20th Century

—   ~100  Huhman. “1901 ‘Wreck of the Wabash’ burial site located.” Monroe News, MI. 1-13-2016.

–50-100  New York Times. “Train Wreck and Fire Kill 100 in Michigan.” Nov 28, 1901, p. 1.

–23-100  Blanchard estimate.[1]

— 70-80  Adrian Daily Telegram, MI. “A Fearful Holocaust in Lenawee!” 11-29-1901, p. 1.

—       80  Evening Record, Traverse City, MI. “Eighty People Are Dead,” 11-28-1901, p. 1.[2]

—       75  Tribune Almanac and Political Register 1901.  “The Wabash Wreck.” 1901, p. 184.

—       70  Adrian Daily Telegram, MI. “The Dead,” 11-29-1901, p. 1.[3]

—       33  Evening Record, Traverse City, MI. “Eighty People Are Dead,” 11-28-1901, p. 1.[4]

—       23  Mich. Dept. of Transportation. Michigan’s Railroad History 1825-2014. 2014, p. 16.

—       23  State of Michigan Commissioner of Railroads. Annual Report for 1902, p. 600.

—       23  Wabash Railroad estimate. Noted by Jon Harrison, Michigan State University.

 

Narrative Information

 

Geocaching: “….It was late afternoon as the “Continental Express”, Wabash train #4, began loading passengers in Montpelier, Ohio, on their way to Detroit. Pulled by Engine #609, the train was engineered by Aaron T. Strong. The train consisted on the engine and six cars: two sleepers, one dining car, a coach, a chair and a baggage car. Engineer Strong was expecting a straight run to Detroit, but received new orders.

 

“Train #13 has been having an awful day. It had delays in Detroit that backed it up 75 minutes. Then in Milan, the lead engine broke down, and had to wait for Engine #88 to help Engine #151 pull its eight cars on westward. And by the time it reached Holloway, it was 2 1/2 hours late. It consisted of 2 sleeper cars and a chair car, a coach, and three baggage cars. However, the second and third baggage cars weren’t filled with luggage, but with immigrants from Italy heading westward from New York City.

 

“Typically on a single-line track, even-numbered trains have right-of-way over the odd-numbered trains. However, in this case, they decided not cause further delays for Train #13 and have Train #4 let the westbound go by at Seneca. The engineers of both trains received these orders at about 6pm before heading on their respective routes.

 

“Many different reasons for the accident have been given by the surviving Wabash rail men. Engineer Strong blamed a gust of wind blew a corner of the orders and only saw “Sand Creek” and not “Seneca”. Another was that the names “Seneca” and “Sand Creek” sound familiar and were confused, which caused the Wabash to change Seneca’s station name to “Ennis”. Each train saw the other’s headlights in the distance, but blamed the light now being electric that they couldn’t tell if they were stationary or moving at that distance.

 

“Either way, at 6:45 pm on this Wednesday, with each train full of mostly passengers on their way to family Thanksgiving celebrations, Engineer Strong ran past Seneca at full speed without stopping.
“Proving those working on Train #4 knew the orders, except for Strong, the brakeman and the conductor immediately contacted the Engineer that they ran past Seneca at 65 m.p.h. and applied the rear brakes. There was only enough time for Strong and the fireman to leap from the cab after just crossing Tuttle Road on the other side of the little bridge over Bear Creek as the trains came together only seconds later….

 

“All the cars on the “Continental Limited” (Train #4) survived but the day coach, which telescoped and was destroyed. Most of the deaths on Train #4 were those inside this day car.

 

“However, Train #13 fared much worse. The baggage car, and the two full of immigrants, took the full force of the collision. Lighter in construction, all three shattered at impact. As the immigrants in the cars were just coming to realize what had happened, a fire ignited underneath the wreckage of their cars and soon those remaining alive after the initial damage were caught without escape in an inferno. Very few survived.

 

“The Wabash acted quickly to downplay the number of immigrants on their train as no more than 50 or so. Recently found records from Detroit show the number well exceeded 100. As the wreckage was removed, on-lookers watched as some of the remaining larger body parts were placed into 3 or 4 coffins. The rest was apparently unceremoniously buried alongside the side of the track with the rest of the loose wreckage.

 

“At the inquest that quickly followed, it was found that it was the negligence of Train #4 that caused the accident. The Wabash only claimed the number of ticketed passengers who perished in the accident, and about a half-dozen of immigrants, in their total count of 23 dead….” (Geocaching. “The Wreck on the Wabash-1901.” 10-15-2009.)

 

Harrison: “On November 27, 1901, Thanksgiving Eve, one of the worst railroad disasters in Michigan history occurred about a mile north-east of the tiny village of Seneca in southern Lenawee County. The number of people who died in this head-on collision is still wrapped in controversy and mystery to this day. The official number of fatalities as reported by the Wabash Railroad still holds today at 23. However, most newspapers at the time, and reporters on scene, claim at least 80 passed away, and possibly closer to 100….”[5] (Harrison, Jon. MSU Libraries, Michigan State University. “November 27, 1901: Horrible Train Wreck Near Adrian,” 11-27-2017.)

 

Huhman: “One of the enduring mysteries of the 1901 “Wreck of the Wabash” will be put to rest 115 years later. The burial site of the estimated 100 victims of the devastating train wreck on the Wabash railroad line has been located in the northeastern part of Oakwood Cemetery in Adrian….

 

“According to the book “Wreck on the Wabash” by local historian Laurie (Dickens) Perkins, the head-on crash of two trains in late November 1901 was the worst accident in Lenawee County history and one of the worst railroad accidents in the United States. In her book, Perkins said a train traveling from Montpelier, Ohio, failed to stop on a siding at Seneca and collided with a train coming from the opposite direction. The train traveling from Detroit included two coaches packed with Italian immigrants traveling to Trinidad, Colorado, to work in the mines.

 

“It was reported that the remains of the immigrants were placed into five wooden coffins and buried at Oakwood without any markers. The tragedy became an international story, but many, including Perkins, could never locate the exact resting place of the immigrants.

 

“It was this past fall that Berryman was approached by Kyle Griffith, Lenawee Intermediate School District assistant superintendent, about trying to finally determine the burial location. Griffith said for years as a history teacher in Morenci he taught the train wreck story as part of local history lessons. He said the story has so many important details, from the treatment of the immigrants to understanding that period in history, that he and his students would spend a lot of reflecting on it. Berryman said, like Griffith, he is very interested in history, so this idea hit home. He went to cemetery superintendent Denny Vescelius and parks, forestry and cemetery administrative assistant Chareen Goven to ask them for help.

 

“There are nearly 20,000 burial sites at Oakwood, according to Vescelius, and there are records there that are really old and decrepit. However, this didn’t stop them from trying. Eventually, while going through all of the files Goven came across one indicating the locations of five coffins buried after a railroad accident in November 1901. She and Vescelius then set out to verify this through other sources in the cemetery records. They said they believe they’ve located the burial site….” (Huhman, Lonnie (Daily Telegram). “1901 ‘Wreck of the Wabash’ burial site located.” Monroe News, MI. 1-13-2016.)

 

Michigan Dept. of Transportation: “Nov. 27, 1901. Head-on collision on the Wabash Railroad near Seneca killed 23 persons.” (Michigan’s Railroad History 1825-2014. 2014, p. 16.)

 

Michigan Railroad Commission: “Report of Accidents for Michigan During the Year 1901.”

 

Killed [23 names]

 

November 27.             D. Cambonia.              Seneca.            Collision.

November 27.             L. Osteroi.                   Seneca.            Collision.

November 27.             E. Posterora.                Seneca.            Collision.

November 27.             G. Ommerman.           Seneca.            Collision.

November 27.             G. Hans.                      Seneca.            Collision.

November 27              M. Shipart.                  Seneca.            Collision.

November 27.             E. N. DeWet.              Seneca.            Collision.

November 27.             J. Benerhart.                Seneca.            Collision.

November 27.             M. A. Umpton.           Seneca.            Collision.

November 27.             J. Witchell.                  Seneca.            Collision.

November 27.             G. M. Youmans.         Seneca.            Collision.

November 27.             C. Triconi.                   Seneca.            Collision.

November 27.             G. Giovanni.               Seneca.            Collision.

November 27.             F. Das.                         Seneca.            Collision.

November 27.             A. Cortoroy.                Seneca.            Collision.

November 27.             E. Jobe.                       Seneca.            Collision.

November 27.             T. Quivelie.                 Seneca.            Collision.

November 27.             D. Sordunn.                Seneca.            Collision.

November 27.             F. Senkurch.                Seneca.            Collision.

November 27.             L. Battorf.                   Seneca.            Collision.

November 27.             W. Doud.                    Seneca.            Collision.

November 27.             J. Brown.                     Seneca.            Collision.

November 27.             C. Jobe.                       Seneca.            Collision.

 

(State of Michigan Commissioner of Railroads. Thirtieth Annual Report of the Commissioner of Railroads of the State of Michigan for the Year 1902. Lansing, MI: Department of Commissioner of Railroads, 1902, p. 600.)

 

Newspapers at the time

 

Nov 27: “Detroit, Nov. 27 — As the result of a head-on collision on the Wabash Railroad one mile from Seneca, Mich., at 6:45 o’clock this evening, 100 passengers, most of whom were immigrants, lost their lives. The list of the injured will probably reach 50.

“There were 141 passengers on Train No. 13, including 20 first-class passengers from Detroit. On No. 4 there were about 30 Chicago and St. Louis passengers bound through to New York and other eastern points. Train No. 13 consisted of a baggage car and two day coaches filled with immigrants bound from New York to Western points, and two Pullmans. The immigrants were transferred from train No. 13 this afternoon in Detroit and were packed into the day coaches like sardines. Wabash officials in Detroit estimate that the greater loss of life occurred in these coaches, which were light.  Meagre advices state that the baggage car and coach next to it were smashed into splinters and afterward caught fire, creating a holocaust in which the dying found a fiery death.  The third coach was telescoped as well as part of the next car, which was a Pullman.
“The twenty Detroit passengers, it is said, with but one or two exceptions, occupied seats in the Pullman car, and it is not thought that the list of killed and wounded will include many of them. No. 4 consisted of a baggage car and a combination coach and sleeper. Most of the passengers were in the Pullman. The officials here believe that the loss of life on No. 4 will be heavy.
Thirty-two doctors from this city have gone to the wreck. The track at the point where the collision occurred was straight, and at first the officials could not understand how the accident could have happened. No. 13, which ordinarily is due to leave Detroit at 2:20 o’clock, was two hours late leaving here at 4:20.

“The two trains met at Montpelier, Ohio, according to schedule, but to-day, according to reports, No. 4 had orders to wait for No. 13 at Seneca. The blame is therefore placed on the conductor or engineer of No. 4. Had this train been held at Seneca the accident would not have happened. Train No. 4 was due at Seneca at 6:43, according to the change in schedule, but apparently orders to wait were disobeyed and the probabilities are that the true story of why will never be told, as the train crews undoubtedly met instant death.

 

“Advices from the wreck at midnight state that the country for miles around is lighted up by the burning cars, and that the flames could not be quenched because of lack of proper apparatus. Mangled bodies were picked up along the track by the farmers before the special train sent from Adrian arrived on the scene.  In some instances the bodies were mangled beyond all recognition.  The bodies which the rescuers managed to pull from the burning ruins of the immigrant cars were so badly burned that their identity will probably never be ascertained. Those railroad men who have seen the wreck declare it to be the worst that ever happened in Michigan, not even excepting the Grand Trunk wreck near Battle Creek in 1893 during the World’s Fair.
“As soon as the news of the disaster reached Superintendent Bierns of Detroit the wires were kept hot ordering specials from Adrian, Peru, and Montpelier to the scene of the wreck. At 8:40 a special train from Detroit, carrying physicians and surgeons, started for Seneca and was given right of way. When it reached the scene of the wreck the work was at once commenced of succoring the wounded.

 

“A special from Adrian bearing all the doctors and surgeons in the city had been at work for an hour, but the flames retarded the work of rescue. The wounded had been placed on stretchers in the coaches sent from Adrian.  At 10:40 o’clock the first train loaded with wounded left the scene of the wreck for Adrian. The dead were left behind to be carried in on a later train.
The wrecking train ordered from Montpelier, thirty miles away, arrived shortly after 9 o’clock, but the heavy vestibuled cars of No. 4 lay between it and the burning immigrant cars, so that but little aid could be rendered by the rescuers.

“When the special train reached Adrian the wounded were carried in ambulances, drays, and delivery wagons to the hospitals until they were filled, when private residences in the neighborhood were pressed into service.  The engines of both trains were reduced to scrap iron and the engineers and firemen on both perished.  They were buried underneath a heap of iron and telescoped cars, which are burning fiercely.

