19th Century

1897 — Sep-Dec, Yellow Fever, esp. Mobile/48, New Orleans/298, MS, Memphis TN — ~520

lornajarrettblanchard September 1, 1897

–520-522 Blanchard tally based upon State and locality breakouts below.

— 484 Sternberg 1908, p. 721.[1]

— 454 Carrigan. The Saffron Scourge. 1961, 215-216. (In forty-one localities in the South.)

Summary of State Breakouts Below

Alabama ( 90) Sep-Nov Especially Mobile (48), Montgomery (11), Whistler (8)

Florida ( 3) Nov (mid) Fort Barrancas, Key West, Pensacola

Illinois ( 1) Sep 20 Cairo (a refugee)

Kentucky ( 1) Sep 23 Louisville (a refugee)

Louisiana ( 301) Sep 4-Dec 25 Essentially New Orleans (298)

Mississippi ( 110) Aug-Nov Especially Biloxi (28), Edwards (30), Scranton (13)

Tennessee (14-16) Oct 22-Nov 7 Memphis

Breakout of 1897 Yellow Fever Deaths by State and Locality

Alabama ( 90) Sep-Nov

–90 Statewide Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.

–57 Statewide Augustin. History of Yellow Fever, 1909, 442-46.

Breakout of Alabama 1897 yellow fever deaths by locality.

— 0 Alco case[2] Oct 8 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 615.

— 1 Bay Minette Oct 14[3] Augustin. History of Yellow Fever, 1909, 442.

— 5 Flomaton (>65 cases by Nov 4).[4] Augustin. History of Yellow Fever, 1909, 442.

–0 “ 4 cases by Oct 14 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

— 1 Greensboro, Hale Co. Nov 2 (66 cases) US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

— 1 Magazine Point, Mobile Co., by Oct 26. US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 615.

–48 Mobile (>291 cases by Nov 4)[5] Augustin. History of Yellow Fever, 1909, 445.

–2 “ Sep 17 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 591.

–3 “ Sep 24 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 597.

–1 “ Sep 25 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 597.

–1 “ Sep 27 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 597.

–1 “ Sep 28 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 597.

–1 “ Sep 29 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 597.

–1 “ Sep 30 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 600.

–1 “ Oct 1 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 600.

–1 “ Oct 2 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 600.

–2 “ Oct 5 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 600.

–2 “ Oct 9 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

–2 “ Oct 10 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

–1 “ Oct 14 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 605.

–1 “ Oct 18 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 605.

–2 “ Oct 19-20 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 608.

–3 “ Oct 21 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 608.

–2 “ Oct 22 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 608.

–1 “ Oct 23 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 608.

–1 “ Oct 27 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 608.

–1 “ Oct 28 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

–3 “ Oct 29 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

–2 “ Oct 30 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

–1 “ Nov 3 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

–1 “ Nov 4 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 615.

–1 “ Nov 5 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 615.

–1 “ Nov 6 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 615.

–2 “ Nov 9 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 615.

–2 “ Nov 10 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 615.

–1 “ Nov 12 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 617.

–1 “ Nov 19 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 619.

–1 “ Nov 20 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 619.

–1 “ Nov 21 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 619.

–11 Montgomery Oct 18-Nov 7 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613-15.

–10 “ from 122 cases by Nov 4. Biloxi Herald, MS. “The Fever.” 11-6-1897, p. 8.

— 5 “ Oct 18-27 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

— 1 “ Oct 29 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

— 1 “ Oct 30 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

— 1 “ Oct 31 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

— 1 “ Nov 1 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

— 1 “ Nov 3 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

— 1 “ Nov 7 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 615.

— 0 Notasulga (case) Oct 25 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

— 0 Sandy Ridge (case) Oct 25 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

— 2 Selma, Dallas Co., 10 cases by Nov 4. Biloxi Herald, MS. “The Fever.” 11-6-1897, p. 8.

–0 “ 7 cases by Oct 23 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 609.

–1 “ Oct 24-27 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

–1 “ Nov 3 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

— 3 Wagar, from 40 cases by Nov 4. Biloxi Herald, MS. “The Fever.” 11-6-1897, p. 8.

–3 “ 45 cases Oct 11-Nov 3 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

— 8 Whistler, Mobile County[6] US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 616.

–2 “ Oct 29 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

–1 “ (22 cases) Oct 30 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

–1 “ Nov 1 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

–1 “ (106 cases) Nov 2-3 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

–1 “ Nov 6 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 616.

–1 “ Nov 7 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 617.

–1 “ Nov 12 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 619.

Florida ( 3) Nov (mid)

— 1 Fort Barrancas Nov 18[7] Augustin. History of Yellow Fever, 1909, 454.

— 1 Key West, Tortugas Quarantine station. US Marine-Hosp. Svc. An. Rpt. 1897, p. 494.

— 1 Pensacola, at quarantine station Augustin. History of Yellow Fever, 1909, 458.

–1 “ Nov 15 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 618.

Illinois ( 1)

–0 Cairo (two suspicious cases reported at marine hospital, admitted from government dredge.[8]

–1 Cairo (a refugee) Sep 20 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 589.

Kentucky ( 1)

–1 Louisville (a refugee) Sep 23 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 597.

Louisiana (301) Sep 4-Dec 25

–308 approximately statewide Carrigan. The Saffron Scourge. 1961, p. 216.

–301 State Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.

— 0 Algiers, case reported. Sep 21 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 599.

— 2 Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Par. Augustin. History of Yellow Fever, 1909, 475.

–1 “ Oct 21 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 608.

–1 “ Oct 31 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

— 1 Franklin, St. Mary Parish Augustin. History of Yellow Fever, 1909, 478.

–1 “ Oct 14 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 608.

–300 New Orleans (approximately) Duffy. “Yellow Fever in the Continental [US], 694.[9]

–298 New Orleans (out of 1,908 cases) Carrigan. The Saffron Scourge. 1961, p. 216.

–297 New Orleans New Orleans Public Library. Yellow Fever Deaths...

–218 “ Sep 4-Dec 25 Augustin. History of Yellow Fever, 1909, 493.

–212 “ out of 1,675 cases. Biloxi Herald, MS. “The Fever.” 11-6-1897, p. 8.

— ? “ Sep 6, 1^st case. Carrigan. The Saffron Scourge. 1961, p. 192.[10]

— 1 “ Sep 17 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 591.

— 1 “ Sep 18 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 592.

— 2 “ Sep 19 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 592.

— 2 “ Sep 22 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 592.

— 3 “ Sep 23 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 592.

— 4 “ Sep 24 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 597.

— 2 “ Sep 25 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 597.

— 2 “ Sep 27 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 597.

— 2 “ Sep 28 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 597.

— 4 “ Sep 29 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 597.

— 3 “ Sep 30 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 601.

— 2 “ Oct 1 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 601.

— 4 “ Oct 2 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 601.

— 3 “ Oct 3 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 601.

— 2 “ Oct 5 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 601.

— 5 “ Oct 6 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 601.

— 2 “ Oct 7 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

— 5 “ Oct 8 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

— 6 “ Oct 9 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

— 5 “ Oct 10 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

— 4 “ Oct 11 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

— 3 “ Oct 12 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

— 9 “ Oct 13 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

— 4 “ Oct 14 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 605.

— 3 “ Oct 15 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 605.

— 4 “ Oct 16 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 605.

— 5 “ Oct 17 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 605.

— 7 “ Oct 18 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 605.

— 4 “ Oct 19 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 605.

— 3 “ Oct 20 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 608.

— 2 “ Oct 21 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 608.

— 5 “ Oct 22 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 608.

— 7 “ Oct 23 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 608.

— 3 “ Oct 24 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 608.

— 11 “ Oct 25 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 608.

— 7 “ Oct 26 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 608.

— 11 “ Oct 27 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 608.

— 8 “ Oct 28 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

— 5 “ Oct 29 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

— 9 “ Oct 30 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

— 5 “ Oct 31 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

— 12 “ Nov 1 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

— 6 “ Nov 2 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

— 3 “ Nov 3 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

— 7 “ Nov 4 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 616.

— 10 “ Nov 5 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 616.

— 5 “ Nov 6 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 616.

— 8 “ Nov 7 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 616.

— 7 “ Nov 8 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 616.

— 4 “ Nov 9 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 616.

— 4 “ Nov 10 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 616.

— 6 “ Nov 11 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 618.

— 2 “ Nov 12 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 618.

— 2 “ Nov 13 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 618.

— 3 “ Nov 14 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 618.

— 2 “ Nov 15 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 618.

— 2 “ Nov 16 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 618.

— 3 “ Nov 17 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 618.

— 2 “ Nov 18 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 619.

— 4 “ Nov 20 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 619.

— 3 “ Nov 21 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 619.

— 1 “ Nov 22 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 619.

— 1 “ Nov 24 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 619.

— 11 “ Nov 25-Dec 4 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 621.

— 5 “ Dec 5-25 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 621.

— 0 Patterson, St. Mary Parish (case) Oct 21. US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

Mississippi (110-112) Aug-Nov[11]

–111 Statewide Blanchard tally based on sources below.

— 0 Alco, 1st case Oct 8 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

–4-5 Barkley Blanchard range from sources below.

–0 “ 1^st four cases reported, Sep 11. US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 589.

–5 “ (out of 15 cases) by Nov 4. Biloxi Herald, MS. “The Fever.” 11-6-1897, p. 8.

–4 “ (10 cases) Sep 13-18 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

–4-5 Bay St. Louis Blanchard range from sources below.

–5 “ from 259 cases by Nov 4. Biloxi Herald, MS. “The Fever.” 11-6-1897, p8.

–4 “ US Marine-Hosp. Svc. An. Rpt. 1897, p. 605, 608.

–1 “ Oct 19 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 605.

–1 “ Oct 24 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 608.

–2 “ (40 cases) Oct 25 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 608.

–28 Biloxi (606 cases) Sep-Nov 4 Biloxi Herald, MS. “The Fever.” 11-6-1897, p. 8.

–1 “ Harrison County Sep 19 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 592.

–1 “ Sep 20 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 592.

–1 “ Sep 21 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 592.

–1 “ Sep 22 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 592.

–1 “ Sep 27 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 597.

–1 “ Sep 28 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 597.

–1 “ Sep 30 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 601.

–2 “ Oct 3 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 601.

–1 “ Oct 6 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 601.

–1 “ Oct 7 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

–1 “ Oct 8 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

–1 “ Oct 10 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

–1 “ Oct 19 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 605.

–3 “ Oct 20 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 605.

–1 “ Oct 21 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 608.

–1 “ Oct 22 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 608.

–1 “ Oct 25 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 608.

–4 “ Oct 28 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

–1 “ Nov 1 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

–1 “ Nov 3 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

–1 “ Nov 14 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 618.

— 1 Cayuga, Hinds Co., 35 cases by Nov 4. Biloxi Herald, MS. “The Fever.” 11-6-1897, p. 8.

–1 “ (25 cases) Oct 18 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 605.

— 2 Clinton, Hinds Co., from 34 cases by Nov 4. Biloxi Herald, MS. “The Fever.” 11-6-1897, 8.

–1 “ Oct 7 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

–1 “ (42 cases) Oct 14 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 605.

— 0 Country Farm (case) Oct 25 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 609.

— 1 Durant, Homes County Nov 1 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 613.

–30 Edwards, from 533 cases by Nov 4 Biloxi Herald, MS. “The Fever.” 11-6-1897, p. 8.

–0 “ 1^st case, Aug 8, Mrs. Anderson, on arrival back from Ocean Springs.[12]

–1 “ Sep 5 Delphi Weekly Times, IN. 9-7-1897.[13]

–1 “ Sep 15 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 592.

–2 “ Sep 22 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 592.

–2 “ Sep 25 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 597.

–1 “ Sep 28 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 597.

–1 “ Oct 1 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 601.

–1 “ Oct 2 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 601.

–1 “ Oct 3 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 601.

–2 “ Oct 4 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 601.

–1 “ Oct 5 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 601.

–1 “ Oct 6 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 601.

–4 “ Oct 8 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

–1 “ Oct 9 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

–1 “ Oct 10 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

–2 “ Oct 11 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

–1 “ Oct 12-15 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 605.

–1 “ Oct 16 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 605.

–1 “ Oct 17 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 605.

–3 “ Oct 18 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 605.

–1 “ Oct 23 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 609.

–1 “ (455 cases) Nov 15 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 618.

— 2 Greensboro, Webster Co. (20 cases). Biloxi Herald, MS. “The Fever.” 11-6-1897, p. 8.

— 0 Henderson’s Point, 3 cases, Oct 7-20 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 609.

— 0 Hinds Co., Convict Camp, near Raymond (6 cases, Oct 23-27). US MHS An Rpt. 609.

— 1 McHenry (out of 41 cases) Oct 13 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

— 2 Nitta Yuma, Sharkey Co., 48 cases. Biloxi Herald, MS. “The Fever.” 11-6-1897, p. 8.

–1 “ Oct 11 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

— 6 Ocean Springs (797 cases)[14] Sep 8-30 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 609.

–2 “ Sep 8 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 592.

–3 “ Sep 18 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 592.

–1 “ (23 cases) Sep 26 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 597.

— 3 Pascagoula, Jackson Co., by Nov 4. Biloxi Herald, MS. “The Fever.” 11-6-1897, p. 8.

–0 “ 1^st case Sep 10 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 589.

–1 “ Oct 20 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 606.

–1 “ (35 cases) Nov 8 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 616.

— 0 Perkinston, Stone Co., 1^st case, Sep 10. US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 589.

–18 Scranton, Jackson Co., by Nov 13[15] US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 616.

–15 “ by Nov 4. Biloxi Herald, MS. “The Fever.” 11-6-1897, p. 8.

— 0 “ 1^st case Sep 9 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 589.

— 1 “ Sep 26 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 598.

— 1 “ Sep 27 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 598.

— 1 “ Sep 29 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 598.

— 2 “ Sep 30 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 602.

— 5 “ Oct 1-20 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 609.

“ –1 Oct 13 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 603.

“ –1 Oct 20 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 606.

— 1 “ Oct 22 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 609.

— 3 “ Oct 26 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 609.

— 1 “ Oct 27 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 609.

— 1 “ Nov 1 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 614.

— 1 “ Nov 2 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 614.

— 1 “ Nov 3 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 614.

— 1 “ Nov 8 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 616.

— 1 “ Nov 13 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 618.

— 0 Waveland, Hancock County (5 cases) Biloxi Herald, MS. “The Fever.” 11-6-1897, p. 8.

— 0 “ “ 4 cases by Oct 20 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 609.

— 9 West Pascagoula Oct-Nov US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 620.[16]

Ohio ( 0)

–0 Cincinnati, Montgomery AL refugee gravely ill, Oct 27 report to US Marine-Hospital, 615.

Tennessee (14-16) Oct 22-Nov 7

–16 Memphis, from 52 cases by Nov 4. Biloxi Herald, MS. “The Fever.” 11-6-1897, p. 8.

–14 “ US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 609-16

— 0 “ 1^st case report Oct 22 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 609.

— 1 “ Oct 27 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 609.

— 2 “ Oct 28 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 614.

— 1 “ Oct 30 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 614.

— 1 “ Oct 31 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 614.

— 1 “ Nov 1 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 614.

— 2 “ Nov 2 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 614.

— 3 “ Nov 3 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 614.

— 1 “ Nov 4 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 616.

— 1 “ Nov 5 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 616.

— 1 “ Nov 7 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 616.

Texas ( 0)

–0 Beaumont, 1^st case Sep 22 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 592.

–0 Galveston, 12 cases as of Oct 12 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 604.

–0 Houston, 3 cases as of Oct 11 US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 604.

–14 Miscellaneous (from 107 cases) Biloxi Herald, MS. “The Fever.” 11-6-1897, p. 8.[17]

Narrative Information

U.S. Marine-Hospital Service: “Yellow Fever…this disease [appeared] within the limits of the United States during the summer and fall of 1897. Its continued appearance elsewhere on the Western Hemisphere, where alone it is allowed to have its habitat, requires a rehearsal of the same story from year to year with but few changes.

“The island of Cuba…still remains the constant menace to the health of our Southern States. The normal state of unhealthiness of ants principal seaport, Havana, is of course augmented at present by the presence of so many unacclimated troops from abroad who are engaged in suppressing the rebellion. The sickness and mortality among these soldiers can not be accurately ascertained, as their statistical reports are not obtainable. There have been (November 1, 1896, to November 1, 1897) 1,605 deaths in Havana alone, more than the entire number of cases which occurred during the present epidemic in the city of New Orleans, and upon a basis of mortality of 12 per cent, which is a very low one, this would represent about 12,000 cases. In two months (November 1-December 32, 1896) there were 1,472 cases reported. In Santiago there have been 385 deaths; in Matanzas 175 deaths; in Cienfuegos 129 deaths, and in Regla 130 deaths. In other places there have been reported to the Bureau a total of 232 deaths, making a grand total of 2,656 deaths in the island of Cuba, which based upon the mortality rate above mentioned gives a probable minimum of 20,000 cases; and this, it is to be remembered, is only from those points where our consuls reside, and where communication with the world is possible at the present time.

“In Brazil the epidemic reported during the last year appears to be abating. In the city of Rio de Janeiro only 158 deaths have been reported, as against 3,107 the year previous; but it has appeared in Para, a point not noted the previous year, and 125 deaths have occurred in that city…

“In Mexico there have been only 4 deaths reported from Vera Cruz and 9 from Mazatlan, certainly a good record from places heretofore unpleasantly associated with large statistics in respect to yellow fever.

“On the Isthmus of Panama the city of that name has been visited by an epidemic this spring and summer, and 110 deaths have been reported.

“Other countries in South America or the West Indies [Caribbean] where cases or deaths have been reported are Ecuador, Haiti, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Peru, Nicaragua, and Salvador…” (pp. 427-428.)

U.S. Marine-Hospital Service: “The Yellow-Fever Epidemic in the South During the Fall of 1897.

“The epidemic of yellow fever which occurred shortly after the close of the last fiscal year has its official beginning from the 4^th of September, when an officer of this service proved by post-mortem examination the existence of the disease in Ocean Springs, Miss. This, however, is not the actual beginning of the epidemic, for it had been in existence, though undiscovered, for many weeks before its formal announcement. In another place I have discussed the charge made by others that it originated from contact with persons either residing at or passing through Ship Island quarantine to Ocean Springs. Subsequent information has shown satisfactorily that the first victim of the disease was a person who came from a Central American port, through a local quarantine, in April, prior to the beginning of the quarantine closed season. The mildness of the epidemic prevented it becoming a matter of public concern, and this, coupled with the hesitation which men naturally exhibit in admitting the existence of yellow fever, kept accurate knowledge from the hands of the authorities. The experience at Ocean Springs is evidence of the benignity of the disease, where there were 400 cases of this unrecognized mild type of yellow fever with extremely slight mortality. Indeed, throughout the entire experience of the fall the mortality did not reach as high as 11 per cent. This mild type led to general denial of the first cases appearing in communities, and occasioned widespread discussion as to the correctness of the expressed opinions of acknowledged experts. Controversies proceeded with more or less acrimony in several localities, but the correctness of the opinion of the officers employed by the Government as to th existence of yellow fever was promptly confirmed by local physicians nd health authorities.

Fever at Ocean Springs, Miss.

“Owing to reported information of an epidemic of fever at Ocean Springs, Miss., about the 20^th of August, 1897, members of the State board of health of Louisiana determined to visit Ocean Springs and investigate the disease in conjunction with a member of the Mississippi State board of health. After a thorough investigation, there having been reported some 400 cases….” [pp. 580-581.]

“To meet the necessities caused by restrictions upon travel from Ocean Springs and the other infected localities, the first essential was the establishment of a detention camp, where people seeking to leave the infected localities could be taken as guests and held a period of time sufficient to demonstrate their freedom from the disease, when with a certificate to this effect they could be passed to localities which would otherwise bar them out.

The speedy establishment of this camp was made possible by the preparations which had been made two years previously in anticipation of an emergency like the present. A portable detention camp, including tents, cots, bedding, laundry machinery, cooking and dining utensils, etc., had been prepared, ready for immediate shipment at the old detention camp near Waynesville, Ga., established during the yellow fever epidemic in Brunswick in 1893. A full description of this portable probation camp may be found in the annual report of the Marine-Hospital Service for 1895, pages 379-384.

“This camp was immediately transferred to a point 20 miles east of Ocean Springs and later to Fontainebleau, Miss., requiring a train of 40 cars. Fontainebleau is but 4 or 5 miles east of Ocean Springs, and although after the arrival of the camp at its destination some delay was caused by difficulty in obtaining lumber for the large kitchen and dining rooms, etc., and by hevy showers of rain, the camp was ready for occupancy on September 19, nine days after it had been started from Waynesville.

“The total number of guests admitted to this camp was 1,174, among whom there were discovered in the course of detention 20 cases of yellow fever, each of which was promptly removed to a safe distance as soon as discovered and no new cases developed therefrom; in other words, the camp, by reason of good management, did not itself become infected. It was in operation abut one month, at the end of which time its maintenance was no longer required, and its equipment, or a large portion thereof, was shipped to Avondale, La., for the establishment of another detention camp at that point.

“This cap at Avondale was named ‘Camp Hutton,’ in honor of the memory of Surg. W. H. H. Hutton, whose services in the yellow-fever epidemic of 1893 and at various other critical times had been of so marked a value to the Bureau, the Treasury Department, and the country.

“Camp Hutton was established to protect particularly the sugar districts of Louisiana, and received over 1,000 guests, from among whom two cases of yellow fever were strained out, who would otherwise have gone into the sugar districts and infected the localities visited. It also was maintained about one month, being closed on November 10.

“A third detention camp was established at Mount Vernon Barracks, Ala., an abandoned military reservation, which had been made over by the military authorities to the governor of Alabama, the latter willingly surrendering it to the Marine-Hospital Service for detention-camp purposes.

“This camp was intended particularly for refugees from Mobile, a large number of whom availed themselves of the privileges thereof….

“In addition to these three camps, the Bureau prepared and shipped to the vicinity of Edwards, Miss., the full equipment of another camp, with a view to establishing the same for the purpose of permitting egress from the infected territory I middle Mississippi….” [pp. 583-584.]

“In addition to the regularly commissioned officers of the Service, there were employed 107 physicians as acting assistant surgeons of the Marine-Hospital Service at various places in the South. Of these it may be mentioned that 29 were employed in New Orleans, 44 were employed by the officer of the Service at Memphis who had charge of steamboat and train inspection service, and 11 were employed in Mobile and vicinity….” [p. 585.]

Sep 18: “…at a called meeting of the Tennessee board of health on the 18^th quarantine was ordered against the entire State of Mississippi, including all persons and baggage, to go into effect on the 20^th; also that inspectors had been appointed at Memphis, Grand Junction, Raymer, Stateline, Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Ducktown, and that they had been ordered to cooperate with the Marine-Hospital Service….” (US Marine-Hospital Service. Annual Report…1897, p. 594.)

Nov 9: “The disinfection of mails for points not quarantined against freights from New Orleans and Mobile is discontinued, and the discontinuance of train inspectors out of Mobile authorized.

Nov 10: “Refugees remaining in Camp Hutton at this date discharged, and camp closed. Camp equipage stored and left in charge of custodian….During the continuance of Camp Hutton over 1,000 guests were received and detained ten days, all their baggage and personal effects being disinfected, and several hundred freight and passenger cars disinfected….” (US Marine-Hospital Service. Annual Report…1897, p. 617.)

Nov 12: “All quarantine restrictions removed by the Memphis (Tenn.) board of health…. Inspection or river vessels at Vicksburg, Miss., discontinued.

Nov 13: “Mount Vernon Barracks Detention Camp closed, and the camp equipage stored….

Nov 17: “All disinfection (mails, baggage, etc.) at Atlanta, Ga., discontinued….” (US Marine-Hospital Service. Annual Report…1897, p. 619.)

Nov 18: “A fatal case of yellow fever reported at Fort Barrancas, Fla., 8 miles from Pensacola.

Nov 21: “State Health Officer Sanders, of Alabama, wires that all quarantines are removed.

Nov 22: “No further manifestation disease at Pensacola, and nine days since Goldberg died; 14 since first taken sick; none who were exposed during sickness have been or are now sick from any cause; house-to-house inspection completed Saturday noon; shows no suspicious fever here. Barrancas has now 3 cases; advised moving entire command into camp 2 miles from post, which has been done. Jos. Y. Porter, State Health Officer….

Nov 24: “The Florida State health authorities still requiring disinfection of merchandise from Mobile and New Orleans….

Nov 25: “The issuance of public bulletins by the Louisiana State board of health discontinued and all house quarantines in New Orleans removed.” (US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 620.)

Sources

Augustin, George. History of Yellow Fever. New Orleans: Published for the Author by Search & Pfaff Ltd., 1909; General Books reprint, Memphis, TN, 2010. 1909 copy digitized at: http://archive.org/stream/historyofyellowf00auguuoft#page/n4/mode/1up

Bellande, Ray L. “Yellow Fever & Hurricanes.” Ocean Springs Archives. Accessed 5-11-2018 at: https://oceanspringsarchives.net/yellow-fever-hurricanes

Biloxi Herald, MS. “The Fever.” 11-6-1897, p. 8. Accessed 5-12-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/biloxi-herald-nov-06-1897-p-8/

Carrigan, Jo Ann. The Saffron Scourge: A History of Yellow Fever in Louisiana, 1796-1905 (Doctoral Dissertation). Louisiana State University, LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses, 1961. Accessed 3-11-2018 at: https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1665&context=gradschool_disstheses

Delphi Weekly Times, IN. “Yellow Fever at Edwards Miss.” 9-7-1897, p. 5, col. 3. Accessed 5-11-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/delphi-weekly-times-sep-03-1897-p-5/

Duffy, John. “Yellow Fever in the Continental United States During the Nineteenth Century.” Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine, Vol. 44, No. 6, June 1968, pp. 687-701.

New Orleans Public Library, Louisiana Division. Yellow Fever Deaths in New Orleans, 1817-1905. Accessed 3-7-2010 at: http://nutrias.org/facts/feverdeaths.htm

Sternberg, George M. (US Public Health Service, US Marine Hospital Service). “Yellow Fever: History and Geographic Distribution.” Pages 715-722 in Stedman, Thomas L., M.D. (Ed.) Appendix to the Reference Handbook of the Medical Sciences. NY: William Wood & Co., 1908. Google preview accessed 3-18-2018 at: http://books.google.com/books?id=3ezqX415M5wC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_atb#v=onepage&q&f=false

United States Marine-Hospital Service, Treasury Department. Annual Report of the Supervising Surgeon-General of the Marine-Hospital Service of the United States for the Fiscal Year 1897. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1899. Google preview accessed 5-12-2018 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=ih84AQAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

[1] Sternberg writes that “The epidemic had its origin at Ocean Springs, Miss. Cases occurred in 42 localities, the total number reported having been 4,325, with a mortality of 484. In Mississippi the largest number of cases occurred at Biloxi, Edwards, Scranton, and Ocean Springs; in Alabama the principal centres of the infection were Mobile, Montgomery, Whistler, and Flouraton; in Louisiana New Orleans furnished by far the greater number of cases (mortality 275).” (p. 721)

[2] Elsewhere the Marine Hospital Service shows Alco in Mississippi reporting.

[3] US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 605.

[4] Biloxi Herald, MS. “The Fever.” 11-6-1897, p. 8.

[5] Biloxi Herald, MS. “The Fever.” 11-6-1897, p. 8. US MHS also shows 48 deaths (p. 621.)

[6] Incorporated into Pritchard in the 1950s. (Wikipedia) Augustin (History of Yellow Fever, p. 446) notes 3 deaths.

[7] Date is from: US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 619.

[8] US Marine-Hosp. Svc. Annual Rpt. 1897, p. 593.

[9] Highlighted to denote not used in tally — using, instead, the 297-298 range of the N.O. Public Lib. And Carrigan.

[10] Writes it was “a boy who had returned…from Ocean Springs, Mississippi” [by rail]. (Cites in footnote 45: New Orleans Picayune, Sept. 7, 1897.

[11] See Annual Report of the Supervising Surgeon-General of the Marine-Hospital Service on recognition that a mild form of yellow fever had become recognized as of an epidemic character in August.

[12] US Marine-Hospital Service Annual Report for 1897, p. 591. On page 616 US MHS notes 229 cases in Oct.

[13] Writes: “A family of nine persons, named Anderson, living near Edwards, had been sojourning at Ocean Springs. After their return seven of the family were taken sick, and Mr. Champion visited the family to inquire after their health. Two or three days afterwards, Mr. Champion was taken sick and died Sunday. The attending physician pronounced the case one of yellow fever.”

[14] Biloxi Herald, MS. “The Fever.” 11-6-1897, p. 8.

[15] Reports by dates total 20 deaths not 18. Biloxi Herald notes 15 by Nov 4 and US MHS shows another death on Nov 8 as well as one on Nov 13, which would have brought their tally to 17.

[16] The US MHS separately shows deaths for Pascagoula.

[17] Not used in our tally in that Augustin shows about the same number of deaths in places not noted by Biloxi Herald.

19th Century

1897 — July 6, Wheat thrashing machine boiler explosion, Hartsville area, TN — 9-12

lornajarrettblanchard July 6, 1897

–9-12 The Tennessean, Nashville. “Like a Flash of Lightning.” 7-7-1897, p. 1, column 2.[1]

–9-11 Alton Democrat, IL. “Blown to Pieces. Nine People Instantly Killed…” 7-10-1897, p. 2.[2]

— 9 Coggins. Tennessee Tragedies: Natural, Technological and Societal… 2011, pp. 93-94.[3]

— 7 Hartsville Vidette. “Look Back: Steam thresher explosion once killed seven.” Not dated.

Narrative Information

July 6: “Hartsville, Tenn., July 6.–(Special.) A frightful boiler explosion occurred on the farm of Squire W. A. Allen, about five miles from this place, in the Tenth District, at 3 o’clock this afternoon, by which nine people lost their lives and five others were very badly injured. The dead are:

A. Allen, married.

James Allen, son of W. A. Allen, unmarried.

Lindsay Allen, son of W. A. Allen, unmarried.

Will Allen, son of W. A. Allen, unmarried.

Mack Tunstill, unmarried.

Asa Barr, aged 16.

Porter Averett, colored.

Len Barksdale, colored.

_____ Bolton, a boy.

“The injured are:

Calhoun Stone, leg broken in two places.

George Dice, engineer, badly scalded; will die.

John Foley, colored, badly mangled; will die.

Sam Wheeler, colored, leg broken; will die.

Albert Haley, seriously injured….”

(The Tennessean, Nashville. “Like a Flash of Lightning.” 7-7-1897, p. 1, column 2.)

July 7: “Hartsville, Tenn., July 7.–A frightful boiler explosion occurred on the farm of W. A. Allen in the Tenth district of this county by which 9 people were instantly killed and five badly injured. The dead are:

A. Allen.

James Allen.

Lindsey Allen.

Mock Tunstall.

Asa Barr. Porter Averitt.

—– Bolton.

Len Barksdale.

Will Allen.

“….The injured are:

Calhoun Stone, leg broken in two places.

George Dice [or Dies],[4] badly scalded and mangled; will die.

John Foley…badly mangled; will die.

Albert Haley…badly injured; may recover.

Sam Wheeler…leg broken.

“Mr. Allen and his men were just concluding the work of thrashing wheat and were preparing to leave the field when the explosion occurred, from what cause is not known. Some of the victims were mangled beyond recognition and pieces of the boiler were blown several hundred yards. Lindsey Allen’s head was blown away and has not been found. Wheeler, Dice and Foley are certainly fatally injured. W. A. Allen was a member of the Trousdale county court and a prominent man in his section.” (Alton Democrat, IL. “Blown to Pieces. Nine People Instantly Killed…Five Badly Injured.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.)

Hartsville Vidette: “….on July 6, 1897…an explosion happened. And it happened in the Providence Community of Trousdale County! We quote from the newspaper account:

Explosion on W.A. Allen’s Farm

Tuesday at about half past two o’clock, the most terrible explosion in the history of Trousdale County occurred on the farm of Squire W. A. Allen, five miles from Hartsville, near Cedar Bluff, in the 10th district.

The steam thresher of George Dies had been engaged in threshing Squire Allen’s wheat both Monday and Tuesday and at the time of the accident had just finished…

Some twenty men were either employed about the thresher or were visitors there. Mr. Tunstall had just arrived to show them into his field.

The men and the hands were at their respective places, some feeding, some about the engine, others on the wagon throwing off wheat, one on the straw stack, and others at different places and distances from the machine.

Nothing much is known of the cause of the explosion, though the water was low and they were taking water at the time….

Quick as lighting and as destructive…the explosion came and no one knew it until it had occurred. Hardly a man about the engine escaped unhurt.

Mr. Allen and his two sons, Mr. Tunstall, Henry Barr, John Foley, and Sam Wheeler were instantly killed, while a dozen others were mangled, scalded and burned…

(Hartsville Vidette. “Look Back: Steam thresher explosion once killed seven.” Not dated.)

Sources

Alton Democrat, IL. “Blown to Pieces. Nine People Instantly Killed…Five Badly Injured.” 7-10-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/alton-democrat-jul-10-1897-p-2/

Coggins, Allen R. Tennessee Tragedies: Natural, Technological and Societal Disasters in the Volunteer State. Knoxville: University of Tennessee Press. 2011,

Hartsville Vidette. “Look Back: Steam thresher explosion once killed seven.” Not dated. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://www.hartsvillevidette.com/local-news/look-back-steam-thresher-explosion-once-killed-seven/

The Tennessean, Nashville. “Like a Flash of Lightning.” 7-7-1897, p. 1, column 2. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/19222473/the_tennessean/

[1] Nine fatalities and three of the injured referred to as “will die.” We have not been able to find follow-up stories on the fate of the injured. Though we cite one account, based on a 1897 newspaper, noting seven immediate deaths, the two other sources we cite, and others found in newspapers at the time, write of nine deaths as well as expectations of two or three deaths amongst the injured.

[2] Writes that nine were instantly killed, and names the victims. Notes 5 injured, writing two “will die.”

[3] Cites as Sources: Knoxville Tribune, July 7, 1897, and Nashville Bannr, July 7 and 8, 1897.

[4] Hartsville Vidette. “Look Back: Steam thresher explosion once killed seven.” Not dated. Accessed 4-26-2019.

19th Century

1897 — July 4, Drownings in Lake Michigan during heat wave, Chicago area, IL — 8

lornajarrettblanchard July 4, 1897

–8 Oil City Derrick. “Eight Persons Drowned.” 7-5-1897, p. 1.[1]

Source

Oil City Derrick, PA. “Two Fatalities Near Connelsville,” 7-5-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oil-city-derrick-jul-05-1897-p-1/

[1] Victims identified as R. R. Cummings, Harry Nelson, E. A Rider, 16, John Soderman, James Sullivan, John Sprawka, George Wall, 19, and unidentified man “drowned at foot of Grace street.”

