrants over several days. The Pantagraph reported at least five deaths between July 28 and Aug. 1.” Kemp goes on to write that “some 50 residents” in neighboring Waynesville, DeWitt County “succumbed.” It is possible that these deaths were counted in the previous statement that “above 70 souls” were lost to cholera “in this area.”

[4] After writing that fifty railroad workers died near Shelbyville, Wyman writes: “…the town of Shelbyville itself lost 200 from its population of 1,600 to cholera that summer of 1855…”

[5] Wyman, Mark. Immigrants in the Valley: Irish, Germans, and Americans in the Upper Mississippi County, 1840-1860. Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press, 1984 and 2016, p. 97.

[6] Our approximation. The article names two fatalities, then notes “several” other deaths among elderly which we translate into “3,” before noting that “an number of visitors” (which we translate into “3”) had died. Article closes by noting four deaths reported by the Decatur Gazette the previous Thursday.

[7] “The DeWitt County community of Waynesville was brought to its knees that summer [1855] when some 50 residents (out of a population of 350 or less) succumbed to the water-borne killer.” Blanchard note: We assume that “succumbed” means died.

[8] Pantle, Alberta. “Death Notices from Kansas Territorial Newspapers, 1854-1861.” Kansas Historical Quarterly, Vol. 18, No. 3. Aug 1950, pp. 302-323. Accessed 10-2-2012 at: http://www.kshs.org/p/kansas-historical-quarterly-death-notices-from-kansas-territorial-newspapers/13093

[9] Our number based on: “The St. Louis Intelligencer learns that the cholera has appeared in Kansas, opposite St. Joseph, Mo., in its most aggravated form, had has proved fatal in many cases.”

[10] McClellan, Ely. “A History of Epidemic Cholera, as it Affected the Army of the United States.” Section II, in Wendt, Edmund Charles (Ed.). A Treatise on Asiatic Cholera. NY: William Wood and Co., 1885.

[11] KY State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860, Fleming County” p. 182.

[12] KY State Archives. “Kentucky Vital Statistics 1852-1860, Fleming County.”p. 173.

[13] “3” is our translation of “several deaths had already occurred.”

[14] Cutler, William G. “Riley County, Part 5, Manhattan, Part 1.” In History of the State of Kansas. Chicago, IL: A. T. Andreas, 1883. Accessed 10-3-2012 at: http://www.kancoll.org/books/cutler/riley/riley-co-p5.html

[15] Now a neighborhood of south Kansas City, MO near confluence of Kansas and Missouri rivers.

1855 — May-Aug, Cholera, IL//KS/KY/MO/OH/WI, esp. New Orleans/883 –1,797-1,869