“Advices state that the regular passenger train following No. 4 took a number of the wounded back to Montpelier. No. 4 and No. 13 were considered to be the two fastest trains on the road. Both were behind time, and the probabilities are that they were running at the rate of fifty miles an hour when the accident happened.”  (New York Times. “Train Wreck and Fire Kill 100 in Michigan.” Nov 28, 1901, p. 1.)

 

Nov 28: “Detroit, Mich., Nov. 28–About 100 persons were killed or injured last night in the most disastrous railroad wreck in the history of Michigan railroads. Two heavily loaded passengers trains on the Wabash railroad collided head-on at full speed one mile east of Seneca, the second station west of Adrian. The west-bound train of two cars, loaded with emigrants, and five other coaches was smashed and burned, with the result of awful loss of life and fearful injuries to a majority of its passengers. The eastbound train, the Continental limited, suffered in scarcely less degree….

 

“No. 4, the Continental limited, had engine No. 609, Engineer Strong, Conductor G. J. Martin, and No. 13, double header, engine No. 88, Engineer Works, and engine No. 151, Engineer Parks, Conductor Charles Troll. No. 4, it is believed, disobeyed orders in not waiting at Seneca for No. 13, thereby causing the wreck.

 

“The track at the point where the collision occurred was straight, and at first the officials could not understand how the accident could have happened. No. 13, which ordinarily is due to leave Detroit at 2:30 o’clock, was two hours late, leaving at 4:20. The two trans meet at Montpelier, Ohio, according to schedule, but No. 4 had orders to meet No. 13 at Seneca. The blame is therefore placed on the conductor and engineer of No. 4. Had this train been held at Seneca the accident would not have occurred.

 

“Train No. 4 was due at Seneca at 6:43, according to the change in schedule, but apparently orders to wait there were disobeyed, and the probabilities are that the true story will never be told, as the train crews undoubtedly met instant death.

 

“Train No. 4, east bound, was made up of an engine, baggage car, combination coach and sleeper. The trains came together one mile east of Seneca, under a full head of steam. All but the two rear coaches on No. 13, the west bound train, were demolished, and the coach on No. 4 was telescoped. Five of the cars of train No. 13 caught fire and are still burning.

 

“The loss of life estimated at 8 on this train. The loss of life on No. 4 is said to be 25. Engine No. 88 of train No. 13 exploded, and engine No. 609 on No. 4 turned over into a ditch.

 

“Two firemen and one engineer on No. 13 were killed, and the firemen and engineer on No. 4’s engine jumped and escaped.

 

“Train No. 13 was a regular train, carrying 2 cars of emigrants going west, and was behind time. This train was composed of seven coaches, hauled by two engines, Nos. 88 and 151….” (Evening Record, Traverse City, MI. “Eighty People Are Dead,” 11-28-1901, p. 1.)

 

Nov 29: “Lenawee county, on Wednesday evening, about 6:45, gave to the world one of the most disastrous wrecks known to the history of railroading. The scene of the horrible affair was one and a quarter miles east of the little station of Seneca, on the Wabash road, about 12 miles southwest of the city of Adrian. At this point two heavy fast passenger trains, east bound train No. 4 and west bound train No. 13, came together with a fearful crash, while traveling at a rate of at least 50 miles an hour each…Added to the horror of the fearful collision the cars of train No. 13 caught fire, and literally consumed the inmates of one of them….

 

“Train No. 13 was composed to two locomotives and nine coaches, three of the coaches being filled with Italian immigrants, just from Italy, on their way to Trinidad, Colorado, to work in the mines. There were two sleeping cars on the rear of the train, in which the passengers were but slightly injured. Where the big loss of life came was in the cars occupied by the Italians, who were penned in like rats and left to burn to death, if not killed outright, after being jammed and wounded in a most fearful manner….

 

“One car was telescoped into the other, and at least 70 people must have been cremated before help could get to them….Train No. 4 was not so badly wrecked, only one coach suffering annihilation, the passengers escaping with remarkably good luck. Still there were the bodies of five dead pulled out of this part of the wreck. There were four men and one woman. The rest of the passengers were injured more or less severely, one woman dying on the road to the company’s hospital at Peru, where a large number were taken in a special train….

 

“…two firemen were caught in their cabs and buried in the wreck.

 

“The blame is now thought to be on A. T. Strong, engine 609, engineer of train No. 4, who it is said read his orders wrong….Engineer Strong is at his home in Detroit, under strict orders from his doctor to keep quiet. He is suffering from nervousness and some injuries received….

 

“It will be impossible to get a complete list of the dead, as there must have been 60 people burned up in the cars of train No. 13. They were all Italians. We give below a list of those who can be found.

The Dead.

 

James Brown, Chicago, porter…

Cal Batdorf, fireman, Ashley, Ind…

1. L. Denell, Pontiac, Mich…
2. D. Dowd, Delray, fireman…

Vida Denhart, Tupperville, Ont., died en route to Peru on relief train.

Job Witchell, shoe manufacturer, Detroit…

Geo. W. Youmans, Kansas City, cattle buyer….

Unknown woman, quite aged…[6]

Seven identified Italians.

Fifty-five (estimated) Italians cremated in the wreck.

 

“Total number of dead–70.” (Adrian Daily Telegram, MI. “A Fearful Holocaust in Lenawee!” 11-29-1901, p. 1.

 

Nov 29: “….the inquest was started before S. M. Hamilton, in the supervisors’ room at the county court house, Friday morning [Nov 29]….In the afternoon after hearing the testimony of Conductor F. C. Trowl, of Detroit, conductor of No. 13…Conductor Trowl testified….[that] he had his order with him, which he received from Operator Martindale at Holloway, and it was received and placed on file.

 

I read the order aloud, as is the rule of the road, in the presence of the operator, and gave a like order to each of the engineers, Parks, of 151, receiving his first. Both were read in the presence of their firemen. The order stated we should side track for No. 4 at Seneca.

 

Had the engineer run past the siding it would have been my duty to set the automatic brakes at once, which would stop the train inside of an eighth of a mile providing the steam was shut off when the brake was first felt. There was no warning and when the shock came I was seated in the rear sleeper….

 

According to the report of Collector Eames, who took the immigrants’ tickets, we had 190 passengers on the train. We took one through passenger at Holloway, one at Adrian, and also seven local passengers at Adrian.

 

I made a list of those whom I could find who got safely out of the train and found 88. I couldn’t tell how many were killed and can’t even estimate it. Saw seven dead bodies taken out.’

 

(Adrian Daily Telegram, MI. “Coroner’s Inquest.” 11-30-1901, p. 1.)

 

Tribune Almanac: “One of the worst wrecks in the history of the Wabash Railroad occurred at Seneca, Mich., on the night of November 27. An emigrant train came into collision at full speed with a regular passenger train. The loss of life was estimated at seventy-five, but could not be accurately determined, as many bodies in the emigrant train, the wreck of which caught fire, were completely incinerated. A misunderstanding of orders was the cause of the accident.”  (Tribune Almanac and Political Register 1901. “The Wabash Wreck.” 1901, p. 184.)

 

Sources

 

Adrian Daily Telegram, MI. “A Fearful Holocaust in Lenawee!” 11-29-1901, p. 1. Accessed 7-17-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/adrian-daily-telegram-nov-29-1901-p-1/

 

Adrian Daily Telegram, MI. “Coroner’s Inquest.” 11-30-1901, p. 1. Accessed 7-17-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/adrian-daily-telegram-nov-30-1901-p-1/

 

Adrian Daily Telegram, MI. “The Last Victim.” 11-301901, p. 1. Accessed 7-17-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/adrian-daily-telegram-nov-30-1901-p-1/

 

Evening Record, Traverse City, MI. “Eighty People Are Dead,” 11-28-1901, p. 1. Accessed 7-17-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/traverse-city-evening-record-nov-28-1901-p-1/

 

Geocaching. “The Wreck on the Wabash-1901.” 10-15-2009. Accessed 7-17-2018 at: https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC1ZWK6_the-wreck-on-the-wabash-1901?guid=46f6f9a2-a6bb-4a4f-ae86-633c01b0f89c

 

Harrison, Jon. MSU Libraries, Michigan State University. “November 27, 1901: Horrible Train Wreck Near Adrian,” 11-27-2017. Accessed 7-17-2018 at: https://blogpublic.lib.msu.edu/red-tape/2017/nov/november-27-1901-horrible-train-wreck-near-adrian/

 

Huhman, Lonnie (Daily Telegram). “1901 ‘Wreck of the Wabash’ burial site located.” Monroe News, MI. 1-13-2016. Accessed 7-17-2018 at: http://www.monroenews.com/news/20160113/1901-wreck-of-wabash-burial-site-located

 

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Michigan’s Railroad History 1825-2014. Lansing, MI: MDOT, 2014. Accessed 7-16-2018 at: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/Michigan_Railroad_History_506899_7.pdf

 

New York Times. “Train Wreck and Fire Kill 100 in Michigan.” Nov 28, 1901, p. 1. Accessed at:  http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=FB0E13F8355F1B738DDDA10A94D9415B818CF1D3

 

State of Michigan Commissioner of Railroads. Thirtieth Annual Report of the Commissioner of Railroads of the State of Michigan for the Year 1902. Lansing, MI: Department of Commissioner of Railroads, 1902. Google preview accessed 7-17-2018 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=cv5AAQAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

 

Tribune Almanac and Political Register 1901. New York: The Tribune Association, 1901.  Google digitized at: http://books.google.com/books?id=aF8wAAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

 

 

 

[1] This represents the range of reporting reflecting in our sources. All the contemporary and end of year reporting we have seen reflect a range of 50-100, with the range being due to an unknown number of Italian immigrants from amongst those onboard who were incinerated in what was described as a virtually all-consuming fire, leaving but ashes. The official number given out by the Wabash railroad, however, was twenty-three, which was used in the Michigan Railroad Commissioners annual report published in 1902. Writers we note as sources in recent years are skeptical of the official number. We see that there two identified deaths in press reporting at the time not reflected in the 1902 MI Railroad Commission report — that of E. L. Denell of Pontiac, MI, and Vida Denhart of Tupperville, Ontario, who “died en route to Peru on relief train.” If true, that would bring death toll to at least 25.

[2] Also notes that of the 125 injured, twenty-five were thought to be fatally injured (“is said 25 will die.”)

[3] Thus number is located further down in same paper which estimated 70-80 dead earlier.

[4] While the headline of this article notes 80 dead, the body notes 8 on one train No. 13 and 25 on train No. 4.

[5] Cites: Geocaching. “The Wreck on the Wabash-1901.” 10-15-2009.

[6] This may have been a Mrs. Upton, of Sherman, TX, identified on Nov. 30 by her stepdaughter Mrs. Lizzie Kramer, of Chicago. (Adrian Daily Telegram, MI. “The Last Victim.” 11-301901, p. 1.)

–9  Bren. “The Road to the Biotech Revolution…” FDA Consumer Magazine, Jan-Feb 2006.

–9  DeHovitz. “The 1901 St. Louis Incident: The First Modern Medical Disaster.”

–9  Dixon. “Why Nine Camden Children Died from Smallpox Vaccines in 1901. Mainlinetoday.

 

Narrative Information

 

Nov 16: “Camden, N.J., Nov 16.–Out of seven victims of lockjaw following vaccination in Camden, five have died. The fifth victim, Lillian Carty, sixteen years old…died early this morning. William Brower, the boy…who has been ill from the disease for nearly two weeks, appears to be getting better, but is still in a critical condition.

 

“The seventh victim was found to-day in the person of Mamie Winters, a girl of seven…Her condition is serious.

 

“It is alleged that in every case where death has ensued the virus used in vaccination was the sort that is sold in hermetically sealed tubes, and it is said further that no evil results have followed the use of dry vaccine points. Many physicians argue that the deaths were due to carelessness possibly exposure of the vaccination wounds to cold.” (New York Times. Five Victims of Lockjaw.” 11-17-1901, p. 3.)

 

Sources

 

Bren, Linda. “The Road to the Biotech Revolution: Highlights of 100 Years of Biologics Revolution.” FDA Consumer Magazine, Jan-Feb 2006. Accessed 11-5-2017 at: https://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/WhatWeDo/History/CentennialofFDA/CentennialEditionofFDAConsumer/ucm096141.htm

 

Dixon, Mark E. “Why Nine Camden Children Died from Smallpox Vaccines in 1901. Mainlinetoday.com. Accessed 11-5-2017 at: http://www.mainlinetoday.com/Main-Line-Today/September-2016/Why-Nine-Camden-Children-Died-from-Smallpox-Vaccines-in-1901/

 

DeHovitz, Ross E. “The 1901 St. Louis Incident: The First Modern Medical Disaster.” Pediatrics, Vol. 133, Issue 6, June 2014. Accessed 11-5-2017 at: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/133/6/964

 

New York Times. “Five Victims of Lockjaw. Roll of the Dead in Camden…” 11-17-1901, p. 3. Accessed 11-5-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-york-times-nov-17-1901-p-3/

 

 

 

–13  Philadelphia Times. “Ten Children Die of Lockjaw. Thirteen Deaths…St. Louis.” 11-10-1901, 4.