19th Century

1897 — July 1-11, Heat, esp. upper midwest/NE, esp. Chicago/Cincinnati/St. Louis–608-616

lornajarrettblanchard July 1, 1897

— 608-616 Blanchard tally[1] based on State and local breakouts below.[2]

— 350 Evening News-Review, East Liverpool, OH. “350 Deaths From Heat.” 7-12-1897, p.3.

Summary of Heat-Related Deaths by State

Connecticut ( 1) July 10

District of Columbia ( 1) July 3

Georgia ( 6) By July 2

Illinois ( 116) July 1-11 Especially Chicago (87)

Indiana ( 46) July 2-11 Especially Indianapolis (15)

Iowa ( 7) July 8-10

Kansas ( 5) July 9

Kentucky ( 31) July 4-12 Especially Louisville (17)

Louisiana ( 15) July 4-10 New Orleans (15)

Maine ( 5) July 7-10

Maryland ( 3) July 3 and 10

Massachusetts ( 15) July 6-11

Michigan ( 31) July 5-12 Especially Detroit (20)

Minnesota ( 3) July 4-10

Missouri ( 52) July 1-11 Especially St. Louis (42)

Nebraska ( 6) July 2-10

New Hampshire ( 11) July 7-10

New Jersey ( 2) July 7

New York ( 88) July 2-11 Especially NYC (39)

Ohio ( 103) July 3-10 Especially Cincinnati (65)

Pennsylvania (26-34) July 2-12 Especially Pittsburgh (14-22)

Tennessee ( 9) July 2-10

Vermont ( 4) July 8-10

West Virginia ( 2) July 4-11

Wisconsin ( 21) July 3-10

Breakout of Heat-Related Fatalities by State and Locality (where noted):

Connecticut ( 1) July 10

–1 Meriden, July 10. Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.

District of Columbia ( 1) July 3

–1 July 3. William Carroll, hotel worker. Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.

Georgia ( 6) By July 2

–6 Allegany County Republican, Wellsville, NY. “The News Epitomized.” 7-2-1897, p. 4.[3]

Illinois (116) July 1-11 Especially Chicago (87)

–116 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.

— 1 Alton, July 10. John Kemp. Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.

— 2 Aurora, July 3. Robert Hillock, Sr., and wife, each 80, in their home.[4]

— 3 Bloomington, July 9. Dr. James A. Manning, Jack Little, Mrs. John F. Trotter.[5]

— 89 Chicago, July 1-11. Blanchard tally based on date breakouts below.

–87 Chicago, July 1-10.[6]

— 6 June 30. Jasper Herald, IN. “Victims of Heat.” 7-2-1897, p. 1.[7]

— 8 July 1. Hornellsville Weekly Tribune, NY. “Death Caused by the Heat.” 7-2-1897, 1.

— 1 July 2. Sailor “found dead from the heat in his bunk on…steamer Sioux City.”[8]

— 1 July 3. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Hot! The Hottest Day of the Season.” 7-3-1897, p1.

— 3 July 4. Lambert Ludberg/carpenter, Henry Behlin/teamster, William Sullivan/laborer.[9]

— 9 July 5. Indianapolis News, IN. “Nine Deaths at Chicago.” 7-6-1897, p. 2.[10]

— 4 July 6. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Still Hot in Chicago.” 7-7-1897, p. 2.[11]

— 3 July 7. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Three Deaths in Chicago.” 7-8-1897, p. 2.[12]

— 4 July 8. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “More Deaths Due To Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2.[13]

–16 July 9. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Hotter Than Ever.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.[14]

— 5 July 10. Winchester Journal, IN. “Death in the Heat.” 7-14-1897, p. 2.

— 2 July 11. Mrs. E. Jones & Allen Thompson, both of whom were overcome earlier.[15]

— 5 Decatur, July 7-9. Blanchard tally from date breakouts below:

–2 July 7-8. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.[16]

–1 July 9. Sunstroke victim John Shirey.[17]

–1 July 9. Max Zudswetz, age 5, after playing in the hot sun.[18]

–1 July 10. Miss Mary Mooney, 20. Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p3.

— 1 Galena, July 8. John Moser, proprietor of the East Galena creamery; heat exhaustion.[19]

— 1 Galesburg, by July 10. Gus Thor, farm hand, sunstroke.[20]

— 1 Kankakee, July 10. Charles Reecke. Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.

— 1 Lacon, July 8. Joseph Wink. Goshen Daily News, IN. “Excessive Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 2.

— 1 Moline, July 9. Miss Hilor Gustafson, domestic kitchen worker.[21]

— 1 Naperville, July 10. Andrew Johnson, farmhand.[22]

— 1 Olney, by July 10. Mrs. Sarah W. McClure.[23]

— 1 Paris, by July 10. Preston Crum, a farmer, overcome and died in the field.[24]

— 6 Peoria, July 4-10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 1.

— 1 Quincy, by July 10. Barney Brink, farmer.[25]

— 1 Springfield, by July 10. Terre Haute Express, IN. “Just Like Epidemic.” 7-13-1897, p. 6.

— 1 Waukegan, by July 10. George Decker, a farmer.[26]

Indiana (46) July 2-11 Especially Indianapolis (15)

–46 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.

— 1 Brookville, July 10. Herman Sander of Cincinnati, driving wagon.[27]

— 1 Crawfordsville, July 7. Prostrated while exercising a colt; Howard Wilcox.[28]

— 1 Denver, ~July 11. Ira Cool, of Denver, working in relative’s harvest field.[29]

— 1 Elkhart, July 9. William Ludwig, 59, working in a cornfield.[30]

— 1 Elwood, ~July 7. Wendel Metz, glass worker.[31]

— 3 Evansville, July 8. Fred E. Blumensteil, Annie Fink and William F. Hartman.[32]

— 1 Fairfield area, July 6. Ed Farrell. Indianapolis News. “Dead on the Pike.” 7-7-1897, p. 1.

— 7 Fort Wayne, July 4-10. Blanchard tally from date breakouts below.

–1 July 5. Samuel Bard, “well known and respected citizen,” from heat stroke 4^th.[33]

–4 July 6. Mrs. Amelia Miller, Mrs. Eliza A Ewing, Frank Huxley, Mrs. William Miller.[34]

–2 July 4-10. Mrs. Flora Mooney, 66, and Thomas J. Rush, 32.[35]

— 1 Goshen, ~July 11. B. F. Dodge, 73; heat; tightly closed doors and windows upon retiring.[36]

— 1 Greencastle, ~July 11. Gaspar Renick, ~70, carriage manufacturer, at work.[37]

–15 Indianapolis, Jan 4-11. Blanchard tally from date breakouts below.

–10 July 4-10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, p1.[38]

–1 July 5. John Berberich, Home brewery driver while making delivery.[39]

–2 July 8. Patrick Kelly, hotel clerk, and Leonard Clark.[40]

–2 July 9. Oscar F. Mayhew, 71, and Daniel J. Small.[41]

–1 July 9. Joseph Winston (ret. soldier); boarding house room.[42]

–2 July 10. Cora Robinson, and man known as “Oklahoma Bill.”[43]

— 1 ~July 11. “Infant Bohn, 294 E. New York, heat.”[44]

— 1 ~July 11. Michael Kelly, 54, Missouri and Washington, sunstroke.[45]

— 1 ~July 11. Wm. G. Sloan, 60, heat prostration.[46]

— 1 ~July 11. Wm. Stout, 55, 433 W. Maryland, heat sunstroke.[47]

— 1 ~July 11. Harry St. John Davidson, 29, 3637 N. Illinois, heat prostration.[48]

— 1 Jeffersonville, no date. Casper Seibert.[49]

— 1 Jeffersonville area (3 miles away on Utica pike), July 9. Mrs. Mary W. Oglesby.[50]

— 1 Kokomo, ~July 11. Joseph Engelbert, 47, of Richmond, IN.[51]

— 3 Lafayette, July 9. Dixon Evening Telegraph, IL. “Heat Deaths at Other Places.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.

— 1 Muncie, July 2. Mrs. William M. Peterson, 50.[52]

— 2 Portland, July 7. Henry Ammonds, farmer working in hay field; Catholic nun nearby.[53]

— 1 South Bend, July 4. James Farrington, 25, a stone-cutter, 3 hours after overcome by heat.[54]

— 1 Terre Haute. Terre Haute Express, IN. “Just Like Epidemic.” 7-13-1897, p. 6.

— 1 Utica, 4^th. “Heart disease superinduced by the excessive hear…” Mrs. Virginia Ruddell, 65.[55]

— 1 Yorktown, July 6. Timothy Hardwick, 72. Indianapolis News. “Fell from His Fence.” 7-7-1897, p. 1.

Iowa ( 7) July 8-10

–7 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.

–1 Burlington, July 9. John Swanson. Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p.3.

–1 Cedar Rapids, July 8. Swede names Johnson; sunstroke; died in thirty minutes.[56]

–1 Cedar Rapids, July 10. Charles Sparenberger [or Scharenberger, ~Norway],[57] a farmer.[58]

–1 Creston, July 8; Mike Lornicka, heat and whisky; 100 degree weather.[59]

–1 Keokuk, July 9. Lawrence Drenke, 45, saloonkeeper “dropped dead of over-heat to-night.[60]

–1 Lyons, by July 10. John Thedens. Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.

–1 Marshalltown, ~July 8. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “More Deaths Due To Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2.

Kansas ( 5) July 9

–1 Atchison, July 9. Lawrence Daily Journal, KS. “Many Deaths.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.

–3 Kansas City, July 9. Emil Dahl, Amos Dowl, laborer, Sophia Hammersberg.[61]

–1 Leavenworth, July 9. William Keeler, 74.[62]

Kentucky (31) July 4-12 Especially Louisville (17)

–31 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.

Breakout of Kentucky Heat and Heat-Related Fatalities by Locality and/or Date, where noted:

— 1 Ashland, by July 12. Jennie Elkins of Sheridan, OH; “extreme heat victim.”[63]

— 5 Covington, Newport and KY suburbs of Cincinnati.[64]

–17 Louisville, by July 10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 1.[65]

— 5 July 4. Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, 1.[66]

— 2 July 7. Portsmouth Times, OH. “Deaths From Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.[67]

— 1 July 8. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “More Deaths Due To Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2.

— 3 July 9. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.

— 1 Rockport, July 4. Miss Maggie Bell, 17, “dropped dead while playing with her companions.”[68]

— 3 KY other than Louisville, July 8.[69]

— 4 KY other than Louisville, July 9.[70]

Louisiana (15) July 4-10 New Orleans (15)

–15 New Orleans, July 4-10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, 1.[71]

Maine ( 5) July 7-10

–1 East Livermore Mills, July 10. Sunstroke while working in his hayfield; John Turner, 60.[72]

–1 Marlboro area, July 6. Sunstroke. Michael Kelliher, middle-aged farmer, found in his field.[73]

–2 Marlboro area, July 7. Bodies of two men found off Crane Meadow rd.; extreme heat and alcohol.[74]

–1 South Berwick, July 9 or 10. Joseph W. Hasty, 31.[75]

Maryland ( 3) July 3 and 10

–1 Baltimore, July 3. Sunstroke; man collapsed at Biddie and St. Paul streets and soon died.[76]

–1 Baltimore, July 10. Insurance collector, Wm. G. Bartram, 28, after walking “a great deal.”[77]

–1 South Cumberland, July 8. Mr. Wilhelm, found in a meadow; Coroner ruled death by heat.[78]

Massachusetts (15) July 6-11

–15 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.

Breakout of Massachusetts heat-related deaths by locality, where noted:

— 4 Boston, July 4-10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 1.[79]

–1 July 6. William Handy, Charlestown Navy Yard worker.[80]

–2 July 7. Victims identified as Michael Fitzgerald, 38, and John Ryan, 55.[81]

–1 July 8. John Shea, 40, teamster, while driving through Faneuil Hall square.[82]

— 1 Danvers, July 7. Deane Shay, found dead in barn; autopsy concluded “effects of heat.”[83]

— 2 Gloucester, July 10. Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.

— 1 Lowell, July 6. W. M. Mulcahey, about 65, prostrated by heat, died soon thereafter.[84]

— 1 Lowell, July 11. Heat prostration; Emma R. Dutton. Lowell Sun, MA. “Funerals.” 7-11-1897, 1.

— 1 Meriden, July 4-10. Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Hottest July 10 Since ʹ80.” 7-11-1897, 30.

— 1 Revere Beach, near Boston, July 6. William Gray, 60, a “slater” working on admin. Bldg.[85]

— 1 Tewksbury, July 8. Thomas Roughan, 27, farm laborer, while at work.[86]

— 1 Watertown, July 9. Sunstroke while working on Main Street; Thomas Coffee, 54.[87]

— 2 Worcester, by July 10. Terre Haute Express, IN. “Just Like Epidemic.” 7-13-1897, p. 6.

–1 July 9. Patrick O’Keefe, 47, a paver in city street department.[88]

Michigan (31) July 5-12 Especially Detroit (20)

–31 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.

— 1 Ann Arbor, July 9, after suffering sunstroke July 8 “drawing hay;” Fred Schneirle.[89]

— 1 Benton Harbor, July 7. Edward Greenland, farm worker, overcome by heat and died.[90]

— 1 Deerfield area, July 9. Sunstroke while working in farm field; Edward Carey, 24.[91]

–20 Detroit, July 5-12. Blanchard tally from date breakouts below.

–13 July 5. Steimlea, Wowalski, Orr, Weber, Birthwhistle, Cummings, 7 children.[92]

— 1 July 12. Heat prostration; collapsed week earlier. Hon. George V. N. Lothrop.[93]

— 2 Grand Rapids, by July 10. Terre Haute Express, IN. “Just Like Epidemic.” 7-13-1897, p. 6.

— 1 Interlochen area, July 8. Overcome by heat at work in lumber camp; Edwin Sweet, 30.[94]

— 1 Menominee, July 9. Sunstroke; John Gillan.[95]

— 1 Niles. July 6. Paper mill company worker Charles Kimmick, 64.[96]

— 1 St. Joseph, July 8. “Joseph Kroff, crazed by the heat, committed suicide…” Jumped into river.[97]

— 1 Traverse City, by July 10. E. C. Van Valkenberg, 35; sunstroke.[98]

— 1 Wyandotte area, July 4. Unnamed man.[99]

Minnesota ( 3) July 4-10

–1 Minneapolis, July 10. Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.

–2 St. Paul, July 4-10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 1.

–1 ~July 8. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “More Deaths Due To Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2.[100]

Missouri (52) July 1-11 Especially St. Louis (42)

–52 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.

— 8 Kansas City, July 4-10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 1.

— 2 Kansas City, July 9. Delphos Daily Herald, OH. “Heat of Death,” 7-10-1897, p. 3.

— 2 St. Joseph, July 9. Lawrence Daily Journal, KS. “Many Deaths.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.

–42 St. Louis, July 1-11.[101]

— 7 July 8. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “More Deaths Due To Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2.[102]

–1 July 2. Suicide; allegedly could not bear the heat; William Marzalof.[103]

— 1 July 7. Unknown man in a stable.[104]

— 7 July 9. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “In St. Louis. Seven Deaths.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.[105]

–14 July 10. Terre Haute Express. “Deaths in St. Louis.” 7-13-1897, p. 6.[106]

Nebraska ( 6) July 2-10

–1 Hooper, July 2. John D. Miller, after farmwork.[107]

–3 Lincoln, by July 10. Terre Haute Express, IN. “Just Like Epidemic.” 7-13-1897, p. 6.

–2 Omaha, July 10. Frederick Carlson, ~36, in his boarding house room;[108] Frank Latenra.[109]

New Hampshire (11) July 7-10

–11 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.

— 1 Berlin, July 7. A child.[110]

— 1 Concord, July 8. Heat exhaustion; John Linehan, 80, of Penacook.[111]

— 1 Dover, July 9 or 10. Overcome by heat while painting bldg., James F. Cook, 60.[112]

— 1 Epping, July 9 or 10. Charles Riley, 30.[113]

— 1 Lisbon, July 9 or 10. Allen Presby.[114]

— 1 Manchester, July 8. Ernest J. Rice, 22, college student, on bicycle road trip.[115]

— 1 Rollinsford, July 9 or 10. Sunstroke while stowing away hay; Henry Moses, 53.[116]

— 1 South Manchester, July 8. Michael O’Neil, 45, tannery laborer.[117]

— 1 Walpole, July 9 or 10. Joseph A. Elliott, 30.[118]

— 1 West Plymouth, July 9 or 10. William Harriman, 66.[119]

— 1 Whitefield, July 10. Sunstroke while working in hayfield; Louis Boyle.[120]

New Jersey ( 2) July 7

–1 Rahway, July 7. Suicide; “the excessive heat of the past few days having affected him considerably.”[121]

–1 Richfield, July 6. Henry Ploch, 65, a farmer, overcome by heat on haystack, fell to ground.[122]

New York (88) July 2-11 Especially NYC (39)

–88 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.

— 1 Albany, July 10. John Goodman, elderly male; “became insane from the heat and killed himself.”

— 1 Albany, July 11. John Fairfield of Burlington, VT, working as Albany machinist.[123]

— 1 Albion, July 5. Mrs. James Coop “from the effects of the heat…picking strawberries.”[124]

–16 Buffalo, July 4-10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 1.

— 2 July 4-8. Fort Wayne Journal, IN. “Old Sol’s Harvest.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.

–1 July 8. Frank Brost, a Polish laborer.[125]

— 5 July 9. Fort Wayne Journal, IN. “Old Sol’s Harvest.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.

–12 July 9-10. Seven in Buffalo and five in neighboring towns and villages.[126]

— 9 July 10. Fort Wayne Journal, IN. “Old Sol’s Harvest.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.[127]

— 4 July 12. Daily Times, New Brunswick, NJ. “Thirteen Heat Victims in Buffalo.” 7-12-1897, 3.

–12 By 12^th. Daily Times, New Brunswick, NJ. “Thirteen Heat Victims in Buffalo.” 7-12-1897, 3.

— 1 Canajoharie, July 11. Daniel Lampert. The World, NY. “Relief Comes At Last.” 7-12-1897, 2.

— 1 Celeron, July 6. Man by name of Russell, of Oil City, PA.[128]

— 1 Cicero, July 10. Mrs. Allen. Syracuse Standard, NY. “Death and Prostration.” 7-11-1897, 6.

— 1 Dodgeville, July 10. Davenport Sunday Leader, IA. “Heat Record.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.

— 1 Dunkirk, July 10. Mrs. Thomas Wade. Bradford Era, PA. “Condensations.” 7-12-1897, p.1.

— 1 Fort Plain, July 11. John C. Nellis. The World, NY. “Relief Comes At Last.” 7-12-1897, 2.

— 1 Genesee, ~July 7. Italian pea field worker “died from the effects of the heat.”[129]

— 1 Jordan area, July 7. Theodore Webb, 56; had been haying when overcome.[130]

— 1 Little Falls, July 8. Sunstroke; William Henry Walter, 56. a farmer.”[131]

— 1 Liverpool, July 9. Sunstroke; Jeffrey Closkey, of Poland, working on gas pipeline.[132]

— 1 Lockport, July 8. James Clark, 62, while mowing hay.[133]

— 1 Malone, July 8. Henry Trushaw at work in a hop yard; temperature registered 96 degrees.[134]

–39 New York City/Brooklyn, July 4-11. Blanchard tally from date breakouts below.[135]

— 1 July 2. Henry Sweitzer, 67, laborer, at corner of Weirfield and Wyckoff at 10 am.[136]

— 4 July 6. Maggie Eihl, 60, Bernard McGarry, William Smith;[137] James Cross.[138]

— 5 July 7. Rose Cohen, Adam Heilman, Victor Lembert, Joseph Veith, Fred Zinofski.[139]

— 9 July 8. Salt Lake Herald, UT. “Nine Children Dead.” 7-9-1897, p. 2.[140]

–14 July 9. The World, NY. “Heat Kills Fourteen.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.[141]

–George Becker, 4-months, No. 2125 First Avenue.

–Benjamin Brown, 34, of No. 27 Bethune Street.

–Rose Cohen, 57, No. 273 Grand St., Brooklyn, overcome at Grand and Marcy.

–Martin Geisen, 60, No. 448 West Forty-First Street.

–Herman Goerke, 5-months, No. 2433 Second Avenue.

–Rose Greenburg, 27, No. 51 Forsyth Street.

–Adam Heilman, 28, No. 80 Tenth Avenue.

–Adolph Keller, 2-months, No. 247 East Seventy-Seventy Street.

–Bernard McCurry, 4, of No. 231 East Twenty-Eighth Street.

–Thomas Reilly, 40, of No. 448 Amsterdam Avenue.

–Edward Thornstenson, 13, of No. 2180 Third Avenue.

–Joseph Veth, 31, of No. 631 East One Hundred and Fifty-Second Street.

–Christian Wardak, 41, of No. 673 Eleventh Avenue.

–Sarah Wolfern, 4-months, of No. 208 East Ninety-Fifth Street.

— 5 July 10. The World, NY. “Relief Comes At Last.” 7-12-1897, p. 2.

–Peter Davolo, 10-months; of No. 1606 First Avenue.

–Mary Karl, 2½, of No. 3150 Second Avenue; died in German Hospital.

–Charles Reambousck, 1, at No. 431 East Seventy-Third Street.

–Isaac Thomas, age not noted; prostrated July 10; died at No. 146 Garside Street.

–Unknown man found in hallway of No. 431 Ninth Avenue; died at Roosevelt Hosp.

— 1 Onondaga, July 9. Sun stroke at work; Joseph Giddings.[142]

— 1 Oswego, July 10. Harry Carroway, 55, boilermaker.[143]

— 2 Oswego area, ~July 11. Peter Kellar and Thomas Lanning, both farmers. “from the heat.”[144]

— 1 Palestine, July 11. John C. Nellis, while working in farm field.[145]

— 1 Sprakers, July 11. Daniel Lambert, 50, while working in farm field.[146]

— 2 Rochester, July 10. Boston Sunday Globe. “Two Deaths at Rochester, NY.” 7-11-1897, p.1.

— 4 Syracuse, by July 10. Terre Haute Express, IN. “Just Like Epidemic.” 7-13-1897, p. 6.

–1 July 5. John Corning, 63, farmer; “heat reached 100 degs. In the shade…”[147]

–1 July 9. Mrs. Isabella C. Williams, about 47, heat prostration at about 4 pm.[148]

–1 July 9. Mrs. Augusta L. Kelly, apartment of Mrs. E. A Moore, 340 South Salina.[149]

–1 July 10. Andrew McNeil, of Syracuse waterworks department at work in a trench.[150]

— 1 Troy, July 10. Kyran Walsh, overcome on the street and died before medical aid arrived.[151]

— 4 Utica, July 10. Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.

–1 Adolph Freygande[152] of Dolgeville, overcome and died within a few hours.[153]

–1 Fred Wilson, iceman, found dead in field after leaving his wagon in dazed condition.[154]

— 1 Watervliet, July 9. Charles Connell, saloon keeper. Died shortly after prostration.[155]

Ohio (103) July 3-10 Especially Cincinnati (65)

–103 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.

Breakout of Ohio Heat and Heat-Related Fatalities by Locality:

–65 Cincinnati and “suburban points,” July 1-10.[156]

–52 Cincinnati, July 3-10. Blanchard tally from date breakouts below.

–44 Cincinnati, 3-7. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Still More Heat Victims.” 7-8-1897, p. 2.

–40 July 3-6. The World, NY. “Forty Deaths in Cincinnati.” 7-7-1897, p. 1.

–~6 3^rd. Norwalk Daily Reflector, OH. “A Long Death Roll.” 7-6-1897, p. 2.[157]

–13 4^th. Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, p. 1.[158]

–12 5^th. Norwalk Daily Reflector, OH. “A Long Death Roll.” 7-6-1897, p. 2.[159]

— 5 6^th. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Heat Still Lingers.” 7-7-1897, p. 2.[160]

— 8 7^th. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Still More Heat Victims.” 7-8-1897, p. 2.[161]

— 2 8^th. Piqua Daily Call, OH. “More Deaths Due To Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2.[162]

— 7 10^th. Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.[163]

— 9 Cleveland, July 3-10. Blanchard tally from date breakouts below.

— 4 July 3-4. Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “…Dead at Cleveland.” 7-5-1897, p. 1.[164]

— 5 July 4-10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 1.

— 8 Columbus, July 7-10. Blanchard tally based on date breakouts below.

–1 July 7. Patrick C. Ryan.[165]

–3 July 9. Delphos Daily Herald, OH. “Heat of Death,” 7-10-1897, p. 3.

–4 July 10. In addition, there were 21 “prostrations” not leading to death.[166]

— 8 Dayton, July 4, 9-10. Blanchard tally of date breakouts below:

–1 July 3-5. (Two deaths are noted for the weekend, but we note one on 4^th below).[167]

–1 July 4. Xenia Gazette, OH. “Intense Heat at Dayton.” 7-6-1897, p. 2.[168]

–3 July 9. Daily Leader, Bloomington, IL. “Relief Is At Hand,” 7-9-1897, p. 1.

–3 July 10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.[169]

— 1 Florida area, July 10. Fred Roehrs, 24, while working in a wheat field.[170]

— 1 Lima, July 4. Times-Democrat, Lima, OH. “Found Dead.” 7-5-1897, p. 8.[171]

— 1 Marion, July 8. Col. Nesbitt. Goshen Daily News, IN. “Excessive Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 2.

–10 Toledo, July 4-10. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 1.

— 1 July 9. Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.[172]

Pennsylvania (26-34 ) July 2-12 Especially Pittsburgh (14-22)

–26-34 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.

Breakout of Pennsylvania heat-related deaths by locality, where noted:

— 1 Bradford, July 5. J. J. McCloskey, railroad fireman overcome the day before at work.[173]

— 1 Erie, July 6. Mike Tobin. Bradford Era. “Four Fatalities.” 7-8-1897, p. 4.

— 1 Johnsonburg, July 6. John McCloskey, fireman on Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburg RR.[174]

— 1 Pennsville, July 4. Oil City Derrick, PA. “Two Fatalities Near Connelsville,” 7-5-1897, p.1.

— 7 Philadelphia, July 2-12. Blanchard tally from date breakouts below.

–0 June 30. Noted as among the ten hottest cities, with temp of 91.4° at 4 pm.[175]

–1 July 2. Rose Rider, of Maple Avenue; overcome at Front and Chestnut streets.[176]

–0 July 3. Fifty thousand people reportedly left city for cooler places.[177]

–2 July 9. Unidentified. “Two deaths from the heat occurred in this city yesterday [9^th].”[178]

–1 July 10. James Gallaghan, 32, of 2637 Titan Street. Overcome at home; died at hosp.[179]

–1 July 11. Resident of Odd Fellows’ Home prostrated; died on 11^th; James M. Knox.[180]

–1 July 11. Mrs. Josephine Engle, 31, of 729 North Front St., overcome/died at home.[181]

–1 July 12. Leather worker overcome in factory; died on way to hospital; Theodore Marx, 34.[182]

–14-22 Pittsburgh, July 3-10. Blanchard tally from breakouts is 14. Newspaper reports 22.[183]

–1 July 3. Samuel Reynolds, Chartiers St., Allegheny; cholera morbus, induced by heat.[184]

–1 July 4. Sunstroke; Joseph Arnold of Lawrenceville (Pittsburgh neighborhood today).[185]

–2 July 5. Michael O’Laughlin and Mrs. Mary Doyle.[186]

–3 July 6. Mrs. John W. Mullen,[187] George Meyer, fireman,[188] Frank Opitz, tannery foreman.

–3 July 7. John Gaver, street inspector; Lawrence Mossburgger; George Reily, RR worker.[189]

–1 July 9. Thought to be Edward Shephard of Washington, DC; overcome on the street.[190]

–3 July 10. Michael Barlie, John Dapchulovic, and Bridget Keenan.[191]

— 1 Vanderbilt, July 4. Oil City Derrick, PA. “Two Fatalities Near Connelsville,” 7-5-1897, p.1.

Tennessee ( 9) July 2-10

–9 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.

–2 Chattanooga, July 10. Notes, additionally, of “a number of prostrations.”[192]

–2 Memphis, July 2. James McMullin, laborer; John O’Brien, shoe dealer, in his store.[193]

–5 Nashville, July 3-10. Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.

–2 July 4. Bradford Era, PA. “The Very Warm Weather.” 7-5-1897, p. 1.[194]

Vermont ( 4) July 8-10

–1 Bellows Falls, July 8. Prostrated by heat while driving wagon; Joseph A. Elliott, 30.[195]

–1 Bellows Falls, prior to July 8. Elliott death (above) noted as second Bellows Falls death.[196]

–1 Bellows Falls, July 10. Unidentified laborer working on a log jam.[197]

–1 East Montpelier, July 9 or 10. George S. Goodwin, 60, while working in his hayfield.[198]

West Virginia ( 2) July 4-11

–1 Bluefield, ~July 4-10. William Barlow.[199]

–1 Webster, July 11? Michael Logan, “overcome by the heat at his home last Sunday.”[200]

Wisconsin (21) July 3-10

–3 Appleton, July 9. Stevens Point Daily Journal, WI. “The Heat Wave,” 7-10-1897, 3.[201]

–1 Janesville, July 10. Infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Vobian, after long ride in heat.[202]

–4 La Crosse. Terre Haute Express, IN. “Just Like Epidemic.” 7-13-1897, p. 6.

–1 Madison, July 9. Michael Murphy, 61; retired farmer.[203]

–4 Milwaukee, July 5-10.

–1 July 5. Charles Fraser, “a workingman.”[204]

–3 July 8-10. Daily Crescent, Defiance OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, 1.[205]

–1 July 9. Hugo Knell.[206]

–5 Oshkosh, July 3-9.

–1 Oshkosh, July 3. Benedict Lett, Jr., 16; sunstroke working on nearby farm.[207]

–1 Oshkosh, ~July 5. George Roe; “heart failure, due to heat exhaustion” (coroner).[208]

–1 Oshkosh, July 7. Dr. Harvey B. Dale, after heat prostration about July 1.[209]

–1 Oshkosh, July 9. Annie Derber; “hysteria caused by the heat.”[210]

–1 Oshkosh, July 10. William Goelshack, after prostration on 9^th at lumber co. mill.[211]

–3 Racine, July 5-8.[212]

–2 Racine, ~July 5. Olie Johnson, 65, and Charles Pokonio.[213]

–1 Racine, July 8. William Tepz, 29, stone mason, overcome shortly after 6 pm.[214]

Narrative Information (Chronological)

July 2: “Chicago, July 2.–Men, women and children in Chicago have arisen from passing a sleepless night of suffering to endure a terrific day. The torrid sun’s rays were unmitigated by breeze, for what little wind there is comes up scorching hot from the south and southwest. One death is today added to the list of heat victims. It is: James Williams, sailor found dead in his bunk on the Steamer Sioux City; 28 years old unmarried….” (Morning Herald-Dispatch, Decatur, IL, “Hot At Chicago.” 7-3-1897, p. 1.)

July 3: “Cincinnati, July 3–The heat is more oppressive than ever today. The thermometer ranges from 95 to 98. A number of horses dropped dead on the streets. Fifteen persons have been reported prostrated and four cases are serious….

“Chicago–Four cases of sun-stroke, one fatal, reported today; temperature this afternoon, 94.

“Louisville–The thermometer marked 100 at twelve-thirty this afternoon. A number of prostrations, but no deaths reported. Many horses and mules have fallen on the streets.

“Pittsburg–Two deaths and a number of prostrations from heat today. The thermometer was over 91 at noon.” (Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Hot! The Hottest Day of the Season.” 7-3-1897, p. 1.)

July 4: “Cincinnati, July 4.–This has been the hottest day in the present torrid spell. The weather bureau record showed the mercury at 97 from 2 to 4 p.m., and it was at the maximum, 98, at 5 p.m. The sky was cloudy all day and but few people ventured on the streets. Fifty prostrations and six deaths are reported at 9 o’clock tonight. While there were fifty cases of sun-stroke in this city that required removal to the hospital or to their homes, it is estimated that there were fifty lighter cases, the victims of which went home without assistance. Of the class requiring medical attention, ten cases are quite serious….Local thermometers showed from 102 to 106 in the shade during the afternoon. Since dark a breeze has been cooling the air and the mercury at 9 o’clock stood at 90 degrees. Later.–Seven deaths from heat occurred here in addition to those already sent, making thirteen in the last twenty-four hours….” (Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, p. 1.)

July 4: “Cleveland, July 4.–The heat here today has been most intense, the temperature reaching the highest point for the season. Two fatalities occurred today and one last night and there have been several other prostrations….” (Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, 1.)

July 4: “Connelsville, Pa., July 4.–The heat in the Youghiogheny region today was a death dealer. It is almost beyond precedent. At 9 o’clock this morning the thermometer registered 90 degrees in the shade, while during the day it climbed up to 105 degrees in the shade at many places. Reports of persons being overcome by the intense heat are given out in numbers, one each Pennsville and Vanderbilt being fatal.” (Oil City Derrick, PA. “Two Fatalities Near Connelsville,” 7-5-1897, p. 1.)

July 4: “Detroit, July 4.–The maximum height of the temperature today, according to the official observation, was 94 degrees.” (Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, 1.)

July 4: “Louisville, July 4.–There were many cases of prostration from the heat today, five of them resulting fatally….” (Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, 1.)

July 4: “Nashville, July 4.–The fearful heat prevailing yesterday when the thermometer marked 100 was somewhat lessened today, but not greatly. Three prostrations have been reported today and two deaths….” (Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, p. 1.)

July 4: “Pittsburg, July 4.–The government thermometer registered 98.4 as the maximum, which reached at 5 p.m.” (Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, p. 1.)

July 4: “St. Louis, July 4.–At sunrise today the mercury stood at 90, but went to 100 later and at 11 o’clock tonight it is 89 degrees on the streets. Only three men were prostrated on the streets. No fatal cases have been reported.” (Sandusky Daily Register OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, 1.)

July 4: “Toledo, July 4.–Today was the hottest July day in twenty-five years in this city. The government thermometer registered 99° and the instruments on the streets indicated from 110° to 115°. Many cases of prostration have been reported.” (Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, p. 1.)

July 5: “Cincinnati, July 6.–The names of those who died from excessive heat Monday [5^th] are: W. A. Baker; Mary Fleming; Kate Sextro, an infant; Laura Burdsale, an infant; Harry Brown, an infant; John Hempfling; Richard Fleming; Mary Barnum; George J. Hoefling; Joseph Haslascher; Mrs. Elizabeth Burke and Joseph Fischer. This makes 12 fatalities up to 10 o’clock last night….There were 35 other prostrations of which official notice was taken by the police patrol wagons conveying the victims to homes or hospitals, and fully as many minor cases in which the victims were able to go to their homes without help. The weather bureau reports the mercury at 70 at 5 o’clock in the morning and 95 at noon, which was the maximum. A thunder storm set in at 3 p.m. and continued two hours, which cooled the air to 70 degrees at dark. Since then it rose until at 10 p.m. it registered 76 degrees. There have been 31 fatalities in three days.” (Norwalk Daily Reflector, OH. “A Long Death Roll.” 7-6-1897, p. 2.)

July 5-6: “Detroit, July 6.–Thirteen persons died here yesterday and today from the heat.” (Norwalk Daily Reflector, OH. “Thirteen Heat Victims.” 7-6-1897, p. 2.)

July 6: “Fort Wayne, Ind., July 6.–This was another hot day here. The thermometer was above 96 degrees nearly all day. Those who succumbed were: Mrs. Amelia Miller, Mrs. Eliza A. Ewing, Frank Huxley and Mrs. William Miller. Mrs. William Potter was prostrated while in a cherry tree and fell to the ground. Both legs were broken.” (Portsmouth Times, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.)

July 6-7: “Cincinnati. July 7.–The cool wave that followed the rainstorm of Monday evening [6^th] was of short duration and now the mercury in the thermometers is again up in the nineties… there were five fatal cases of sun-stroke yesterday…there was a number of prostrations, but all are likely to recover.” (Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Heat Still Lingers.” 7-7-1897, p. 2.)

July 7-8: “Cincinnati. July 8.–The excessive heat continues, eight deaths occurring yesterday ….This swells the number of fatalities in the last five days to 44. There was a corresponding number of serious prostrations. The maximum mercury by street thermometers was 95 degrees at noon. The weather bureau reports the mercury 78 at b a.m., maximum 94 at 3 p.m., 89 at 6 p.m. and 84 at 10:30 at night. The mean humidity for the day was 68 per cent.” (Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Still More Heat Victims.” 7-8-1897, p. 2.)

July 7: “St. Louis, July 7.–St. Louis was scorched again yesterday. The government thermometer registered 96 degrees; other thermometers registered 100 degrees. A number of prostration cases have been treated at the hospital, but none has resulted fatally.” (Piqua Daily Call, OH. “No Deaths in St. Louis.” 7-7-1897, p. 2.)

July 8-9: “Cincinnati, July 9.–The intense heat still prevails, although there has been quite a decrease in the number of fatalities. Yesterday there were only two deaths and 23 prostrations….Street thermometers registered 97, but the weather office showed a lower temperature by several degrees. The intense heat continues throughout Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. The maximum temperature was at Marshalltown, IA., where the mercury touched 107 degrees in the shade. One fatality resulted. Business, especially farmwork, is practically suspended and crops are beginning to wither. Minnesota and Wisconsin are also receiving a scorching. One death and six prostrations were recorded at St. Paul.” (Piqua Daily Call, OH. “More Deaths Due To Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2.)

July 9: “Chicago, July 10.–Of all the hot days that have made life a burden since the warm weather of 1897 began, yesterday was the worst. There were more deaths of human beings and of animals and the number of prostrations was greater than upon any other day of the long hot spell that has hung over Chicago. Sixteen people are dead from the heat; two are insane and out of a large number of prostrations, 12 cases are critical….Two men were driven insane by the heat; there were 12 people prostrated who are in a very critical condition and 12 others who will recover. Out in the Bridewell[215] where seven prisoners went insane Thursday because of the heat, the others suffered the same fate yesterday. Three men either strong in the belief that a life of rectitude insured an eternal abode in some place less hot than this–or determined to be packed in ice at any cost–took their lives.

“The night was a sizzling horror, there was comfort to be found nowhere–it was the hottest night Chicago has ever known. The mercury was 87 at midnight and although near the lake it sank to 82, the decrease in temperature was more than offset by an increase in the humidity, which through the night made the discomfort far greater than is implied by the record of thermometer.

“Yesterday was especially severe on horses, over 100 dying in the streets.

“Sixteen hundred men and boys were temporarily thrown out of employment in Pullman yesterday. Owing to the intense heat the managers found it necessary to close the works at noon.” (Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Hotter Than Ever. Heat Wave Continues Over the Central States. Many Deaths Have Occurred.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.)

July 9: “Dayton, O., July 10.–Three deaths from the heat have occurred. Charles W. Mack, a well-know butcher, was prostrated by the heat Thursday and died Friday morning [9^th]. He was 51 years old. George Taylor, suffering from rheumatism, died Friday morning. Percy Cummins, an inmate of the asylum, walked in the grounds of that institution and later died from exposure.” (Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.)

July 9: “Decatur, Ill., July 10.–John Shirey died with sunstroke Friday afternoon [9^th]. He was unmarried. This makes the third death in three days with the heat. There were nine prostrations Friday. The thermometer reached 100, the highest in years. Relief came at night in a fall of 18 degrees in two hours.” (Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.)

July 9: “Dubuque, Ia., July 10.–Three days of excessive heat was broken at four o’clock Friday afternoon [9^th] by a deluge. The storm lasted an hour, and over two inches of rain fell in that time. The street curbs were full and debris from the hill streets piled on those on the level, stopping cars and choking sewers. During the storm at Richardsville Ernest Goodman was killed by lightning.” (Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.)

July 9: “Elgin, Ill., July 10.–The heat Friday [9^th] was even more excessive than on Thursday. There is little business done and nearly all outdoor work is suspended. There were several prostrations from the heat. John Lenner, a stranger, who commenced work in the Coleman gravel pit, was sunstruck while at work and will die. Charles Prouty also suffered a probably fatal sunstroke while working in a garden. Thomas Barclay, a bricklayer, and Antone Anderson, a farmhand, were overcome by the heat. The mercury reached the hundred mark.” (Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.)

July 10: Kokomo, Ind., July 10. — Yesterday was the hottest day here for sixty years; ther-mometer, 105. The workmen on the Greentown pike quit work on account of many of their force being prostrated.” (Daily Times, Columbus, IN. “Hottest Day for Sixty Years.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.)

July 9: “Louisville, Ky., July 10.–The maximum reached Friday morning [9^th] by the thermometer was 95 degrees at 11 o’clock, after which the mercury gradually receded until 12 o’clock when another upward spurt was taken, which nearly sent it bubbling out of the tube. Three deaths are reported in the city and vicinity from the intense heat and four from the state, with hundreds of prostrations.” (Daily Crescent, Defiance OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, 1.)

July 9: “Milwaukee, July 10.–The heat aided by the high humidity caused many deaths in Wisconsin Friday [9^th]. In this city nine prostrations and one death occurred, the latter a Berlin, Ont., man named Hugo Knell. At Appleton the thermometer marked 100 degrees, and three deaths and several prostrations; at Milton 100 degrees and two prostrations; Whitewater 100 degrees, one prostration and work suspended; Oshkosh reports one death and three prostrations; Madison one death and two prostrations.” (Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.)

July 9: “Pittsburgh, Pa., July 10.–A colored man, supposed to be Edward Sheppard, of Washington, D.C., was overcome by the heat on the street and died a short time after being removed to the hospital. Three serious cases of prostration also occurred Friday morning [9^th]. The mercury touched 88 degrees at one o’clock Friday afternoon.” (Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.)

July 9: “St. Louis, July 10.–Seven people died from the heat in St. Louis yesterday, the 10^th [unclear] day of insufferable heat….There were numberless prostrations in St. Louis. A. Smith, the Brooklyn’s catcher, and Grady, first baseman on the St. Louis team, were prostrated during the baseball game yesterday afternoon. Smith is unconscious and his condition appears to be serious….Seventeen prostrations occurred in the streets and were taken to hospitals. Six of them thought to be fatal. In the last 24 hours there has not been a second’s remission from the heat. Last night was frightful. Street thermometers registered 91 degrees throughout the night. In the house it was four degrees hotter. Sleep was impossible to most. Hundreds of people slept out on the Eads bridge. It was only 86 degrees out there, and was the coolest spot in St. Louis. Thirty-four prostrations were reported during the night.” (Piqua Daily Call, OH. “In St. Louis. Seven Deaths.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.)

July 9: “Toledo, O., July 10.–The weather bureau thermometer registered 95 degrees Friday [9^th], but the street heat far exceeded this. There were a half dozen prostrations and one death, that of Henry Rosebrook.” (Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.)

July 10: “Washington, July 10.–The weather bureau has issued the hollowing hot weather bulletin:

The heat wave continues over the central portion of the country, as far east as the Appalachian mountains. Along the Atlantic coast from Eastport to Key West, except at Boston, the maximum continues below 90. Since July 1 the maxim temperature has ranged from 90 to 98 over the lower Missouri and lower Mississippi valleys and as far east as Alabama and Tennessee, with extreme temperatures from 100 to 102 in Kansas. The temperature has fallen rapidly over Colorado, western Nebraska and northward, and will probably break into the extreme heat over Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio Saturday. A relief from the extreme heat has been occasioned by thunderstorms in Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, South Dakota, Iowa, southern Minnesota, Wisconsin and upper Michigan. On Saturday night the changes in temperature will be accompanied by thunderstorms. The following maximum temperatures were reported Friday night: Concordia, Kan., 102; Omaha, Neb., 94. Davenport, Ia., 98; Kansas City, 98; St. Louis, Mo., 96; Nashville, 98; Cincinnati, 96; Indianapolis, 98; Chicago, 88; Boston, 94; New York, 84; Philadelphia, 90; Atlantic City, 82; Eastport [ME], 76; St. Paul, 80; Washington, 88; Detroit, 92; Savannah, 86; New Orleans, 94; Key West, 84; Nantucket, 74.” (Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.)

July 12: “Chicago, July 12.–The fierce heat under which the greater portion of the country has sweltered since July 1 has moderated in many localities. Reports from all sections of the country show prostrations numbering in the neighborhood of 2,000 with fatalities close to 350. In addition to this there were scores of deaths resulting indirectly from the intolerable heat, th death rate in many of the large cities showing a fearful increase over previous years. The central states suffered more severely than other sections, the heat being most deadly in Chicago, Cincinnati and St. Louis. In number of fatalities this city heads the list, with 87 deaths, Cincinnati and suburban points reporting 65, and St. Louis 42.” (Evening News-Review, East Liverpool, OH. “350 Deaths From Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 3.)

Sources

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Boston Sunday Globe, MA. “John Turner Drops Dead…Sunstruck in His Hayfield.” 7-11-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-30-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/boston-sunday-globe-jul-11-1897-p-89/

Boston Sunday Globe, MA. “Louis Boyle Dies in Hay Field.” 7-11-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-30-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/boston-sunday-globe-jul-11-1897-p-89/

Boston Sunday Globe, MA. “Third Death. Bellows Falls’ Heat of Great Deadliness.” 7-11-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-30-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/boston-sunday-globe-jul-11-1897-p-89/

Boston Sunday Globe. “Two Deaths at Rochester, NY.” 7-11-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-30-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/boston-sunday-globe-jul-11-1897-p-89/

Bradford Era, PA. “Condensations.” 7-12-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/bradford-era-jul-12-1897-p-1/

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Brookfield Gazette, MO. “Heat Victims.” 7-10-1897, p. 8. Accessed 5-1-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/brookfield-gazette-jul-10-1897-p-8/

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Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Six Dead From The Heat.” 7-4-1897, p. 3. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/brooklyn-daily-eagle-jul-04-1897-p-3/

Burlington Hawk-Eye, IA. “The Heat in Iowa.” 7-10-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/burlington-hawk-eye-jul-10-1897-p-2/

Concord Enterprise, MA. “Prostrations at Lowell.” 7-8-1897, p. 5. Accessed 4-30-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/concord-enterprise-jul-08-1897-p-5/

Concord Enterprise, MA. “Three Days of Intense Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 5. Accessed 4-30-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/concord-enterprise-jul-08-1897-p-5/

Connersville Daily Examiner, IN. “Fell Dead in His Factory.” 7-12-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/connersville-daily-examiner-jul-12-1897-p-1/

Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/defiance-daily-crescent-jul-10-1897-p-1/

Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat,” 7-12-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/defiance-daily-crescent-jul-12-1897-p-1/

Daily Gazette, Janesville, WI. “A Child Made Sick By Intense Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 5. Accessed 5-5-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/janesville-daily-gazette-jul-10-1897-p-5/

Daily Leader, Bloomington, IL. “Relief Is At Hand,” 7-9-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/bloomington-daily-leader-jul-09-1897-p-2/

Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “Coroner’s Inquest.” 7-6-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oshkosh-daily-northwestern-jul-06-1897-p-1/

Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “Death By Sun Stroke.” 7-6-1897, p. 4. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oshkosh-daily-northwestern-jul-06-1897-p-4/

Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “Dr. H. B. Dale Is Dead. Illness of Seven Days…” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oshkosh-daily-northwestern-jul-07-1897-p-1/

Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “Sun Stroke Was Fatal.” 7-10-1897, p. 2. Accessed 5-5-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oshkosh-daily-northwestern-jul-10-1897-p-2/

Daily Republican, Defiance, OH. “Sun Stroke Victim, 7-12-1897, p. 3. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/definance-daily-republican-jul-12-1897-p-3/

Daily Times, Columbus, IN. “Hottest Day for Sixty Years.” 7-11-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/columbus-daily-times-jul-11-1897-p-1/

Daily Times, New Brunswick, NJ. “New York’s Hot Wave.” 7-7-1897, p. 7. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-brunswick-daily-times-jul-07-1897-p-7/

Daily Times, New Brunswick, NJ. “Thirteen Heat Victims in Buffalo.” 7-12-1897, p. 3. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-brunswick-daily-times-jul-12-1897-p-3/

Daily Times, New Brunswick, NJ. “Two Drop Dead From the Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 3. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-brunswick-daily-times-jul-12-1897-p-3/

Daily Times, New Brunswick, NJ. “Two Heat Victims of the Harvestfield.” 7-12-1897, p. 3. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-brunswick-daily-times-jul-12-1897-p-3/

Davenport Sunday Leader, IA. “Heat Record.” 7-11-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/davenport-daily-leader-jul-11-1897-p-1/

Davenport Weekly Leader, IA. “The Heat At Moline.” 7-13-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/davenport-weekly-leader-jul-13-1897-p-1/

Decatur Review, IL. “Death Came in The Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 8. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/decatur-daily-review-jul-08-1897-p-8/

Delphos Daily Herald, OH. “Heat of Death,” 7-10-1897, p. 3. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/delphos-daily-herald-jul-10-1897-p-3/

Des Moines Daily News, IA. “Terrific Heat Brings Death. Yesterday Was the Hottest Day in Iowa for Years. Several Dead and Many Prostrated.” 7-9-1897, p. 3. Accessed 4-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/des-moines-daily-news-jul-09-1897-p-3/

Dixon Evening Telegraph, IL. “Slain By The Sun…Heat Deaths at Other Places.” 7-10-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/dixon-evening-telegraph-jul-10-1897-p-2/

Evening Herald, Syracuse, NY. “Hottest Day Yet.” 7-10-1897, p. 6. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-evening-herald-jul-10-1897-p-6/

Evening Herald, Syracuse, NY. “Off the State Wire.” 7-6-1897, p. 10. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-evening-herald-jul-06-1897-p-10/

Evening News, Benton Harbor, MI. “Heat is Intense.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-1-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/benton-harbor-evening-news-jul-07-1897-p-1/

Evening News, Benton Harbor, MI. “Hit in Niles.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-1-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/benton-harbor-evening-news-jul-07-1897-p-1/

Evening News, Benton Harbor, MI. “News So Glorious.” 7-9-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-1-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/benton-harbor-evening-news-jul-09-1897-p-1/

Evening News, Benton Harbor, MI. “St. Joseph Woman Dies.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-1-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/benton-harbor-evening-news-jul-07-1897-p-1/

Evening News-Review, East Liverpool, OH. “350 Deaths From Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 3. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/east-liverpool-evening-news-review-jul-12-1897-p-3/

Evening News Review, East Liverpool, OH, “Killed by the Heat,” 7-13-1897, p. 4. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/east-liverpool-evening-news-review-jul-13-1897-p-4/

Evening New Review, East Liverpool, OH. “Sufferers From the Heat.” 7-7-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/east-liverpool-evening-news-review-jul-07-1897-p-2/

Evening Times, Cumberland, MD. “Not Foul Play.” 7-13-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-30-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/maryland-cumberland-evening-times-jul-13-1897-p-1/

Fort Wayne Journal, IN. “Old Sol’s Harvest.” 7-11-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fort-wayne-journal-jul-11-1897-p-1/

Fort Wayne Sentinel, IN. “Heat Killed Him.” 7-5-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fort-wayne-sentinel-jul-05-1897-p-1/

Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel, IN. “Hot, Very Hot.” 8-14-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fort-wayne-weekly-sentinel-jul-14-1897-p-1/

Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel, IN. “The Week’s Dead.” 7-14-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fort-wayne-weekly-sentinel-jul-14-1897-p-1/

Frederick News, MD. “Cyclist Killed by the Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-30-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/frederick-news-jul-10-1897-p-1/

Goshen Democrat, IN. “Death From Sunstroke.” 7-14-1897, p. 3. Accessed 4-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/goshen-democrat-jul-14-1897-p-3/

Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/goshen-daily-news-jul-10-1897-p-3/

Goshen Daily News, IN. “Excessive Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/goshen-daily-news-jul-08-1897-p-2/

Herkimer Democrat, NY. “Deaths From the Heat.” 7-14-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-3-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/herkimer-democrat-jul-14-1897-p-1/

Hornellsville Weekly Tribune, NY. “Death Caused by the Heat.” 7-2-1897, 1. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hornellsville-weekly-tribune-jul-02-1897-p-1/

Indianapolis News, IN. “A Horseman Fatally Prostrated.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-07-1897-p-1/

Indianapolis News, IN. “Dead on the Pike.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-07-1897-p-1/

Indianapolis News, IN. “Death from the Heat.” 7-2-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-02-1897-p-2/

Indianapolis News, IN. “Death from the Heat.” 7-5-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-05-1897-p-2/

Indianapolis News, IN. “Death Returns.” 7-12-1897, p. 9. Accessed 4-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-12-1897-p-9/

Indianapolis News, IN. “Deaths and Prostrations.” 7-6-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-06-1897-p-2/

Indianapolis News, IN. “Died From The Heat.” 7-6-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-06-1897-p-2/

Indianapolis News, IN. “Died While Driving Homeward.” 7-12-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-12-1897-p-2/

Indianapolis News, IN. “Fell from His Fence.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-07-1897-p-1/

Indianapolis News, IN. “General State News.” 7-12-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-12-1897-p-2/

Indianapolis News, IN. “The Heat at Louisville.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-07-1897-p-1/

Indianapolis News, IN. “Two Deaths at Pittsburg.” 7-6-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-06-1897-p-2/

Indianapolis News, IN. “Two Fatal Prostrations.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-news-jul-07-1897-p-1/

Indianapolis Sun, IN. “Another Fatality.” 7-9-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indianapolis-sun-jul-09-1897-p-1/

Jasper Herald, IN. “Victims of Heat.” 7-2-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/jasper-herald-jul-02-1897-p-1/

Jeffersonville News, IN. “Died, Mrs. Mary W. Oglesby Passes Away at 6 o’clock This Morning.” 7-9-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/jeffersonville-news-jul-09-1897-p-1/

Jeffersonville News, IN. “Heat and Heart.” 7-6-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/jeffersonville-news-jul-06-1897-p-1/

Kalkstein, L. S. and R. E. Davis. “Weather and Human Mortality: An Evaluation of Demographic and Interregional Responses in the United States.” Annals of the Association of American Geographers, Vol. 79, No. 1, March 1989, pp. 44-64. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249415816_Weather_and_Human_Mortality_An_Evaluation_of_Demographic_and_Interregional_Responses_in_the_United_States

Kokomo Daily Tribune, IN. 7-6-1897, p. 1, column 6. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/kokomo-daily-tribune-jul-06-1897-p-1/

Lawrence Daily Journal, KS. “Many Deaths. Heat Has Caused Fatalities.” 7-10-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-30-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lawrence-journal-world-jul-10-1897-p-1/

Lawrence Daily Journal and Evening Tribune, KS. “The Torrid Heat.” 7-5-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-30-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lawrence-journal-world-jul-05-1897-p-2/

Logansport Daily Reporter, IN. “Die from the Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 4. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/logansport-reporter-jul-08-1897-p-4/

Lowell Sun, MA. “Funerals.” 7-11-1897, 1. Accessed 4-30-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lowell-sun-jul-13-1897-p-9/

Morning Herald-Dispatch, Decatur, IL. “Claims Another Victim.” 7-19-1897, p. 9. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/morning-herald-despatch-jul-10-1897-p-9/

Morning Herald-Dispatch, Decatur, IL, “Hot At Chicago.” 7-3-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/morning-herald-despatch-jul-03-1897-p-1/

Morning Record, Traverse City, MI. “Another Victim. Edwin Sweet Died…of Sunstroke.” 7-11-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-1-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/traverse-city-record-eagle-jul-11-1897-p-1/

Morning Record, Traverse City, MI. “Thirteen Deaths,” 7-7-1897, p. 2. Accessed 5-1-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/traverse-city-record-eagle-jul-07-1897-p-2/

Morning Record, Traverse City, MI. “Victims of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 2. Accessed 5-1-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/traverse-city-record-eagle-jul-10-1897-p-2/

Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Dies From Heat Prostration.” 7-4-1897, p. 3. Accessed 5-1-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lincoln-nebraska-state-journal-jul-04-1897-p-3/

Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Hot Weather in the South.” 7-3-1897, p. 2. Accessed 5-1-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lincoln-nebraska-state-journal-jul-03-1897-p-2/

Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Victim of Liquor and Heat.” 7-19-1896, p. 3. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lincoln-nebraska-state-journal-jul-10-1897-p-3/

Norwalk Daily Reflector, OH. “A Long Death Roll.” 7-6-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/norwalk-daily-reflector-jul-06-1897-p-2/

Norwalk Daily Reflector, OH. “Thirteen Heat Victims.” 7-6-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/norwalk-daily-reflector-jul-06-1897-p-2/

Oil City Derrick, PA. “Death in a Torrid Wave.” 7-5-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oil-city-derrick-jul-05-1897-p-1/

Oil City Derrick, PA. “One Death Near Detroit.” 7-5-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oil-city-derrick-jul-05-1897-p-1/

Oil City Derrick, PA. “One Victim in Pittsburg.” 7-10-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oil-city-derrick-jul-10-1897-p-1/

Oil City Derrick, PA. “Two Fatalities Near Connelsville,” 7-5-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oil-city-derrick-jul-05-1897-p-1/

Oswego Daily Palladium, NY. “Died From the Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 2. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oswego-daily-palladium-jul-10-1897-p-2/

Oswego Daily Palladium, NY. “Heat Kills One at Celeron.” 7-7-1897, p. 2. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oswego-daily-palladium-jul-06-1897-p-2/

Philadelphia Inquirer. “Death From The Heat.” 7-13-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-inquirer-jul-13-1897-p-2/

Philadelphia Inquirer. “Two More Deaths at Pittsburg.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-3-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-inquirer-jul-07-1897-p-1/

Philadelphia Times. “Died From Heat Prostration.” 7-3-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-3-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-jul-03-1897-p-1/

Philadelphia Times. “Heat Claimed One Victim.” 7-12-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-jul-12-1897-p-1/

Philadelphia Times. “Heat Drives Crowds Away.” 7-4-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-3-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-jul-04-1897-p-1/

Philadelphia Times. “Hot Day In Pittsburg.” 7-4-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-3-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-jul-04-1897-p-1/

Philadelphia Times,. “Killed by the Heat.” 7-3-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-jul-03-1897-p-1/

Philadelphia Times. “Mercury Went Far Too High.” 7-1-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-3-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-jul-01-1897-p-5/

Philadelphia Times. “One Death Reported.” 7-11-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-jul-11-1897-p-1/

Philadelphia Times. “The Hot Spell Broken At Last.” 7-13-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-jul-13-1897-p-1/

Philadelphia Times. “Three Deaths in Pittsburg.” 7-8-1897, p. 5. Accessed 5-3-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-jul-08-1897-p-5/

Philadelphia Times. “Two Deaths From the Heat…Continued High Temperature To-Day.” 7-10-1897, p. 5. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-jul-10-1897-p-5/

Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Heat Still Lingers.” 7-7-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-07-1897-p-2/

Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Hot! The Hottest Day of the Season.” 7-3-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-03-1897-p-1/

Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Hotter Than Ever. Heat Wave Continues Over the Central States. Many Deaths Have Occurred.” 7-10-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-10-1897-p-2/

Piqua Daily Call, OH. “In New York City. Three Deaths and Eleven Prostrations Caused by the Heat.” 7-7-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-07-1897-p-2/

Piqua Daily Call, OH. “In St. Louis. Seven Deaths., Two Driven Insane and Six Fatal Cases.” 7-10-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-10-1897-p-2/

Piqua Daily Call, OH. “More Deaths Due To Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-09-1897-p-2/

Piqua Daily Call, OH. “No Deaths in St. Louis.” 7-7-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-07-1897-p-2/

Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Peacefully Passed Away.” 7-13-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-13-1897-p-2/

Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Relief Has Come.” 7-12-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-12-1897-p-2/

Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Still Dying in Chicago.” 7-12-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-12-1897-p-2/

Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Still Hot in Chicago.” 7-7-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-07-1897-p-2/

Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Still More Heat Victims.” 7-8-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-08-1897-p-2/

Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Three Heat Victims in Boston.” 7-7-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/piqua-daily-call-jul-07-1897-p-2/

Plainfield Daily Press, NJ. “Heat Leads to Suicide.” 7-8-1897, 8. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/plainfield-daily-press-jul-08-1897-p-8/

Portsmouth Times, OH. “Deaths From Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/portsmouth-times-jul-10-1897-p-3/

Portsmouth Times, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/portsmouth-times-jul-10-1897-p-3/

Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Killed By The Heat. William Tepz Succumbs…Hot Weather.” 7-9-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-5-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/racine-daily-journal-jul-09-1897-p-1/

Racine Journal, WI. “Sudden Deaths.” 7-8-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/racine-journal-jul-08-1897-p-1/

Salt Lake City Herald, UT. “Nine Children Dead.” 7-9-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/salt-lake-city-herald-jul-09-1897-p-2/

Salt Lake City Herald, UT. “Two Deaths at Indianapolis.” 7-9-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/salt-lake-city-herald-jul-09-1897-p-2/

Sandusky Daily Register, OH. “Many Dropped From Heat.” 7-5-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sandusky-daily-register-jul-05-1897-p-1/

Seymour Daily Republican, IN. “Central State Notes.” 7-13-1897, p. 8. Accessed 4-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/seymour-daily-republican-jul-13-1897-p-8/

Steubenville Herald, OH. “Death From Heat.” 709-1897, p. 5. Accessed 4-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/steubenville-herald-jul-09-1897-p-5/

Stevens Point Daily Journal, WI. “Hot Wave in Wisconsin.” 7-6-1897, p. 2. Accessed 5-4-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/stevens-point-daily-journal-jul-06-1897-p-2/

Stevens Point Daily Journal, WI. “Many Die From Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2. Accessed 5-5-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/stevens-point-daily-journal-jul-09-1897-p-2/

Stevens Point Daily Journal, WI. “The Heat Wave,” 7-10-1897, p. 3. Accessed 5-5-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/stevens-point-daily-journal-jul-10-1897-p-3/

Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fort-wayne-sunday-gazette-jul-11-1897-p-1/

Syracuse Daily Standard, NY. “Onondaga.” 7-13-1897, p. 7. Accessed 5-3-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-daily-standard-jul-13-1897-p-7/

Syracuse Standard, NY. “Death and Prostration.” 7-11-1897, p. 6. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-standard-jul-11-1897-p-6/

Terre Haute Express, IN. “Just Like Epidemic.” 7-13-1897, p. 6. Accessed 4-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/terre-haute-semi-weekly-express-jul-13-1897-p-6/

The World, NY. “Deaths and Distress From The Hot Wave.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-york-world-jul-07-1897-p-1/

The World, NY. “Forty Deaths in Cincinnati.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-york-world-jul-07-1897-p-1/

The World, NY. “Heat Kills Fourteen.” 7-10-1897, p. 1. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-york-world-jul-10-1897-p-2/

The World, NY. “Killed by Heat Near the City.” 7-7-1897, p. 2. Accessed 5-2-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-york-world-jul-07-1897-p-2/

The World, NY. “Relief Comes At Last. Death List Reduced By It.” 7-12-1897, p. 2. Accessed 5-3-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/world-jul-12-1897-p-2/

Warren Republican, Williamsport, IN. “Indiana State News,” 7-8-1897, p. 4. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/williamsport-warren-republican-jul-08-1897-p-4/

Waterloo Press, IN. “State Items of Interest.” 7-15-1897, p. 3. Accessed 4-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/waterloo-press-jul-15-1897-p-3/

Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL. “Awful Heat at Decatur.” 7-9-1897, p. 1. Accessed 4-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/bloomington-weekly-pantagraph-jul-09-1897-p-1/

Winchester Journal, IN. “Death in the Heat.” 7-14-1897, p. 2. Accessed 4-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/winchester-journal-jul-14-1897-p-2/

[1] Number should be viewed as minimum. In addition to all the deaths we have not seen reported in our search, we note that the stress on the body from prolonged exposure to heat, particularly amongst the elderly, further weakens already weakened hearts, leading to spikes in heart-related deaths during and immediately after heat waves. (See, for example, Kalkstein and Davis, 1989.)

[2] Compiled April-May 2019 by B. Wayne Blanchard, for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com

[3] “The heat in Atlanta and throughout Georgia has been unusually severe. There were scores of cases of prostration and six deaths have been reported.”

[4] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Six Dead From The Heat.” 7-4-1897, p. 3.

[5] Dixon Evening Telegraph, IL. “Slain By The Sun…Heat Deaths at Other Places.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.

[6] Evening News-Review, East Liverpool, OH. “350 Deaths From Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 3. Another paper writes that in addition to the 87 direct heat deaths “Six were drowned while bathing in the lake to escape the sizzling rays of the sun; six were driven insane; a like number suicided and 347 prostrations occurred. The health department reports a great increase in mortality of children and suffering from chronic diseases.” (Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat,” 7-12-1897, p. 1.)

[7] Notes, additionally: “Five persons seeking relief from the heat went swimming, and the excessive temperature of their bodies induced cramps, and all were drowned.”

[8] The Philadelphia Times, PA. “Killed by the Heat.” 7-3-1897, p. 1.

[9] Lawrence Daily Journal and Evening Tribune, KS. “The Torrid Heat.” 7-5-1897, p. 2.

[10] Victims identified as Simon Koosents, Celia Halis, 4-months, Albert Kath, George Williams, Emma Zareal, James Cudahy, Samuel Walzber, Adolph Voldner, C. Taylor. Another source writes: “There were 125 deaths in Chicago on July 5, the largest number that ever occurred in the city on one day.” (Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL. “Awful Heat at Decatur.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.)

[11] Victims identified as Adolph Balkman, Edward G. Born, Sven J. Johnson and Charles Smith. There were four cases of prostration, only one of which is serious.”

[12] Victims identified as Stanislaus Zanitzsch, 3-months; Anthony Zenethal, and Claude Winne. Notes “seven prostrations which are likely to result fatally and 12 not so serious.”

[13] Identified as: Martin Varley, Henry Holznkecht, Fred Kaiser, and an unidentified man.

[14] Fatalities identified as: Charles Benson, John Eaton, Rev. Otto Groenebaum, Henry Hazmann, Helen Halloren, Dora Johnson, Frederick Kaiser, Thomas Lynch, Annie O’Donnell, Rachael Riston, Fred Schlomann, Jacob Staub, William Scienberger, Rev. August Tolton, August Vanerslee, and an unidentified man found in Washington Park.

[15] Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Still Dying in Chicago.” 7-12-1897, p. 2.

[16] One was Harvey Baker, about 50, a farm hand, who died from a sunstroke in the afternoon of July 7. (Decatur Review, IL. “Death Came in The Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 8.) Second was Mary Ann Woody, on July 8. (Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL. “Awful Heat at Decatur.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.)

[17] Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.

[18] Morning Herald-Dispatch, Decatur, IL. “Claims Another Victim.” 7-19-1897, p. 9.

[19] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Excessive Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 2.

[20] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.

[21] Davenport Weekly Leader, IA. “The Heat At Moline.” 7-13-1897, p. 1.

[22] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.

[23] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.

[24] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.

[25] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.

[26] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.

[27] Indianapolis News, IN. “Died While Driving Homeward.” 7-12-1897, p. 2.

[28] Indianapolis News, IN. “A Horseman Fatally Prostrated.” 7-7-1897, p. 1.

[29] Indianapolis News, IN. “General State News.” 7-12-1897, p. 2.

[30] Goshen Democrat, IN. “Death From Sunstroke.” 7-14-1897, p. 3.

[31] Warren Republican, Williamsport, IN. “Indiana State News,” 7-8-1897, p. 4.

[32] Logansport Daily Reporter, IN. “Die from the Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 4.

[33] Fort Wayne Sentinel, IN. “Heat Killed Him.” 7-5-1897, p. 1. Was 73 years old.

[34] Portsmouth Times, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.

[35] Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel, IN. “The Week’s Dead.” 7-14-1897, p. 1.

[36] Indianapolis News, IN. “General State News.” 7-12-1897, p. 2.

[37] Connersville Daily Examiner, IN. “Fell Dead in His Factory.” 7-12-1897, p. 1.

[38] “Up to six o’clock Saturday night [10^th] ten deaths and about 50 prostrations as a result of the excessive heat were reported in Indianapolis. The highest point reached by the thermometer during the heated term was 99 degrees.”

[39] Indianapolis News, IN. “Died From The Heat.” 7-6-1897, p. 2.

[40] Salt Lake City Herald, UT. “Two Deaths at Indianapolis.” 7-9-1897, p. 2. “Indianapolis, Ind., July 8.–The hot spell continues here, the official thermometer registering 89, and prostrations are becoming more general. Patrick Kelly, a well-know hotel clerk, and Leonard Cox died today from the heat and there were at least ten prostrations besides. Tonight the thermometer is about at 90.”

[41] Dixon Evening Telegraph, IL. “Slain By The Sun…Heat Deaths at Other Places.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.

[42] Indianapolis Sun, IN. “Another Fatality.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.

[43] Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel, IN. “Hot, Very Hot.” 8-14-1897, p. 1.

[44] Indianapolis News, IN. “Death Returns.” 7-12-1897, p. 9.

[45] Indianapolis News, IN. “Death Returns.” 7-12-1897, p. 9.

[46] Indianapolis News, IN. “Death Returns.” 7-12-1897, p. 9.

[47] Indianapolis News, IN. “Death Returns.” 7-12-1897, p. 9.

[48] Indianapolis News, IN. “Death Returns.” 7-12-1897, p. 9.

[49] Waterloo Press, IN. “State Items of Interest.” 7-15-1897, p. 3.

[50] Jeffersonville News, IN. “Died, Mrs. Mary W. Oglesby Passes Away at 6 o’clock This Morning.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.

[51] Indianapolis News, IN. “General State News.” 7-12-1897, p. 2.