–13  St. Louis, Oct 19-Nov 7. DeHovitz. “The 1901 St. Louis Incident…” Pediatrics, June 2014.

 

Narrative Information

 

From DeHovitz: Children with diphtheria were injected with diphtheria antitoxin developed by Dr. Amand Ravold, “a local physician and trained bacteriologist…hired by the city…” to develop antitoxin. He did this by taking blood from a horse to produce serum. However, on Oct 2^nd, after Dr. Ravold took blood from a horse on Sep 30, the horse “became ill with tetanus and was killed.”

 

“The antiserum obtained on September 30th was ordered to be destroyed.

 

“On October 26, 1901, the health department was notified by a physician that he had under observation 2 cases of tetanus after the use of diphtheria antiserum…. [both children died shortly thereafter]

 

“Over the next few days, as more children died, the health department recalled the existing bottles of antitoxin and began an investigation. By November 7th, the 13th death had been reported….

 

“….the [St. Louis] Tetanus Court of Inquiry began on December 17th. Dr Ravold had insisted that he and Henry Taylor, the…janitor…[he worked with to bleed the horse], had disposed of the September 30th serum after the horse died. But Taylor’s story began to change after he was ‘closeted with the Chief of Detectives by order of Mayor Wells.’ After this prolonged interrogation, Taylor was promptly placed back on the stand where he stated that he did release some of the serum dated September 30^th… He released it, he stated, because he thought it was safe and because the August 24th serum was exhausted.[1]

 

“On February 13, 1902, the commission issued their verdict stating that the 13 children died of tetanus-contaminated vials dated September 30th. Second, the commission found that Henry Taylor, the janitor, bottled the serum but was not fully aware of its poisonous nature. Conversely, Dr Ravold was aware of the dangerous nature of the September 30th serum but was negligent in ensuring that it was destroyed. Last, both Dr Ravold and Taylor were to be dismissed from the Health Department….

 

“Dr Ravold went on to have a distinguished career as a bacteriologist, and he was elected president of the St Louis Medical Society. When he died at age 83 in 1942, his obituary made no mention of the diphtheria antitoxin incident of 1901….” (DeHovitz, Ross E. “The 1901 St. Louis Incident: The First Modern Medical Disaster.” Pediatrics, Vol. 133, Issue 6, June 2014.)

 

Newspaper

 

Nov 9: “Special to The Philadelphia Times. St. Louis, Mo., November 9.–Thirteen deaths following the use of diphtheria antitoxin prepared by the city, ten of the cases showing typical symptoms of tetanus (lock-jaw), have caused surprise among medical men in this city, many of whom had used the serum heretofore, especially in their charity cases, with highly beneficial results. Seven or eight other children similarly treated are suffering the tortures of lock-jaw, and for most of them death alone is expected to bring relief.

 

“Three expert bacteriologists, acting under the direction of Coroner R. M. Funkhouser, are at work trying to determine the exact cause of the outbreak, which is without a parallel in American medical practice….

 

“Just how the calamity was brought about and who was responsible, if any avertable error was committed, is not at all clear. The serum which is believed to have been the cause of all the tetanus cases was drawn on August 24 from a horse, Jim, which had been kept at the city poorhouse for two years, and had been treated many times before in order to prepare it for the bleeding which is the first step in the production of the serum. On August 24 the horse was apparently healthy and in the best of spirits. The serum was prepared in the usual way, with all the usual careful precautions to prevent possible infection, and about September 10 was ready for distribution. Two hundred doses of ten cubic centimeters each were sent out as called for by the various physicians and the city institutions….

 

“On October 28, Dr. R. C. Harris announced that one of his diphtheria patients had died from tetanus, and asserted the belief that the unlooked-for turn of affairs was due to the city anti-toxin. City Bacteriologist Amand Ravold, who personally performed almost every step in the intricate process of manufacturing the anti-toxin, was surprised. He said at first that it could not be possible. But he lost no time in calling in all the serum that had not yet been used, though the amount was small, the last bottle having been issued on October 23.

 

“Then other deaths were reported. The Board of Health held special sessions to consider the matter, and decided that the city should henceforth manufacture no more anti-toxin. A supply of tetanus anti-toxin was purchased and every physician who had used the suspected serum was urged to apply the only preventive of lock-jaw now known to medical practice. The tetanus anti-toxin was used in several cases where symptoms of tetanus had manifested themselves but without perceptible result. In other cases tetanus developed after the tetanus anti-toxin had been administered, but in each of these the patient now seems to be in a fair way to recover.

 

The Death List.

 

“Those children who have died from tetanus, or with titanic symptoms are:

 

Veronica Keenan, 5 years old…

Agnes Adele Keenan, 7 years old, same address.

Mamie Keenan, 10 years old, same address.

Frank Novak, 3 years old…

Ettie Simon, 5 years old…

Ike Stein, 4 years old…

Flora Fuerst, 8 years old…

Emma Mary Ernst, 4 years old…

Bessie Baker, 6 years old…

May Baker, 4 years old, same address

Jacob Centurio, 11 years old…

Charles Cytron, 11 years old…

Nettie Kammerman….

 

“The children now suffering from marked cases of tetanus and who may not recover are Chester Keenan, the only surviving child of the Keenan family; Mary Kammerman, a sister of Nettie Kammerman; Blima, Max and Emma Goldstein…; Margaret and Mabel Hayden…; Frank Baker, the only surviving child of the Baker family; and Amanda Schlegel…

 

“Health Commissioner Starkloff says he does not believe that any more cases will develop. Ten days have elapsed since the last dose was administered to any patient, and that is considered ample time for the cases to become acute.

 

“The practice of making the anti-toxin at the expense of the city began here six years ago, when the cost of the serum was $15 for a 10 cent bottle. The mortality rate in diphtheria cases dropped almost at once from 35 per cent, to a fraction more than 6 per cent., and the average rate of mortality in cases treated with the city anti-toxin for the last six years has been little more than 8 per cent. No charge was made for the serum, and it was given in unlimited quantities to any physician who asked for it.

 

“Heretofore the results had been uniformly satisfactory, alike to the practitioners, to the Board of Health and to Dr. Ravold, upon whom the burden of the responsibility rested. Dr. Ravold is almost beside himself with grief and surprise over the unfortunate turn of affairs. ‘I do not dare think about it,’ he said to-day. ‘I have other work to occupy my mind. If I did not, I would go crazy. I have been saving lives almost daily by this work, and my heart and soul were in the effort to save the little ones from suffering and death. Now comes this awful thing — it is horrible. To save my life I could not tell how this happened.’

 

“Health Commissioner Starkloff fears the effect on the public mind in relation to the use of anti-toxin in the treatment of diphtheria. He said:

 

Whatever may have been the cause of these deaths, it was no fault of the serum treatment. That is still the most efficacious method of treating diphtheria, and the unthinking, the ignorant, I greatly fear, will become afraid of the name of anti-toxin and physicians will have great difficulty in making use of the treatment.

 

“Experiments so far made, and Dr. Ravold’s description of his methods of making the anti-toxin, have led to the belief that no tetanus bacilli or germs were in the serum when it was distributed, but that the toxins produced by the bacilli may have been present. These toxins are among the most powerful known to the bacteriological experts. The dose of the pure toxin necessary to produce death in a mouse is said to be .00000005 of a gram, a quantity too small for human comprehension.

 

“Whether such an occurrence might occur in ordinary practice probably would depend on the care used in the manufacture of the serum and physiological tests made with it before distribution. Doctor Ravold made tests on at least a dozen guinea pigs before he allowed any of his product to leave the laboratory. If the tests resulted doubtfully in a single instance, the entire lot went into the sink. Doctor Walden, who makes the anti-toxin for the trade, makes an injection into his own body the supreme test of the quality of the serum he has in preparation If the slightest soreness results, the entire quantity is destroyed.

 

“Another unexplained point is the length of time a horse may have tetanus without displaying perceptible indications of the presence of the disease. If the tetanus toxins were really in the serum from the beginning, the horse must have been diseased on August 24, although the symptoms did not appear until October 2. If this should prove to be the case, horses will have to be subjected to a more careful scrutiny than ever before if the diphtheria anti-toxin is to be made perfectly safe.

 

“Only once before this time has any such calamity followed the use of anti-toxin. This was in Italy last winter, when several deaths followed the use of serum from a horse which was afterwards attacked with lockjaw….” (Philadelphia Times. “Ten Children Die of Lockjaw. Thirteen Deaths Follow…Administration of Diphtheria Anti-Toxin in St. Louis.” 11-10-1901, 4.)

 

Sources

 

DeHovitz, Ross E. “The 1901 St. Louis Incident: The First Modern Medical Disaster.” Pediatrics, Vol. 133, Issue 6, June 2014. Accessed 11-5-2017 at: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/133/6/964

 

Philadelphia Times. “Ten Children Die of Lockjaw. Thirteen Deaths Follow the Administration of Diphtheria Anti-Toxin in St. Louis.” 11-10-1901, p. 4. Accessed 11-5-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-nov-10-1901-p-4/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] Cited is St. Louis Republic. Dec 27, 1901 and Feb 13, 1902.

–24-25 Blanchard estimated death-toll range: Most of the newspaper reports of the time which we have seen note twenty-five aboard (we cite only a few herein). We have seen brief summary reporting which notes twenty-four aboard. There were no survivors. The published sources since then note either twenty-four or twenty-five. We have not been able to locate a roster or listing of named crew, thus we resort to the use of a range of deaths from twenty-four to twenty-five.

— 25 Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Ship and 25 Men Probably Lost.” 9-19-1901, p. 4.
–~25 Krueger. “118 years after ship sank…searchers locate wreck…” MPRnews, MN. 9-23-2019.
— 25 Swayze. Shipwreck!…Directory of Over 3,700 Shipwrecks on the Great Lakes. 1992, p. 112.
— 24 Nash, Jay Robert. Darkest Hours. 1977, p. 692.
— 24 The Quill, La Harpe, IL. “Foundered in Lake Superior.” 9-24-1901, p. 6, col. 1.
— 24 U.S. Steamboat-Inspection Service. Annual Report…FY Ended June 30, 1902. 1902, p77.
— 24 Wolff. Lake Superior Shipwrecks…Maritime Accidents and Disasters. 1990, p. 94.

Narrative Information

Nash: “1901….Sept. 16, Hudson…24 [lives lost]. The steamship foundered on Lake Superior.”

Swayze: “Hudson. Steel package freight steamer of 2,294 t. [tons] and 288 ft. launched in 1888 at Wyandotte.

“Lake Michigan [sic]: This steamer’s fore-and-aft tandem stacks, green and grey color scheme, and graceful lines made her one of the handsomest, most distinctive freighters on the Lakes. On September 16, 1901, she was downbound with a cargo of wheat and flax when she encountered a terrific gale. Sometime during the storm her cargo probably shifted and she capsized and went down with all 25 hands. Her remains lie somewhere off Eagle River, Michigan near the tip of the Keweenaw.” (Swayze. Shipwreck!…Directory of Over 3,700 Shipwrecks on the Great Lakes. 1992, p. 112.)

United States Steamboat-Inspection Service: “September 16.—While en route from Duluth to Buffalo, and when about 8 miles off Eagle River, on Lake Superior, the steamer Hudson foundered during a heavy southwest gale, resulting in the loss of the steamer and the entire crew, which, as nearly as can be ascertained, consisted of 24 persons. Damage to steamer, $180,000. The steamer John M. Nicol passed in close proximity to the steamer Hudson while the latter was in a sinking condition, without making any attempt to rescue the officers and crew. This seeming negligence on the part of the officers of the steamer John M. Nicol was investigated and the case dismissed.” (US SIS. Annual Report 1902. P. 77.)

Wolff: “A Whooping pre-equinoctial gale ravaged the central and eastern lake [Superior] for several days beginning on September 16 [1901]. Shipping came to a standstill. Telegraph and telephone wires were downed along the Keweenaw country. Unconfirmed rumors filtered into Houghton that a large ship had gone down off Eagle Harbor while debris cluttered the beaches at Grand Marais, Michigan. For a while, as no new information came in, the sinking story was discounted. Yet, by September 19, when communications were restored to the Keweenaw, the ugly fact of a major catastrophe was substantiated. At 10 a.m. on September 16 the keepers at Eagle Light had observed a sizeable twin-stacked steame4r dead in the water, listing badly. The unidentified steamer suddenly rolled over and sank stern first as they watched. Another steamer was seen in the area and, as no yawl boats were sighted, the keepers first 6thought a passing steamer may have picked up the crew. Unfortunately, this was not the case. As the lake quieted, fishing boats put out and sighted wreckage all the way from Eagle River to Copper Harbor, a stretch of 25 miles. The black and yellow posts seen in the debris, as well as the obervers’ description, seemed to indicate the victim was the package freighter Hudson of the Western Transit Line, which had cleared Duluth on September 15, with a cargo of 69,000 bushels of wheat and 22,500 bushels of flax. They were correct. On September 21, a cabin and a yawl boat came ashore near Eagle River and 75 miles to the east, near Stannard Rock, a pilothouse was picked up by the steamer J. C. Ford. Still in the pilothouse was the body of Wheelsman Sherman G. Brooks wearing a life preserver stenciled ‘S.S. Hudson.’ The entire crew of 24 had gone down with their ship.