[52] Indianapolis News, IN. “Death from the Heat.” 7-2-1897, p. 2. Writes that “The heat is so intense in the glass and iron factories still running that they may be closed. The employes suffer greatly, many of them having been taken dangerously sick.”

[53] Indianapolis News, IN. “Two Fatal Prostrations.” 7-7-1897, p. 1.

[54] Indianapolis News, IN. “Death from the Heat.” 7-5-1897, p. 2.

[55] Jeffersonville News, IN. “Heat and Heart.” 7-6-1897, p. 1.

[56] Des Moines Daily News, IA. “Terrific Heat Brings Death. Yesterday…Hottest…in Iowa…Years.” 7-9-1897, p. 3.

[57] Burlington Hawk-Eye, IA. “The Heat in Iowa.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.

[58] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.

[59] Des Moines Daily News, IA. “Terrific Heat Brings Death. Yesterday…Hottest…in Iowa…Years.” 7-9-1897, p. 3.

[60] Burlington Hawk-Eye, IA. “The Heat in Iowa.” 7-10-1897, p. 2. Notes temperature was 92° at midnight.

[61] “Kansas City, MO., July 10.–The excessive heat of yesterday was more than a local visitation. The heated area includes all of Missouri and Kansas. In Kansas City five deaths and 20 or more prostrations were recorded. Those who lost their lives in Kansas City by the heat were: Michael Dougherty, bottler, 918 Cherry street; Patrick White, laborer, 712 East Eighteenth street; Emil Dahl, unknown, died in St. Margaret’s hospital, Kansas City, Kan.; Amos Dowl, laborer, 25 South Second street, Kansas City, Kan., and Mrs. Sophia Hammersberg, 2310 Summit.” (Lawrence Daily Journal, KS. “Many Deaths. Heat Has Caused Fatalities.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.)

[62] Lawrence Daily Journal, KS. “Many Deaths.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.

[63] Seymour Daily Republican, IN. “Central State Notes.” 7-13-1897, p. 8.

[64] Article notes twelve deaths in this area — just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. We note seven unidentified location KY heat deaths by date below however, and thus choose to subtract that number from twelve to derive five.

[65] Plus “about 50 serious prostrations, all due directly to the intense heat.”

[66] Victims were John Suete, Warren Tolbert, Marie Ford, Michael Hinds, and unknown man found at Fifth St.

[67] Adam Grau, 40, and Eli Burtt, 80. (Indianapolis News, IN. “The Heat at Louisville.” 7-7-1897, p. 1.)

[68] “Excessive heat was the cause.” (Kokomo Daily Tribune, IN. 7-6-1897, p. 1, column 6.)

[69] Piqua Daily Call, OH. “More Deaths Due To Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2.

[70] Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.

[71] “At New Orleans, La., the actual deaths from heat prostrations during the week were 15. A much larger number of sick persons and children, however, died as indirect result of the heated spell.”

[72] Boston Sunday Globe, MA. “John Turner Drops Dead…Sunstruck in His Hayfield.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.

[73] Boston Post, MA. “Three Killed By Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 2.

[74] Boston Post, MA. “Three Killed By Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 2. Victims identified as Martin Berry, 56, farm laborer, and James O’Neil, 35, laborer. It is noted that in Augusta, ME, on the 7^th, the temperature registered 90-95°, while in Fairfield it was 104, and in Waterville, 102..

[75] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Fatal Cases of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.

[76] Baltimore Sun, MD. “Widespread Hot Wave.” 7-5-1897, p. 2. Notes that July 4^th was “the fourth day of the hot spell” and “was marked by a maximum temperature of 86 degrees.”

[77] Physician ruled the death was caused by the heat. (Baltimore Sun, MD. 7-12-1897, p. 10, col. 2.)

[78] Coroner’s verdict was “fatty degeneration of the heart and prostration caused by exposure in the heat.” (Evening Times, Cumberland, MD. “Not Foul Play.” 7-13-1897, p. 1.)

[79] One fatality was Mrs. W. J. Rutherford. (Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.)

[80] Boston Post, MA. “Humidity That Kills.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Notes a number of people overcome or prostrated by the heat, some in serious condition, taken to City Hospital, Emergency Hospital, and Massachusetts General. Notes others were transported by ambulance to their homes.

[81] Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Three Heat Victims in Boston.” 7-7-1897, p. 2

[82] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Victims of the Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.

[83] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Peabody Man the Victim of Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 4. Had recently moved to Danvers.

[84] Concord Enterprise, MA. “Prostrations at Lowell.” 7-8-1897, p. 5. Notes that five other heat prostration victims were taken by ambulance to St. John’s hospital during the afternoon.

[85] Boston Post, MA. “Humidity That Kills.” 7-7-1897, p. 1.

[86] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Victims of the Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.

[87] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Thomas Coffee Died from Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.

[88] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Worcester Man Dies from Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.

[89] Morning Record, Traverse City, MI. “Victims of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.

[90] Evening News, Benton Harbor, MI. “Heat is Intense.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Wrote on July 9 that the Weather Bureau was predicting temperatures to start dropping overnight as thunder storms moved through. (Evening News, Benton Harbor, MI. “News So Glorious.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.)

[91] Morning Record, Traverse City, MI. “Victims of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.

[92] “Detroit, July 6.–The list of persons who died from sunstroke and heat prostration in this city yesterday is swelled today to 13….The adults who died from sunstroke and heat prostration are as follows: Conrad Steimlea, aged 47; Mrs. Wowalski, Portland, Mich.; Mrs. Catherine Orr, aged 90; Mrs. Weber, aged 24; Geo. Birthwhistle, aged 60; Patrick Cummings, aged 61. The other seven were young children.” (Morning Record, Traverse City, MI. “Thirteen Deaths,” 7-7-1897, p. 2.)

[93] Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Peacefully Passed Away.” 7-13-1897, p. 2.

[94] Morning Record, Traverse City, MI. “Another Victim. Edwin Sweet Died…of Sunstroke.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.

[95] Morning Record, Traverse City, MI. “Victims of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.

[96] Evening News, Benton Harbor, MI. “Hit in Niles.” 7-7-1897, p. 1. Notes another victim in critical condition after having been overcome by heat which “registered 100 nearly all day.” Writes: “Reports of numerous horses being killed by the heat are coming in from the country. It was one of the hottest days ever experienced here. [Niles].”

[97] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Excessive Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 2.

[98] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.

[99] Oil City Derrick, PA. “One Death Near Detroit.” 7-5-1897, p. 1.

[100] Another source notes the man was a day laborer. In addition there were six prostrations. Notes maximum official temperature was 94, during the day and 92 at 7 p.m. (Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL. “Awful Heat at Decatur.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.)

[101] Evening News-Review, East Liverpool, OH. “350 Deaths From Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 3

[102] Fatalities identified as: Henry Floerke, Henry Bampman, Jacob Herzog, Henry Artkras, William Spillmeyer, Charles Steffell and John Braun.

[103] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Six Dead From The Heat.” 7-4-1897, p. 3.

[104] Brookfield Gazette, MO. “Heat Victims.” 7-10-1897, p. 8. Writes on July 8: “St. Louis broke the country’s heat record yesterday morning with a temperature of 83 at seven o’clock. Four hours later it was 96 degrees. On the streets it averaged 102 degrees. At midnight it was 90. This is the tenth day of intense heat in St. Louis and the effects are beginning to show. Sleep indoors has been almost impossible. Henry Durling, a city employe, crazed by the heat and lack of sleep, killed himself yesterday. Albert Weiser was prostrated in Forest park, where he went to escape the heat. His condition is serious. Five prostrations occurred in East St. Louis and 13 here….Five of the cases are expected to be fatal in St. Louis. Reports from Missouri and southern Illinois show this to be the hottest day of the year. Work was suspended in many places, as horses and men were dropping in the fields.”

[105] Fatalities identified as: Henry Campman, Charles Diedier, Michael Edel, Julia Friedman, Jacob Grimmont, Siebert Munster, Joseph O’Bey, Theodore Schote and Robert Wright.

[106] Fatalities identified as: Baptiste Grimmond, William Koetter, William Sheeley, R. D. Wright, John Anderson, Albert Robst, Mahale Brown, Michael Algier, Emil Person, Mrs. Charlotte Blatto, Patrick O’Donnell, Carl Wanbaur. Dan Dougherty and Philip Bain.

[107] Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Dies From Heat Prostration.” 7-4-1897, p. 3.

[108] Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Victim of Liquor and Heat.” 7-19-1896, p. 3.”Dr. Ralph says his death was caused by a combination of liquor and heat.”

[109] Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.

[110] “Berlin, N.H., July 7–Although somewhat cooler this evening the mercury still held its own with yesterday and Monday, from 96° to 102° in the shade. These were the three hottest days this city has ever experienced. There were several prostrations and the death of one child as a result of the terrible heat. People living in tenement houses sleep on roofs and piazzas.” (Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Three Awful Days.” 7-8-1897, p. 1.)

[111] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Victims of the Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.

[112] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Fatal Cases of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.

[113] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Fatal Cases of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.

[114] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Fatal Cases of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.

[115] Frederick News, MD. “Cyclist Killed by the Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.

[116] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Fatal Cases of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.

[117] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Victims of the Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.

[118] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Fatal Cases of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.

[119] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Fatal Cases of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.

[120] Boston Sunday Globe, MA. “Louis Boyle Dies in Hay Field.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.

[121] George H. Reed, married with eight children. (Plainfield Daily Press, NJ. “Heat Leads to Suicide.” 7-8-1897, 8.)

[122] The World, NY. “Killed by Heat Near the City.” 7-7-1897, p. 2.

[123] Bradford Era, PA. “Fatalities in Albany.” 7-14-1897, p. 1.

[124] Evening Herald, Syracuse, NY. “Off the State Wire.” 7-6-1897, p. 10.

[125] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Deaths From The Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 16.

[126] Boston Globe, MA. “Extra Ambulances Needed, Hottest Day in Buffalo in 12 Years…Yesterday.” 7-11-1897, 1. Highlighted in yellow to denote that either this report is inaccurate, or that of the Fort Wayne Journal, or both.

[127] “Buffalo, N.Y., July 10.–At midnight five additional deaths, due to heat, were reported by the police. This makes nine deaths in Buffalo today.”

[128] Oswego Daily Palladium, NY. “Heat Kills One at Celeron.” 7-7-1897, p. 2.

[129] Concord Enterprise, MA. “Three Days of Intense Heat.” 7-8-1897, p. 5.

[130] Syracuse Standard, NY. “Death and Prostration.” 7-11-1897, 6.

[131] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Deaths From The Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 16. Notes: “The heat has been oppressive here, with serious results…The thermometer registered from 96 to 100 in the shade.” Besides the death, “three serious cases of prostration in this vicinity re reported.”

[132] Syracuse Standard, NY. “Death and Prostration.” 7-11-1897, 6.

[133] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Deaths From The Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 16.

[134] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Deaths From The Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 16. Notes additionally: “Many prostrations have occurred here within the past few days, especially among railroad section hands.”

[135] A post out of New York on July 10 writes that in addition to sunstroke deaths, “There were numerous deaths from heart failure and other diseases, hastened by the heat. Total deaths for the week, 966.” [Unclear — looks like 966.]. Fort Wayne Journal, IN. “Old Sol’s Harvest.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.

[136] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Death From The Heat.” 7-2-1897, p. 1.

[137] “New York, July 7.–A warm wave, which is said to be due to a combination of an area of low pressure to the north and a high pressure area to the south, struck this city yesterday, and at noon the thermometer on the street level registered 102 degrees, while the humidity recorded was 91 per cent. As the result of this intense heat there was one death. Maggie Eihl, 60 year old, and 11 prostrations. Bernard McGarry, aged 4, was overcome by the heat, fell from a fifth-story window and was killed. William Smith, keeper of the morgue at the city hospital, on Blackwells Island, died in Central park of heart failure induced by heat.” (Piqua Daily Call, OH. “In New York City. Three Deaths and Eleven Prostrations Caused by the Heat.” 7-7-1897, p. 2.)

[138] The World, NY. “Deaths and Distress From The Hot Wave.” 7-7-1897, p. 1.

[139] Piqua Daily Call, OH. “Still More Heat Victims.” 7-8-1897, p. 2.

[140] “New York, July 8.–Nine children died suddenly today and their deaths were due indirectly to the heat. Seven persons were prostrated in the streets.”

[141] Additionally, notes the names of twenty-six individuals “prostrated by the heat” on this page, before continuing the listing on page 2, which we were not able to access.

[142] Syracuse Daily Standard, NY. “Onondaga.” 7-13-1897, p. 7.

[143] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Hottest July 10 Since ʹ80.” 7-11-1897, p. 30.

[144] Daily Times, New Brunswick, NJ. “Two Drop Dead From the Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 3.

[145] Daily Times, New Brunswick, NJ. “Two Heat Victims of the Harvestfield.” 7-12-1897, p. 3.

[146] Daily Times, New Brunswick, NJ. “Two Heat Victims of the Harvestfield.” 7-12-1897, p. 3.

[147] Baltimore Sun, MD. “A Hundred in the Shade.” 7-5-1897, p. 1.

[148] Evening Herald, Syracuse, NY. “Hottest Day Yet.” 7-10-1897, p. 6. After noting the temperature had reached 100 degrees, it is written: “In the poor sections the suffering has been intense. In general there has been scarcely a breath of air stirring and the nights have been as warm as the days [80 the night before]. Every shelter that could be found from the penetrating rays of Old Sol was crowded. The parks, small as they are, have been of…[unclear] help for those seeking fresh air. In the tenements, with small, ill-ventilated rooms, the oppression beggars description. Many mothers and children have been unable to do work and could only sit and gasp. Many families were ignorant of ordinary rules that would help them bear the heat. Water, the great necessity, is difficult for some to procure and combining all these lacks it is not be wondered at that many fared badly. It is hoped that within a few hours a change will come and nature will alleviate the suffering. Beasts have felt the heat as badly as men. Horses have tugged along under the boiling hot sun until they could struggle no longer and dropped from exhaustion. Workmen have been unable to stand the strain in the heat of the day and there prostration have been frequent.”

[149] Syracuse Standard, NY. “Death and Prostration.” 7-11-1897, 6.

[150] Oswego Daily Palladium, NY. “Died From the Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 2.

[151] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Hottest July 10 Since ʹ80.” 7-11-1897, p. 30.

[152] Or “Freygang.” Herkimer Democrat, NY. “Deaths From the Heat.” 7-14-1897, p. 1.

[153] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Hottest July 10 Since ʹ80.” 7-11-1897, p. 30.

[154] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Hottest July 10 Since ʹ80.” 7-11-1897, p. 30.

[155] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Hottest July 10 Since ʹ80.” 7-11-1897, p. 30.

[156] Evening News-Review, East Liverpool, OH. “350 Deaths From Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 3.

[157] Our number. Paper reports 31 heat deaths in Cincinnati in three days, including 12 on the 5^th. There were 13 reported heat deaths on 4^th. Thus, we subtract 25 from 31 to derive six.

[158] Fatalities identified as: Mrs. Dalia Rinner, Chas. Stahley, Bertha Decker, Jacob York, Mrs. Mary A. Klostermann, unidentified man thought to be Louis Smith, Mrs. Noel Winter, Fred Buehring, Fred Dietrich, Thomas Schnaebewl, Christine Tissy, Mary Qury, John Zoiler.

[159] Victims identified as: W. A. Baker, Mary Barnum, Harry Brown (infant), Laura Burdsal (infant), Mrs. Elizabeth Burke, Mary Fleming, Joseph Fisher, Richard Fleming, Joseph Haslacher, John Hewfling, George J. Hoefling, Kate Sextra (infant). (Indianapolis News, IN. “Deaths and Prostrations.” 7-6-1897, p. 2.)

[160] Fatalities identified as: L. Benton, 40; Philomena Sorg, 33; Dina Breckinridge, baby; Mildreth O’Donnell, 2-months; August Wyandt, 50.

[161] Fatalities identified as: John Brennens, Della Kidwell, Flora Brown, Mrs. Charles Scherman, Emma Duffee, George Gillette, Charles L. Benton, James Matthews.

[162] Fatalities identified as: Mrs. Kate Herwich, and James Elliot. Additionally, notes 23 heat prostrations.

[163] Arthur Affrey, Hyman Benjamin, 18-months, Edmund Born, Phil Leddy, Mrs. Eva Renkart, Carrie Selkatz, John Stenger. Article notes: “In Cincinnati hospitals there are 40 sufferers from sunstroke, and a total of 358 cases under treatment are very largely fro ailments superinduced by the heat. The maximum heat marked was 93 at 1 p.m. and 85 at 6 p.m. On the street at 9:30 tonight it was 83. The thunderstorms cooled the air but little.”

[164] Fatalities identified as: Miss Sarah Clinton, 50, found on a street; Mrs. Lena Sedusky, 66, in her room at place of employment; Mrs. Agnes Lee (nervous prostration brought on by heat); and John Hendel, soon after prostration..

[165] Steubenville Herald, OH. “Death From Heat.” 709-1897, p. 5.

[166] Sunday Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN. “Sizzling Sun.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.

[167] Alton Evening Telegraph, IL. “Death At His Harvest.” 7-6-1897, p. 2.

[168] Victim identified as Aloys Horn, a baker, “who fell in front of a bake oven…” “In some places the mercury reached the 104 mark.”

[169] Fatalities identified as: Charles W. Mack, 51; George Taylor and Percy Cummins.

[170] Daily Republican, Defiance, OH. “Sun Stroke Victim, 8-12-1897, p. 3.

[171] Victim identified as Robert Owens, a stone mason.

[172] Victim identifies as Henry Rosebrook.

[173] Bradford Era, PA. “The Very Warm Weather.” 7-5-1897, p. 1. Paper notes that depending on the thermometer, temperatures varied from 95 to 100 degrees “in the shade” — “by all odds the hottest day of the season.”

[174] Oswego Daily Palladium, NY. “Heat Kills One at Celeron.” 7-7-1897, p. 2.

[175] “Philadelphia was among the ten hottest cities in the United States yesterday [June 30]. The government thermometer reached the maximum of the year, 91.4 degrees at 4 P.M. The minimum temperature of the day was 73 degrees at 5:30 A.M., and the mean was 82 degrees, 2 degrees warmer than the mean temperature any day this year, and 8 degrees above normal….The genuine suffering caused by extreme heat is beginning to make itself apparent, especially so in the narrow, cramped tenement houses, with their seemingly innumerable occupants, to whom a breath of fresh air is a luxury….As usual the government thermometer was more conservative in its estimates than nearly all the other thermometers in the city, which did duty down near the sidewalks where people lived and suffered. Many of the less elevated showed a maximum of 95 degrees and several of more or less trustworthiness reached figures even higher….” (Philadelphia Times. “Mercury Went Far Too High.” 7-1-1897, p. 1.)

[176] Philadelphia Times. “Died From Heat Prostration.” 7-3-1897, p. 1.

[177] Philadelphia Times. “Heat Drives Crowds Away.” 7-4-1897, p. 1.

[178] Philadelphia Times. “Two Deaths From the Heat…Continued High Temperature To-Day.” 7-10-1897, p. 5. Notes: “Yesterday the maximum temperature was 90 degrees…reached at 2:30 o’clock in the afternoon. This was two degrees higher than the maximum on Thursday. The lowest point to which the mercury dropped was 70 , and the mean temperature of the day was 80. At 8 o’clock in the morning the thermometer registered 75 degrees, and at 8 o’clock in the evening 82. At 8 o’clock A.M. the humidity was 82 and 8 o’clock P.M. 60.”

[179] Philadelphia Times. “One Death Reported.” 7-11-1897, p. 1. Notes that the maximum official temperature was 94, and that there were a number of heat prostrations as well — on hot streets, at work and homes.

[180] Philadelphia Inquirer. “Death From The Heat.” 7-13-1897, p. 2.

[181] Philadelphia Times. “Heat Claimed One Victim.” 7-12-1897, p. 1. Notes that at 2 pm the temperature reached maximum of 91 and that heat prostrations dropped to eight.

[182] Philadelphia Inquirer. “Death From The Heat.” 7-13-1897, p. 2. Philadelphia Times article of same date on his death has the name as Thomas Marks. Also notes that the high for the day was 90, but cooler weather expected.

[183] Daily Crescent, Defiance, OH. “Victims of Heat.” 7-12-1897, p. 1.

[184] Philadelphia Times. “Hot Day In Pittsburg.” 7-4-1897, p. 1.

[185] Philadelphia Times. “Hot Day In Pittsburg.” 7-4-1897, p. 1. Another paper wrote: “This was Pittsburg’s hottest day for years…The government thermometer registered 98.4 as the maximum, which was reached at 5 p.m. Ordinary everyday thermometers on the streets showed the mercury ranging between 108 and 110 almost the entire day.” (Bradford Era, PA. “Hottest In Years.” 7-5-1897, p. 1.)

[186] Indianapolis News, IN. “Two Deaths at Pittsburg.” 7-6-1897, p. 2. Notes: “The thermometer here yesterday [5^th] reached 99 degrees, the hottest July day for ten yeasts. As a result of the intense heat two deaths and seventeen prostrations are reported.” Notes she was visiting from St. Joseph, MO.

[187] Evening News, Benton Harbor, MI. “St. Joseph Woman Dies.” 7-7-1897, p. 1.

[188] Philadelphia Inquirer. “Two More Deaths at Pittsburg.” 7-7-1897, p. 1.

[189] Philadelphia Times. “Three Deaths in Pittsburg.” 7-8-1897, p. 5.

[190] Oil City Derrick, PA. “One Victim in Pittsburg.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.

[191] Boston Sunday Globe, MA. “Three Deaths in Pittsburg.” 7-11-1897, p. 1. Notes it was 91 degrees at 1 pm.

[192] Fort Wayne Journal, IN. “Old Sol’s Harvest.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.

[193] Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Hot Weather in the South.” 7-3-1897, p. 2. Writes: “The mercury registered 94 in the shade at Memphis today [2^nd]. There were several prostrations from the heat and two deaths….”

[194] “Nashville…July 4. The fearful heat prevailing yesterday when the government thermometer marked 100 degrees was somewhat lessened to-day, but not greatly. Three prostrations have been reported to-day and two deaths.”

[195] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Second To Die In Bellows Falls.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.

[196] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Second To Die In Bellows Falls.” 7-10-1897, p. 10. Since Bellows Falls and East Montpelier are not close to each other, this could not be a reference to that death,

[197] Boston Sunday Globe, MA. “Third Death. Bellows Falls’ Heat of Great Deadliness.” 7-11-1897, p. 1.

[198] Boston Daily Globe, MA. “Fatal Cases of Sunstroke.” 7-10-1897, p. 10.

[199] Bluefield Daily Telegraph, WV. “In City and Coal Field.” 7-14-1897, p. 1.

[200] Evening News Review, East Liverpool, OH, “Killed by the Heat,” 7-13-1897, p. 4.

[201] Writes “At Appleton the thermometer marked 100 degrees, and three deaths and several prostrations resulted.”

[202] Daily Gazette, Janesville, WI. “A Child Made Sick By Intense Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 5. Notes the parents went to see friends nine miles away and “when the return trip was undertaken the sweltering rays of the sun were felt. When Mr. and Mrs. Vobian reached their Western avenue home the babe was very ill. Dr. J. F. Pember, who was summoned found the little one’s pulse registering 107 degrees, and in spite of all that could be done, the babe died.” Notes, additionally, that at workman at the Newville bridge was overcome the day before “and is very sick.”

[203] Goshen Daily News, IN. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 7-10-1897, p. 3.

[204] “Milwaukee, July 6.–The intensely hot wave continues unabated and the record of 97 degrees was reached again Monday [5^th]. Charles Fraser, a workingman, died here from the heat and there were numerous prostrations. Other parts of southern Wisconsin are suffering the same as Milwaukee.” (Stevens Point Daily Journal, WI. “Hot Wave in Wisconsin.” 7-6-1897, p. 2.)

[205] Notes 13 non-fatal heat prostrations as well.

[206] Daily Crescent, Defiance OH. “The Heat Wave.” 7-10-1897, p. 1.

[207] Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “Death By Sun Stroke.” 7-6-1897, p. 4.

[208] Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “Coroner’s Inquest.” 7-6-1897, p. 1.

[209] Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “Dr. H. B. Dale Is Dead. Illness of Seven Days…” 7-7-1897, p. 1.

[210] Stevens Point Daily Journal, WI. “Many Die From Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 2. Paper notes “The thermometer registered 101 degrees at two p.m.”

[211] Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “Sun Stroke Was Fatal.” 7-10-1897, p. 2. Notes that victim was taken to a hospital in serious condition where “After having been in the ice bath half an hur his temperature was still at 110 degrees. Gradually it decreased for a short while and again began to rise. All the afternoon the physicians and nurses worked over the unfortunate man, but without avail. The temperature, whicvh had been decreased to 103 degrees after having been in the ice bath an hour, rose again to 107 degrees. The man was then too weak to be again immersed, so stimulants were applied. He grew weaker and weaker and died at two o’clock this morning. The deceased man is a native of Germany, and has resided in the city for about two years…”

[212] A paper on the 9^th wrote: “The mercury last Sunday [4^th] reached 95 degrees twelve hundred feet west of the lake [Lake Michigan]. On Monday it wavered between 91 and 94; on Tuesday it was about 90 and yesterday it reached 94 in the shade while in th sun it was simply fearful and few were able to stand the heat for any length of time. Yesterday afternoon at least half a dozen foundries were closed, the men not being able to stand the terrible heat which was increased while the pouring off was in progress. Here in Racine the harbor piers afforded a great relief last evening. Hundreds of people occupied places at the extreme end and all along the line while many slept there all night. The street cars were liberally patronized and it was cool while the cars were running. The weather man sent out a telegram yesterday that today would witness the hottest weather of the year, and, in fact, warmer than before in years….” (Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Killed By The Heat.” 7-9-1897, p. 1.)

[213] Stevens Point Daily Journal, WI. “Hot Wave in Wisconsin.” 7-6-1897, p. 2. Notes three others “prostrated.” Another paper has the second victim’s name as Charles Pokorny and notes he had arrived from Bohemia just two weeks earlier. (Racine Journal, WI. “Sudden Deaths.” 7-8-1897, p. 1.)

[214] Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Killed By The Heat. William Tepz Succumbs…Hot Weather.” 7-9-1897, p. 1. Paper notes he became prostrated after reaching his boarding house after a full day’s work. Died four hours later despite medical attention.

[215] Bridewell Prison was in South Lawndale community area of Chicago. (ChicagoHistoryMuseum.)

19th Century

1897 — May 27, Trains Collide, American Falls station, ID — 9

lornajarrettblanchard May 27, 1897

— 9 Prospector. “From the Attic. Train Crashes,” Dec/Jan, 2009, p. 3.

— 9 Watertown Re-Union, NY. “Two Trains Collide. Nine Men Killed…Wreck.” 6-2-1897, p. 7.

Narrative Information

Prospector: “….There are many tales of train wrecks in Idaho, but one of the scariest happened early in the morning of May 27th, 1897 at American Falls. The American Falls station was in a small valley between two hills.

“On that morning, a freight train was approaching the top of the hill ready to descend to the station. Suddenly, the man in charge of the train’s brakes realized that they weren’t working properly. If the train couldn’t slow down, it couldn’t switch over to a second safe track that ran harmlessly beside the station. The engineer tried to get the men to use emergency hand brakes, but it was already too late. The train had missed the safe track and had started down the hill. Normally the hand brakes could stop a big train. Unfortunately, this one was carrying a load of heavy logs. The great weight of the train and the steep hill made the hand brakes useless. The train was out of control and headed towards the station at sixty miles per hour.

“Down in the station was a second train full of passengers on the same track. When the engineer of the passenger train saw the freight train coming, he jumped into action and tried to back his train out of the way. But the freight train was moving too fast. The two trains collided in a spectacular explosion of metal and wood. Both engines were destroyed and nine people died in the crash….” (Prospector. “From the Attic. Train Crashes,” Dec/Jan, 2009, p. 3.)

May 27: “Pocatello, Idaho, May 27. — A head-end collision between a freight and a passenger train at American Falls, 25 miles west of here, at 4:30 o’clock this morning, caused the death, so far as known, of nine men, and the serious injury of eight others. Two of the latter will die.[1] This is the worst wreck that has ever occurred on the short line in many years.

“The westbound passenger train was waiting for the freight at American Falls, standing in front of the station building. The freight coming east ran away on the hill west of the Falls. It is thought the airbrakes were tampered with. The freight, running 50 miles an hour, crashed into the passenger train, which was already backing up in front of the station. Two men were on the station platform and one was killed and the other fatally injured. The station building was shattered. Both engines were converted into scrap iron and 20 freight cars piled up in a heap.

“George Moore, the engineer of the freight, is seriously injured. The fireman, Dick Cosgrove, had a leg broken, and C. E. Peckham, engineer of the passenger train, sustained slight injuries. He stayed by his engine until he had reversed it. The conductor and brakeman were on top of the

freight setting the brakes and Fireman Cosgrove had climbed back to help when the crash came.

“The dead are C. W. Shields, about 35 years old, residence unknown; D. L. Thompson, Dayton, Wash.; John R. Cooper, Wellsville, Utah; J. Steffen, Dillon, Mont.; five unknown men, all sheep shearers…” (Watertown Re-Union, NY. “Two Trains Collide. Nine Men Killed…Wreck.” 6-2-1897, p. 7.)

Sources

Prospector. “From the Attic. Train Crashes,” Dec/Jan, 2009, p. 3. Accessed 12-15-2016 at: https://history.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/pclub_railroad.pdf

Watertown Re-Union, NY. “Two Trains Collide. Nine Men Killed…Wreck.” 6-2-1897, p. 7. Accessed 12-15-2016 at: http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn85054450/1897-06-02/ed-1/seq-5.pdf

[1] Have not seen a follow-up to indicate these two men died. The Prospector of 2009 notes only nine deaths.

19th Century

1897 — Typhoid (Enteric) Fever, esp. NY/1.3-1.6K, OH/1.2K, MA/1.1K, IN/655, PA–>9,192

lornajarrettblanchard January 1, 1897

Compiled by B. Wayne Blanchard, Dec 2012; modified June 2018 and Dec 2019, for website: Deadliest American Disasters and Large-Loss-Of-Life Events. https://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–9,192 Blanchard tally based on State and local breakouts below.

Summary of State Breakouts Below

Alabama ( 16) Mobile (16)

California ( 99) San Francisco (47), Los Angeles (25)

Colorado ( 55) Denver (48)

Connecticut ( 326)

Delaware ( 14) Wilmington (14)

District of Columbia ( 121)

Florida ( 16)

Georgia ( 2)

Illinois ( 442) Chicago (437)

Indiana ( 655)

Iowa ( 37)

Kentucky ( 66) Louisville ( 66)

Louisiana ( 131) New Orleans (127)

Maine ( 11) Portland ( 11)

Maryland ( 411) Baltimore (189)

Massachusetts ( 1,185) Boston (173)

Michigan ( 774)

Minnesota ( 201) Minneapolis (148), Duluth (33)

Missouri ( 157) St. Louis (125)

Nebraska ( 25) Omaha ( 25)

Nevada ( 1) Virginia City

New Hampshire ( 137)

New Jersey ( 478)

New York (1,351-1,585) (1,468 average of two numbers – used in tally)

North Carolina ( 52)

Ohio ( 1,213) Cleveland ( 73)

Oregon ( 17) Portland ( 17)

Pennsylvania ( 803) Philadelphia (401), Pittsburgh (184), Allegheny (79)

Rhode Island ( 17) Providence ( 16)

South Carolina ( 35) Charleston ( 35)

Tennessee ( 95) Nashville/41, Memphis/32, Chattanooga, Knoxville

Texas ( 2) Galveston

Utah ( 25) Salt Lake City ( 25)

Vermont ( 6)

Virginia ( 31) Lynchburg/8, Norfolk/10, Petersburg/6, Richmond/7

Washington ( 13) Seattle ( 11), Spokane ( 2)

West Virginia ( 15) Wheeling ( 15)

Wisconsin ( 40) Milwaukee ( 31)

Breakout of 1897 Typhoid Fever Deaths by State and Locality (where noted):

Alabama ( 16) Mobile

–1 Mobile Jan 10-17 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/4, 1-22-1897, p. 74.

–1 “ Jan 30-Feb 6 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/7, 2-12-1897, p. 154.

–1 “ May 16-22 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/22, 5-28-1897, p. 524.

–1 “ May 30-Jun 5 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/25, 6-18-1897, p. 594.

–1 “ June 20-26 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/27, 7-2-1897, p. 645.

–2 “ June 27-July 3 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/28, 7-9-1897, p. 669.

–1 “ July 18-24 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/31, 7-30-1897, p. 785.

–1 “ July 25-31 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/32, 8-6-1897, p. 818.

–1 “ Aug 1-7 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/33, 8-18-1897, p. 842.

–1 “ Aug 15-21 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/35, 8-27-1897, p. 899.

–1 “ Aug 29-Sep 4 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/38, 9-17-1897, p. 988.

–2 “ Sep 5-11 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/38, 9-17-1897, p. 988.

–1 “ Sep 12-18 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/40, 10-1-1897, p.1050.

–1 “ Oct 10-16 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/44, 10-29-1897, p1172

California ( 99) San Francisco (47), Los Angeles (25)

— 2 Los Angeles Jan USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/8, 2-19-1897, p. 179.

— 1 “ Feb USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/12, 3-19-1897, p. 274.

— 1 “ March USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/17, 4-23-1897, p. 402.

— 1 “ April USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/21, 5-21-1897, p. 498.

— 2 “ May USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/27, 7-2-1897, p. 643.

— 4 “ June USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/30, 7-23-1897, p. 745.

— 3 “ Aug USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/39, 9-24-1897, p.1018.

— 2 “ Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/43, 10-22-1897, p1138

— 2 “ Oct USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/47, 11-19-1897, p1262

— 3 “ Nov USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/51, 12-17-1897, p1376

— 4 “ Dec USMHS. Public Health Reports, 13/3, 1-21-1898, p. 51.

— 1 Oakland Feb USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/13, 3-26-1897, p. 302.

— 1 “ May USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/25, 6-18-1897, p. 592.

— 2 “ Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/43, 10-22-1897, p1138

— 1 “ Oct USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/47, 11-19-1897, p1262

— 1 “ Dec USMHS. Public Health Reports, 13/4, 1-28-1898, p. 72.

— 1 Sacramento Jan USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/8, 2-19-1897, p. 179.

— 1 “ June USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/30, 7-23-1897, p. 745.

— 1 “ Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/43, 10-22-1897, p1138

— 1 “ Dec USMHS. Public Health Reports, 13/3, 1-21-1898, p. 51.

–13 San Francisco Jan USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/10, 3-5-1897, p. 227.

— 1 “ Feb 7-13 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/9, 2-19-1897, p. 206.

— 1 “ Feb 14-20 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/10, 3-5-1897, p. 229.

— 3 “ Mar 1-13 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/17, 4-23-1897, p. 402.

— 1 “ Mar 14-20 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/14, 4-2-1897, p. 327.

— 3 “ Mar 8-Apr 3 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/16, 4-16-1897, p. 379.

— 1 “ April 11-17 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/19, 5-7-1897, p. 443.

— 1 San Francisco April 18-30 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/21, 5-21-1897, p. 498.

— 3 “ May USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/25, 6-18-1897, p. 594.

— 4 “ June USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/30, 7-23-1897, p. 745.

— 3 “ July USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/35, 8-27-1897, p. 898.

— 4 “ Aug USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/39, 9-24-1897, p.1018.

— 4 “ Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/44, 10-29-1897, p1171

— 5 “ Oct USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/48, 11-26-1897, p1290

— 1 Santa Barbara Jan 10-16 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/5, 1-29-1897, p. 112.

— 1 “ Feb 7-13 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/9, 2-19-1897, p. 206.

— 1 “ Feb 14-20 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/10, 3-5-1897, p. 229.

— 1 “ June 13-19 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/27, 7-2-1897, p. 646.

— 2 “ Oct 9-16 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/44, 10-29-1897, p1173

— 1 “ Dec 12-18 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/53, 12-31-1897, p1428

— 6 Locales not noted. Feb USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/13, 3-26-1897, p. 302.

— 4 Locales not noted. March USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/18, 4-30-1897, p. 422.

Colorado ( 55) Denver (48)

— 2 Colorado Springs. Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/43, 10-22-1897, p1138

–48 Denver Year CO Med. Jour., “Dr. Hughes…,” 4/11., Nov 1898, 428.

— 2 Pueblo May 23-29 USMHS. Public Health Reports,12/24, 6-11-1897, p. 570.

— 1 “ July 18-24 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/32, 8-6-1897, p. 818.

— 1 “ Sep 19-25 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/41, 10-8-1897, p.1085.

— 1 “ Sep 26-Oct 2 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/41, 10-8-1897, p.1085.

Connecticut ( 326)

–326 Year. Wilcox. “Typhoid Fever…” Med. Review, 5/5, 5-25-1899, 376.^[1]

Delaware ( 14) Wilmington

–1 Wilmington April 18-24 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/19, 5-7-1897, p. 444.

–1 “ May 23-29 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/23, 6-4-1897, p. 550.

–1 “ June 6-12 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/25, 6-18-1897, p. 594.

–1 “ July 3-10 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/29, 7-16-1897, p. 699.

–1 “ Aug 15-21 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/35, 8-27-1897, p. 900.

–3 “ Sep 19-25 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/40, 10-1-1897, p.1050.

–1 “ Oct 9-16 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/44, 10-29-1897, p1173

–1 “ Oct 31-Nov 6 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/48, 11-26-1897, p1292

–3 “ Nov 21-27 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/51, 12-17-1897, p1377

–1 “ Dec 5-11 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/51, 12-17-1897, p1376

District of Columbia ( 121)

— 121 Year. DC Department of Health. Report of the Health Officer. 1907, p. 219.^[2]

Florida ( 16)

–5 45 counties report Jan USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/20, 5-14-1897, p. 472.

–1 Jacksonville May 2-8 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/20, 5-14-1897, p. 474.

–1 “ May 16-22 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/23, 6-4-1897, p. 550.

–1 “ Oct 9-16 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/44, 10-29-1897, p1172

–1 “ Oct 31, Nov 6 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/46, 11-12-1897, p1229

–1 “ Dec 12-18 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/53, 12-31-1897, p1428

–1 Pensacola March USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/16, 4-16-1897, p. 376.

–1 “ July 4-10 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/30, 7-23-1897, p. 747.

–1 “ Aug 15-21 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/35, 8-27-1897, p. 900.

–1 Tampa Feb USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/13, 3-26-1897, p. 302.

–1 “ Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/43, 10-22-1897, p1138

–1 West Tampa Oct 3-9 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/43, 10-22-1897, p1140

Georgia ( 2)

–2 Columbus July USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/33, 8-18-1897, p. 840.

Illinois ( 442) Chicago (437)

–437 Chicago Year Jordan. “Typhoid Fever…Chicago.” JAMA, 12-20-1902, p3.[3]

— 2 Springfield Oct 19-25 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/45, 11-5-1897, p.1200.

— 2 “ Oct 26-Nov 1 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/46, 11-12-1897, p1229

— 1 “ Dec 26-Jan 1 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 13/1, 1-7-1898, p. 8.

Indiana ( 655)

— 655 State, year. Osler. The Problem of Typhoid Fever in the United States. 1899, p. 9.^[4]

Iowa ( 37)

–1 Boone July USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/38, 9-17-1897, p. 985.

–1 Cedar Rapids May USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/26, 6-25-1897, p. 615.

–1 “ Oct USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/50, 12-10-1897, p1340

–1 Clinton Jan USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/9, 2-19-1897, p. 204.

–1 “ May USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/26, 6-25-1897, p. 615.

–1 Davenport May USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/26, 6-25-1897, p. 615.

–1 “ Aug USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/40, 10-1-1897, p.1049.

–1 Des Moines July USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/41, 10-8-1897, p.1082.

–4 “ Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/45, 11-5-1897, p1198.

–6 “ Nov USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/53, 12-31-1897, p1427

–2 Dubuque May USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/26, 6-25-1897, p. 615.

–1 “ July USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/41, 10-8-1897, p.1082.

–2 “ Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/50, 12-10-1897, p1341

–5 “ Nov USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/53, 12-31-1897, p1427

–2 Keokuk Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/50, 12-10-1897, p1341

–1 Ottumwa Jan USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/9, 2-19-1897, p. 204.

–1 “ Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/50, 12-10-1897, p1341

–1 “ Oct USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/50, 12-10-1897, p1341

–4 Rock Rapids Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/45, 11-5-1897, p1198.

–1 Sioux City Jan USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/9, 2-19-1897, p. 204.

Kentucky ( 66) Louisville

— 7 Louisville Jan USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/7, 2-12-1897, p. 153.

— 5 “ March USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/16, 4-16-1897, p. 376.

— 7 “ April USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/20, 5-14-1897, p. 472.

— 4 “ July USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/33, 8-18-1897, p. 840.

–15 “ Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/43, 10-22-1897, p1138

–13 “ Oct USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/47, 11-19-1897, p1262

–15 “ Nov USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/50, 12-10-1897, p1341

Louisiana ( 131) New Orleans (127)

–3 New Orleans Jan 3-9 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/4, 1-22-1897, p. 74.

–4 “ Jan 17-23 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/6, 2-5-1897, p. 133.

–2 “ Jan 24-30 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/7, 2-12-1897, p. 154.

–1 “ Feb 7-13 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/9, 2-19-1897, p. 206.

–1 “ Feb 20-27 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/11, 3-12-1897, p. 249.

–2 “ Mar 14-20 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/14, 4-2-1897, p. 326.

–2 “ Mar 28-Apr 3 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/16, 4-16-1897, p. 378.

–3 “ Apr 4-10 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/17, 4-23-1897, p. 404.

–1 “ April 18-24 USMHS. Public Health Report , 12/18, 4-30-1897, p. 424.

–2 “ Apr 25-May 1 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/20, 5-14-1897, p. 474.

–2 “ May 2-8 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/21, 5-21-1897, p. 500.

–1 “ May 16-22 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/23, 6-4-1897, p. 550.

–3 “ May 23-29 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/24, 6-11-1897, p. 570.

–3 “ May 30-Jun 5 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/25, 6-18-1897, p. 594.

–4 “ June 6-12 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/26, 6-25-1897, p. 619.

–6 “ June 20-26 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/28, 7-9-1897, p. 670.

–5 “ June 27-July 3 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/29, 7-16-1897, p. 698.

–5 “ July 4-10 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/30, 7-23-1897, p. 747.

–3 “ July 11-17 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/31, 7-30-1897, p. 785.

–7 “ July 18-24 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/31, 7-30-1897, p. 785.

–5 “ July 25-31 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/33, 8-18-1897, p. 842.

–3 “ Aug 15-21 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/35, 8-27-1897, p. 899.

–5 “ Aug 22-28 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/37, 9-10-1897, p. 956.

–2 “ Aug 29-Sep 4 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/38, 9-17-1897, p. 989.

–2 “ Sep 5-11 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/39, 9-24-1897, p.1020.

–4 “ Sep 12-18 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/41, 10-8-1897, p.1084.

–1 “ Sep 19-25 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/41, 10-8-1897, p.1084.

–3 “ Sep 26-Oct 2 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/42, 10-15-1897, p1108

–3 “ Oct 9-16 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/44, 10-29-1897, p1172

–6 New Orleans Oct 24-30 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/46, 11-12-1897, p1229

–3 “ Oct 31-Nov 6 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/47, 11-19-1897, p1266

–7 “ Nov 7-13 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/48, 11-26-1897, p1291

–6 “ Nov 21-27 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/50, 12-10-1897, p1345

–3 “ Nov 28-Dec 4 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/51, 12-17-1897, p1376

–4 “ Dec 5-11 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/51, 12-17-1897, p1376

–4 “ Dec 12-18 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/53, 12-31-1897, p1428

–2 “ Dec 19-25 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 13/1, 1-7-1898, p. 8.

–4 “ Dec 26-Jan 1 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 13/2, 1-14-1898, p. 32.

–1 Shreveport March USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/16, 4-16-1897, p. 376.

–2 “ June USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/30, 7-23-1897, p. 745.

–1 “ July USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/33, 8-18-1897, p. 840.

Maine ( 11) Portland

–1 Portland Jan 3-9 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/3, 1-15-1897, p. 53.

–1 “ Feb 21-Mar 20 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/14, 4-2-1897, p. 324.

–1 “ Mar 21-Apr 14 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/20, 5-14-1897, p. 472.

–1 “ Apr 15-May 15 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/22, 5-28-1897, p.518.

–2 “ May 16-Jun 12 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/27, 7-2-1897, p. 643.

–2 “ June 13-July 3 USMHS. Public Health Reports,12/30, 7-23-1897, p. 745.

–3 “ Sep 5-11 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/38, 9-17-1897, p. 989.

Maryland ( 411) Baltimore (189)

–411 Statewide Year Rohrer. “MD’s Annual Typhoid Problem.” Mar 1912, p.60.

–189 Baltimore –222 MD Counties

Massachusetts (1,185) Boston (173)

–1,185 Year. Wilcox. “Typhoid Fever in [NY]…1898.” Med. Review…, 5/5, 5-25-1899, 376.^[5]

— 173 Boston Year Jordan. “Typhoid Fever…Chicago.” JAMA, 12-20-1902, 5.^[6]

Michigan ( 774)

— 774 State, year. Osler. The Problem of Typhoid Fever in the United States. 1899, p. 10.^[7]

Minnesota ( 201) Minneapolis (148), Duluth (33)

— 33 Duluth Year Reed, et al. Report…Origin and Spread of Typhoid… 1898, p. 300.

–148 Minneapolis Year Reed, et al. Report…Origin and Spread of Typhoid… 1898, 300.^[8]

— 2 St. Paul March USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/17, 4-23-1897, p. 402.

— 2 “ April USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/21, 5-21-1897, p. 499.

— 1 “ May USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/26, 6-25-1897, p. 616.

— 1 “ June USMHS. Public Health Reports,12/30, 7-23-1897, p. 746.

— 3 St. Paul Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/43, 10-22-1897, p1139

— 3 “ Oct USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/48, 11-26-1897, p1290

— 6 “ Nov USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/52, 12-24-1897, p1402

— 1 Winona March 7-13 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/13, 3-26-1897, p. 305.

— 1 “ April 11-17 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/18, 4-30-1897, p. 425.

Missouri ( 157) St. Louis (125)

— 1 Kansas City March USMHS. Public Health Reports, Vol. 12.

— 5 “ April USMHS. Public Health Reports, Vol. 12.

— 1 “ May USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/27, 7-2-1897, p. 643.

— 6 “ June USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/31, 7-30-1897, p. 784.

— 1 “ July USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/35, 8-27-1897, p. 898.

— 2 “ Aug USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/40, 10-1-1897, p.1049.

— 6 “ Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/44, 10-29-1897, p1171

— 8 “ Oct USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/49, 12-3-1897, p.1320.

— 2 “ Nov USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/52, 12-24-1897, p1402

–125 St. Louis Year Robb. “MO v. IL…the Sanitary District of Chicago.” 497.^[9]

–124 St. Louis Year Reed. …Origin and Spread of Typhoid… 1898, p. 300.

Nebraska ( 25) Omaha

–25 Omaha Year Lumsden. “Report on an Outbreak of Typhoid…” 1910, 16.

Nevada ( 1)

–1 Virginia City Oct 24-30 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/47, 11-19-1897, p1266

New Hampshire ( 137)

–137 Statewide Year NH State Board of Health. “Typhoid Fever.” 1904, p. xvii.[10]

New Jersey ( 478)

–478 Statewide NJ Board of Health. 29^th Annual Report of…. 1905, p. 35.

— 2 Montclair Apr 16 NYT. “More Deaths at Montclair, N.J.” 4-18-1894, p. 1.[11]

New York (1,351-1,585) (1,468 average of two numbers)

–1,585 State, year. Osler. The Problem of Typhoid Fever in the United States. 1899, p. 9.^[12]

–1,351 State, year. New York Dept. of Health. 38^th Annual Report…1917, V. 1, p. 540.^[13]

— 84 Albany, year. Reed, et al. Report…Origin and Spread of Typhoid… 1898, p. 300.

— 63 Buffalo, year. Reed, et al. Report…Origin and Spread of Typhoid… 1898, p. 300.

— 299 NYC, year. Reed, et al. Report…Origin and Spread of Typhoid… 1898, p. 300.

North Carolina ( 52)

— 2 Statewide Jan USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/12, 3-19-1897, p. 274.

— 2 “ Feb USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/15, 4-9-1897, p. 349.

— 1 24 towns report. March USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/20, 5-14-1897, p. 473.

— 3 24 towns report. April USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/26, 6-25-1897, p. 617.

— 4 22 towns report. May USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/28, 7-9-1897, p. 669.

–16 24 towns report. July USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/38, 9-17-1897, p. 987.

— 3 19 towns report. Aug USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/43, 10-22-1897, p1139

–16 23 towns report. Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/47, 11-19-1897, p1263

— 5 22 towns report. Nov USMHS. Public Health Reports, 13/2, 1-14-1898, p. 30.

Ohio (1,214) Cleveland (73)

–1,213 Statewide Year OH Sec. of State. Annual Report… Nov 15, 1897, 714-15.

— 73 Cleveland Year Reed. …Origin and Spread of Typhoid… 1898, p. 300.

Oregon ( 17)

–4 Portland Jan USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/10, 3-5-1897, p. 227.

–1 “ Feb USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/12, 3-19-1897, p. 274.

–2 “ March USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/17, 4-23-1897, p. 403.

–2 “ April USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/23, 6-4-1897, p. 549.

–1 “ May USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/29, 7-16-1897, p. 696.

–5 “ June USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/33, 8-18-1897, p. 840.

–2 “ Oct USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/48, 11-26-1897, p1290

Pennsylvania ( 803) Philadelphia (401), Pittsburgh (184), Allegheny (79)

— 79 Allegheny. Year Lewis. Quality of Water…Upper Ohio River… 1906, 77.

— 11 Beaver Falls. Year Lewis. Quality of Water…Upper Ohio River… 1906, 84.

— 1 Braddock June 27-July 3 USMHS. Public Health Reports,12/31, 7-30-1897, p. 785.

— 1 “ Aug 15-21 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/37, 9-10-1897, p. 956.

— 1 “ Dec 26-Jan 1 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 13/3, 1-21-1898, p. 53.

— 1 Butler Feb 7-13 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/10, 3-5-1897, p. 227.

— 1 “ May 28-Jun 5 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/25, 6-18-1897, p. 593.

— 1 “ Nov 7-13 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/52, 12-24-1897, p1403

— 3 Carlisle Jan 24-30 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/6, 2-5-1897, p. 133.

— 2 Dubois. Year Lewis. Quality of Water…Upper Ohio River… 1906, 21.

— 9 East Liverpool. Year Lewis. Quality of Water…Upper Ohio River… 1906, 86.

— 2 Eldred. Year Lewis. Quality of Water…Upper Ohio River... 1906, 6.

— 13 Erie. Year Lewis. Quality of Water…Upper Ohio River… 1906, 109.

— 1 Fairchance. Year Lewis. Quality of Water…Upper Ohio River… 1906, 41.

— 21 Johnstown. Year Lewis. Quality of Water…Upper Ohio River… 1906, 26.

— 8 McKeesport. Year Lewis. Quality of Water…Upper Ohio River… 1906, 51.

— 1 Meadville. Year Lewis. Quality of Water…Upper Ohio River… 1906, 14.

— 13 Newcastle, PA Year Lewis. Quality of Water…Upper Ohio River… 1906, 83.

— 1 Norristown Jan 24-30 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/6, 2-5-1897, p. 133.

— 1 “ June 13-19 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/26, 6-25-1897, p. 619.

— 1 “ June 20-26 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/27, 7-2-1897, p. 645.

— 1 “ July 25-31 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/32, 8-6-1897, p. 818.

— 2 “ Oct 2-9 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/42, 10-15-1897, p1108

— 8 Oil City. Year Lewis. Quality of Water…Upper Ohio River… 1906, 11.

–401 Philadelphia. Year City of Philadelphia. 1st Annual Report, V. III, 1907, 103.^[14]

–401 “ Year Reed. Origin and Spread of Typhoid… 1898, p. 300.

–184 Pittsburgh. Year Reed. …Origin and Spread of Typhoid… 1898, p. 300.

— 1 Plymouth May USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/26, 6-25-1897, p. 617.

— 2 “ Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/43, 10-22-1897, p1139

— 1 “ Oct USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/46, 11-12-1897, p1228

— 1 Pottstown Jan 10-16 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/5, 1-29-1897, p. 111.

— 1 “ June 13-19 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/27, 7-2-1897, p. 646.

— 1 Pottsville Sep 3-9 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/38, 9-17-1897, p. 989.

— 2 “ Nov 5-18 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/48, 11-26-1897, p1290

— 1 Reading Jan 5-11 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/3, 1-15-1897, p. 53.

— 2 “ Jan 24-Feb 1 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/6, 2-5-1897, p. 133.

— 1 “ Feb 14-22 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/9, 2-19-1897, p. 206.

— 2 “ Apr 10-26 USMHS. Public Health Reports,12/18, 4-30-1897, p. 425.

— 1 “ Aug 24-30 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/36, 9-3-1897, p. 931.

— 1 “ Nov 16-22 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/48, 11-26-1897, p1292

— 1 “ Dec 14-20 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/52, 12-24-1897, p1403

— 1 “ Dec 25-31 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 13/1, 1-7-1898, p. 8.

— 1 Scranton Jan 24-30 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/6, 2-5-1897, p. 133.

— 1 “ May 16-22 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/22, 5-28-1897, p. 524.

— 2 “ Aug USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/38, 9-17-1897, p. 987.

— 1 “ Oct 24-30 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/45, 11-5-1897, p.1200.

— 1 Titusville. Year Lewis. Quality of Water…Upper Ohio River… 1906, 11.

— 4 West Newton. Year Lewis. Quality of Water…Upper Ohio River… 1906, 50.

— 1 Williamsport March USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/20, 5-14-1897, p. 473.

— 4 “ June USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/29, 7-16-1897, p. 696.

— 1 “ Oct USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/47, 11-19-1897, p1262

— 1 “ Nov USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/51, 12-17-1897, p1374

— 1 “ Dec USMHS. Public Health Reports, 13/2, 1-14-1898, p. 31.

Rhode Island ( 17) Providence (16)

— 1 Bristol Sep 26-Oct 2 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/42, 10-15-1897, p1108

–16 Providence Year Providence Registrar’s Office. Report, 1898, p. 39.

South Carolina ( 35) Charleston

–1 Charleston Jan 17-23 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/7, 2-12-1897, p. 154.

–2 “ Feb 14-20 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/11, 3-12-1897, p. 249.

–1 Charleston Feb 28-Mar 6 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/12, 3-19-1897, p. 276.

–1 “ March 7-13 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/13, 3-26-1897, p. 304.

–1 “ Mar 28-Apr 3 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/16, 4-16-1897, p. 378.

–1 “ Apr 4-10 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/18, 4-30-1897, p. 424.

–1 “ Apr 11-17 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/18, 4-30-1897, p. 424.

–1 “ June 13-19 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/27, 7-2-1897, p. 645.

–1 “ June 20-26 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/29, 7-16-1897, p. 698.

–2 “ June 27-July 3 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/29, 7-16-1897, p. 698.

–2 “ July 18-24 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/32, 8-6-1897, p. 817.

–2 “ Aug 8-14 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/35, 8-27-1897, p. 899.

–1 “ Aug 15-21 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/37, 9-10-1897, p. 956.

–1 “ Aug 22-28 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/38, 9-17-1897, p. 988.

–1 “ Aug 29-Sep 4 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/39, 9-24-1897, p.1019.

–1 “ Sep 5-11 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/39, 9-24-1897, p.1019.

–3 “ Sep 12-18 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/40, 10-1-1897, p.1050.

–2 “ Sep 26-Oct 2 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/42, 10-15-1897, p1108

–1 “ Oct 10-16 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/44, 10-29-1897, p1172

–1 “ Oct 31-Nov 6 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/47, 11-19-1897, p1266

–1 “ Nov 14-20 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/49, 12-3-1897, p.1321.

–1 “ Nov 21-27 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/50, 12-10-1897, p1345

–2 “ Dec 5-11 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/52, 12-24-1897, p1403

–1 “ Dec 12-18 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/53, 12-31-1897, p1428

–1 “ Dec 19-25 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 13/2, 1-14-1898, p. 32.

–2 “ Dec 26-Jan 1 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 13/3, 1-21-1898, p. 53.

Tennessee ( 95) Nashville (41), Memphis (32), Chattanooga, Knoxville

— 1 Chattanooga Feb USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/11, 3-12-1897, p. 249.

— 2 “ March USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/16, 4-16-1897, p. 376.

— 2 “ April USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/20, 5-14-1897, p. 473.

— 1 “ June USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/29, 7-16-1897, p. 696.

— 1 “ July USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/33, 8-18-1897, p. 841.

— 1 “ Aug USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/38, 9-17-1897, p. 986.

— 2 “ Dec USMHS. Public Health Reports, 13/2, 1-14-1898, p. 30.

— 2 Knoxville Jan USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/8, 2-19-1897, p. 180.

— 1 “ Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/42, 10-15-1897, p1107

— 2 Memphis Jan 3-9 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/3, 1-15-1897, p. 52.

— 1 “ Feb 21-27 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/10, 3-5-1897, p. 227.

— 1 “ April USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/20, 5-14-1897, p. 473.

— 3 “ May USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/26, 6-25-1897, p. 617.

— 4 “ June USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/29, 7-16-1897, p. 697.

— 5 “ July USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/33, 8-18-1897, p. 841.

— 6 “ Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/43, 10-22-1897, p1139

— 3 “ Oct USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/46, 11-12-1897, p1228

— 2 “ Oct 31-Nov 6 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/46, 11-12-1897, p1229

— 1 “ Nov 7-13 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/47, 11-19-1897, p1266

— 4 “ Dec USMHS. Public Health Reports, 13/3, 1-21-1898, p. 51.

— 1 Nashville Feb USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/12, 3-19-1897, p. 275.

— 1 “ April 18-24 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/19, 5-7-1897, p. 443.

— 1 “ May 30-Jun 5 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/25, 6-18-1897, p. 594.

— 1 “ June 20-26 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/27, 7-2-1897, p. 645.

— 1 “ July 4-10 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/29, 7-16-1897, p. 698.

— 3 “ July 25-31 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/32, 8-6-1897, p. 817.

— 9 “ Aug USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/38, 9-17-1897, p. 986.

–11 “ Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/42, 10-15-1897, p1107

— 3 “ Oct 17-23 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/44, 10-29-1897, p1172

— 1 “ Oct 24-30 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/45, 11-5-1897, p.1200.

— 8 “ Nov USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/51, 12-17-1897, p1375

— 3 “ Dec USMHS. Public Health Reports, 13/3, 1-21-1898, p. 51.

— 5 23 towns report. May USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/26, 6-25-1897, p.617.[15]

Texas ( 2)

–1 Galveston Feb 27-Mar 5 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/16, 4-16-1897, p. 378.

–1 “ April 3-9 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/23, 6-4-1897, p. 550.

Utah ( 25) Salt Lake City

–4 Salt Lake City Jan USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/10, 3-5-1897, p. 227.

–1 “ Feb 28-Mar 6 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/13, 3-26-1897, p. 305.

–1 “ April 18-24 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/19, 5-7-1897, p. 443.

–1 “ July 4-10 USMHS. Public Health Reports,12/30, 7-23-1897, p. 748.

–1 “ July 25-31 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/33, 8-18-1897, p. 842.

–1 “ Aug 15-21 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/36, 9-3-1897, p. 931.

–1 “ Aug 22-29 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/37, 9-10-1897, p. 956.

–1 “ Sep 12-18 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/40, 10-1-1897, p.1050.

–1 “ Sep 19-25 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/41, 10-8-1897, p.1085.

–2 “ Oct 9-16 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/44, 10-29-1897, p1173

–6 “ Oct 24-30 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/46, 11-12-1897, p1229

–5 “ Nov USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/51, 12-17-1897, p1375

Vermont ( 6)

–1 Bennington June 20-26 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/27, 7-2-1897, p. 645.

–1 “ Nov 7-13 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/47, 11-19-1897, p1266

–2 “ Nov 21-27 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/49, 12-3-1897, p.1321.

–1 “ Dec 19-25 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/53, 12-31-1897, p1428

–1 Burlington July USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/37, 9-10-1897, p. 955.

Virginia ( 31) Lynchburg/8, Norfolk/10, Petersburg/6, Richmond/7

–1 Lynchburg May 2-8 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/20, 5-14-1897, p. 474.

–1 “ June 27-July 3 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/28, 7-9-1897, p. 669.

–1 “ Sep 5-11 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/38, 9-17-1897, p. 988.

–1 “ Sep 19-25 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/40, 10-1-1897, p.1050.

–1 “ Oct 24-30 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/45, 11-5-1897, p.1200.

–1 Lynchburg Nov 28-Dec 4 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/50, 12-10-1897, p1345

–2 “ Dec USMHS. Public Health Reports, 13/1, 1-7-1898, p. 7.

–1 Norfolk June USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/31, 7-30-1897, p. 784.

–2 “ Aug USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/39, 9-24-1897, p.1019.

–5 “ Oct USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/48, 11-26-1897, p1290

–2 “ Nov USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/53, 12-31-1897, p1427

–2 Petersburg July USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/33, 8-18-1897, p. 841.

–2 “ Aug USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/37, 9-10-1897, p. 955.

–1 “ Sep 20-26 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/40, 10-1-1897, p.1050.

–1 “ Nov USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/51, 12-17-1897, p1375

–7 Richmond Year Reed. …Origin and Spread of Typhoid… 1898, p. 300.

Washington ( 13)

–2 Seattle Jan 3-9 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/4, 1-22-1897, p. 74.

–1 “ Jan 31-Feb 6 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/8, 2-19-1897, p. 182.

–2 “ June USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/30, 7-23-1897, p. 746.

–4 “ Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/43, 10-22-1897, p1139

–1 “ Nov USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/52, 12-24-1897, p1402

–1 “ Dec USMHS. Public Health Reports, 13/3, 1-21-1898, p. 51.

–1 Spokane June 27-July 3 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/29, 7-16-1897, p. 698.

–1 “ July 4-10 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/30, 7-23-1897, p. 748.

West Virginia ( 15) Wheeling

–2 Wheeling Jan USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/16, 4-16-1897, p. 377.

–3 “ March USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/16, 4-16-1897, p. 377.

–5 “ April USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/29, 7-16-1897, p. 697.

–2 “ May USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/29, 7-16-1897, p. 697.

–1 “ June USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/29, 7-16-1897, p. 697.

–2 “ July-Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/42, 10-15-1897, p1108

Wisconsin ( 40) Milwaukee (31)

— 1 Green Bay Oct 17-23 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/45, 11-5-1897, p.1200.

— 1 “ Nov 14-20 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/49, 12-3-1897, p.1321.

— 1 Marinette Jan 24-30 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/6, 2-5-1897, p. 133.

–31 Milwaukee Year Milwaukee Commissioner of Health. Report. 1898, p. 47.

— 1 Superior July 11-17 USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/31, 7-30-1897, p. 786.

— 2 “ Aug USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/39, 9-24-1897, p.1019.

— 1 “ Sep USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/41, 10-8-1897, p.1083.

— 1 “ Oct USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/46, 11-12-1897, p1228

— 1 “ Nov USMHS. Public Health Reports, 12/50, 12-10-1897, p1341

Narrative Information

Osler on NY: “It is interesting to note, as bearing out what I said in connection with the wide extent of the disease in the country and smaller towns, that these districts of the State, with a percentage of city population under 50 per cent., have a relatively greater death rate. The Maritime district, for example, with 90 per cent. Of city population, has a death rate of only 16+ per 100,000 of population, while the Hudson Valley, with only 40 per cent. Of city population, has 37+, and the Mohawk Valley and Southern Tier, with 31f and 30 per cent. Respectively of city population, figure with 34 and 37+ deaths per 100,000 of population.” (p. 10.) (Osler, William, M.D. The Problem of Typhoid Fever in the United States. Baltimore: John Murphy Co., 1899, p. 9-10.

Sources

City of Philadelphia. First Annual Message of John E. Reyburn, Mayor of the City of Philadelphia with the Annual Reports of the Departments of Public Health and Charities, Supplies, Public Education, Law, City Controller, City Treasurer, Commissioners of the Sinking Funds, Receiver of Taxes, and Board of Revision of Taxes for the Year Ending December 31, 1907 (Vol. III). Philadelphia: Dunlap Printing Co., 1908. Google digitized. Assessed 12-5-2012: http://books.google.com/books?id=0ihNAAAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

Colorado Medical Journal, “Dr. Hughes Feels Hurt,” Vol. IV, No. 11., Nov 1898, 424-430.

District of Columbia Health Officer, Health Department. Report of the Health Officer (Vol. III of Annual Report of the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, Year Ended June 30, 1907). Washington: GPO, 1907. Google digitized at: http://books.google.com/books?id=SjlNAAAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

Jordan, Edwin Oakes. “Typhoid Fever and Water Supply in Chicago.” The Journal of the American Medical Association, 12-20-1902. Accessed 12-24-2019 at: http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/10723.html

Lewis, Samuel James (USGS). Quality of Water in the Upper Ohio River Basis and at Erie, PA (Water-Supply and Irrigation Paper No. 161). Washington: GPO, 1906. Google digitized at: http://books.google.com/books?id=b_UoAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

Lumsden. L. L. “Report on an Outbreak of Typhoid Fever at Omaha, Nebr. – (1909-1910).” Hygienic Laboratory Bulletin No. 72, November 1910. U.S. Treasury Department, Public Health and Marine-Hospital Service of the United States. Washington: GPO, 1910. Accessed 12-24-2019 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=ECdDAAAAYAAJ&ppis=_c&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

Milwaukee Commissioner of Health. Report of the Commissioner of Health of Milwaukee (Twenty-First Annual Report of the Department.). April 1898. In: Consolidated Report of the Municipal Officers of the City of Milwaukee, Wis. Comprising the Department of Comptroller, Public Works, Health, Fire, Police, Parks, City Service, for the Year Ending December 31^st, 1897. Milwaukee: Ed. Keogh, Printer, 1898. Google preview accessed 12-24-2019 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=s4CRD0ptySgC&ppis=_c&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

New Hampshire State Board of Health. Eighteenth Report (Fifth Biennial) of the State Board of Health of the State of New Hampshire for the two years ending November 1, 1904. “Typhoid Fever.” Concord, NH: 1904. Google preview accessed 12-27-2019 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=-XkUAQAAMAAJ&ppis=_e&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q=1897&f=true

New Jersey Board of Health. 29^th Annual Report of the Board of Health of the State of New Jersey and Annual Report of the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Trenton: 1905. Accessed 12-25-2019 at: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Documents_of_the_Legislature_of_the_Stat/K4NDAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1

New York State Department of Health. Thirty-Eighth Annual Report of the State Department of Health of New York For the Year Ending December 31, 1917 (Vol. 1). Albany: J. B. Lyon Co., 1918. Google preview accessed 6-3-2018 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=XE49AQAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

New York Times. “More Deaths at Montclair, N.J.” 4-18-1894, p. 1. Accessed 12-25-2019 at: https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1894/04/18/104109093.html?pageNumber=1

Ohio Secretary of State. Annual Report of the Secretary of State to the Governor of the State of Ohio, for the Year Ending November 15, 197. Norwalk, OH: Laning Printing Co. Press, 1898. Google preview accessed 12-24-2019 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=XM5CAQAAMAAJ&ppis=_c&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

Osler, William, M.D. (Professor of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University). The Problem of Typhoid Fever in the United States (An Address delivered before the Medical Society of the State of New York, February 1^st, 1899). Baltimore: John Murphy Co., 1899, p. 9. Google digitized: http://books.google.com/books?id=bQsTAQAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false )

Providence (RI) Registrar’s Office. Report to the Honorable City Council, 2-3-1898. In: City of Providence. Forty-Third Annual Report upon the Births, Marriages and Deaths in the City of Providence for the Year 1897. Providence: Providence Press, 1898. Accessed 12-24-2019 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=HNIzAQAAMAAJ&ppis=_c&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

Reed, Walter, Victor C. Vaughan, and Edward O. Shakespeare. Report on the Origin and Spread of Typhoid Fever in U.S. Military Camps During The Spanish War of 1898 (Vol. 1). Washington: GPO, 1904. Google digitized at: http://books.google.com/books?id=XHfhAAAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

Robb, Cairo A. R. (ed.). “Missouri v. Illinois and the Sanitary District of Chicago.” Case in: International Environmental Law Reports, Volume 1, Early Decisions. “Missouri v. Illinois and the Sanitary District of Chicago.” Cambridge, UK: Press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge, 1999. Partially Google digitized at: http://books.google.com/books?id=lPfl8R6LPkQC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

Rohrer, C. C. G., M.D. “MD’s Annual Typhoid Problem.” Maryland Medical Journal, Vol. LV, No. 3, March 1912. Accessed 12-24-2019 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=VY9FAAAAYAAJ&ppis=_c&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

Willcox, W. F. (Cornell Univ.). “Typhoid Fever in New York State in 1898.” Medical Review of Reviews, Vol. 5, No. 5, 5-25-1899, pp. 376-377. Google digitized at: http://books.google.com/books?id=ayKgAAAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

United States Marine-Hospital Service. Public Health Reports. Vol XII, No’s. 1-53, 1897. Accessed 12-24-2019 at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/journals/428/#waosr

[1] Our extrapolation based on note that the average yearly typhoid death rate during 1880-1889 was 38 per 100,000 in CT. 1890 pop. was 746,258 and 1900 pop. was 908,355, leading to prorated 1897 pop of 859,721 times death rate.