“The Hudson was a 288-foot, 2,,294-ton steel vessel built in 1888 at Wyandotte and one of the fastest ships on the lakes. Her master was Captain Angus J. McDonald, and Moses Trouton was her chief engineer. Most of her crew was from the Buffalo area. The ship was worth about $200,000 and the grain another $95,000, making this one of the most expensive accidents to date. Insurance of $211,000 was carried. Quantities of wreckage were tossed up for days along the Keweenaw coast –yawls, hatch covers, a cabin, spars, a good deal of flour. Still nothing to indicate the cause of the sinking. Shipping men presumed that her grain cargo shifted, but an engine break-down might also have contributed to or caused the loss.

“The ship which the lighthouse keepers had seen near the foundering Hudson proved to be the 263-foot wooden steamer John M. Nicol of the Union Transit company out of Buffalo under Captain McLean. Captain McLean revealed that he had approached as close as he dared to the Hudson, but could see only four persons on deck. Therefore, he concluded that her crew wasn’t too worried about their predicament and, with his own ship taking a battering, he had better pull away. Indeed, the Nicol had to be dry-docked for extensive weather damage repairs. Since there was apparently no attempt to launch lifeboats, vessel men supposed that most of the Hudson crew many have been in the hold trying to trim the shifted grain cargo and were trapped when the ship rolled over. This supposition is reinforced by the fact that despite an intensive water and shoreline search of three months by the Western Transit Company, only seven bodies were recovered, some well down the east side of Keweenaw Point. Why the Hudson succumbed when many other less substantial ships came through remains one of the mysteries of the lake.” (Wolff, Julius F., Jr. Lake Superior Shipwrecks: Complete Reference to Maritime Accidents and Disasters. Duluth, MN: Lake Superior Port Cities, Inc., 1990, p. 94.)

Newspapers

Sep 19: “Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., September 19. – News of the probable loss of the Western Transit steamboat Hudson with a crew of twenty-five me on Lake Superior last Monday was brought y the steamboat Nicol, which reached here from Duluth early today. According to the report of Captain McLean of the Nicol, the Hudson left Duluth for Buffalo some time after the Nicol and passed that steamboat Sunday night. Monday morning the Nicol came up to the Hudson again about eight miles west of Eagle River.

“The Hudson was in a bad way, with decks awash in a furious gale, and pumps hard at work. Captain McLean said he had all he could do to save his own vessel, and could not render assistance.

“When he arrived in port he supposed the steamship Gilchrist had rescued the Hudson’s crew. When he heard such was not the case he said there was no possible hope for the foundered ship.

“The Hudson was valued at $200,000 and carried a full cargo of flour, grain and east-bound merchandise worth $100,000.” (Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Ship and 25 Men Probably Lost.” 9-19-1901, p. 4.)

Sep 21: “Calumet, Mich., Sept. 21. – Advices received yesterday from Eagle River state that persons patrolling the lake shore in that vicinity have found wreckage, presumably from the Western Transit line steamer Hudson. The wreckage consists of a couple of spars, hatch cover and a quantity of flour. The cargo of the Hudson consisted largely of flour. No bodies have yet been found. It is thought the crew of twenty-five men went down.” (Logansport Pharos, IN. “Some Relics of the Hudson.” 9-21-1901, p. 2.)

Sep 23: “Houghton, Mich., Sept. 23. – The yawl and one of the cabins of the steamer Hudson washed ashore near Eagle River Saturday. Both were marked with the name of the boat.” (Rock Island Argus, IL. “Tidings From The Dead.” 9-23-1901, p. 8.)

Sep 24: “The steamer Hudson of the Western Transit Company foundered in Lake Superior off Eagle river, and her crew of twenty-four men were undoubtedly drowned.” (The Quill, La Harpe, IL. “Foundered in Lake Superior.” 9-24-1901, p. 6, col. 1.)

Sep 28: “One of the bodies found at Little Traverse bay yesterday morning [Sep 27] has been identified as that of Daniel Glass, an oiler of the lost steamer Hudson. The other body is that of the assistant cook, name unknown. The bodies were found by Finnish fisherman nearly seventy miles from Eagle river, the scene of the wreck.” (Albert Lea Enterprise, MN. “Victims of the Wreck.” 10-2-1901, p. 3, col. 3.)

Sources

Albert Lea Enterprise, MN. “Victims of the Wreck.” 10-2-1901, p. 3, col. 3. Accessed 11-28-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/albert-lea-enterprise-oct-02-1901-p-3/

Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Ship and 25 Men Probably Lost.” 9-19-1901, p. 4. Accessed 11-28-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/brooklyn-daily-eagle-sep-19-1901-p-4/

Krueger, Andrew. “118 years after ship sank in Lake Superior gale, searchers locate wreck 825 feet beneath the surface.” MPRnews, MN. 9-23-2019. Accessed 11-28-2020 at: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2019/09/22/searchers-locate-shipwreck-hudson-lake-superior

Logansport Pharos, IN. “Some Relics of the Hudson.” 9-21-1901, p. 2. Accessed 11-28-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/logansport-pharos-tribune-sep-21-1901-p-2/

Nash, Jay Robert. Darkest Hours – A Narrative Encyclopedia of Worldwide Disasters from Ancient Times to the Present. New York: Pocket Books, Wallaby, 1977, 792 pages.

Rock Island Argus, IL. “Tidings From The Dead.” 9-23-1901, p. 8. Accessed 11-28-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/rock-island-argus-sep-23-1901-p-8/

Swayze, David D. Shipwreck! A Comprehensive Directory of Over 3,700 Shipwrecks on the Great Lakes. Boyne City, MI: Harbor House Publications, Inc., 1992.

The Quill, La Harpe, IL. “Foundered in Lake Superior.” 9-24-1901, p. 6, col. 1. Accessed 121-28-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/la-harpe-quill-sep-24-1901-p-6/

United States Steamboat-Inspection Service. Annual Report of the Supervising Inspector General, Steamboat-Inspection Service for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1902. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1902, 337 pages. Digitized by Google. Accessed 11-27-2020 at: http://books.google.com/books?id=sVYpAAAAYAAJ

Wolff, Julius F., Jr. Lake Superior Shipwrecks: Complete Reference to Maritime Accidents and Disasters. Duluth, MN: Lake Superior Port Cities, Inc., 1990.

—     40  Nash, Jay Robert. Darkest Hours. 1977, p. 692.[1]

–17-22  Atlanta Constitution.  “Trapped in Small Cabin…Loss of the Golconda.” 8-21-1901, 1.

–17-22  New York Times. “The Paducah Disaster.” 8-21-1901, p. 2.

–15-22  Blanchard range.[2]

—     20  Daily News Almanac…for 1902. “Events of 1901.” 1902, p. 335.

—     18  Evansville Courier, IN. “City of Golconda Goes Down…Paducah.” 8-20-1901.

—   >17  Daily Huronite, SD. “Charge Carelessness.” 8-27-1901, p. 3.

—     16  Merchants’ Exchange of St. Louis. Annual Statement…for the Year 1901. 1902, p. 104.

—   >16  News-Democrat, Uhrichsville, OH. “River Steamer Overturned.” Aug 23, 1901, p. 6.

—     15  Sandusky Daily Star, OH. “Last Victim of City of Golconda…Found.” 8-24-1901, p. 1.

—     15  U.S. Steamboat Inspection Service. Annual Report…FY Ended June 30, 1902. 1902, 62.

 

Narrative Information

 

Daily News Almanac: “City of Golconda, steamer,[3] wrecked[4] by a squall on the Ohio river Aug. 19 — Twenty persons drowned.” (Daily News Almanac…1902. “Events of 1901.” 1902, p. 335.)

 

U.S. Steamboat Inspection Service: “August 19. – While en route from Elizabethtown, Ill., to Paducah, Ky., steamer City of Golconda was caught in a severe windstorm and capsized at a point near Cottonwood Bar, resulting in the loss of 15 lives, 11 passengers and 4 colored deck crew. Damage to steamer, $2,500. Cause investigated and officers exonerated from blame.”  (U.S. Steamboat Inspection Service. Annual Report…FY Ended June 30, 1902. 1902, 62.)

 

Newspapers

 

Aug 19: “Paducah, Ky., Aug. 19 – Eighteen people lost their lives in the sinking of the steamer City of Golconda tonight. It was the worst disaster that has taken place on the Ohio river in 50 years. Caught in a storm which came up suddenly, the boat was turned over in the middle of the river in the twinkling of an eye and 18 lives were sacrificed. Forty-five passengers escaped.

“The City of Golconda plied between Golconda and Elizabethtown (Illinois) and was on her way down the river with a large number of passengers. The boat had fine sailing and nothing had happened to mar the trip of the many pleasure seekers on board. When the boat was five miles above this city, a storm came up. It was sudden. The crew did not see the black clouds in the west. In fact, the passengers were at supper and all were merry.  Suddenly there was a loud noise, like a clap of thunder, and the boat was turned over in mid river. It was too sudden for those on board to tell how it happened.  In an instant passengers were fighting for their lives in the middle of the river and many were caught in the cabin like so many rats in a cage, never to escape.

“The fortunate ones who happened to be thrown in the river held on to the steamer until she drifted down stream a mile. Skiffs that are always kept on top of a steamer were finally secured and with these the passengers got to shore.

“News of the terrible disaster reached here at 8 o’clock and a relief party was sent up the river to aid in the work of rescue. The party arrived too late to save any lives and began searching for bodies of the dead.

“Some of the passengers who lost their lives were from the most prominent families of Kentucky. Watts Davis was a cattle buyer of Livingston County, Ky., and one of the wealthiest men in western Kentucky. Miss Locky Barnett was the wealthiest woman in Smithland and her father, who recently died, was prominent in politics.

“The City of Golconda was the property of Golconda, Ill., people and was valued at $10,000. She was one of the best little boats in this port and was insured for $5,000.

“On board the steamer when the accident happened was a Methodist minister. There was also a white horse on the boat. Passengers who saw the horse taken on remarked at the time that there would be an accident of some kind, as there was already a minister on the boat. The minister escaped with his life and says he will never again go on board a steamboat where there is a white horse.”  (Evansville Courier, IN. “City of Golconda Goes Down…Paducah.” 8-20-1901.)

 

Aug 20: “Paducah, Ky., Aug. 20. – Seventeen lives are known now to have been lost when the river steamer City of Golconda turned turtle in a windstorm last night while the boat was being worked into the landing at Crowell’s, six miles from Paducah. The number may be increased to twenty-two, as five persons are yet unaccounted for. There, were sixty persons aboard.

 

“Of all the women aboard the steamer only one, the wife of Engineer Hayden, was saved. The passengers were at dinner in the cabin when the storm struck. There was absolutely no chance for those in the cabin to escape. The usual rocking of a steamer capsized by the wind was not felt. The boat simply turned over and sunk in eighteen feet of water. Captain Bauer and Pilot Peck jumped overboard and reached the shore, where they got a boat and rowed around the wreck, picking up the few who had been able to throw themselves overboard.

 

“Of those who were inside the cabin when the steamer turned over, only two, H. E. Whorten and N. S. Quarternous of Hampton, Ky., escaped. They got out by breaking a hole through the glass top-work, and were picked up by-boats.

 

“Captain Bauer said that those in the cabin-must have been drowned instantly, for he heard no screams.  He declares that the accident happened so quickly that it was a mystery to him how a single person escaped.

 

“As the boat’s passenger list was lost, as well as all the ship’s papers, an absolutely accurate list of the persons drowned has not yet been obtained.

 

“Three divers and a salvage corps are at work now on the wrecked steamer. They reported this afternoon that the cabin which was closed when the storm came up, is full of bodies. Only three were recovered up to noon, those of Miss Trixie Grimes, Miss Lucy Barnett, and Mrs. David Adams.

 

“The boat is seventy-five yards from the Kentucky shore, head down stream and difficult of access in every way.  Recovery of the bodies will be slow work.” (NYT. “The Paducah Disaster.” Aug 21, 1901, p. 2.)