[2] District of Columbia Health Officer, Health Department. Report of the Health Officer (Vol. III of Annual Report of the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, Year Ended June 30, 1907). Washington: GPO, 1907.

[3] Notes the population was 1,491,100 from which 21,809 died from all causes. The Typhoid deaths were 2% and the death rate per 10,000 pop., was 2.93.

[4] Cites “Report of the Board of Health of the State of Indiana” to the effect “that of the ninety-two counties typhoid fever prevailed in all but ten, and from some of these there were no reports. A total of 655 persons died in the Counties of the State from typhoid fever for the year ending September 1897.

[5] Our extrapolation based on note that the average MA yearly typhoid death rate for 1880-1889 was 45 per 100,000. 1890 pop. was 2,238,947 and 1900 pop. was 2,805,346, leading to prorated 1897 pop of 2,238,947 times death rate.

[6] Cites City of Boston Department of Health annual reports.

[7] Cites Dr. Baker, apparently of the State Board of Health.

[8] Reed, Walter, Victor C. Vaughan, and Edward O. Shakespeare. Report on the Origin and Spread of Typhoid Fever in U.S. Military Camps During The Spanish War of 1898 (Vol. 1). Washington: GPO, 1904.

[9] Robb (ed.). “Missouri v. Illinois and the Sanitary District of Chicago.” Case in: International Environmental Law Reports, Volume 1, Early Decisions. “Missouri v. Illinois and the Sanitary District of Chicago.” 1999.

[10] Blanchard extrapolation based on “Diagram showing deaths in New Hampshire from typhoid fever, per 10,000 population, for 20 years, ending December 31, 1903,” wherein the death rate for 1897 was 3.64 per 10,000 pop., and the 1890 census showing a population of 376,530.

[11] Notes: “Dr. H. W. Foster this morning said that there were sixty-two cases of typhoid in town, while Dr. Brown, the Town Physician, declares that the total number so far has been but fifty-three. At a meeting off the town Health Board last night Dr. Brown made a report on the generalities of the epidemic, but reported neither the names nor number of victims of the fever. Clerk Morris of the board asked permission to make a statement as to the number of deaths that had been reported from typhoid, but Chairman Wilson replied that it was not necessary.”

[12] Cites 1897 State of New York Annual Report, apparently from the Board of Health.

[13] From: Table 19 — Movement of mortality from certain important causes of death in New York State, showing the annual number of deaths and death rates per 100,000 population: 1885-1917.

[14] Table entitled “Typhoid Fever Deaths from 1862 to 1907, inclusive, by Wards

[15] Reported eight deaths, but the USMHS noted three specifically in Memphis, which we subtracted.

19th Century

1896 — Oct 20, Steamer Arago snags on jetty, sinks, mouth of Coos Bay, OR — 13

lornajarrettblanchard October 20, 1896

–13 Marshall, Don. Oregon Shipwrecks. Portland, OR: Binford & Mort Publishing, 1984, p. 43.
–13 McCurdy. “Ocean Tragedies…Northwest Coast.” Overland Monthly, 34/202, 10-1899, 300
–13 U.S. Steamboat-Inspection Service. Annual Report 1897, p. 16.

Narrative Information

McCurdy: “When the steamer Arago sank in Coos Bay in October, 1896, the life-savers had a chance to show their mettle, and nobly acquitted themselves. The steamer struck the jetty and in five minutes went down, leaving her masts sticking above water. It was very rough, and a portion of those aboard the unfortunate craft were swept away and drowned. A number took refuge in the rigging, and to rescue these the lifeboat put out in a tremendous sea and happily were able to bring them safely to land. Thirteen out of thirty-two persons were drowned, but had not the life-savers put forth, the loss would have been much greater.” (McCurdy 1899, 300.)

US SIS: “Steamer Arago, 947.19 tons gross, A. Reed, master was forced by heavy seas and a most unusual current upon the submerged end of jetty at mouth of Coos Bay, Oregon, and sank in 5 fathoms of water in about five minutes afterward. The starboard boats and raft were washed overboard by the seas; two port boats were lowered, but one soon capsized and six of its occupants drowned. Those who remained on the steamer clung to the rigging. Of these, seven were drowned and the rest were saved by the United States life-saving crew. In all, nine of the crew and four passengers were lost. Upon investigation no blame could be attached to Captain Reed, who was proceeding carefully at the time in order to view the bar before proceeding to sea, and did all in his power to save life after the vessel struck. The Arago was a total loss…” (U.S. Steamboat-Inspection Service. Annual Report 1897, p. 16.)

Sources

Marshall, Don. Oregon Shipwrecks. Portland, OR: Binford & Mort Publishing, 1984.

McCurdy, James G. “Ocean Tragedies on the Northwest Coast.” Overland Monthly, Vol. 34, No. 202, Oct. 1899. Pp. 291-300. Digitized by Google at: http://books.google.com/books?id=otNUAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

United States Steamboat-Inspection Service. Annual Report of the Supervising Inspector General, Steamboat-Inspection Service to the Secretary of the Treasury for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1897. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1897, 274 pages. Digitized by Google. Accessed at: http://books.google.com/books?id=Z1YpAAAAYAAJ

19th Century

1896 — Sep 28-30, Hurricane, FL/~100, GA/38, SC/30, NC/1, VA/13 MD/8 PA/6 DC/3–~199

lornajarrettblanchard September 28, 1896

–~199 Blanchard compilation based on State and DC totals below.
— 3 District of Columbia
–~100 Florida
— 38 Georgia
— 8 Maryland
— 1 North Carolina
— 6 Pennsylvania
— 30 South Carolina
— 13 Virginia
— 199 Evening Star, DC. “Deaths and Loss. Nearly 200 Killed…” 10-2-1896, p. 10.
–100 Islands on the coast
— 1 District of Columbia
— 50 Florida
— 19 Georgia (Brunswick/5, Burroughs/3, Savannah/11)
— 1 Illinois (Chicago)
— 8 Maryland (Olney/1, Sandy Point/3, Texas/1, Washington Grove/3)
— 6 Pennsylvania (Natalie/2, Northumberland County/2, Reading/2)
— 10 Virginia (Alexandria/4, Staunton/5, Waynesboro/1)
— 1 Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
–>146 Dunn and Miller. Atlantic Hurricanes (Revised Edition). 1964.
— 16 Middle Atlantic States Sep 29-30 (p. 310)
— 30 Georgia and South Carolina Sep 29 (p. 312)
–>100 Florida Sep 28-29 (p. 316)
— 130 Blake, et al. The Deadliest, Costliest, and Most Intense US Cyclones…, April 2007.
— 130 Rappaport and Partagas. The Deadliest Atlantic Tropical Cyclones, 1492-1994. 1995.
— 116 Barnes and Lyons. Florida’s Hurricane History. 2007, p. 78.
— 114 Garrison, et al. Historic Shipwrecks…of the Northern Gulf of Mexico (V3). 1989, p. F-7.
— 114 Henry, A.J. “Local Storms.” Monthly Weather Review, Vol. 24, No. 9, Sept 1896, p. 317.
— 114 Rappaport and Partagas. The Deadliest Atlantic Tropical Cyclones, 1492-1994. 1995.

District of Columbia ( 3)
— 3 Roth, David and Hugh Cobb. Virginia Hurricane History.
— 1 Henry, A. J. “Local Storms.” Monthly Weather Review, Vol. 24, No. 9, Sept 1896, p. 317.
— 1 Albert building on Penn. Ave. wall collapse, through roof of adjacent building; man killed.

Florida (~100)
— 115 Wikipedia. “1896 Cedar Keys hurricane.” 6-19-2022 edit. Impact and aftermath section.
–>101? Wikipedia. “1896 Cedar Keys hurricane.” Overview section. 6-19-2022 edit. (No citation.)
–>70 Mainland FL (No source citation.)
— 31 Cedar Keys (No source citation.)
–~100 NOAA. Hurricane of 1896 Strikes with a Fury.” No date. Accessed 8-24-2022.
— 78 Blanchard tally (not including the “untold numbers” of crewmen from sponge boats.
— 70 Semi-Weekly Times-Democrat, New Orleans. “Worse Than Dead by Far.” 10-6-1896, p. 9.
— 68 Barnes. Florida’s Hurricane History. 2007, p. 78.
— 68 Henry, A. J. “Local Storms.” Monthly Weather Review, V. 24, N. 9, Sept 1896, p. 317.
— 50 Mainland. Evening Star, DC. “Deaths and Loss. Nearly 200 Killed…” 10-2-1896, p. 10.
Breakout by Locality (when noted):
— 5 Boulogne, Nassau County. Schoolhouse “wrecked” – five children killed.
— 3 Boulogne. House collapse; Lilla Rains, 12; Mrs. Rains, fatally injured; Harry Johnson.
— 31 Cedar Keys. Oickle. The Cedar Keys Hurricane of 1896: Disaster At Dawn. 2009, p. 110.
— 8 Coast between Tampa and Cedar Key. Sailboat found upturned on shore, bodies beneath.
— 6 Fort White, Columbia Co. Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester. “The Storm in Florida.” 10-1-1896, 1.
— 4 Hilliard, Nassau County. School “wrecked.”
— 6 Kings Ferry, Nassau Co. Andy Johnson, Moses Sassiter, Simon Henderson, Mary Jones and child; infant.
— 3 Kings Ferry. Two schooners blown from mooring into a marsh; three sailors killed.
— 5 Lake City. Evening Star, DC. “Destruction in Florida.” 10-2-1896, p. 10.
— 1 Williston. Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, NY. “The Storm in Florida.” 10-1-1896, p.1.
— 6 Williston area prison farm. Prisoners “crushed” when tree was blown on top of a cabin.
–“…untold numbers” of crewmen on over 100 sponging boats “overwhelmed” prior to landfall.

Georgia (38)
–38 Blanchard tally from localities below, not included three Brunswick men in a missing boat.
–37 Wikipedia. “1896 Cedar Keys hurricane.” 6-19-2022 edit.
–25 Barnes and Lyons. Florida’s Hurricane History. 2007, p. 78
— 5 Brunswick (4) and nearby Everett (1)
— 5 Brunswick. Evening Star, DC. “Damage at Brunswick, GA.” 10-2-1896, p. 10.
–2 Falling houses.
–3 Crew from lighter in the bay, which was blown across the bar.
— 3 Burroughs. Evening Star, DC. “Deaths and Loss. Nearly 200 Killed…” 10-2-1896, p. 10.
— 4 Camden County logging settlement.
— 8 Darien. Atlanta Constitution. “Work of the Gale at Darien.” 10-2-1896, p. 1.
— 4 Folkston, Charlton County. Schoolhouse “wrecked” killing four children.
–11 Savannah. Evening Star, DC. “Deaths and Loss. Nearly 200 Killed…” 10-2-1896, p. 10.
— 3 Waycross. Miss Johnson, Mr. Steward, and an infant.

Maryland ( 8)
— 8 Barnes. Florida’s Hurricane History. 2007, p. 78.
— 8 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
— 8 Evening Star, DC. “Deaths and Loss. Nearly 200 Killed…” 10-2-1896, p. 10.
–1 Olney
–3 Sandy Point
–1 Texas
–3 Washington Grove
— 8 Henry, A. J. “Local Storms.” Monthly Weather Review, V24, N9, Sep 1896, p317.
— 6 Roth, David and Hugh Cobb. Virginia Hurricane History.

New York ( 0)
–0 Henry, A. J. “Local Storms.” Monthly Weather Review, Vol. 24, No. 9, Sept 1896, p. 317.

North Carolina ( 1)
–1 Raleigh area (6 miles). Wikipedia. “1896 Cedar Keys hurricane.” 6-19-2022 edit.
–0 Henry, A. J. “Local Storms.” Monthly Weather Review, Vol. 24, No. 9, Sept 1896, p. 317.

Pennsylvania ( 6)
–16 Wikipedia. “1896 Cedar Keys hurricane.” 6-19-2022 edit.
— 6 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
— 6 Evening Star, DC. “Deaths and Loss. Nearly 200 Killed…” 10-2-1896, p. 10.
–2 Natalie [Northumberland County]
–2 Northumberland County (probable reference to two deaths in Shamokin).
–2 Reading (probable reference to deaths 5 miles above Reading. Temple furnace blown down).
–2 Henry, A. J. “Local Storms.” Monthly Weather Review, Vol. 24, No. 9, Sept 1896, p. 317.

South Carolina (30)
–30 Beaufort and so. sea islands. Jordan. A History of Storms on the South Carolina Coast. P34.
— 7 Wikipedia. “1896 Cedar Keys hurricane.” 6-19-2022 edit.
— 5 Henry, A. J. “Local Storms.” Monthly Weather Review, Vol. 24, No. 9, Sept 1896, p. 317.

Virginia (13)
–13 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
–13 Wikipedia. “1896 Cedar Keys hurricane.” 6-19-2022 edit.
–6 Staunton. Cites: Central Shenandoah Planning District Comm. “CSPDC Flooding History.”
–10 Evening Star, DC. “Deaths and Loss. Nearly 200 Killed…” 10-2-1896, p. 10.
–4 Alexandria
–5 Staunton
–1 Waynesboro
— 7 Roth, David and Hugh Cobb. Virginia Hurricane History.
— 5 Barnes. Florida’s Hurricane History. 2007, p. 78.
— 5 Henry, A. J. “Local Storms.” Monthly Weather Review, Vol. 24, No. 9, Sept 1896, p. 317.
Breakout of Fatalities by Locality (where noted):
— 4 Alexandria. Hazen. “The Wind-Rush Of September 29, 1896.” MWR, 24/9, Sep 1896, p323.
–1 Brick wall of 3-story house failed and crashed through roof of next-door house; man.
— 3 Rockingham County. Central Shenandoah Planning District Comm. “CSPDC Flooding History.”
— 6 Staunton. Central Shenandoah Planning District Comm. “CSPDC Flooding History.”

Narrative Information
(Multi-State)

Dunn & Miller: “1896 Sept. 29-30 All sections. Major [intensity]. 16 killed, damage $3,828,000.”

Henry: “The noteworthy features of the month were…the very severe West India hurricane of the 29th-30th….One of the severest West India hurricanes ever experienced struck the Florida coast at Cedar Keys about 3:30 a.m., September 29. It passed thence to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence Valley in twenty-four hours at a rather uniform rate of about 46 miles per hour. As is usual in storms of this class the path of relatively great destruction was quite narrow, not extending over 50 miles at any part of its course.

“The storm pursued a northeasterly direction through Florida and Georgia. When near Savannah it seemed to curve slightly to the northward, passing thence almost due north to the St. Lawrence Valley. The force of the wind varied greatly within quite narrow limits; places 50 to 100 miles on either side of the central path were not exposed to winds of unusual severity. The violence of the storm in the central portion also varied with time and place. The greatest violence was manifested in Florida during the early morning of the 29th. During the daylight hours of the same date, particularly in the afternoon, when the influence of the diurnal change in wind velocity might be expected to accelerate the movement of the storm winds, the violence of of the latter seemed to diminish.

“The second period of great violence began in Virginia about 9 p.m., and continued until a little after midnight when the storm had reached central Pennsylvania. There was then another lull in the violence of the storm, and a subsequent renewal of intensity during the early morning of the 30th at Syracuse, and other points in Cayuga and Cortland counties, New York.

“The rainfall in the center and on the eastern side of the hurricane’s path was quite light as compared with that to the westward, and the rainfall in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina was also light as compared with the fall farther north. The rainfall in a strip of country extending from North Carolina to the southern border of Pennsylvania, probably 100 miles wide and about the same distance west of the storm center, was exceedingly heavy, 5 and 6 inches being recorded at some stations, and 3 to 4 at others. As the storm reached central New York, the rain area spread far to the westward and the violence of the winds diminished….

“The loss of life and property is summarized below:

State Loss of life Loss of property.

Florida 68 $2,255,000
Georgia 25 963,000
South Carolina 5 25,000
North Carolina 0 28,000
Virginia 5 605,000
District of Columbia 1 443,000
Maryland 8 500,000
Pennsylvania 2 2,140,000
New York 0 50,000

(Henry, A. J. “Local Storms.” Monthly Weather Review, Vol. 24, No. 9, Sept 1896, pp. 316-317.)

Roth and Cobb: “September 28-October 2, 1896: A hurricane developed in the breeding grounds of the tropical Atlantic before moving through the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The system then tracked inland through the Southeast to the west of Washington D.C..

“Richmond suffered severely from the cyclone. Communication was gone early on during the storm…the only line that remained open belonged to Western Union, the wire that ran to Wilmington, N.C. A ‘perfect wilderness’ of uprooted trees and downed limbs lay everywhere. The steeple of the Second Baptist church yielded to the storm, falling across main street. The Governor’s Mansion survived the cyclone reasonably well. Damage totaled $150,000 at the state capital.

“Petersburg witnessed a ‘perfect hurricane’ between 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. The Imperial Hotel was unroofed. Smaller buildings experienced great damage. The Western Union office took fire, but the blaze was quickly extinguished. All lines were downed. ‘Needed rains’ fell at Leesburg, but high winds at that locale led to high timber losses. Fredericksburg saw its St. George’s church steeple injured by the cyclone.

“In Alexandria, damage was widespread. The Third Baptist Colored church was razed to the ground ($5000). Over forty windmills were wrecked at Falls Church. Travel was virtually impossible due to the volume of downed trees which blocked the roadways. Hyattsville and Bladensburg experienced injury, as windmills fell, and numerous windows and skylights were shattered. Wood-frame buildings were blown from their foundations. Manassas saw its Evangelical Lutheran church blown six inches off its foundation.

“At the nation’s capital, a rapidly moving deck of low clouds streamed in from the Atlantic on the heels of brisk southeast winds. After the wind shifted to southwest, thunderstorms caused continuous lightning to light up the night sky. It was one of the worst storms on record in the District of Columbia as five-minute sustained winds peaked at 66 mph and gusts reached 80 mph; the pressures fell to 29.14″ around 11 p.m. At 10:30 p.m., the steeple to the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church crashed to the ground. A five story brick building was demolished, injuring the adjoining buildings, trapping five men under debris. The tower of the Grand Opera House was ‘hurled to the sidewalk.’

“Uprooted trees blockaded several streets in the District. A horse perished after stepping on a live wire. Many buildings were unroofed. The Metropolitan Railroad Power House in South Washington caved in, causing all buildings within one-half block to shake; its crash was audible a mile away. Capitol Hill saw even greater damage. Georgetown experienced its worst storm ever. The Baseball Park saw $500 in damage. A few panes of glass at the White House were shattered as well. Winds began to subside by 12:55 a.m. In all, a $390,000 in damage was incurred.

“Heavy rains fell as well…A flash flood at Staunton, along Lewis Creek, overran its banks, killing five. Seven inches of rain on the 30th swelled a large lake near the town, bursting its dam at 10 p.m. Alarms were sounded as torrents of water rushed down Central Avenue, submerging everything in its path. As it invaded the Water Works and electric plant, fires in their furnaces were quickly extinguished, plunging the city into darkness. The gas works was swept away by the raging flood. Twenty-five houses were moved from their foundations before crumbling in the angry waters ($500,000). Great washouts occurred along the Norfolk & Western railroad from Roanoke to Hagerstown. Streets in Roanoke became rivers. On the 1st, the Potomac and Chesapeake & Ohio Canal merged into one as flood waters increased their height and breadth. At Buena Vista, the fire department wall called in to save those in peril from their floods.

“Tides rose to 7.0 feet above low water datum at Washington, D.C. The scene at the waterfront was ‘one of indescribable confusion.’ Power was out, and mud had invaded surrounding land areas. Most everything, including vessels in and around the wharf was destroyed. The steamer George Leary ran amok when her wharf succumbed to the storm. Careening with the current, she crashed against the Sylvester, when then took part in the joyride. They crashed into four other vessels before coming to rest against the Norfolk steamer Washington. From Cedar Point [MD] to Sandy Point [MD], fourteen vessels went ashore. The schooner Capital foundered at anchor, taking the lives of her crew (three in all).

“Cobb’s Island was submerged. Its hotel was demolished, along with any remaining cottages and private dwellings that weren’t destroyed during the powerful nor’easter of 1895. This storm led to the abandoning of the island by Fall of 1897 (Barnes & Truitt) . Damaging winds spread northward through northern Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Its gale force winds extended from New York to Chicago. Sixteen perished across the region: three in D.C., seven in Virginia, and six in Maryland. Total losses exceeded $1.5 million in Virginia and the District of Columbia.” (Roth, David and Hugh Cobb. Virginia Hurricane History.)

Florida

Library of Congress photo of destruction at Cedar Key summary: “This image shows the devastation caused by the Great Hurricane of 1896 that struck the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of Florida. With its 2,200-kilometer coastline, Florida is the U.S. state most vulnerable to these storms. More than 450 recorded tropical storms and hurricanes have reached its shores since European exploration began. The hurricane of September 1896 destroyed most of the residential area of the town of Cedar Key on the upper west coast of the Florida peninsula, killing dozens of residents and destroying most of Cedar Key’s industries. Before making landfall, the storm and its tidal surge overwhelmed more than 100 sponging boats, killing untold numbers of crewmen. The hurricane then crossed the peninsula, leaving a wide swath of destruction until it reached the Atlantic coast at Fernandina, before heading north to Virginia. This image shows survivors, both white and black, in Fernandina, standing atop mounds of rubble, still seemingly shocked by the destruction….” (Library of Congress, “After Great Hurricane of 1896,” photo summary.)

Oct 1, Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester NY: “Atlanta, Oct. 1. – A special from Jacksonville, Fla., to the Constitution says:

“The West Indian hurricane which entered Florida at Cedar Keys yesterday morning and swept through the southern part in a northeasterly direction left death and destruction in its path. Owing to the prostration of telegraph wires and delay of trains due to washouts, only meager reports have been received, and yet meager as those report are, they show that over twenty towns and villages have been wrecked and forty or fifty persons have been killed while probably thrice as many more received wounds more or less serious.

“At Fort White in Columbia county it is reported that six persons were killed, but the report has not been unconfirmed. From Columbia county the hurricane dashed across Duvall, its edge striking Jacksonville, but doing little damage and causing no loss of life.

“About 4 o’clock in the morning the hurricane, which had been churning the gulf, left the water and swooped down upon Cedar Keys, a town of 1,500 inhabitants, about 100 miles southwest of Jacksonville. Thirty-six hours have elapsed since the storm struck Cedar Keys, but not one word has been received directly from that place as to the damage done or the number of lives lost. No trains have been able to reach there because the tracks are covered with heavy timber. The only report from Cedar Keys comes by way of Gainesville, fifty miles northeast of the gulf town, and is to the effect that Cedar Keys ahs been swept away and many persons killed and wounded. This report reached Gainesville by courier from Williston, which is twenty miles north of Cedar Keys.

“The report is hardly exaggerated, as Cedar Keys was directly in the path of the hurricane and received its full force as it leaped raging from the gulf. After demolishing Cedar Keys, the storm, moving in a northeasterly direction, struck Williston, a village of 400 inhabitants. At that place eleven houses were wrecked, one person killed and fifteen wounded, some, it is feared, fatally.

“Near Williston is a large turpentine farm on which many state convicts are employed. Twenty of these convicts were huddled in a cabin across which the storm blew a great tree, crushing six of the inmates.

“Leaving Leavy county the hurricane dashed across Alachua, one of the most populous counties in the state, where a number of persons were killed and many more severely injured.

“In Nassau county, however, just north of Jacksonville, the hurricane seemed to gather additional force and did awful work. At Boulogne, the school house, in which there was over thirty children, was wrecked and five children killed. Miss Ada Stewart, the teacher, escaped with a broken arm. Lilla Rains, 1 12-year-old girl, ran from the school house just before it collapsed to her home. As she entered her home it was wrecked and the child was killed. Harry Johnson, who was with her, was also killed and Mrs. Rains was fatally injured.

“At Hilliards [Hilliard] the school house was wrecked and four children were killed. At Kings Ferry, on the St. Mary’s river, Andy Johnson, Moses Sassiter, Simon Henderson, Mary Jones and her child, all negroes, were killed. Mrs. Fisher was nursing a sick child and the infant died as the house collapsed. The mother escaped.

“Two schooners loading lumber at Kings Ferry were blown from their moorings and landed in a marsh, three of the sailors being killed. From Nassau county the hurricane passed into Georgia, destroying a logging settlement in Camden county, just across the line and killing four persons. Folkeston [Folkston], Ga., near the Florida line, was also struck, the school house being wrecked and four children killed. It is impossible to accurately estimate the property loss in Florida, but conservative men say it will exceed two million dollars.” (Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, NY. “The Storm in Florida.” 10-1-1896, p. 1.)

Georgia

Oct 2, Evening Star DC: “News received from Brunswick, Ga., gives some particulars of the most disastrous storm in Brunswick’s history. Five lives are known to have been lost, and probably many more persons perished, as fishermen are out and have not been heard from. The damage to property is difficult to estimate, but will not be less than half a million dollars.

“The gale blew about sixty-five miles an hour. The opera house, St. Anhanaslus and St. Jude’s Episcopal churches are wrecks. Glauber & Isaacs’ wholesale grain and hay building is a wreck; loss, $12,000. Beautiful oak trees, the pride of Brunswick’s citizens, are lying prostrate all over the city. Two-thirds of the business houses are unroofed, and about twenty are almost totally wrecked. Damages to stocks of goods from the rain probably will reach $80,000. Trees were blown down across many residences, and about one hundred small houses were blown down. The plant of the electric light and water company was wrecked; damage, $20,000.

“Tom Burgess and child, negroes, were killed by falling houses. Three negroes on a lighter in the bay were blown across the bar and have not been seen since….” (Evening Star, DC. “Damage at Brunswick, GA. Five Lives Known to Be Lost and Others Missing.” 10-2-1896, p. 10.

South Carolina

Jordan on SC: “1896 Sept. 29 (2) Storm of short duration, but with 62 mph winds…and gusts of 100-miles-per hour; substantial property losses and 30 deaths attributed to the winds and water in Beaufort [SC] and the southern sea islands.” (Jordan, Dukes, Rosengarten. A History of Storms on the South Carolina Coast. Undated, p. 34.)

Virginia

Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission, VA: “Flood of 1896

“On the twenty-sixth anniversary to the day, of the Flood of 1870, the Shenandoah Valley was hit by another significant flood event. According to Uniysis Corporation hurricane data, this flood most likely occurred as a result of a tropical storm that was tracking through Virginia during this time. The rain, which fell steadily all day on September 30, 1896, increased in volume through the evening and culminated in torrential flooding that night. ‘The gentle, soaking rain which gladdened the hearts of Rockingham farmers Tuesday morning, continuing its steady downpour all day long, at night became a raging equinoctial storm which carried death and destruction in its
wake.’– Rockingham Register, October 2, 1896.

“The City of Staunton was the hardest hit locality in the region. Lewis Creek and its tributaries overflowed their banks, devastating Staunton’s downtown. Houses, sheds, and stables were swept away creating a scene that resembled the destruction from an earthquake, not a flood. This flood caused significant damage to the downtown business district including the Crowle building, Ersking Miller and Brothers Coal yards, the Staunton Milling Company and the Virginia Hotel. The archway under Augusta Street and the arch bridge over Middlebrook Road survived but nearby buildings in the vicinity of both were severely undermined and many homes were washed off their foundations. Six lives were lost in Staunton. Residents commented that this flood exceeded the Flood of 1870 and compared it to the Great of Flood of 1889 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

“While the Flood of 1896 was the most dramatic flood in Staunton’s history, flooding also occurred in other parts of the region, though not at such a level. In Rockingham County, three lives were lost, crops destroyed, railroad and telegraph lines were damaged. In Rockingham, flooding hit Bridgewater, Elkton, and Keezletown. It was estimated that damages to public roads and bridges reached $20,000 (1896 dollars) in Rockingham County. In Harrisonburg, houses along Black’s Run were flooded. Damage estimates for Harrisonburg were a few hundred dollars (1896 dollars). At the weather station at Dale Enterprise, six and a half inches of rain reportedly fell over an 18-hour period in Rockingham County….

“…The Flood of 1896 would become the flood of record for the City of Staunton.” (Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission. CSPDC Flooding History. “Flood of 1896.” Staunton, VA.)
Sources

Atlanta Constitution. “Work of the Gale at Darien.” 10-2-1896, p. 1. Accessed 8-25-2022 at: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8680584/the-atlanta-constitution/

Barnes. Jay. Florida’s Hurricane History (Second Edition). Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2007. Google digital preview accessed 8-24-2022 at: http://books.google.com/books?id=dMx5bkZKxioC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

Blake, Eric S., Edward N. Rappaport, and Christopher W. Landsea. The Deadliest, Costliest, and Most Intense United States Cyclones From 1851 to 2006. Miami, FL: National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center, April 15, 2007 update, 45 pages. Accessed at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/Deadliest_Costliest.shtml

Brooks Miles Barnes & Barry R. Truitt (editors). Seashore Chronicles: Three Centuries of the Virginia Barrier Island. Charlottesville: The University Press of Virginia, 1997. Google Preview accessed 8-24-2022 at: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Seashore_Chronicles/soKs14ZBKiMC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=barnes+and+truitt+hurricanes&printsec=frontcover

Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission. CSPDC Flooding History. “Flood of 1896.” Staunton, VA. Accessed 8-25-2022 at: https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/public-utilities/Documents/12.Virginia_Floods.pdf

Cook, Suzette. “A look back at the Cedar Keys Hurricane of 1896.” Main St. Daily News, Gainesville, FL. 7-6-2021. Accessed 8-24-2022 at: https://www.mainstreetdailynews.com/history/a-look-back-at-the-cedar-keys-hurricane-of-1896_id_cb8592b4-de9b-11eb-829d-33ebe0c2d237

Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, NY. “Fatalities at Brunswick.” 10-1-1896, p. 1. Accessed 8-25-2022 at: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8703408/democrat-and-chronicle/

Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, NY. “The Storm in Florida.” 10-1-1896, p. 1. Accessed 8-24-2022 at: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8703408/democrat-and-chronicle/

Dunn, Gordon E. and Banner I. Miller. Atlantic Hurricanes (Revised Edition). Baton Rouge LA: Louisiana State University Press, 1964, 377 pages.

Evening Star, DC. “Damage at Brunswick, GA. Five Lives Known to Be Lost and Others Missing.” 10-2-1896, p. 10. Accessed 8-25-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/washington-dc-washington-evening-star-oct-02-1896-p-10/

Evening Star, DC. “Deaths and Loss. Nearly 200 Killed and Seven Million Dollars in Property Destroyed.” 10-2-1896, p. 10. Accessed 8-25-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/washington-dc-washington-evening-star-oct-02-1896-p-10/

Evening Star, DC. “Destruction in Florida.” 10-2-1896, p. 10. Accessed 8-25-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/washington-dc-washington-evening-star-oct-02-1896-p-10/

Garrison, E.G., C. P. Giammona, F.J. Kelly, A.R. Tripp, and G. A. Wolff. Historic Shipwrecks and Magnetic Anomalies of the Northern Gulf of Mexico: reevaluation of archaeological resource management zone 1. Volume III : Appendices. OCS Study/MMS 89025 . U .S. Dept of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Regional Office, New Orleans, La. Sep 1989. 248 pp. Accessed 8-24-2022 at: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc955411/m1/2/

Harrisburg Daily Independent, PA. “Great Storm Damage. Pennsylvania Feels the Force of the Cyclonic Disturbances…Building Blown Down, Two Killed.” 10-1-1896, p. 2. Accessed 8-25-2022 at: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8733701/harrisburg-daily-independent/

Harrisburg Daily Independent, PA. “Great Storm Damage. Pennsylvania Feels the Force of the Cyclonic Disturbances…Two Killed at Shamokin.” 10-1-1896, p. 2. Accessed 8-25-2022 at: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8733701/harrisburg-daily-independent/

Hazen, H. A. “The Wind-Rush Of September 29, 1896.” Monthly Weather Review, Vol. 24, No. 9, September 1896, pp. 322-323. Accessed 8-24-2022 at: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Monthly_Weather_Review/EsBGAQAAIAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=monthly+weather+review+September+1896+volume+24+issue+9&pg=PA329&printsec=frontcover

Henry, A. J. “Local Storms.” Monthly Weather Review, Vol. 24, No. 9, September 1896, pp. 316-317. Accessed 8-24-2022 at: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Monthly_Weather_Review/EsBGAQAAIAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=monthly+weather+review+September+1896+volume+24+issue+9&pg=PA329&printsec=frontcover

Henry, A. J. “Notes Concerning the West India Hurricane of September 29-30, 1896.” Monthly Weather Review, Vol. 24, No. 10, October, 1896, pp. 368-369. Accessed 8-24-2022 at:
https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1896.pdf

Henry, A. J. “Notes Concerning the West India Hurricane of September 29-30, 1896.” Monthly Weather Review, Vol. 24, No. 10, November 1896, pp.

Jordan, Laylon Wayne, with Robert Dukes, Jr. and Ted Rosengarten. A History of Storms on the South Carolina Coast. Charleston, SC: The South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium. Undated. Accessed 8-23-2022 at: https://www.scseagrant.org/wp-content/uploads/South-Carolina-Hurricane-History-1980.pdf

Library of Congress, “After Great Hurricane of 1896,” summary of photo depicted. Accessed 8-24-2022 at: https://www.loc.gov/item/2021669942

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Hurricane of 1896 Strikes with a Fury.” No date. Accessed 8-24-2022 at: https://www.weather.gov/media/tbw/paig/PresAmHurricane1896.pdf

Oickle, Alvin F. The Cedar Keys Hurricane of 1896: Disaster At Dawn. Charleston, SC: The History Press, 2009. Google Preview accessed 8-24-2022 at: https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Cedar_Keys_Hurricane_of_1896_Disaste/V4F2CQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=The+Cedar+Keys+Hurricane+of+1896:+Disaster+At+Dawn&printsec=frontcover

Philadelphia Times. “Northumberland’s Losses.” 10-2-1896, p. 2. Accessed 8-25-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-oct-02-1896-p-2/

Rappaport, Edward N. and Jose Fernandez-Partagas. The Deadliest Atlantic Tropical Cyclones, 1492-1994 (NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS NHC-47). Coral Gables, FL: National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, January 1995, 42 pages. Accessed 8-20-2017 at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/NWS-NHC-1995-47.pdf

Roth, David (Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, Camp Springs, MD) and Hugh Cobb (National Weather Service Forecast Office, Wakefield, VA). Virginia Hurricane History. Accessed 8-24-2022 at: https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/research/roth/valate19hur.htm

Semi-Weekly Times-Democrat, New Orleans. “Worse Than Dead by Far.” 10-6-1896, p. 9. Accessed 8-25-2022 at: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8709406/the-semi-weekly-times-democrat/

Times-Democrat, New Orleans. “Eight More Victims Found on the Florida Coast.” 10-17-1896, p. 7. Accessed 8-25-2022 at: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8757113/the-times-democrat/

Weekly Star, Wilmington, NC. “Great Damage to Property Caused by Tuesday’s Storm.” 10-2-1896, p. 2. Accessed 8-25-2022 at: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8715781/the-weekly-star/

Wikipedia. “1896 Cedar Keys hurricane.” 6-19-2022 edit. Accessed 8-24-2022 at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1896_Cedar_Keys_hurricane

19th Century

1896 — July 30-Aug 14, Heat, esp., NY/891, IL/277, PA/226, NJ/168, MO/81, WI/77 –2,038

lornajarrettblanchard July 30, 1896

Compiled by B. Wayne Blanchard, March 2010; modified July 2016 and Dec 2019/Jan 2020, for website: Deadliest American Disasters and Large-Loss-Of-Life Events. https://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

— 2,038 Aug 4-13 esp. The Bulletin. “The Terrible Heat of 1900.” 9-15-1900, p. 156.[1]

–1,864-1,954 July 30-Aug 14 Blanchard compilation based on State breakouts below.

— <921 Aug 5-17, 1896 NYT and other newspaper coverage.

Summary of State Breakouts

Arkansas ( 10-15) Little Rock

Connecticut ( 20-21) Hartford especially

District of Columbia ( 13)

Illinois (238-277) Chicago especially (~219-258)

Indiana ( 52) Terre Haute especially (16)

Iowa ( 5)

Kentucky ( 34) Louisville and Owensboro especially

Maryland ( 27) Baltimore

Massachusetts ( 24-29) Boston

Michigan ( >3) Grand Rapids

Missouri ( 81) St. Louis especially (79)

New Jersey ( 168) Jersey City, Newark and Hoboken especially

New York ( 891) New York City (765) and Brooklyn (71) especially

Ohio ( 25) Cincinnati especially

Oklahoma ( 1)

Pennsylvania (180-226) Philadelphia (80-121) and Pittsburgh (~100)

Rhode Island ( 11)

Tennessee ( 2)

Texas ( 2)

Wisconsin ( 77) Milwaukee especially (76)

Total: 2,038-1,954

Breakout of August 1896 Heat Wave by States and Localities (where noted):

Arkansas (10-15) Little Rock

–10-15 Little Rock Aug 10. Cumberland Even. Times (MD). “Heat Deals Death,” 8-10-1896.

–12-15 “ up to Aug 10. Fort Wayne News (IN). “Very Hot Weather,” 8-10-1896, p4, c. 1.

Connecticut (20-21) Hartford especially

— 12 State Aug 10-11 Blanchard tally from breakouts below.

— 9 Hartford by Aug 10 Frederick News, MD. “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, 1.

–2-3 “ Aug 10 Two sources – two numbers.

“ –2 Aug 10 NYT. “New England Suffering,” August 11, 1896.

“ –3 Aug 10 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.

— 3 “ Aug 11 Trenton Times. NJ. “The Deadly Heat,” 8-12-1896, p. 3.

— 3 New Haven Aug 10 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.

— 3 (Elsewhere) Aug 11 Trenton Times, NJ. “The Deadly Heat,” 8-12-1896, p. 3.^[2]

District of Columbia ( 13)

–6 Aug 9 Fort Wayne News, IN. “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p. 1.

–4 Aug 10 Quincy Journal, IL. “Heat Plague Continues.” 8-11-1896, p. 1.

–3 Aug 11 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.

Illinois (238-277) Chicago especially (~219-258)

–238-277 State Aug 5-11 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.

— 2 Cairo Aug 10 Quincy Journal, IL. “Heat Plague Continues.” 8-11-1896, 1.

— 1 Champaign Aug 7 Victor Johnson, Swedish stonecutter, working on library.[3]

–219-258 Chicago Aug 5-11 Blanchard tally based on breakouts below.

— 1 “ Aug 5 NYT, “Heatstrokes in Chicago,” Aug 6, 1896.

— <109 “ Aug 7 Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, 8.[4]

— 6 “ Aug 8 NYT, “Hottest of the Week at Chicago,” Aug 9, 1896.

— 31 “ Aug 9 Quincy Journal, IL. “Heat Plague Continues.” 8-11-1896, 1.[5]

–20-37 “ Aug 10 Two sources – two numbers.

“– 20 Aug 10 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.

“– 37 Aug 10 The World, NY. “Many Cities Suffer Severely,” 8-11-1896, 2.

— 62 “ By Aug 10? Quincy Journal, IL. “Heat Plague Continues.” 8-11-1896, 1.[6]

— 8-30 “ Aug 11 Two sources – two numbers.

“ — 8 Aug 11 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.

“ –30 Aug 11 NYT. Cooler Weather in Chicago, Aug 12 1896.

— 38 “ Aug 12 Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Die with Relief Near.” 8-12-1896, 3.[7]

— 6 “ Aug 14 Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Sol’s Burning Glass.” 8-14-1896, 6.

— 1 Danville Aug 9 Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Sol’s Burning Glass.” 8-14-1896, 6.

— 2 Decatur Aug 7 Decatur Herald Dispatch, “Heat and Sunstrokes,” 8-8-1896, 7.

— 1 “ Aug 8 Decatur Herald Dispatch, “Heat and Sunstrokes,” 8-8-1896, 7.

— 2 Elgin Aug 9~ Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, 8.

— 1 Galesburg Aug 6 Logansport Reporter, IN. “Victims of Heat,” 8-7-1896, p. 1.

— 1 La Salle Aug 11 Stevens Point Journal, WI. “105 at LaSalle,” 8-11-1896.

— 3 Peoria Aug 7 Eau Claire Journal, “A Wail Goes Up…,” 8-11-1896, p. 1.

— 2 “ Aug 10 August Burcher and Phoebe Siddell, aged 2.[8]

— 3 “ Aug 11 John Stein, Harry Harangaa, and Mrs. John E. Turner.[9]

Indiana ( 52) Terre Haute especially (16)

–52 State Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.

–11 Evansville up to Aug 7 Logansport Reporter, IN. “Cuts Them Down,” 8-8-1896, 1.

— 2 “ Aug 8 Alton Telegraph, IL. “Deaths from Heat.” 8-13-1896, p. 7.

— 2 Fort Wayne Aug 10 Cumberland Times (MD). “Heat Deals Death,” 8-10-1896.

— 2 Indianapolis July 30 Republic County Freeman, Belleville, KS. 8-6-1896, p. 6.

— 2 “ Aug 1 Daily Huronite, SD. “Many Prostrations at Louisville,” 8-1-1896.

— 2 “ Aug 10 Frederick News, MD. “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, p. 1.

— 1 “ Aug 11 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.

— 1 Jeffersonville Aug 4 Logansport Journal, IN. [Heat Prostration] 8-4-1896, p. 5.

— 3 Lafayette Aug 10 Logansport Journal, IN. “The Hot Spell.” 8-11-1896, p. 6.

— 3 Logansport Aug 6 Logansport Reporter (IN). “Victims of Heat,” Aug 7, 1896, p. 1.

— 7 Sullivan Aug 11 Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Sol’s Burning Glass.” 8-14-1896, 6.

–16 Terre Haute Aug 11 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.

Iowa ( 5)

–1 Council Bluffs ~Aug 9 Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, p. 8.

–1 Davenport Aug 10 Stevens Point Daily Journal. “In Warm Embrace,” Aug 11, 1896.

–2 Des Moines Aug 8 Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, p. 8.

–1 Independence Aug 8 Pella Advertiser, IA. “The News in Iowa,” Aug 8, 1896, p.2, c. 1.

Kentucky ( 34) Louisville and Owensboro especially

— 1 Lexington Aug 6 Logansport Reporter, IN. “Victims of Heat,” 8-7-1896, p.1.

— 3 Louisville July 29 Herald-Dispatch, Decatur IL. “Overcome…Heat,” Aug 1, 1896.

— 4 “ Aug 1 Daily Huronite, SD. “Many Prostrations at Louisville,” 8-1-1896.

— 6 “ Aug 8 Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, p. 8.

— 1 “ Aug 9 Fort Wayne News, IN, “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p.1.

— 3 “ Aug 11 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.

–16 Owensboro Aug 9-11 Stevens Point Journal. “16 Deaths in KY,” 8-11-1896.^[10]

Maryland ( 27) Baltimore

–15 Baltimore. Aug 9. New York Times. “Fifteen Deaths in Baltimore,” Aug 10, 1896.

— 6 “ Aug 10 Frederick News (MD). “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, p. 1.

–25 “ (Up to) Aug 10 Frederick News (MD). “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, p. 1.

— 2 “ Aug 11 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.

Massachusetts (24-29) Boston

— 6 Boston Aug 8 Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, p. 8.

— 2 “ Aug 9 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.

— 3 “ Aug 10 The World (NY). “Many Cities Suffer Severely,’ 11 Aug 1896, 2.

–12-17 “ Aug 11 Two sources – two numbers.

“ –12 Aug 11 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.

“ –17 Aug 11 Sterling Standard, IL. “Big Death List at Boston.” 8-12-1896, 3.

— 1 “ Aug 12 New York Times. “Carriers Quit Deliveries,” Aug 12, 1896.

Michigan ( >3) Grand Rapids

—>3 Grand Rapids Aug 6-10 Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, 8.[11]

Missouri ( 81) St. Louis especially (79)

— 2 Kansas City Aug 9. Cumberland Times, MD. “Heat Deals Death,” 8-10-1896.

–10 St. Louis July 30 Herald-Dispatch, Decatur IL. “Overcome…Heat,” 8-1-1896.

— 2 “ Aug 6 Brimfield News, IL. “Sol Makes ‘Em Sizzle.” 8-6-1896, 14.

–10 “ Aug 7 NYT. “Hot Day in St. Louis,” Aug 8, 1896.

–16 “ Aug 8 NYT. “Sixteen Deaths in St. Louis,” Aug 9, 1896.

–12 “ Aug 9 Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, 8.

–12 “ Aug 10 Frederick News MD. “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, p.1.

–12 “ Aug 11 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.

— 7 “ Aug 12 Evening Bulletin, Decatur IL. “Relief at Last,” 8-12-1896, 4.

New Jersey ( 168) Jersey City, Newark and Hoboken especially

–168 Statewide Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below

— 2 Bayonne. Aug 9 Fort Wayne News (IN), “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p.1.

— 1 Elizabeth. Aug 9 New York Times. “One Fatality in Elizabeth,” Aug 9, 1896.

— 2 Hackensack Aug 11 Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Two Hundred Dead.” 8-12-1896, 3

— 4 Hoboken Aug 10 Frederick News MD. “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, 1.

— 7 “ Aug 11 Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Two Hundred Dead.” 8-12-1896, 3.

— 6 “ Aug 12 New York Times. “Over Six Score Dead,” Aug 12, 1896.

— 2 “ Aug 14 New York Times. “Death List is Smaller,” August 14, 1896.

— 11 Hudson Co. Aug 14 New York Times. “Death List is Smaller,” Aug 14, 1896.

— 1 Jersey City. Aug 9 Fort Wayne News (IN), “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p. 1.

— 10 “ Aug 10 Frederick News MD. “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, p.1.

— 12 “ Aug 11 Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Two Hundred Dead.” 8-12-1896, 3.

— 21 “ Aug 12 New York Times. “Over Six Score Dead,” Aug 12, 1896.

— 10 “ Aug 14 New York Times. “Death List is Smaller,” Aug 14, 1896.

— 3 New Brunswick Aug 10 Frederick News MD. “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, p. 1.

— 45 Newark up to Aug 11 NYT, Four More Deaths in Newark, 45 in all…,” 8-12-1896.

–3 “ Aug 9 New York Times. “Three Deaths in Newark.” Aug 10, 1896.

–8 “ Aug 10 Frederick News MD. “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, p. 1.

–9 “ Aug 11 Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Two Hundred Dead.” 8-12-1896, 3.

— 2 North Hudson Aug 12 New York Times, “Over Six Score Dead,” Aug 12, 1896.

— 3 Passaic Aug 11 NYT. “Mills and Factories Shut Down, August 12, 1896.

— 4 Patterson Aug 11 Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Two Hundred Dead.” 8-12-1896, 3.

— 2 Trenton Aug 10 Frederick News, MD. “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, 1.

New York ( 891) New York City (765) and Brooklyn (71) especially

–891 Statewide esp. Aug 6-17 Blanchard tally from breakouts below.

— 3 Albany. Aug 9 New York Times. “Three Deaths in Albany,” 8-10-1896.

— 71 Brooklyn Aug 6-14 Blanchard tally from sources below.

— 2 “ Aug 6 New York Times. “Death in the Heat Rays,” Aug 7, 1896.

–12 “ Aug 10 Frederick News, MD. “Many Victims of Heat,” 8-11-1896, 1.

–16 “ Aug 11 The World. “Many Stricken in Brooklyn,’ Aug 11, 1896, 2.

–21 “ Aug 12 New York Times. “Over Six Score Dead,” Aug 12, 1896.

–20 “ Aug 14 New York Times. “Death List is Smaller,” August 14, 1896.

— 3 Buffalo Aug 10 The World, NY. “The Heat Up the State.” Aug 11, 1896, p2.

— 5 Long Island City. Aug 11 Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Two Hundred Dead.” 8-12-1896, 3.

— 4 “ Aug 12 NYT. “Over Six Score Dead,” Aug 12, 1896.

–1500 New York City Aug 4-14 Rosenthal. Evaluating…heat-related mortality [NYC]. 2010, 1.[12]

–1500 “ Ten days NPR. “The Heat Wave of 1896…” 8-11-2010.[13]

— 765 NY City April-Aug NYC Board of Health. Annual Report 1912. 1913, p. 240.

— 1 “ April

— 4 “ May

— 5 “ June

— 30 “ July

–725 “ August

— 5 Aug 6 New York Times. “Death in the Heat Rays,” Aug 7, 1896.

— 10 Aug 7 New York Times. “Record for Aug. 8 Broken,” 8-9-1896.

— 50 Aug 9. Fort Wayne News (IN). “Sol’s Doings” Aug 10, 1896, p.1.

— 72 Aug 10 New York Times. “Deaths from The Heat,” Aug 12, 1896.

>100 Aug 11 Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Two Hundred Dead.” 8-12-1896, 3.

–128 Aug 12 New York Times. “Over Six Score Dead,” Aug 12, 1896.

–158 Aug 13 New York Times. “Death List is Smaller,” Aug 14, 1896.

–153 Aug 14 New York Times. “Deadly Heat Gives Way,” Aug 15, 1896.

— 5 Aug 17 New York Times. “Cool Weather brings Comfort,” 8-17-1896.

— 0 “ September

— 3 North Hudson Aug 14. New York Times. “Death List is Smaller,” Aug 14, 1896.

— 1 Rochester Aug 9. Fort Wayne News (IN), “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p.1.

— 14 Staten Island Aug 10 Frederick News, MD. “Many Victims…Heat,” 8-11-1896, 1.

— 14 “ Aug 11 Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Two Hundred Dead.” 8-12-1896, 3.

— 3 “ Aug 12 New York Times. “Over Six Score Dead,” Aug 12, 1896.

— 2 Troy Aug 10 The World, NY. “The Heat up the State.” 8-11-1896, p. 2.

— 3 Utica Aug 4-10 The World, NY. “The Heat up the State.” Aug 11, 1896, 2.

Ohio ( 25) Cincinnati especially

–22 Statewide July 30-Aug 11 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.

— 5 Cincinnati July 30 Herald-Dispatch, Decatur IL. “Overcome…Heat,” 8-1-1896.

— 1 “ Aug 5 Brimfield News, IL. “Sol Makes ‘Em Sizzle.” 8-6-1896, 14.

— 5 “ Aug 9 Fort Wayne News, IN. “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p. 1.

— 1 “ Aug 10 Frederick News, MD. “Many Victims…Heat,” 8-11-1896, p.1.

— 2 “ Aug 11 Sterling Standard, “Few Prostrations…Cincinnati.” 8-13-1896, 23.

— 2 Cleveland. Aug 9 Fort Wayne News (IN), “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p.1.

— 2 “ Aug 10 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.

— 1 “ Aug 11 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.

— 2 Galion Aug 10 Cumberland Times (MD). “Heat Deals Death,” 8-10-1896.

— 1 Massillon Aug 10 Cumberland Times (MD). “Heat Deals Death,” 8-10-1896.

— 1 Sandusky Aug 11 William Axtell of North Bass.[14]

— 1 Tiffin Aug 10~ Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, p.8.

— 2 Toledo Aug 10 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.

— 1 Toledo Aug 10 Fort Wayne News (IN), “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p.1.

Oklahoma ( 1)

–1 Guthrie Aug 10 W.J. Windoffer. Notes “weather is the hottest ever known.”[15]

Pennsylvania (180-226) Philadelphia (80-121) and Pittsburgh (~100)

–180-226 Philly and Pittsburgh Blanchard tally

— 80-121 Philadelphia Aug 6-12 Blanchard tally based on date breakouts below

— 7 “ Aug 7 Frederick News, MD. “Seven Killed by Heat,” 8-8-1896, 1.

— 10 “ Aug 8 Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, p.8.

–18-23 “ Aug 9 Two sources – two numbers.

“ –18 Aug 9 Fort Wayne News (IN), “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p.1.

“ –23 Aug 9 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.

–23-57 “ Aug 10 Two sources – two numbers.

“ –23 Aug 10 NYT. “Further Death at Philadelphia,” Aug 11, 1896.

“ –57 Aug 10 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.

–12-19 “ Aug 11 Range from sources below.

“–19 Aug 11 Sterling Standard, IL. “Nineteen die…Philadelphia.” 8-12-1896, 3

“–18 Aug 11 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.

“–14 Aug 11 NYT. “Further Death at Philadelphia,” Aug 11, 1896.

“–12 Aug 11 NYT. “Ninety-Seven in Philadelphia… ,” Aug 12, 1896.

— 10 “ Aug 12 Quincy Journal, IL. “Ten Deaths at Philadelphia,” 8-13-1896, 1.

— ~100 Pittsburgh[16] by Aug 11 Blanchard tally from breakouts below.

— 1 “ Aug 9 Fort Wayne News, IN. “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p.1.

— 2 “ Aug 3-9 Fort Wayne News, IN. “Very Hot Weather,” 8-10-1896, 4.

— 3 “ Aug 10 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.

–100 “ up to Aug 10. The World, NY. “Many Cities Suffer…,’ 8-11-1896, p. 2.^[17]

— 2 “ Aug 11 Portsmouth Times, OH. “Still…Sol Kills…,” 8-5-1896.

Rhode Island ( 11)

–3-4 Providence Aug 10 Two sources – two numbers.

“ –3 Aug 10 The World (NY). “Many Cities Suffer…,’ 8-11-1896, p. 2.

“ –4 Aug 10 Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12.

— 8 Statewide Aug 11 Sterling Standard, “Industrial Plants Close Down.” 8-13-1896, 23

Tennessee ( 2)

— 1 Kennedy Jul 29. Herald-Dispatch, Decatur IL. “Overcome…Heat,” 8-1-1896.

— 1 Memphis. Aug 9. Fort Wayne News, IN, “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p. 1.

Texas ( 2)

— 1 San Antonio July 29 Herald-Dispatch, Decatur IL. “Overcome…Heat,” 8-1-1896, 3.

— 1 San Antonio Aug 9. Fort Wayne News (IN), “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p.1.

West Virginia ( 1)

–1 Montgomery Aug 10 Mrs. John Waters.[18]

Wisconsin ( 77) Milwaukee especially (76)

— 1 Burlington Aug 6 Logansport Reporter, IN. “Victims of Heat,” 8-7-1896, p.1.

— 60 Milwaukee. Aug 6-7 NY Times, “Many Deaths in Milwaukee,” 8-13-1896.

— 16 “ (babies) Aug 10 Milwaukee Weekly Wisconsin. “In Milwaukee,” 8-15-1896, 2.[19]

Narrative Information

Connecticut

Aug 10, Hartford, CT: “The extreme heat continues…. Two deaths occurred today as a result of the heat.” (New York Times. “New England Suffering,” August 11, 1896.)

District of Columbia

Aug 10, Washington, DC: “The heated term that has been almost without precedent in this city continues, and the general impression is that today has been beyond all doubt the hottest and most uncomfortable of the season. The churches were comparatively very sparsely attended, the streets almost deserted, and many people left the city in the early morning…in the hope of escaping the torrid temperatures of the city.” One heat-related death noted. (NYT, “Nearly 100 in Washington,” Aug 10, 1896) “The expected result of the two weeks’ heated term was realized yesterday by six deaths and a number of prostrations.” (Fort Wayne News (IN), “Sol’s Doings – Numbers His Victims by the Score,” Aug 10, 1896, p. 1.)

Illinois

Aug 5, Chicago: “The hottest weather Chicago has seen this season occurred today. Before the middle of the afternoon the thermometer had reached 96 and between fifteen and twenty persons had been picked up on the streets, overcome by the heat.” Reports one heat-related death.” (NYT, “Heatstrokes in Chicago,” Aug 6, 1896.)

Aug 8, Chicago: “This was the hottest day of the scorching, deadly series of the week, and the list of victims was the largest. The temperature at 8 A.M. was 84, and it continued to rise steadily until 98 [degrees] were reported at 8 o’clock. Six deaths were reported to the police. Four other prostrated victims were removed from the streets, where they were working… Scores of men and women were overcome… Horses drawing heavy loads dropped dead by the score in the streets from early morning until late at night. Outdoor labor was suspended for the day, except where it was absolutely necessary.” (NYT, “Hottest of the Week at Chicago,” Aug 9, 1896.)

Aug 10, Chicago: “Again Sunday the sun scorched this city and the records of deaths and prostrations approached those of Saturday. The fatal cases of sunstroke numbered 22, while several others are not expected to live. Many people were mentally affected, and on one of the bridges the police had a struggle with a Swede of giant strength, who attempted to throw people into the river. The heat had made him crazy.” (Perry Bulletin, IA, “Death in…Heat.” 8-13-1896.)

Aug 10, Chicago: “Chicago, Aug 10. – The number of deaths caused by the heat to-day was thirty-seven, prostrations fifty-four. (The World, NYC. “Many Cities Suffer…,’ 8-11-1896, p. 2.)

Aug 10, Peoria: “Peoria, Ills., Aug. 10. – Three fatal sunstrokes occurred here Friday. The victims were: George Archdale, 40 years old of 115 Easton avenue; Mrs. Anna Kleinhanz, 39 years old, of 314 Sanford street, and John Seigle, 45 years old, who came from Keokuk, Ia…” (Alton Telegraph, IL. “Deaths from Heat.” 8-13-1896, p. 7.)

Aug 11, Chicago: “Suffering humanity and the lower animals were favored a 7 o’clock tonight by cessation of the deadly, dry, scorching weather which has prevailed for more than a week…. Thirty deaths we reported today as due to sunstroke or less direct effects of the heat, but most of these victims died late yesterday…” (New York Times, Cooler Weather in Chicago, 8-12-1896.)

Aug 12, Bloomington: “Bloomington, Ill., Aug. 12. – The heat continues here. The following prostrations were reported: Miss Lulu Fowler, laundry employe; Daniel Mulcahy, laborer, will die; Miss Julia Rodenhauser, stenographer. The linemen of the telegraph and telephone companies refused to work on the poles.” (Sterling Standard, IL. “Prostrations at Bloomington, Ill.” 8-13-1896, 23.)

Indiana

Aug 10, Evansville: “Evansville, Aug. 10. – Evansville seems to be the center of the torrid wave that is sweeping over the country. For three days the thermometer has reached above 102 degrees in the shade. There were two deaths Friday as the result of sunstroke and ten prostrations of various degrees.” (Alton Telegraph, IL. “Deaths from Heat.” 8-13-1896, p. 7.)

Aug 11, Indianapolis: “Indianapolis, Ind., Aug. 12. – The mercury in the thermometers in this city is keeping up its pace, with no signs of falling, and the people have come to expect one hot day to succeed another with the regularity that day follows night. Railroad men say the heat is affecting both travel and freight traffic, and that all parts of the state are suffering from the unusual condition. Though the rains have been frequent and copious throughout the state the fields in many sections are seared and brown from the blistering heat of the sun, and fires are frequently started by sparks from the railroad engines as in cases of protracted drouth.” (Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Business in Indiana Affected.” 8-12-1896, p. 3.)

Aug 11, Terre Haute: “Terre Haute, Ind., Aug. 12. – The heat Tuesday [11^th] prostrated many persons, among them Col. ‘Dick’ Thompson, ex-Secretary of the navy, now 84 years old…” (Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Col. Thompson Prostrated.” 8-13-1896, p. 23.)

Iowa

Aug 10: “Council Bluffs, Ia., Aug. 10 – The heat here has been extreme for the past week, the thermometer registered from 98 to 100 degrees in the shade. There has been but one fatality. The heated spell was broken Sunday evening [9^th] by a heavy rainstorm accompanied by thunder and lightning…” (Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, p. 8.)

Aug 11: “Des Moines, Ia., Aug. 12. – The hot spell was broken in the western half of Iowa Tuesday afternoon [11^th], and there is a material reduction in temperature in the eastern half. No prostrations are reported from any part of the state, and it was the first day for more than a week without reports of farmers stricken in the fields.” (Sterling Standard, IL. “Hot Spell Broken in Iowa.” 8-13-1896, p.23.)

Maryland

Aug 9, Baltimore: “The mercury was above 90 [degrees] point at 8 o’clock this morning, and did not descend below that mark until after 9 o’clock tonight. Fifteen deaths and twice as many prostrations were reported up to midnight.” (NYT, “Fifteen Deaths in Baltimore,” Aug 10, 1896.)

Massachusetts

Aug 11, Boston: “Boston, Mass., Aug. 12. – The death list from heat in this city and suburbs Tuesday [11^th] foots up seventeen, while the number of prostrations is rising in the hundreds. Men, women and children succumbed on all sides, factories and mercantile establishments were forced to suspend operations, work was stopped on the subway, and even in the federal building it became absolutely necessary to excuse the majority of the clerks.” (Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Big Death List at Boston.” 8-13-1896, p. 23.)

Aug 12, Boston: “The mercury on the streets here today registered 94 [degrees]… Letter carriers were forced to give up the midday delivery for the second successive day.” One heat related death that day reported. (NYT, “Carriers Omit Deliveries,” Aug 12, 1896.)

Michigan

Aug 10: “Grand Rapids, Mich., Aug. 10. – The last five days have been the warmest ever known in western Michigan and rain is badly needed. The thermometer has been above 100 all day and towards evening only lost ten points. Several fatalities have been reported and more are expected unless a cool wave strikes this portion of the state soon. Electrical storms have passed over this section in the last 24 hours, but have had no noticeable effect.” (Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, p. 8.)

Midwest

Aug 9, the Midwest: “Chicago., Aug. 9. Dispatches received from various points throughout the Western country show that no point is exempt from the torrid weather…. For three days the mercury soared above 100 at Evansville, Ind.,… At Kansas City yesterday 102 was reached, the highest point since the bureau was opened eight years ago…. At Anderson, Ind., there was intense suffering among the men in the nail factories… Dispatches from Alton, Hillsborough, Springfield, and Belvedere, Ill., indicate the hottest weather on record. Outdoor work has been suspended at all these points. Vegetation is being burned up by the heat, and in many localities a scarcity of water is threatened. The Wabash Railroad officials have closed the shops of the entire system pending the heated term. At Alton the mercury ranged from 103 to 112 in the shade. Milan, Mo., reported yesterday 106 in the shade, and great mortality among animals. Horses dropped in the streets, and only absolutely necessary work was done. All records were broken at Jefferson, Iowa, when the thermometer indicated 106 in the shade at 2 o’clock….At Des Moines, Iowa, a record of 92 in the shade was reached…. At Springfield, Ill., the day was the hottest of the year, the maximum temperature of 98 prevailing, the street thermometers registering 102…” Reports 8 heat-related deaths (NYT. “Death in Western Heat,” Aug 10, 1896.)

Missouri

Aug 7, St. Louis: “Intense Heat prevailed. The mercury touched 103. Ten deaths and forty-two prostrations are reported. Reports from various points throughout Missouri, Arkansas, Eastern Kansas, Southern Iowa, Southern Illinois, and Indiana state that the present hot spell is the highest recorded in many years…. Several towns in Kansas and Arkansas are suffering from ice famine.” (NYT, “Hot Day in St. Louis,” August 8, 1896.)

Aug 8, St. Louis: “There is no cessation of the intense heat from which St. Louis has suffered during the last ten days. At noon today the mercury registered 98 on surface thermometers. Nearly all contractors have abandoned outdoor work. Owing to the high temperature work in the quarries and other exposed places has been suspended. For the twenty-four hours ending at noon today, forty-seven cases of heat prostration were reported at the City Hospital. Sixteen fatalities are recorded. Reports this morning from nearby points in Missouri state that the mercury is close to the 100 mark, and in many sections harvesting is suspended.” (NYT. “Sixteen Deaths in St. Louis,” Aug 9, 1896.)

Aug 10, St. Louis. “Not before in the history of St Louis has its inhabitants suffered from the heat as during the week just ended. The highest point reached by the thermometer was 100 in the shade, and on no day was the maximum below 95. On the streets heat was more intense and the record higher. City Physician Sutter declared last night that the record of hear prostrations and deaths at the hospitals for the past week is unprecedented in its history. He reports that 110 cases, all serious, ware cared for and that 19 of these died, while more are still in a critical condition. This is not the complete record for the city, for at least that many more cases were taken to the dispensaries, where many died and others were sent from there to various hospitals or their homes for treatment.” (Fort Wayne News. “Very Hot Weather,” 8-10-1896, p. 4, c. 1.)

Aug 11, St. Louis: “St. Louis, Mo., Aug. 12. – The thermometer mounted upward again Tuesday [11^th] and came within three points of the highest registered thus far this year. At 5 o’clock the government record was 97 in the shade. Many prostrations have resulted, and the city dispensaries and hospitals are again feeling the effect of the rush. Up to 8 o’clock at night twenty cases of prostration were received at the central dispensary and as many more at the north and south branches. A number of deaths occurred.” (Sterling Standard, IL. “No Relief at St. Louis.” 8-12-1896, 3)

Aug 12, St. Louis: “For the 12 hours ending at six p.m. Tuesday there was an average reduction of four degrees…the highest point reached was 96 degrees at five p. m. … In consequence the death-roll is reduced to seven and the prostration to 31. None of the factories that suspended work on account of the heat have resumed, however, and several were added to the list of the idle.” (Evening Bulletin, Decatur, IL. “Relief at Last,” August 12, 1896, p. 4.)

Aug 13, St. Louis: “St. Louis, Aug. 13. – Dispatches show a general breaking up of the heat wave in the Middle West and the West and the Mississippi Valley. From all points come reports of cooling breezes, and most of them bulletin refreshing rains.” (Quincy Journal, IL. “Getting Cooler, 8-13-1896, p. 1.)

Montreal, Canada

Aug 11, Montreal: “The heat here today is intense, and business is almost wholly suspended in consequence. The thermometer in the morning indicated 89 in the shade. John Connolly, a young clerk, was overcome by heat and died shortly after his removal to the hospital.” (NYT, “Montreal Almost Stops Business – The Thermometer…Ran Up to Only Ninety in the Shade,” 8-12-1896.)

New Jersey

Aug 9, Elizabeth, NJ: “This was the most disagreeable day of the hot spell thus far. There was not a breath of air stirring in this city, and the sun’s rays poured down on the streets with an intensity which made it a positive danger to walk. Thousands of people went on the trolley cars for a chance to catch a breath of air, but the hot blasts caused by the cars gave them little relief Thousands crossed the new ferry to Staten Island to seek coolness in the waters of the lower bay.” One sunstroke death was noted. (NYT. “One Fatality in Elizabeth,” Aug 9, 1896.)

Aug 11, Newark: “The thermometer again reached 96 [degrees} in the shade today… Forty-five persons have died in the city since the torrid spell began whose deaths were directly traceable to the heat. In addition, there was an increase in infant mortality caused by the heat. The number of persons temporarily prostrated by the heat would run into the hundreds… The Post Office authorities curtailed the deliveries, as it was too dangerous to send out the carriers… Almost all mills in this city and Harrison are closed.” (NYT. “Four More Deaths in Newark, Forty-five in All Due to the Heat,” August 12, 1896)

Aug 11, Passaic, NJ: “The heat wave was unabated today. All outdoor work has come to a standstill…and most of the mills and factories have shut down…Three persons die in Passaic—deadly heat in other Jersey towns.” (NYT. “Mills and Factories Shut Down, August 12, 1896)

New York

Rosenthal on NYC: “The summer of 1896 started out with seasonal temperatures in New York City, then a rapidly growing industrial city filled with immigrants and home to approximately two million inhabitants, many living in densely populated neighborhoods in lower Manhattan such as the Lower East Side.

“On August 4th, however, hot weather and high humidity came to the city and did not leave for ten days. Daytime temperatures averaged above 90º F outdoors, nighttime temperatures did not drop below 70º F, and stifling conditions were reported in the tenement buildings, where temperatures were estimated at 120º F (Kohn, 2008^[20]).

“Unfortunately, New Yorkers started succumbing to these conditions the next day, and for the following nine days, it is estimated that the heat wave caused approximately 1,500 premature deaths in the city (Kohn, 2008), as compared to the same time period in prior years. Especially vulnerable populations were the poor, elderly, very young, and laborers, and those who did not leave stifling tenement apartments during the day. Decades after the last major outbreaks of cholera or yellow fever, the 1896 heat wave became one of New York’s worst public health disasters….

“As the city had banned sleeping in the parks, many lower Manhattan residents took to sleeping on crowded rooftops and piers during the heat wave, and the death records noted the unfortunates

who fell off while trying to cool down….

“In 1896, NYC municipal authorities were unable during the 10-day heat wave to pick up and remove all of the hundreds of dead horses that lined the city’s streets, presenting residents and storeowners with untenable conditions….”

“Substandard housing conditions were a prominent social fact for many heat wave victims in the overcrowded tenements of 1896 New York….” (Rosenthal 2010, pp. 1-2.)

Aug 6-~13: NYC: “….Beginning with August 6, 1896, the high temperature of successive days in New York city were 91, 91, 93, 90, 91, 94, 92, and 88. Night time heat was proportionately high, and the humidity was excessive. During this period 671 persons [the “6” is not clear; could be a 5, 8 or 9, but looks like 6] died of sunstroke and heat prostration in Manhattan alone. Hospitals were jammed with patients, and tents were erected in the yards of Roosevelt and Bellevue hospitals to accommodate the overflow. Around the tents were bathtubs of cracked ice in which to immerse the victims. A single witness saw seven persons collapse in City Hall park within two hours. Hundreds of horses fell dead in the streets.”^[21]

Aug 7, NYC: “The thermometer marked 89 at 2 o’clock P.M. yesterday, one degree higher than on Wednesday, but there was 87 per cent of humidity, an increase over the day before of 13 degrees. Many persons were prostrated by the heat, and five deaths from this cause were reported in the city…. The heat was very oppressive in Brooklyn yesterday… there were two fatal cases.” (NYT, “Death in the Heat Rays,” Aug 7, 1896.)