 

Aug 20: “Paducah, Ky., August 20. – The horror of the City of Golconda disaster at Cottonwood bar, 4 miles above Paducah, last night is just beginning to be fully comprehended by the people of Paducah as body after body is brought into the city and taken to undertakers. The boat’s register has not yet been recovered, but it is certain the death list will number seventeen and probably twenty-two. The list of the dead follows:  [17 names].

 

“An official investigation will be made, as it seems certain that the most culpable carelessness caused the catastrophe.

Engineer Deserted Post

 

“A.A. Peck, the pilot, claims the engineer deserted his post and that he could not manage the boat with the engines helpless. The engineer denies this and claims that he remained at the throttle until the water was waist deep.

 

“Frank Enders, one of the passengers, corroborated by several others, declares that the effort to land brought the side of the boat around so that the wind struck it full force. There had been almost a gale blowing for ten minutes and one many who could not swim went to the pilot house and begged the pilot to land. When he did finally consent to land, the hurricane, visible as a huge black streak sweeping across the river, struck the boat as it swung around in a position least able to resist it.

 

“Early this morning the work of searching for the remains began…The rescuing party had two boats with three divers and salvage corps. They report since noon that the loss of life will exceed twenty and that the revised list cannot be had until the boat is raised and the books as well as the bodies are recovered….” (Atlanta Constitution. “Trapped in Small Cabin…Loss of the Golconda.” 8-21-1901, 1.)

 

Aug 22: “Paducah, Ky., Aug. 22.–The United States snag-boat Woodruff, pursuant to instructions, went to the wreck of the City of Golconda and righted the boat, turning her over and leaving her with top of hurricane roof above the water, not far from the bank.  She is a bad wreck and it is thought the remainder of the bodies will be recovered Thursday….John Meehan, a peddler of Paducah, is added to the list of dead.” (Piqua Leader-Dispatch, OH. “The Boat Righted.” Aug 22, 1901, 2.)

 

Aug 23: “Paducah, Ky. – The worst steamboat disaster of years hereabouts occurred when the City of Golconda, plying between this city and Elizabethtown, Ill., was struck by a tornado as she landed at Crowells, six miles above here, and turned over. Many of the passengers were at supper and were unable to escape from the cabin. At least sixteen were drowned. Most of the crew was lost. The boat was loaded with live stock and grain and had about seventy-five passengers. Several who reached the deck as the tornado struck the vessel jumped overboard in their fright and were lost.

 

“Captain Jesse Bauer and Pilot E. E. Peck swam to shore and after rescuing all in sight hurried to the city. The boat went down in ten feet of water on her side, and what few passengers were found struggling in the water clung to a yawl and reached shore….” (News-Democrat, Uhrichsville, OH. “River Steamer Overturned.” Aug 23, 1901, p. 6.)

 

Aug 24: “Paducah, Ky., Aug. 24. – The body of Wallace Hogan, drowned by the over-turning of the steamer City of Golconda, was recovered today. It is the last body and makes the list of dead 15.” (Sandusky Daily Star, OH.  “Last Victim of City of Golconda…Found.” 8-24-1901, p. 1.)

 

Aug 24: “Cairo, Ills., Aug 24.–Three bodies, supposed to be from the ill-fated steamer City of Golconda, have been caught in the river here. One is the body of an elderly white man, supposed to be that of the peddler drowned on the boat. The other two are bodies of negroes. Coroner James McManus is now engaged on the inquest. A fourth body is reported to have been seen by the crew of the towboat Herman Paepcke near the Kentucky shore a few miles below here. They thought it was the body of a woman. The bodies of all five of the women known to have been on the boat have, however, been recovered. There are still five bodies missing and a close watch is being kept on the river.

 

“W. W. Hogan of Paducah, who lost his entire family on the City of Golconda, was unaware of the fact until he reached this city on his travels. He travels for the J. M. Clark Grocery company of St. Louis. Returning from a trip through southeast Missouri he stepped to the telephone to tell his wife and three little ones that he would be up on the Fowler that evening. The reply that he got almost crazed him with grief.” (Kokomo Daily Tribune, IN. “Keeping Watch Up. Other Victims of City of Golconda Disaster Found Floating at Cairo.” 8-24-1901, p. 7.)

 

Sources

 

Atlanta Constitution, GA. “Trapped in Small Cabin…Loss of the Golconda.” 8-21-1901, 1.  Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=4845961

 

The Sun. Brooksburg, IN. “River News,” 8-29-1901, p. 1. Accessed 7-11-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/brooksburg-sun-aug-29-1901-p-1/

 

Daily Huronite, SD. “Charge Carelessness.” 8-27-1901, p. 3. Accessed 7-11-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/daily-huronite-aug-27-1901-p-3/

 

Daily News Almanac and Book of Facts for 1902. “Events of 1901.” Chicago Daily News Company, 1902, pp. 335-338. Accessed 7-10-2018 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=7ZIaAQAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

 

Evansville Courier, IN. “City of Golconda Goes Down Five Miles This Side of Paducah.” 8-20-1901. At: http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/2008/09/city-of-golconda-goes-down.html

 

Kokomo Daily Tribune, IN. “Keeping Watch Up. Other Victims of City of Golconda Disaster Found Floating at Cairo.” 8-24-1901, p. 7. Accessed 7-11-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/kokomo-daily-tribune-aug-24-1901-p-7/

 

Merchants’ Exchange of St. Louis. Annual Statement of the Trade and Commerce of St. Louis for the Year 1901. St. Louis, MO: R. P. Studley & Co., 1902, 104.  Digitized by Google at:  http://books.google.com/books?id=KNwpAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=true

 

Nash, Jay Robert. Darkest Hours – A Narrative Encyclopedia of Worldwide Disasters from Ancient Times to the Present. New York: Pocket Books, Wallaby, 1977, 792 pages.

 

New York Times. “The Paducah Disaster” [Steamboat City of Golconda] Aug 21, 1901, p. 2.  Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52165626

 

News-Democrat, Uhrichsville, OH. “River Steamer Overturned.” 8-23-1901, p. 6. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=6394897

 

Piqua Leader-Dispatch, OH.  “The Boat Righted” [City of Golconda]. Aug 22, 1901, 2.  Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=83809438

 

Sandusky Daily Star, OH. “Last Victim of City of Golconda Accident Found.” 8-24-1901, p. 1. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=3367516

 

United States Steamboat-Inspection Service. Annual Report of the Supervising Inspector General, Steamboat-Inspection Service for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1902. Washington, DC:  Government Printing Office, 1902, 337 pages. Digitized by Google. Accessed at:  http://books.google.com/books?id=sVYpAAAAYAAJ

 

 

 

 

 

[1] Not used for high estimate – have not been able to corroborate with other sources.

[2] The range is a reflection of our sources, which we have tried unsuccessfully to narrow.

[3] Described in a news report as “a short, narrow, topheavy sternwheel boat.” (The Sun. Brooksburg, IN. “River News,” 8-29-1901, p. 1.)

[4] Turned upside-down.

–65-80 Newark Advocate, OH. “Steamer Strikes…Iceberg. Seventy-Five…Dead.” 8-19-1901, 1
–65-80 Winnipeg Daily Tribune, Canada. “SS. Islander Reported Lost.” 8-19-1901, p. 1.
— 75 Newark Advocate, OH. “Steamer Strikes…Iceberg. Seventy-Five…Dead.” 8-19-1901, 1.
— 70 Alaskashipwreck.com. Alaska Shipwrecks. “Alaska Shipwrecks 1900-1925.”*
— 70 Berman, Bruce D. Encyclopedia of American Shipwrecks. 1972, p. 212.
— 70 Lake County Examiner, Lakeview, OR. “Many Lives Lost at Sea.” 8-29-1901, p. 1.
— 70 Oxford Mirror, IA. “Ship Crashes Into Iceberg. Alaskan…Islander…” 8-22-1901, 2
— 68 NYT. “Sunk By Iceberg; Scores Drowned. Sixty-eight Lost…Islander. 8-20-1901, 3
— 66 Philadelphia Times. “Lives and Gold Lost in Wreck.” 8-20-1901, p. 1.
— 65 Des Moines Capital, IA. “Alaskan Steamer Sunk By An Iceberg.” Aug 19, 1901, p. 1.
— >60 Sioux Valley News, IA. “Is Sunk By An Iceberg.” Aug 22, 1901, p. 7.
–42-53 Blanchard estimated range.
— 53 List of passengers/crew lost as reported in newspapers at the time. alaskashipwreck.com
— ~45 The Mining Review, Sandon, B.C. “The Steamer Islander…” 8-24-1901, p. 1, col. 1.
— 45 “Official reports.” Noted by Alaskashipwreck.com.
— 42 AK Bur. Ocean Energy Mgmt., Reg., Enforce. Alaska’s Worst All Time Shipping Losses.
— 42 New York Times. “The Loss of the Islander.” Aug 21, 1901, p. 2.
— 40 Mackie. “This Week in History: 1901: Canadian Pacific steamship Islander…” Vancouver Sun, 8-14-2020.
–23 passengers
–16 crew
— 40 The Nelson Tribune, B.C., Can. “Revised List of Drowned.” 8-24-1901, p. 1.
— 39 Gottehrer. The Associated Press Stylebook for Alaska (Revised and 2nd ed.). 2000, p. 90.

*Blanchard note on Alaskashipwreck.com: Notes that “official” reports had death toll at 45 while “newspaper accounts have as many as 70 lost.”

Narrative Information

Alaskashipwreck.com: “1901…Islander…SE [southeast area]…British Steamer…70 [lives lost]…101 [lives saved].” (Alaska Shipwrecks. “Alaska Shipwrecks 1900-1925.”

Alaskashipwreck.com: “Islander (1901). The 240 foot British passenger and freight steamer Islander was reported to have collided with an iceberg off Douglas Island at the foot of Lynn Canal on August 15, 1901 shortly after leaving Juneau. There were 109 passengers and 62 crew members aboard from whom official reports say 45 were lost. Newspaper accounts have as many as 70 lost. It was only 20 minutes from the time the vessel struck and ripped open her port side plates until she sank, bow first, off of Douglas Island. It was shortly after two o’clock in the morning. There are as many different and often conflicting accounts of the tragedy as there were survivors.

“The Islander was rumored to be carrying 1.5 to 3 million in gold when she sank. Many attempts at salvaging the treasure have taken place since the disaster and are still ongoing more than 100 years later. In 1934 the Islander was raised from 365 feet and towed into the shallows. No substantial amounts of gold were found aboard the rusted hulk. Other salvage efforts stretch from where the vessel was reported to have struck an iceberg at the south end of Douglas Island to her final resting place many miles away.

“The following two lists are unofficial, incomplete or more likely over complete but represent passengers and crewmembers that were listed as lost and/or those listed as survivors. I merged lists that appeared in a number of newspapers that were directly and immediately affected by the tragedy. There are notations by each name identifying where the information was found. Many names were misspelled or duplicated in several sources. Some names were included in both lists, but later excluded from one or the other. Some names only appear in the newspapers of the passengers home towns. Names and particulars come from the following publications:

Daily Alaska Dispatch of Thursday August 15, 1901 (AD15 – 21 names)
Daily Alaska Dispatch of Friday August 16, 1901 (AD16 – 25 names)
Daily Alaska Dispatch of Saturday August 17, 1901 (AD17 – 26 passenger names)
Daily Alaska Dispatch of Monday August 19, 1901 (AD19 – 26 passengers and 13 crewmen names)
The Vancouver Daily World of Monday August 19, 1901 (DW19 – 6 passengers and 17 crewmen names lost and 97 survivors names)
Portland Morning Oregonian of Tuesday August 20, 1901 (MO20) 79 Survivors
San Francisco Chronicle Tuesday August 20, 1901 (SF20) 78 Survivors

“Names of passengers and crew LOST as reported in the above newspapers: [53]
1. George Allen (Allan), 3rd engineer of the Islander (AD15) (AD16) (AD19) (DW19) (MO20)
2. James Baird, assistant pantryman of the Islander (AD19)
3. Miss Kate Barnes (AD17) body recovered (AD17) (AD19)
4. Joe Beard, 2nd pantryman of the Islander (AD15) (AD16)
5. Mr. P.W. Bell (AD15) (AD16) (AD17) (AD19) (DW19)
6. M.J. Bracelen of Humboldt, Nebraska (AD19) [Or William J. Bracelen, a miner.]
7. George Buckholder, oiler of the Islander (AD15) (AD16) (AD19) A Buckholder, oiler (DW19)
8. Patrick Paddy Burke (body recovered) Burk, oiler of the Islander (AD15) (AD16) (AD19) A. Burke, oiler (DW19)
9. N. Casper (AD17) (AD19)
10. M. Castlebury (AD17)
11. F.F. Comford (AD17) F.F. Comfort (AD19)
12. Joseph Dahl of Circle City [Alaska?] (body recovered) (AD16) (AD17) (AD19)
13. J.G. Dean (AD17) (AD19)
14. Mr. J.M. Douglas (AD17) (AD19)
15. Dr. J.A. Duncan of Victoria (AD15) (body recovered) (AD16) (AD17) (AD19) (DW19)
16. Captain H.B. Foote (AD15) (AD16) (AD19)
17. Horace Fowler, 2nd steward of the Islander (AD16)
18. James Hatch, fireman of the Islander (AD19) (DW19)
19. U.S. Hebert (AD17) N.S. Herbert (AD19)
20. Mrs. J.C. Henderson (AD15) (AD16) (AD19) (DW19) (SF20)
21. Miles Jacob, saloon waiter of the Islander (body recovered) (AD16) (AD19)
22. A.W. Jerry of Eagle City (body recovered) (AD16)
23. M.P. Jock, coal passer of the Islander (AD15) (AD16) M.P. Jack (DW19)
24. E.W. Jorg (AD17) (AD19)
25. Mr. Andrew Keating (SF20) [Los Angeles, CA]
26. Arthur Keating (AD17) (AD19) son “
27. Mrs. Keating (AD17) (AD19) wife “
28. Julius Keating (AD17) (AD19) son “
29. Alfred Kendall, night saloon watchman of the Islander (AD15) (body recovered) (AD16) (AD19) Second pantryman Kendall (DW19)
30. N. Law, coal passer of the Islander (AD15) (AD16) Norman Law, waiter of the Islander (AD19)
31. V. Law (DW19) Crew of Islander
32. E. Lills (DW19) Passenger
33. William Meadows (AD17) (AD19)
34. George Miles, barber of the Islander, Miller, barber of the Islander (AD15) (AD16) (AD19) (DW19)
35. E. Mills (AD15) (AD16) (AD17) (AD19) (wife survived)
36. G. Moran, coal passer of the Islander (AD15) (AD16) (DW19)
37. Mrs. Captain Nickerson (AD15) (AD16) (AD19) Mrs. Nichelson (AD17) (DW19)
38. Dorothy Ione Philips, 4 year old daughter of Dr. Phillips of Seattle (body recovered) (AD16) (AD19) (SF20)
39. Mrs. Phillips (AD17) (AD19) (SF20) [Seattle, WA]
40. S.J. Pitts, colored chief cook of the Islander (AD15) (body recovered) (AD16) (AD19) (DW19)
41. Hugh Porter, coal passer of the Islander (AD15)(body recovered) (AD16) (AD19) J. Porter coal passer (DW19)
42. F. Rekate (AD17) F. Rekato (AD19) Fred Rekate Dawson butcher (AD19)
43. T. Rodgers (Rogers) (AD19)
44. Mrs. R. Ross (Governor Ross’ wife) (AD15) (AD16)(body recovered) (AD17) (AD19)
45. Mrs. R. Ross infant child (AD15) (AD16)(body recovered) (AD17) (AD19)
46. Mrs. R. Ross niece (Miss McKay) (AD15) (AD16) (AD17) (body recovered) (AD19) (DW19)
47. Mrs. Ross (body recovered) (AD17) (AD19) [of Seattle, WA]
48. Horace Smith, 2nd steward of the Islander (AD15) (DW19). Name changed to Horace Fowler on subsequent lost lists and later back to Horace Smith (AD19).
49. E.L. Spinks (AD17)
50. W.T. Thomas mounted policeman (body identified)
51. J.R. Wilkes (AD17)
52. R. Yet (Chinaman) (AD19) (Body recovered)
53. Unidentified Chinaman (DW19)
[Names of passengers and crew who reportedly survived, noted by alaskashipwreck.com, omitted.]

“Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 13 N 134 30 W Chart 17315.

“Additional Information: Length 240, Breadth 42, Depth 14, Built 1888 at Glasgow Scotland, Twin screw, Master H R Foot, Registered Victoria BC, Owner Canadian Pacific Navigation Company.

“Sources: 1. Wreck Report made from Dispatch from Consul at Vancouver BC August 31, 1901 made from letter dated August 19, 1901 of Senior Purser Canadian Pacific Navigation Co., 2. Peril at Sea (1986) Pgs 101, 143-8, 170 & 178, 3. Daily Alaska Dispatch (August 15, 1901), 4. Daily Alaska Dispatch (August 16, 1901), 5. Daily Alaska Dispatch (August 17, 1901), 6. Daily Alaska Dispatch (August 19, 1901), 7. The Vancouver Daily World (August 19, 1901), 8. Portland Morning Oregonian (August 20, 1901), 9. San Francisco Chronicle (August 20, 1901).” (Alaska Shipwrecks. “Alaska Shipwrecks A – Z.”)

Berman: “Islander. Steamer…Aug 14, 1901. Collided. With iceberg. In Steven’s Passage, Alaska. Sailed from Juneau, Alaska and struck iceberg only after a minutes [stet.] out of port. 70 lives lost. Reported to have carried between $1.5 and $3 million in gold…” (Berman 1972, p. 212.)

Gottehrer: “Aug. 15, 1901. At 2 a.m., the steamer Islander of the Canadian Pacific Navigation Co., which operated between Victoria and Skagway, hit what was thought to be an iceberg in thick glacial fog off Douglas Island and sank. Some survivors suggested the crew was drunk. The pilot was quoted as saying there was no fog. The Islander was very near land, about one mile from land and two miles from a good beach. Since the area is not known for icebergs the berg may actually have been land. The Islander was considered unsinkable because of its watertight compartments. Counts of the people aboard and of the dead varied. The steamer carried at least 107 adult passengers, 71 crew and 10 workaways. No list existed of the children aboard, but youngsters were among the 39 dead. Some bodies were robbed after they were brought ashore. A large quantity of gold, placed at values varying from $250,000 to 43 million, was lost. Twenty-four persons boarded two lifeboats, each lifeboat having a 40-person capacity. The rest jumped into the icy waters. Some swam to safety; most died of hypothermia. One man drowned reportedly because he thought his suitcase would aid him as a float, but its heavy load of gold caused it to sink. The ship was refloated in an attempt to recover the lost cargo of gold, but only a small portion was found.” (Gottehrer. The Associated Press Stylebook for Alaska (Revised and 2nd edition). 2000, p. 90.)

Newspapers

Aug 18, Winnipeg Daily Tribune: “Victoria, Aug. 18. – The steamer Islander, the crack steamer of the Alaskan route, operated by the C. P. R. of this city, struck an iceberg off Douglas Island at 2 o’clock on the morning of Thursday last [15th] and went to the bottom carrying from 65 to 80 souls, including passengers and members of the crew. Some of the survivors arrived here this evening by the steamer Queen. They report that as the vessel went down her boilers exploded, causing the death of many who might otherwise have escaped….” (Winnipeg Daily Tribune, Canada. “SS. Islander Reported Lost.” 8-19-1901, p. 1.)

Aug 19, Des Moines Capital: “Victoria, B.C., Aug. 19. – The steamer Islander, the flagship of the Canadian Pacific Navigation company and the largest and fastest passenger steamer on the Victoria-Skagway route, collided with an iceberg off Douglass island, Alaska, while on her way south with the largest number of passengers that she has ever received since she was placed on the run, several months ago, and sunk within fifteen minutes after striking.

“Captain Foote, her master, and about sixty-five persons, including passengers and members of the crew were drowned. To add to the horror of the disaster the Queen’s boilers exploded as she went down, causing the death of many of those who were struggling in the water.

“The steamer left Skagway on the evening of Wednesday last and was proceeding out of Lynn canal when the collision occurred. Most of the passengers and members of the crew, who were in bed, were rudely awakened by the shock. A majority got on deck in time to be saved in the boats, which were quickly manned, but a large number went down in their staterooms. Some of the survivors arrived here last evening by the steamer which passed over the scene of the appalling disaster of the following evening and picked them up at Juneau, to where they had been taken.

“United States Consul Smith of Victoria, who was a passenger on the Queen from Juneau to Victoria, gleaned this story of the wreck of the steamer Islander…from the survivors…:

The Islander left Skagway for Victoria on Wednesday evening, August 12, at 6 p.m., with 125 passengers and a crew of 60 men on board and ten or twelve stowaways. All went well, the steamer making her usual record of fifteen knots an hour until 3 a.m. Thursday morning, when the Juneau was passed and the sound end of Douglass Island was reached. Then suddenly the steamer encountered an obstruction, said to have been an iceberg, and stopped with a jolt which aroused many of the sleeping passengers.

Pilot Lablonde [unclear] was in charge of the steamer at the time and went immediately to the dining room, where Captain Foote was having breakfast, and notified him of the trouble. As soon as the vessel struck, water rushed in forward and the pilot advised that the vessel be run on the beach, not over half a mile distant, at once. To this the captain objected, saying the beach was too abrupt. He thought there was no immediate danger, but would a few miles further down, where he knew there was a landing.

He said there was no immediate danger, and that they could go back to bed, and then sent the first officer down to examine. That officer reported there was great danger and urged that the vessel be beached at once. The first officer ordered the boats let down, but this order was countermanded by the captain, who, however, finally realized the seriousness of the situation and allowed the first officer to get down the boats. Meanwhile the passengers aroused to their peril, appeared on deck and a rush was made to the purser by those who had given him treasures to keep. The purser handed all out except two bags of $10,000 each, which were not claimed and went down with the vessel. The bow of the steamer steadily sunk and twenty minutes from the time it struck the deck was under water and the stern propeller and rudder were high in the air and useless.

The captain remained on the bridge until the last and finally jumped on, a life raft, where he stayed a few minutes, when the steamer dove forward entirely out of sight. As it done so an explosion occurred and the captain lost his hold on the life raft and sank.

“Considerable difficulty was experienced in ascertaining the location of the shore though it was only a short distance away owing to the dense fog prevailing. Finally Preston of Seattle and Dawson, who with his bride was on his wedding trip, both of whom were, saved in the last boat which left the wreck, heard water trickling down on the rocks and all the boats reached shore. A number jumped off the steamer into the water and were rescued therefrom only to die of exhaustion from the intense cold. Several were recovered only after four or five hours of continuous hard work by their comrades….”

(Des Moines Capital, IA. “Alaskan Steamer Sunk By An Iceberg.” Aug 19, 1901, p. 1.)

Aug 19: “Victoria, B. C., Aug. 19.—The Alaskan steamer Islander, which struck an iceberg, cost at least 75 lives including the captain who went down with his ship. She carried 107 passengers and a crew of 71. Over 100 people are now known to be safe. Many were killed by the exploding of boilers, while others in the small boats could not push away from the sinking vessel in time….

“Victoria, Aug. 19. – F. J. Boweker, a surviving passenger of the Islander wreck, says there were not half enough boats on the Islander, and that those that were used were over-crowded, and many lost their lives on the deck and in the rigging, begging to be saved, who could not find room in the boats….” (Newark Advocate, OH. “Steamer Strikes…Iceberg. Seventy-Five…Dead.” 8-19-1901, 1.)

Aug 19: “Port Townsend, Washington, Aug. 19 – The news of one of the most appalling marine disasters on the Pacific Coast – the wreck of the steamer Islander and the loss of sixty-seven of her passengers and crew – was brought here today by the steamer Queen, which has just arrived from the north.

“The Islander, the finest steamer in the service of the Canadian Pacific Navigation Company, had sailed from Skagway on Aug. 14. When nearing the southwestern end of Douglas Island, at 2 A.M. on Aug. 15, and when running at full speed, she struck a floating iceberg, and in less than twenty minutes went to the bottom of the deep channel, carrying men, women, and children to watery graves.

“The Islander had 198 passengers, and all were in bed when the vessel struck. The shock was so severe that many were thrown from their berths, and the wildest excitement prevailed. A general scramble followed for the lifeboats, while many jumped overboard and attempted to swim to the shore, only a short distance away.

“In the scramble to reach the boats many were hurled headlong into the chilly water, which, according to passengers arriving from the scene, soon seemed to become alive with human beings. Before all the passengers had left the vessel the Islander have a lunge and went down, bow first.

“It is known that sixty-seven lives were lost, but it will be some time before their names can be definitely learned, as the purser lost his passenger list. Among those known to have perished were:

Mrs. Ross, wife of the Governor of the Yukon Territory, her child and niece.
Dr. John Duncan, Port Townsend [WA].
W. G. Preston and bride, Seattle. [alaskashipwreck.com notes both survived]
F. Mills, Victoria [BC]….
W. H. Keating and two sons, Los Angeles.
J.V. Douglas, Vancouver;
Mrs. Phillips and child, Seattle….
Mrs. J. L. Wilson, Seattle….

“The boats had considerable difficulty in making the shore, on account of the heavy fog which prevailed. When they did so a party, headed by the Chief Engineer, at once started out for Treadwell, the nearest town, about twenty-five miles distant. The Treadwell steamers Lucy and Jenniker and the Juneau steamer Flossie were immediately dispatched to the scene of the wreck.