Aug 8, NYC: “The heat of yesterday was a continuation in intensified form of conditions that prevailed during the earlier part of the week. The record in deaths and prostration in this city alone doubtless tells a small part of the story, for, in all parts of the country the mercury ranged high. The Weather Bureau officials said that it was the hottest day of the year in this city, and the hottest Aug. 8 on the record of the bureau, which goes back twenty years. The temperature reached its maximum in Kansas City, where the mercury registered 102… The highest temperature in New York was reached at 2:45 o’clock P.M., when the thermometer indicated 92. The lowest was at 4 o’clock A.M. – 73. The average for the day was 82.” Listed deaths of 10 men in twenties, thirties and forties. (NYT, “Record for Aug. 8 Broken,” August 9, 1896)

Aug 9, Albany, NY: “Three deaths resulted here today from the heat.” (NYT, “Three Deaths in Albany,” August 10, 1896)

Aug 10, NYC: “Seventy-two deaths from the heat and over 170 prostrations were reported yesterday in this city, and many more casualties in Brooklyn and neighboring cities.” (NYT. “Deaths from The Heat,” Aug 12, 1896.)

Aug 11, Brooklyn: “Brooklyn sweltered as did New York, and its list of deaths and prostrations was proportionately large. Sixteen persons are reported as having died from the heat, while thirty were treated in the hospitals for prostration….Forty horses died on the streets during the day – about the same number as have died every day since Friday. Citizens are continually calling upon the Health Board to remove the bodies of the horses from the streets, but the contractor who removes dead animals has his hands more than full….” (The World, NY. “Many Stricken in Brooklyn,’ Aug 11, 1896, p. 2.)

Aug 12, NYC & suburbs: “The days of death continue. The sun is still unwearied of scourging. Eight days there have been when it seemed as though from beneath the crust of the earth flames were struggling to force a way through, join with the blazing orb of the sky, and seize and destroy mortals by fire. One hundred and twenty-eight deaths and 293 prostrations were reported yesterday at this city. There were 21 deaths in Brooklyn, 21 in Jersey City, 6 in Hoboken, 4 in Long Island City, 3 on Staten Island, and 2 in North Hudson, N.J….No section of the city was spared…. The hot wave covers the greater part of the country… The bulletins at the Weather Bureau from other cities showed these highest temperatures: Boston 88; Albany 94; Philadelphia 98; Indianapolis, 94; St. Louis, 96, Kansas City, 98; Chicago, 92…” (NYT, “Over Six Score Dead,” Aug 12, 1896)

Aug 12, NYC & suburbs: “The rain that the Weather Bureau promised as a relief from the fatal heat came not yesterday, and the mercury clung to the high figures well into the evening…. The present killing heat spell began Aug. 3, when the mercury was up to 90 [degrees]. The total number of deaths thus far reported is 454. This, however, includes this entire vicinity – Brooklyn, the rest of Long Island, and Hudson County, N.J…. The condition of affairs in the streets and hospitals differed little from that of the day before. Men and horses fell side by side in the streets and lay there… So great were the demands on the hospitals that every one of them was obliged to appeal for outside help. Roosevelt Hospital called upon every physician who has served there and who is within reach to assist its ambulance corps…. Many physicians left their own practice for the cause of humanity, and students of the medical schools who are in the city were of great assistance after patients had been taken to the hospitals. But with all this help at hand a more difficult problem arose. The ambulances were not numerous enough to respond to all the calls. Some of them were taking in two cases on each trip. Patrol wagons had been pressed into service Monday, but these were not sufficient yesterday,…because the calls seemed to come a dozen at a time…. ‘We have sent word to the police’ said the Superintendent [Roosevelt Hospital] ‘to get sufferers here by any conveyance at hand – trucks, wagons, cabs, and even wheelbarrows if they cannot do better. We simply cannot answer one-third of the calls with the ambulances. ‘We are overcrowded now and have put cots in every available place. If it is possible to send a patient home or to Bellevue, without jeopardizing life, we do so. That is the only way we can keep up with the rush’…. Coroner O’Hanlon and the physicians of the Coroners’ office worked until after 2 o’clock yesterday morning, and soon after sunrise they were busy again. ‘We are obliged to hasten the work of issuing certificates’ said Dr. O’Hanlon, ‘because the weather is as inconsiderate of the victims after death as it is before, and they must be buried quickly’…. The day was a particularly hard one on the horses that draw the street cars and other heavy loads about the city. More than 500 of them have been taken away dead in the last five days. This, it was said at the offices of the Board of Health, was a record unprecedented…. In the Essex Market Police Court yesterday, Magistrate Flammer expressed great sympathy for the unfortunates arraigned before him for petty offenses. The courtroom was crowded and the heat was almost unbearable. In nearly all the cases the Magistrate gave the prisoners the benefit of the doubt, saying that it would be a shame to put human beings in cells unless they had committed some serious offense.” (NYT. “The Hospitals Overtaxed,” Aug 12, 1896.)

Aug 12, NYC: “As on the five preceding days, the people in this and neighboring cities sweltered and suffered in the heart of the pitiless sun. The number of deaths in this city was 93, while 314 persons were prostrated. With hardly a moment’s warning, they were struck down in their houses and in the streets. From early morning until late at night ambulances and patrol wagons were kept busy carrying the stricken to hospitals, where physicians and nurses who had worked three days without rest were themselves ready to collapse from physical and mental exhaustion.” (New York Times, “Another Death Day,” Aug 13, 1896.)

Aug 14, NYC: “For the twenty-four hours ending at noon yesterday, 374 death certificates were filed at the office of the Board of Health, and it was officially stated that 158 of these deaths were due directly to the heat. This makes 1,224 deaths for the first five days of this week, of which number 362 were attributable to the heat. For the corresponding week last year there were 614 deaths…. From Aug. 5 to 13 inclusive, the average maximum temperature was 90.77 [degrees]…. There was a heated tern in 1876, which continued for twenty-nine days, beginning on June 24, when the maximum temperature was 88 [degrees]. During that term there were thirteen days on which the temperature was 90 [degrees] or higher… This latest term has lasted nine days…

“A meeting of the heads of city departments was held yesterday afternoon at the Mayor’s office to take action to relieve the situation among the poor, resulting from the heated term. It was called at the suggestion of …the Health Board, because the heat had sent the death rate up higher than it ever was before – even during the cholera epidemic back in the fifties. It was decided to call on the city to appropriate $6,000 to buy ice for free distribution. The Board of Estimate a few minutes later made the appropriation asked for.

“The streets in the thickly populated districts were generally flushed last night by men from the Department of Public Works…. Ice was distributed free to the poorer classes last night by the police. One hundred tons had been purchased but this was inadequate to supply the demand…. About 20,000 persons were served. The demand so far exceeded the supply that Mr. Roosevelt [President of the Police Board] will today recommend that 200 tons…be distributed until further orders. There was so many people in front of the station houses that it became difficult to keep order…. City Parks Thrown Open…to persons seeking relief from the excessive heat.” (New York Times, “Death List is Smaller,” August 14, 1896)

Heat-related deaths around NYC reported in the Aug 14 NYT for the preceding day were:

20 – Brooklyn

11 – Hudson County

10 – Jersey City

2 – Hoboken

3 – North Hudson (New York Times, “Death List is Smaller,” August 14, 1896)

August 15, NYC: “After more than a week of drought and death-dealing heat, rain fell early yesterday morning and again in the afternoon and brought to the suffering millions of the Greater New York the first relief they have had since the hot wave’s arrival…. There were fewer deaths and prostrations yesterday. The deaths were of persons who were stricken during the intense heat and whose recovery was impossible under any circumstances, and the prostrations were of persons who were unable longer to endure the strain under which they had struggled. There were 321 deaths reported at the Bureau of Vital Statistics for the twenty-four hours from Thursday noon to yesterday noon, of which 153 were attributed to the heat.” (NYT, “Deadly Heat Gives Way,” Aug 15, 1896)

August 17, the Northeast and NYC: “The fatalities from heat, in northern cities, have reached such proportions that there is no word which can accurately express the alarming nature of the results of the heat wave now sweeping over that part of the country. When sixty-eight people die in New York in a single day from insolation it almost taxes credulity to think that there is any safety from the heat in that latitude.” (Daily Herald, Brownsville, TX. Aug 17, 1896, p. 2)

August 17, NYC: “A lower temperature made yesterday a day of great relief…. Despite the more tolerable condition of the weather, the day was not without its victims of heat.” Notes deaths of five men, 17-40 years old.” (NYT, “Cool Weather Brings Comfort,” Aug 17, 1896.)

Ohio

Aug 11, Cincinnati: “Cincinnati, Ohio, Aug. 12. – Tuesday [11^th] was as oppressive as Monday and Sunday, but the prostrations were fewer because of great precautions taken by the people. There were but two fatalities.” (Sterling Standard, IL. “Few Prostrations at Cincinnati.” 8-13-1896, p23.)

Oklahoma

Aug 9, Perry, OK: “Prairie fires are raging in the Comanche Indian country southwest of here. Thousands of acres of grain have been swept by the flames. The fires follow a term of hot winds which have parched vegetation and caused cattle to suffer. The thermometers registered 108 yesterday.” (NYT, “108 Degrees in Perry Oklahoma,” August 10, 1896.)

Pennsylvania

Aug 10, Philadelphia: “There was…a falling off in the fatalities and prostrations from yesterday when 23 deaths occurred and 90 people were overcome by the heat. The deaths reported today were 14, and the prostrations numbered 30.” (NYT, “Further Death at Philadelphia,” 8-11-1896.)

Aug 11, Philadelphia: “The highest temperature yet recorded during the present heated spell by the local Weather Bureau was reached today, when the thermometer went a fraction over 97 [degrees]. On the streets shaded thermometers touched from 100 to 104….There were twelve deaths recorded by the police today and fifty cases of prostration were admitted to the hospitals.” (NYT, “Ninety-Seven in Philadelphia – Shops Closed in Susquehanna,” August 12, 1896.)

Aug 11, Pittsburgh: Two deaths “from the heat” are reported. (Portsmouth Times (OH), “Still at it – Old Sol Kills People Right and Left Today,” August 15, 1896.)

Aug 12, Philadelphia: “Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 13. – The mercury yesterday reached 97 degrees. There were in the neighborhood of forty prostrations and ten deaths from the excessive heat, and the hospitals were taxed to the utmost to furnish relief, due to the fact that all wards are full. If anything, the weather was less bearable than Tuesday, when the mercury reached a degree higher. Many horses succumbed.” (Quincy Journal, IL. “Ten Deaths at Philadelphia,” 8-13-1896, p. 1.)

Rhode Island

Aug 11: “Providence, R.I., Aug. 12. – The awful heat continued t kill in all parts of Rhode Island, and Tuesday night [[11^th] eight deaths were recorded. Many industrial plants closed down in and about this city, and the number of prostrations exceed anything ever known here.” (Sterling Standard, IL. “Industrial Plants Close Down.” 8-13-1896, p. 23.)

Tennessee

Aug 9, Nashville, TN: “For four days the heat here has been unusually intense, being untempered by a breeze. Yesterday’s thermometer registered 97, and the sun’s rays were almost unendurable.” (NYT, “The Hot Spell in Nashville,” Aug 10, 1896.)

Wisconsin

Aug 8, Milwaukee: “The extreme heat of the past four days has caused the number of deaths in this city to more than double. The average number of deaths a week in Milwaukee is about sixty. Up to last night 115 had been reported, and the record for the week will show about 140. On Wednesday and Thursday alone 60 infants died from causes which may be attributed to the heat. Old people also suffer greatly.” (NYT, “Many Deaths in Milwaukee,” August 13, 1896; cites Milwaukee Sentinel, Aug 8.)

Aug 11, Milwaukee: “Milwaukee, Wis., Aug. 12. – A thunder shower late Tuesday afternoon [11^th] afforded much needed relief from the hot have that has enveloped the city for more than ten days. Before the storm the heat was terrible, the temperature running up in the nineties.” (Sterling Standard, IL. “Cooler at Milwaukee.” 8-13-1896, p. 23.)

Sources

Alton Telegraph, IL. “Deaths from Heat.” 8-13-1896, p. 7. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/alton-telegraph-aug-13-1896-p-7/

Board of Health. Annual Report of the Board of Health of the Department of Health of The City of New York for the Year Ending December 31, 1912. NYC: 1913. Google preview accessed 11-26-2019: https://books.google.com/books?id=XqMGqwcyOp8C&ppis=_e&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q=1871&f=true

Brimfield News, IL. “Hot Spell Broken,” 8-20-1896, p. 12. Accessed 1-2-2010 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/brimfield-news-aug-20-1896-p-12/

Brimfield News, IL. “Sol Makes ‘Em Sizzle.” 8-6-1896, p. 14. Accessed 1-1-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/brimfield-news-aug-06-1896-p-14/

Bulletin-Sentinel, Decatur, IL. “Died by Scores.” 8-15-1896, p. 8. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/decatur-bulletin-sentinel-aug-15-1896-p-8/

Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Heat Deals Death,” Aug 10, 1896, p.1, Col. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=10784796

Daily Herald, Brownsville, TX. [Northeast Heat-wave] Aug 17, 1896, p. 2, col. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=74216860

Daily Huronite, SD. “Many Prostrations at Louisville.” 8-1-1896, p. 1, col. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=54735261

Daily Leader, Bloomington, IL. “Tempered Torridity.” 8-12-1896, p. 1. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/bloomington-daily-leader-aug-12-1896-p-1/

Decatur Herald Dispatch, IL. “Heat and Sunstrokes.” 8-8-1896, 7. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=13762202

Eau Claire Journal, “A Wail Goes Up From All Over the Country, on Account on the Intense Heat.” 8-11-1896, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/PdfViewerTags.aspx?img=100739213&firstvisit=true&src=search&currentResult=0

Evening Bulletin, Decatur, IL. “Relief at Last.” August 12, 1896, p. 4. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/PdfViewerTags.aspx?img=1492160&currentResult=5&src=search

Fort Wayne News, IN. “Sol’s Doings,” Aug 10, 1896, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com

Fort Wayne News, IN. “Very Hot Weather,” Aug 10, 1896, p. 4, col. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=2160487

Frederick News, MD. “Many Victims of Heat,” Aug 11, 1896, p. 1, col. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=32652577

Herald-Dispatch, Decatur IL. “Overcome by the Heat.” 8-1-1896, p. 3, col. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=1503587

Kohn, Edward P. Hot Time in the Old Town: The Great Heat Wave of 1896 and the Making of Theodore Roosevelt. Basic Books, 2010.

Kohn, E. P. (2008). “The scourge of summer.” New York Archives Trust, 8(1), 8-11. Website accessed March 14, 2010, at www.nyarchivestrust.org

Logansport Daily Reporter, IN. “Cuts Them Down,” 8-8-1896, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=83772726

Logansport Daily Reporter, IN. “Victims of Heat.” 8-7-1896, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=83772718

Logansport Journal, IN. [Heat Prostration] Aug 4, 1896, p. 5, col. 5. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=83196578

Logansport Journal, IN. “The Hot Spell – An Epidemic Could Hardly Be Worse in Its Effects.” August 11, 1896. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/PdfViewerTags.aspx?img=83196626&currentResult=0&src=search

Milwaukee Weekly Wisconsin. “In Milwaukee,” 8-15-1896, p. 2. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/milwaukee-weekly-wisconsin-aug-15-1896-p-2/

New York Times. “108 Degrees in Perry Oklahoma,” 8-10-1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9E03E1DE1E3AE533A25753C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Another Death Day.” August 13, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9A04E7DC1E3AE533A25750C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Carriers Quit Deliveries.” 8-12-1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9F03E2DD1E3AE533A25751C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Cool Weather Brings Comfort.” August 17, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9F02E3DB1E3AE533A25754C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Cooler Weather in Chicago.” August 12, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9B03E2DD1E3AE533A25751C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Deadly Heat Gives Way.” August 15, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9502EEDC1E3AE533A25756C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Death in the Heat Rays.” August 7, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9E06E7DE1E3AE533A25754C0A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Death in Western Heat.” August 10, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9E00E1DE1E3AE533A25753C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Death List is Smaller,” August 14, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9C05E3DC1E3AE533A25757C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Deaths from The Heat.” August 11, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9E06E7DD1E3AE533A25752C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Fifteen Deaths in Baltimore.” August 10, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9B00E1DE1E3AE533A25753C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Four More Deaths in Newark, Forty-five in All Due to the Heat,” 8-12-1896. At: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9501E2DD1E3AE533A25751C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Fourteen Deaths at Philadelphia.” 8-11-1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9403E7DD1E3AE533A25752C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Further Death at Philadelphia.” August 12, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9403E7DD1E3AE533A25752C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Heatstrokes in Chicago.” August 6, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9804E0DF1E3AE533A25755C0A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Hot Day in St. Louis – Thermometer Registers 103 Degrees of Heat – Ten Deaths.” August 8, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9405E5DE1E3AE533A2575BC0A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Hottest of the Week at Chicago – Six Deaths Reported and Out-Door Labor Suspended.” 8-9-1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9804E4DE1E3AE533A2575AC0A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Many Deaths in Milwaukee,” 8-13-1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9D07E5DC1E3AE533A25750C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Mills and Factories Shut Down,” August 12, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9C00E2DD1E3AE533A25751C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Montreal Almost Stops Business – The Thermometer, However, Ran Up to Only Ninety in the Shade.” August 12, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9503E2DD1E3AE533A25751C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Nearly 100 in Washington – One Death from the Heat – Exodus from the Capital.” 8-10-1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9F00E1DE1E3AE533A25753C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Ninety-Seven in Philadelphia – Shops Closed in Susquehanna.” 8-12-1896. At: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9400E2DD1E3AE533A25751C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “No Relief in the Northwest.” August 11, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9B06E7DD1E3AE533A25752C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “One Fatality in Elizabeth.” 8-9-1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9800E1DE1E3AE533A25753C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Over Six Score Dead – Fatal Work of the Heat in This City – Hospitals Overcrowded.” August 12, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9D01E2DD1E3AE533A25751C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Record for Aug. 8 Broken,” 8-9-1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9F04E4DE1E3AE533A2575AC0A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Sixteen Deaths in St. Louis – Work in Nearly All Exposed Places Abandoned for the Time,” 8-9-1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9D04E4DE1E3AE533A2575AC0A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “The Hospitals Overtaxed; All Kinds of Vehicles Pressed into Service and Physicians Called In,” 8-12-1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9901E2DD1E3AE533A25751C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “The Hot Spell in Nashville.” August 10, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9F03E1DE1E3AE533A25753C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Three Deaths in Albany.” August 10, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9500E1DE1E3AE533A25753C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

New York Times. “Three Deaths in Newark.” August 10, 1896. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9400E1DE1E3AE533A25753C1A96E9C94679ED7CF

NPR (National Public Radio). “The Heat Wave of 1896 and The Rise Of Roosevelt.” (author Interview. 8-11-2010. Accessed 1-1-2020 at: https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129127924&ft=1&f=1022

Pella Advertiser, Pella IA. “The News in Iowa,” Aug 8, 1896, p. 2, col. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=145109551

Perry Bulletin (Iowa). “Death in the Heat.” August 13, 1896. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/PdfViewerTags.aspx?img=7258856&currentResult=1&src=search

Portsmouth Times, OH. “Still At It – Old Sol Kills People Right and Left Today.” 8-15-1896. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/PdfViewerTags.aspx?img=55921737&currentResult=7&src=search

Quincy Journal, IL. “Getting Cooler, 8-13-1896, p. 1. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/quincy-journal-aug-13-1896-p-1/

Quincy Journal, IL. “Heat Plague Continues.” 8-11-1896, p. 1. Accessed 1-1-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/quincy-journal-aug-11-1896-p-1/

Quincy Journal, IL. “Ten Deaths at Philadelphia,” 8-13-1896, p. 1. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/quincy-journal-aug-13-1896-p-1/

Republic County Freeman, Belleville, KS. Aug 6, 1896, p. 6, c. 3. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com

Rosenthal, Joyce Klein. Evaluating the impact of the urban heat island on public health: Spatial and social determinants of heat-related mortality in New York City (Doctoral Dissertation). NYC: Columbia University, 2010. Accessed 7-30-2016 at: http://academiccommons.columbia.edu/catalog/ac%3A148820

Simonds, W. E. (Editor). The American Date Book. Kama Publishing Co., 1902, 211 pages. Google digital preview accessed 9-8-2017 at: http://books.google.com/books?id=JuiSjvd5owAC

Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Big Death List at Boston.” 8-12-1896, p. 3. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-daily-standard-aug-12-1896-p-3/

Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Business in Indiana Affected.” 8-12-1896, p. 3. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-daily-standard-aug-12-1896-p-3/

Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Col. Thompson Prostrated.” 8-13-1896, p. 23. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-standard-aug-13-1896-p-23/

Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Cooler at Milwaukee.” 8-13-1896, p. 23. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-standard-aug-13-1896-p-23/

Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Die with Relief Near.” 8-12-1896, p. 3. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-daily-standard-aug-12-1896-p-3/

Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Few Prostrations at Cincinnati.” 8-13-1896, p. 23. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-standard-aug-13-1896-p-23/

Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Hot Spell Broken in Iowa.” 8-13-1896, p. 23. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-standard-aug-13-1896-p-23/

Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Industrial Plants Close Down.” 8-13-1896, p. 23. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-standard-aug-13-1896-p-23/

Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “No Relief at St. Louis.” 8-12-1896, p. 3. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-daily-standard-aug-12-1896-p-3/

Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Prostrations at Bloomington, Ill.” 8-13-1896, p. 23. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-standard-aug-13-1896-p-23/

Sterling Daily Standard, IL. “Two Hundred Dead.” 8-12-1896, p. 3. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sterling-daily-standard-aug-12-1896-p-3/

Stevens Point Daily Journal. “16 Deaths in Kentucky,” 8-11-1896. Accessed at: httpo://www.newspaperarchive.com

Stevens Point Daily Journal, WI. “105 at La Salle, Ill” Aug 11, 1896, p. 1, col. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=2299882

Stevens Point Daily Journal, WI. “In Warm Embrace,” Aug 11, 1896, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=2299882

Stevens Point Daily Journal. “The Situation in Philly.” 8-11-1896. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com

The Bulletin (Published for the American Iron and Steel Association). “The Terrible Heat of 1900.” 9-15-1900, p. 156. Accessed 1-1-2010 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=WhojAQAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

The World, NYC. “Many Cities Suffer Severely,’ Aug 11, 1896, p. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=157139207

The World, NYC. “Many Stricken in Brooklyn,’ Aug 11, 1896, p. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=157139207

The World, NYC. “The Heat Up the State.” Aug 11, 1896, p. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=157139207

Trenton Evening Times, NJ. “The Deadly Heat,” Aug 12, 1896, p. 3, col. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=2190892

Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Sol’s Burning Glass.” 8-14-1896, p. 6. Accessed 1-2-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/bloomington-weekly-pantagraph-aug-14-1896-p-12/

[1] Writing of the heatwave of Aug 3-14, 1896, notes: “This caused a death rate and a record of prostrations never exceeded since, as altogether 2,038 deaths from sunstroke were recorded in the entire region affected, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington furnishing 1,461 of the total and St. Louis and Chicago 310. The records, however, are known to be incomplete and the actual number of deaths was much larger.” The previous paragraph and table relate to the August 1900 heat wave, and cites the Weather Bureau for the statistics. Presumably the Weather Bureau also provided the August 1896 data.

[2] The number “3” is derived from “Deaths from sunstroke and prostrations are reported from a number of cities and towns…” “Work of the Hot Wave in Connecticut.”

[3] Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Sol’s Burning Glass.” 8-14-1896, p. 6.

[4] “Nearly all the 109 deaths reported to the health department for Friday [7^th] were traceable more or less directly to the heat. The awful record of deaths for six days of last week is 492. The average death list for Chicago is 50 a day, which would make the deaths for the last six days 200 above the average.”

[5] “Chicago, Aug. 11. – Discomfort and death were still being dealt by the sun’s rays yesterday…Twenty-one gave up their lives Sunday [Aug 9]. Hundreds are dying from the indirect effects of the heat…”

[6] “The fatalities from heat yesterday, as reported in dispatches, are: … Chicago…62.” (Conceivably, deaths by 10^th.)

[7] Chicago, Aug. 12. – ….To the health department 134 deaths were reported from various causes, thirty-eight of them being attributed to sunstroke. Some of those overcome on Monday [11^th] and Sunday [10^th] were reported.”

[8] Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Sol’s Burning Glass.” 8-14-1896, p. 6.

[9] Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Sol’s Burning Glass.” 8-14-1896, p. 6.

[10] “Sixteen deaths from various causes, all super-induced by excessive heat, occurred here in the last three days.”

[11] Notes “Several fatalities have been reported and more are expected unless a cool wave strikes this portion of the state. For the purpose of contributing to a tally we translate “several” into three.

[12] The difference between Rosenthal’s number and the NYC Board of Health number is that the Board of Health number represents “direct” heat deaths, whereas Rosenthal presents “premature deaths in the city” by comparing deaths in 1896 to deaths in the same time-frame “in prior years.” It is of course accurate to note, as Rosenthal does, that “the poor, elderly, very young, and laborers” as well as tenement dwellers were “especially vulnerable populations.” An indirect effect of unrelenting high heat on an unacclimated population is to weaken the body and lead to early deaths from other conditions. Thus deaths spike during heat waves over previous years, though death certificates may not note excessive heat as the cause of death.

[13] Based on interview with Edward P. Kohn, after publication of his book Hot Time in the Old Town. 2010.

[14] Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Sol’s Burning Glass.” 8-14-1896, p. 6.

[15] Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Sol’s Burning Glass.” 8-14-1896, p. 6.

[16] See footnote to The World article of Aug 11, citing Pittsburgh physicians to the effect that they attributed 100 deaths to the direct and indirect effects of high heat.

[17] “While but three deaths have been attributed to the intense heat, physicians estimate that 100 patients have died whose lives could have been saved but for the terrible weather.”

[18] Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Sol’s Burning Glass.” 8-14-1896, p. 6.

[19] “Milwaukee, Wis., Aug. 10, – Sixteen deaths of babies as a result of the heat were registered at the health department this morning, the result of yesterday’s oppressiveness. Three other cases of babies a day or two old are also reported and it is very probable that the hear also caused these deaths.”

[20] Kohn, E. P. (2008). The scourge of summer. New York Archives Trust, 8(1), 8-11. Website accessed March 14, 2010, at www.nyarchivestrust.org

[21] Earlier in this article James H. Scarr, chief of the New York Weather Bureau, is cited for data on the 1925 NY heat wave. Presumably all the data in the article concerning NYC is from Mr. Scarr.

19th Century

1896 — May 27, Tornadoes, St. Louis, MO/137 and East St. Louis, IL/169 — 306

lornajarrettblanchard May 27, 1896

–400 Cornell, James. The Great International Disaster Book (Third Edition). 1982, p. 221.*
–306 Agee and Asai. Cloud Dynamics: Proceedings of a Symposium… Aug, 1981. 1982, 202.
–306 Blanchard tally from IL and MO breakouts below.
–306 Ludlum. The American Weather Book. 1982, p. 93.
–306 National Weather Service. Famous Large Tornado Outbreaks in the United States. 2005
–306 Nunn. “Tornadoes, With Special Reference To Those…in Tennessee” Nov 25, 1921.
–306 O’Neil in Curzon
–305 Grazulis. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991. 1993, p. 485.
–255 Brooks and Doswell. 2000, p. 170.
–255 Grazulis. Significant…, 1993, 271, 485. (St. Louis, MO and St. Clair County, IL.)
–255 Grazulis. The Tornado. (St. Louis (137) and East St. Louis, IL (118). 2001, p. 293.
–255 Gunn 2007, 160
–255 NWS WFO, Paducah KY. NOAA/NWS 1925 Tri-State Tornado Web Site. “Gen. Info.”
–255 National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office, St. Louis. 2005.
–255 Storm Prediction Center. The 25 Deadliest U.S. Tornadoes. Norman, OK. NOAA.

*“According to most reports, more that 250 people died in St. Louis and another 150 were killed across the river. (Other authorities claim total deaths of no more than 30 in both cities.)”

Illinois (169)
— 14 Washington, Jefferson Counties (18:20 tornado). Grazulis 1993, 271, 485, 676-677.
— 11 New Minden, Wash. Ct., Gazette, Stevens Point. “Thirty Persons Killed…,” 6-12-1907.
–128 East St. Louis (18:30) Grazulis, Tornado Project. Tornadoes in the Past. 1999.
–118 “ Grazulis. Significant Tornadoes. 1993, 676-677.
–118 “ Gunn 2007, 160.
–113 “ NWS WFO Central IL. Severe Weather Climatology. Top 10 IL Tornado Disasters.
— 24 St. Clair and Clinton Counties (18:45) Grazulis. Significant Tornadoes. 1993, 485, 677.
“ NWS WFO Central IL. Severe Weather Climatology. Top 10 IL Tornado Disasters.
— 03 Washington, Jefferson Counties (20:30) Grazulis. Significant Tornadoes. 1993, 485, 677.
“ NWS WFO Central IL. Severe Weather Climatology. Top 10 IL Tornado Disasters.
Other Estimates for Illinois:
— 42 Centralia, IL vicinity. Newark Daily Advocate, “The Death Roll…” May 29, 1896.
–250 East St. Louis, IL. Newark Daily Advocate, “The Death Roll…” May 29, 1896.
–150 “ Brown. “Twister on the Town,” p. 94 in Kartman, Disaster! 2007.
— 15 Mexico, IL. Newark Daily Advocate, “The Death Roll…” May 29, 1896.

Missouri (137)
— 1 Montgomery and Lincoln Counties. Grazulis 1993, 485, 676.
— 6 Audrain County (15:15) Grazulis 1993, 485, 676.
— 2 Osage County (18:15) Grazulis 1993, 485, 676.
–137 St Louis Grazulis. Tornado Project. Tornadoes in the Past. 1999.
“ Grazulis. Significant Tornadoes. 1993, 676.
“ Gunn 2007, 160.
Other Estimates for Missouri:
–~250 St. Louis, MO Brown. “Twister on the Town,” p. 94 in Kartman, Disaster! 2007.
— 200 “ Newark Daily Advocate, “The Death Roll…” May 29, 1896.

Narrative Information

Grazulis: “This tornado, which was to be one of the deadliest in US history, touched down about 6 miles west of the Eads Bridge in St. Louis. From the northwest edge of Tower Grove Park, this complex combination of tornado and downburst widened to over a mile and moved due east. It collapsed or swept away portions of houses, factories, saloons, hospitals, mills, railroad yards, churches, and caused a total of over $10,000,000 in damage. In most areas, roofs and trees were not carried away, but thrown to the ground. In other areas, homes were swept away. The 36-acre Lafayette Park was turned into “a wasteland of stripped trees and stumps.” On the east end of the Eads Bridge (built as tornado proof after the 1871 event in the same place) a 2-inch by 10-inch white pine plank was driven through the 5/16″ thick wrought iron plate. No significant damage was done to the steel span of the bridge, but this remains a remarkable example of a tornado’s ability to generate missiles. There were 137 people killed at St. Louis. The tornado was apparently at maximum intensity when it crossed the Mississippi River into East St. Louis, Illinois. Buildings and homes along the river were completely swept away, and about a quarter of the buildings in the town were destroyed or damaged. A much smaller area of damage occurred at East St. Louis, with a damage total of about $2,000,000, but the great intensity resulted in 118 deaths. As many as 35 people died in the Vandalia railroad freight yards at East St. Louis. The death total probably does not include the loss of life to people living on shanty boats, whose bodies were washed down river.” (Grazulis. “Descriptions of the Top Ten US Killer Tornadoes #3: The St. Louis/East St. Louis Tornado of 1896.”)

Grazulis: “What may have been the first tornado of the day killed a woman near Bellflower, Missouri. At 3:15 PM, three students died and sixteen were injured in the destruction of the Dye School in Audrain County, Missouri. A few minutes later, the same tornado killed one student and injured nineteen at the Bean Creek School. At 6:15 PM, two children died on a farm in Osage County, Missouri. At about 6:30 PM, two tornadoes touched down almost simultaneously from separate storms. One leveled entire farms near New Minden, Hoyleton, Richview, and Irvington, Illinois. The other was the third deadliest tornado in US history, taking a total of at least 255 lives. In Saint Louis, Missouri, people died in homes, factories, saloons, hospitals, mills, railroad yards, and churches, as a half-mile-wide swath was cut across the center of the city. At least 137 people died at Saint Louis. Other people living on shanty boats may have perished in the Mississippi River, but were not counted because their bodies were washed downstream. At East Saint Louis, Illinois, the funnel had narrowed but may have also intensified. Devastation there was more complete, and 118 people were killed. Twenty seven more people died in other Illinois tornadoes this day.” (Grazulis. Tornado Project. Tornadoes in the Past. 1999.)

Gunn: “At 6:30 P.M., May 27, 1896, two F4 tornadoes touched down near and on St. Louis, Missouri, almost simultaneously. One passed over the city and moved in a southeasterly direction, leveling entire farms in such communities as Richview and Irvington sixty miles east of St. Louis. The other, a much more powerful tornado, was…responsible for the deaths of 255 people on both sides of the river before it finally petered out in East St. Louis, Illinois….People living on shanty boats may have perished in the Mississippi River, but were not counted because their bodies were washed downstream.” (Gunn 2007, 160)

“Many steamboats went to the bottom of the river….Congressman Joy introduced a resolution in Congress, arranging for the use of army tents for those who were homeless.” (Gunn 2007, 161)

US SIS: “May 27. — The following named steamers were destroyed in the tornado at St. Louis, MO:

Libbie Conger
Isabella
J.J. Odil
Bald Eagle
Arkansas City
City of Cairo
Andrew Christy
Jay Gould
Dolphin No. 2
City of Quincy
Gazelle
City of Monroe

“The following named steamers were damaged in the same storm:

Pittsburgh
Benton
Cherokee
Grey Eagle
Belle of Calhoun
S.B. Wiggins
Napoleon Mullikin
George A. Maddill
Henry Sackman
Henry L. Clark
S.C. Clubb
Exporter
Harvester
Polar Wave
Charlotte Boeckeler
City of St. Louis harbor boat, Louis Houck
City of Providence
City of Vicksburg
Jack Frost
Austria. (U.S. Steamboat-Inspection Service. Annual Report 1897, p. 37.)

Sources

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Brooks, Harold E. and Charles A Doswell III (NOAA/National Severe Storms Laboratory). “Normalized Damage from Major Tornadoes in the United States: 1890-1999.” Revised manuscript submitted as Note to Weather and Forecasting, Vol. 16, 9 p., Sep 2000. Accessed 11-25-2017 at: http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/users/brooks/public_html/damage/tdam1.html

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Grazulis, Thomas P. The Tornado: Nature’s Ultimate Windstorm. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2001, 324 pages.

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