“A passenger who arrived by the Queen says that on Thursday morning, when the tide turned, it brought in a large quantity of debris from the wreck, including parts of cabin stores, staterooms, trunks, &c. The Indians looted the wreckage, smashing trunks with axes and carrying off valuables.” (NYT. “Sunk By Iceberg; Scores Drowned. Sixty-eight Lost Lives…Islander. 8-20-1901, 3.)

Aug 20: “Seattle, Washington, Aug. 20. – J. T. Snyder, a resident of Juneau, Alaska, who was on the wrecked steamer Islander when the latter was sunk by an iceberg off Douglas Island, between Skagway and Victoria, arrived on the steamer Farallon today, and brings a story which may tend to exculpate Capt. Foote for blame in not beaching the Islander at once.

“Mr. Snyder after the collision was in the water for three hours, clinging to a raft, and was finally picked up unconscious. He left the boat just half a minute after the Captain jumped overboard, and they both held on to the same raft for fully half an hour. In conversation with him the Captain said he could not understand why the boat went down so quickly.

“At the inquest held at Juneau, which Mr. Snyder attended, evidence developed which may explain this. ‘The pilot,’ Mr. Snyder said, ‘testified that he was on the bridge, and that as soon as the steamer struck he told the Captain he was going to beach her, but the Captain said, ‘No, there is a better place about three miles from here, and she will easily float that long.’

“The testimony, according to Mr. Snyder, showed that there was a stowaway in the forward water-tight compartment. When the vessel struck the water rushed in on him, and he set up a howl, and being immediately under the sailors’ quarters, one of them thoughtlessly rushed down and opened the compartment, which allowed the sea to come rolling into the hold, carrying the body of the stowaway and the sailor with it. This was done without the Captain’s knowledge, and may have excused him for thinking the vessel would float several hours, which it would have done had the watertight compartment not been opened.

“It was established, said Mr. Snyder, that if the pilot had carried out his intention he could have gotten her on the beach without the loss of any lives except the stowaway.

“Latest reports of the loss of life by the sinking of the Islander reduce the first estimates. It is now stated that only forty-two persons were lost.” (NYT. “The Loss of…Islander.” 8-21-1901, p. 2.)

Aug 20, Philadelphia Times: “Victoria, B.C., August 19. – The loss of life by the sinking of the gold-laden passenger steamer Islander off Douglas Island, on the coast of Alaska, is now estimated at 66….” (Philadelphia Times. “Lives and Gold Lost in Wreck.” 8-20-1901, p. 1.)

Aug 28, San Francisco Call: “Seattle, Aug. 28. – Nearly two score of damage cases against the Canadian Pacific Navigation Company, in connection with the wreck of the steamer Islander, have been instituted here. They will be presented in the United States court, which is presumed to have jurisdiction. The cases involve only those who were citizens or natives of the United States.” (The San Francisco Call. “Damage Suits Against Owners of Islander.” 8-29-1901, p. 3.)

Sources

Alaska Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement. Alaska’s Worst All Time Shipping Losses. Accessed 7-18-2011 at: http://www.alaska.boemre.gov/ref/ships/

Alaskashipwreck.com. Alaska Shipwrecks. “Alaska Shipwrecks 1900-1925.” Accessed 11-15-2021 at: https://alaskashipwreck.com/alaska-shipwrecks-1729-2012/alaska-shipwrecks-1900-1925/

Alaskashipwreck.com. Alaska Shipwrecks. “Alaska Shipwrecks A – Z.” Accessed 11-14-2021 at:

Alaska Shipwrecks (I)

Berman, Bruce D. Encyclopedia of American Shipwrecks. Boston: Mariners Press Inc., 1972.

Des Moines Daily Capital, IA. “Alaskan Steamer Sunk By An Iceberg.” Aug 19, 1901, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=76061032

Gottehrer, Dean M. The Associated Press Stylebook for Alaska (Revised and 2nd edition). Fairbanks, Alaska: Epicenter Press, 2000. Partially digitized by Google at: http://books.google.com/books?id=O53zwdFYTGEC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

Lake County Examiner, Lakeview, OR. “Many Lives Lost at Sea.” 8-29-1901, p. 1. Accessed 11-15-2021 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lakeview-lake-county-examiner-aug-29-1901-p-1/

Mackie, John. “This Week in History: 1901: Canadian Pacific steamship Islander strikes an iceberg and sinks in Alaska.” Vancouver Sun, 8-14-2020. Accessed 11-15-2021 at: https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/this-week-in-history-1901-canadian-pacific-steamship-islander-strikes-an-iceberg-and-sinks-in-alaska

New York Times. “Sunk By Iceberg; Scores Drowned. Sixty-eight Lost Lives in Sinking of Steamer Islander,” 8-20-1901, 3. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52165615

New York Times. “The Loss of the Islander.” Aug 21, 1901, p. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52165626

Newark Advocate, OH. “Steamer Strikes An Iceberg. Seventy-Five People Dead.” 8-19-1901, 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=6290143

Oxford Mirror, IA. “Ship Crashes Into Iceberg. Alaskan Steamer Islander Wrecked and Seventy Die.” 8-22-1901, 2. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=58580614

Philadelphia Times. “Lives and Gold Lost in Wreck.” 8-20-1901, p. 1. Accessed 11-15-2021 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-aug-20-1901-p-1/

Sioux Valley News, Correctionville, IA. “Is Sunk By An Iceberg. Alaskan Steamer Islander…” 8-22-1901, p. 7. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=32320077

The Mining Review, Sandon, B.C. “The Steamer Islander…” 8-24-1901, p. 1, col. 1. Accessed 11-15-2021 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sandon-mining-review-aug-24-1901-p-1/

The Morning Oregonian, Portland. “Body of Man Lost on the Islander.” 8-29-1901, p. 4. Accessed 11-15-2021 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/portland-morning-oregonian-aug-29-1901-p-4/

The Nelson Tribune, central Kootenay region, southeastern British Columbia. “Revised List of Drowned.” 8-24-1901, p.1. Accessed 11-15-2021 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/agassiz-record-aug-24-1901-p-1/

The San Francisco Call. “Damage Suits Against Owners of Islander. Americans Who Suffered Through the Wreck Begin Actions in Seattle.” 8-29-1901, p. 3. Accessed 11-15-2021 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/san-francisco-call-aug-29-1901-p-3/

Winnipeg Daily Tribune, Canada. “SS. Islander Reported Lost.” 8-19-1901, p. 1. Accessed 11-15-2021 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/winnipeg-tribune-aug-19-1901-p-1/

—  20  Daily News Almanac and Book of Facts for 1902. “Events of 1901.” 1902, p. 337.[1]

–>20  The Times, Philadelphia. “Twenty Killed, Fifty Injured by Explosion.” 8-6-1901, p. 1.

—    8  Philadelphia Inquirer. “Blame for Explosion Placed on MacClemmy,” 10-1-1901, p. 8.

— > 8  Philadelphia Times. “Eight Bodies Out, Seven Identified,” 8-8-1901, p. 4.

 

Narrative Information

 

Daily News Almanac: “Philadelphia, PA., Aug. 5 — Gasoline explosion kills twenty persons.”

 

Aug 6, Philadelphia Times: “By the explosion of a tank of gasoline in a cellar of George MacClenny’s [MacClemmy] grocery store, at 1014 Locust street, at 9:35 last night, more than twenty people were killed and upwards of fifty injured.

 

“A moment after the explosion the entire south side of Locust street, between Warnock street on the west and Alder street on the east, a distance of 120 feet, was a mass of blazing ruins. Six houses had fallen in, and as many others were partly demolished. Buried in the debris was every occupant of the buildings, for there had been no warning and none had had a chance to escape. Up until early this morning most of the victims, living and dead, were still in the ruins.

 

“Just how many people were killed was not known with accuracy, but the police and hospital officials at midnight placed the minimum estimate at twenty. The difficulty of clearing out the ruins and of securing names from the terror-stricken survivors made the task of fixing an exact number one almost impossible of performance. But the accident is by far the most appalling of its kind which has happened in Philadelphia in a decade….

 

“According to the latest lists obtainable from the hospitals and the morgue those who lost their lives numbered —

 

“The dead were:

 

Unknown negro woman, taken to Pennsylvania Hospital.

Unknown negro child, 2 years old, supposed to be a daughter of Annie Harris; died at

midnight at Pennsylvania Hospital.

Remainder in ruins….”

 

Aug 7, Philadelphia Times: “Seven persons known to be dead, seventy-five injured and several unaccounted for, four houses razed to the ground as though swept by a cyclone, and half a dozen more damaged so badly that they will practically have to be rebuilt, is in brief the damage done by the terrible explosion which swept Locust street from Alder to Warnock streets Monday night, carrying death and destruction if its train.

 

“The veteran Insurance Inspector, Captain McDevitt, said: ‘This is the worst of the explosions supposed to be due to the effect of gasoline of which I have ever heard. Its destruction was so complete, the dead and injured so numerous and the escape from death by others so remarkable that it will have to fill a class all of its own. It was terrible, horrible, and if gasoline was the cause, as seems most likely, it shows that still more stringent laws and regulations are necessary to protect the public from death and the destruction of property.’

 

“Veteran policemen and firemen agreed with Captain McDevitt and expressed the belief that as the debris was removed more victims would be found in the restaurant and lodging house at 1012 Locust street….

 

“At half-past ten o’clock in the morning the fifth victim was discovered. His body was found by the firemen in the ruins of the building 1012 Locust street, where Dale’s restaurant and lodging house had been. It was that of a negro…It was evident that she had been killed by the falling of the front wall.

 

“At 4 o’clock in the afternoon the firemen, who had worked steadily on the ruins of 1018 Locust street, found the body of the only white person known to be killed. This was Elizabeth Mountain. Her body, terribly mangled, was discovered in the cellar of her store under the shattered front door, and it was evident that she had been trying to escape when killed. Her brothers, Albert and Samuel Mountain, were at the ruins with the body  was discovered….

 

“Another victim’s body was found at 8:10 o’clock last night on the sidewalk in front of 1012 Locust street, and was apparently that of a passerby. He was a negro, about 35 years of age, who had been crushed by the falling wall….

 

“Of the seven who are dead only two had been identified at a late hour last night. These are:

 

Mountain, Elizabeth, of 1018 Locust street.

Lee, Frederick, aged 45, of 1014 Locust. Died at Pennsylvania Hospital….

 

“One of the most seriously injured is George McClemmy, who conducted the grocery store at 1014 Locust street, in whose store it is supposed the explosion occurred. During the day Marshall Lattimer and Captain McDevitt went to the Jefferson Hospital and talked with him, asking him about the gasoline in his store. He said that he had had none, and that he had always kept the gasoline in the yard in a gallon can, with two lamps for burning it. This he did because his insurance policy prevented him from keeping any explosive oil in his store. Neither Marshall Lattimore nor Captain McDevitt would express any definite opinion on the cause of the explosion, nor will they until they can examine the cellars of McClemmy’s store and Dale’s restaurant. Many are sill of the opinion that the explosion originated in the restaurant….” (Philadelphia Times. “Two Explosion Victims Identified.” 8-7-1901, p. 7.)

 

“Pittsburg, August 6, Chief Miles Humphries, of the Pittsburg Fire Department, to-day discussed the explosion in Philadelphia last night. He asserts that the explosion was due to a lack of laws governing the storage of explosives. Chief Humphries said: ‘Our lawmakers have been criminally negligent. We have too little legislation requiring the use of proper safeguards in the storage and handling of explosives. The law governing the storage of explosives is out of date. It was enacted in 1850, limiting the storage of gunpowder within the city limits to thirty pounds. Since the passage of that law many dangerous explosives have been placed on the market and are being handled and stored in the large cities. There are many buildings in which are stored enough of the se gaseous explosive oils to wreck the entire district. I intend to bring the matter up at the coming convention of fire chiefs to be held at Indianapolis on August 27.’” (Philadelphia Times. “Law Makers Negligent,” 8-7-1901.”

 

Aug 7, Philadelphia Times: “Locust street’s frightful explosion directs attention to a law that seems to be generally ignored. This is the act of May 15, 1874, which in the most specific language prohibits the sale of gasoline for illuminating purposes. The act throughout regards the fluid as being as dangerous an nitro-glycerine or any of the high explosives. The text of the law is:

No refined petroleum, kerosene, naphtha, benzine, gasoline or any burning fluid, be they designated by whatsoever name, the fire test of which shall be less than one hundred and ten (110) degrees Fahrenheit, shall be sold or offered for sale as an illuminator within the limits of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

 

“The act provides penalties for violation. It is made a misdemeanor, with a fine, upon conviction, ranging from $250 to $500 or imprisonment of not less than one year.

 

“Gasoline first came into notice during the civil war, when, owing to the high price of turpentine, it was substituted for the mixing of paints. It evaporates a gas that penetrates the smallest crevice, flowing in an insidious way along the ground directly toward a flame, if there by any. It has peculiar powers of corrosion, and eats out the joints of pipes, causing leakage, resulting frequently in explosion of gasoline stoves. So volatile is it in its nature that an open barrelful has been know to evaporate entirely in a single day.

 

“The traffic in it is not restricted. The fluid is not susceptible to any fire test, and will explode at any temperature. It flashes like gas, explodes with the force of gun-cotton and burns as fiercely and with as intense heat as alcohol. Burns by it are more dangerous usually than from other causes. While they are superficial, the fluid spreads over the body, making a greater area of burned surface, accompanied generally by fatal results….

 

“The city of Philadelphia to-day maintains gasoline lamps to the number of nearly 20,000. In 1889 an effort was made in Select Council to prohibit the use of gasoline for illuminating purposes by the city. The bill went to a sub-committee…but it was never reported.” (Philadelphia Times. “Passed Law Against Gasoline. Legislature Prohibited its Sale as Illuminator in 1874.” 8-7-1901, p. 7.)

 

Aug 8, Philadelphia Times: “The eighth victim of the Locust street explosion was dug out of the ruins of the restaurant at 1012 at 1 o’clock yesterday afternoon. The body was that of a negro and was taken to the Morgue, where it was identified as that of John Tucker, 26 years old, a lodger at 1029 Locust street. The other bodies have now been identified as follows: Frederick Lee, negro, 45 years, 1012 Locust street; Adam Lee, negro, 17 years, 1012 Locust street; Lulu Curtis, negro, 3 years, 1012 Locust street; Armstead Jefferson, negro, 26 years, 1012 Locust street, and Lizzie Mountain, white, 1018 Locust street. The only unidentified body is that of a negro, the first man taken to the Morgue. He was six feet high and weighed over 200 pounds. All the injured in the hospitals are on the road to recovery….

 

“The general impression yesterday was still that the accident was due to explosion of gasoline in MacClemmy’s place. On the dividing line between MacClemmy’s and Quigley’s a five gallon can was found, and in the ruins of MacClemmy’s store was found a gasoline lamp. A brother of MacClemmy, who watched the excavation all day in an effort to find some money which had been locked in an ice box in the store, said that his brother bought three gallons of gasoline every Friday. It was used for illuminating purposes alone, he said. Quigley’s son said that the only gasoline used in the place was bought in small quantities for a gasoline lamp.

 

“Insurance Inspector McDevitt believes that the explosion occurred in the MacClemmy store. He thinks that it will be found that a larger quantity of gasoline than the law allowed was in the grocer’s cellar and that even more stringent laws than the present ones are needed to prevent recurrences of Monday’s tragedy. The latest city ordinance, which covers the having, using or storing of gasoline, naphtha, etc., is the one of April 39, which went into effect on July 1. This ordinance  briefly provides that in the district in which the explosion took place not more than one barrel of these materials shall be kept by any one not a manufacturer, and that it shall by a nuisance for any one to carry on a business in which naphtha, gasoline, etc., are used in greater quantities that a gallon a day without a license. The penalty is one hundred dollars fine.

 

“The Coroner will not make an investigation until the Fire Marshal has turned in his report or at least until it is absolutely certain that there are not more bodies in the debris…” (Philadelphia Times. “Eight Bodies Out, Seven Identified,” 8-8-1901, p. 4.)

 

Aug 9, Philadelphia Times: “No more bodies were taken from the Locust street ruins yesterday, and Fire Marshal Lattimer said that all the victims had probably been found….” (Philadelphia Times. “Lattimer Will Report Soon,” 8-9-1901, p. 1.)

 

Aug 14, Philadelphia Inquirer: “Grocer George M. MacClemmy was yesterday made a prisoner in his own house, 4548 Baltimore avenue, upon a warrant issued by Coroner Thomas Dugan, upon the affidavit of Detective McKenty, charging him with criminal negligence in the storage of gasoline at his store, 1014 Locust street. The offices in the execution of the warrant will remain on guard in the home until MacClemmy is able to appear at the inquest, the date of which has not been set.

 

“MacClemmy left the Jefferson Hospital last Saturday and went to his $7000 house and store property on Baltimore avenue, where signs proclaimed that he would open the grocery business September 16. The store part is now ‘for rent.’….

 

“‘We don’t have to prove any motive,’ said one of the officials who have been working on the explosion. ‘It is simply a matter of proving that the defendant negligently stored the gasoline in quantity and manner in violation of law. It is a violation of law to store it in the cellar in quantity over one gallon.’

 

“The MacClemmys yesterday repeated their assertion that they only kept gasoline on hand in the quantity allowed by law for the lights in front of their store. They said they could prove by dozens of people that they sent customers seeking gasoline across the street to another place, never keeping it for sale themselves. They denied all knowledge of the origin of the explosion….” (Philadelphia Inquirer. “M’Clemmy Put Under Arrest,” 8-14-1901, p. 3.)

 

Oct 1, Philadelphia Inquirer: “The blame for the Locust street explosion of the night of August 5, which resulted in the death of eight persons and the wrecking of a number of houses, has been placed upon George MacClemmy, who is alleged to have violated the law by keeping gasoline in the cellar of his grocery store, 1014 Locust street, where the explosion is said to have occurred. It was shown by the evidence that McClemmy had no less than ten gallons and probably twenty gallons of the dangerous fluid in his store basement on the fatal night, but none of the witnesses was able to explain what caused the explosion….” (Philadelphia Inquirer. “Blame for Explosion Placed on MacClemmy. Locust Street Groceryman Sent to Prison by Coroner Dugan After an Investigation of the Catastrophe of August 5 Last.” 10-1-1901, p. 8.)

 

Sources

 

Daily News Almanac and Book of Facts for 1902. “Events of 1901.” Chicago Daily News Company, 1902, pp. 335-338. Accessed 7-10-2018 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=7ZIaAQAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

 

Philadelphia Inquirer. “Blame for Explosion Placed on MacClemmy. Locust Street Groceryman Sent to Prison by Coroner Dugan After an Investigation of the Catastrophe of August 5 Last.” 10-1-1901, p. 8. Accessed 7-13-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-inquirer-oct-01-1901-p-8/

 

Philadelphia Inquirer. “M’Clemmy Put Under Arrest,” 8-14-1901, p. 3. Accessed 7-13-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-inquirer-aug-14-1901-p-3/

 

Philadelphia Times. “Eight Bodies Out, Seven Identified,” 8-8-1901, p. 4. Accessed 7-13-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-aug-08-1901-p-4/

 

Philadelphia Times. “Lattimer Will Report Soon,” 8-9-1901, p. 1. Accessed 7-13-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-aug-09-1901-p-1/

 

Philadelphia Times. “Law Makers Negligent,” 8-7-1901. Accessed 7-13-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-aug-07-1901-p-7/

 

Philadelphia Times. “Passed Law Against Gasoline. Legislature Prohibited its Sale as Illuminator in 1874.” 8-7-1901, p. 7. Accessed 7-13-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-aug-07-1901-p-7/

 

Philadelphia Times. “Twenty Killed, Fifty Injured by Explosion.” 8-6-1901, p. 1. Accessed 7-13-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-aug-06-1901-p-1/

 

Philadelphia Times. “Two Explosion Victims Identified.” 8-7-1901, p. 7. Accessed 7-13-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/philadelphia-times-aug-07-1901-p-7/

[1] Perfect demonstration of why multiple sources need to be consulted.

–11  Daily News Almanac and Book of Facts for 1902. “Events of 1901.” Chicago, 1902, p. 335.

–11  Evening Herald, Syracuse, NY. “Single Bolt Killed Eleven,” 8-2-1901, p. 2.

–11  Jefferson Bee, IA. “Lightning Kills Eleven,” 7-4-1901, p. 2.

–10  New York Times. “Ten Killed By One Bolt of Lightning,” July 2, 1901, p. 1., col. 6.

 

Narrative Information

 

Daily News Almanac: “Chicago, July 1 — Ten boys and one man killed by a single flash of lightning in Lake View.”[1] (Daily News Almanac and Book of Facts for 1902. “Events of 1901.” Chicago, 1902, p. 335.)

 

July 1: “Chicago, July 1. – Ten persons were killed and another was probably fatally injured this afternoon by a single bolt of lightning. The victims comprised four men and six boys. They had been in swimming in Lake Michigan, at the foot of Montrose Boulevard, on the North Side, and at the time were resting on a pier.  The bolt struck the pier where they were seated and entirely demolished it.  All were thrown into the lake, and only one of the party of eleven survived.  He is

lying in a precarious condition, and is not expected to live.

 

“The lightning came during the progress of a terrific thunderstorm. As it struck the pier there was a sound of crashing timbers which was heard for some distance, and which attracted a policeman to the scene.  The policeman, however, was unable to rescue any of the victims.  The heavy timbers of the pier had been shattered and the whole structure had toppled into the water.

 

“The policeman hurried to a patrol box and called for assistance, but nearly half an hour elapsed before aid arrived.  The work of recovering the bodies was then extremely difficult, but finally all were carried ashore. Owing to the storm the work at identification was extremely slow.

 

“It appears that, oppressed by the extreme heat, the boys had gone in bathing. When the rain began to fall, and it became evident that a severe electrical storm was coming, they rushed to a shelter they had built on the pier.  Willie Anderson, twelve years old, was the only survivor of the shock which followed a moment later. To the policeman he gave a bare idea of the tragic ending to an hour’s sport and then fainted.  He was carried to a near-by house, where medical assistance was rendered.

 

“The fatal stroke .was the most powerful seen here in years.  The pier was demolished almost instantly, giving  the boys not the slightest chance of escape. In age the victims ranged from twelve to twenty-five.”  (New York Times. “Ten Killed By One Bolt of Lightning,” July 2, 1901)

 

July 2: “Chicago, July 2. — Huddled under Montrose pier, a mile…[unclear; across?] the end of Lincoln park, ten boys and one man were struck dead by lightning in a heap yesterday afternoon during the course of a tornado which swept Lake View. A twelfth victim, a boy, was found alive under the pile of bodies. He was unconscious and badly burned. He was taken as rapidly as possible to Alexian Brothers’ hospital, but it is not expected he will recover.

 

“The sole survivor is William Anderson. He regained consciousness at the hospital, but remained paralyzed from his hip down. He was so weak he could hardly talk, but he gave the names of two of his comrades who were killed and fainted. They are Fritz Kusel, 14 years old, of Rabey street, and George A. Braidnal [unclear], 11 years old, of Rabey [unclear] and Addison streets.

 

“The victims had been fishing and enjoying the cooling breeze and when the storm came up they got under the pier for safety. The lightning, which caused the catastrophe, burned out all the telephone wires in the vicinity and it was some time before the police arrived.

 

“The patrol wagons and ambulances from the Lake View Town Hall and Halsted street station were sent to the scene and removed the injured to the hospital, and the dead to the morgue.

 

“The top of the pier was covered with zinc, one of the best conductors known and the bolt of lightning tore it to pieces. Doctor Sawlett [unclear] of the Marine hospital, one of the first to arrive upon the scene, in describing what he saw upon reaching the pier, said the bodies were twisted together like so many worms or snakes and every one of the eleven was dead when he reached them….” (Evening Herald, Syracuse, NY. “Single Bolt Killed Eleven,” 8-2-1901, p. 2.)

 

July 2: “Chicago, July 2. — Crowded together in a little zinc-lined shanty under a north shore pier, ten boys and young men and one old man met instant death by lightning yesterday. They had left their fish lines and sought shelter from the fierce thunderstorm that deluged the northern part of the city about 1 o’clock. Ten minutes later their bodies lay, with twisted and tangled limbs….There were 12 who sought shelter and just one escaped….

 

“The dead comprised a party of men who were fishing and seeking relief from the heat of the day, joined by a number of boys who had come to wade and swim on the beach.

 

The names of the dead are: George Brabinat, 11 years old; Meyer Jacobs, 45; George Peribs, 12; Frank Coosey, 11; Carl Kruse, 18; Edward Bloch, 13; five unknown.

 

“Tfe storm was as violent a visitation as had been experienced in Chicago. The skies were filled with the flashing glare of the lightning, and the air rumbled steadily with thunder. Half a dozen houses, outbuildings and trees in the vicinity were struck, and almost all of the telephone wires burned out.

 

“There were 13 men and boys on the pier at the time. They rushed for the only available shelter and crowded themselves in through the little trap door in the top of the cabin till they were packed almost to a suffocation point.

 

“Then came the thunderbolt. It was the worst of the storm. Watchers in the pumping station saw the zig-zag lightning strike the water, as they thought. They did not know of its fearful work. There was one small boy, however, who saw the bolt. But for him the dead might have laid where they were for hours, and little Willie Anderson might have been suffocated under their bodies.

 

“Percy Keane, clad in bathing trunks, and watching from the water station, thought he heard a scream as the bolt struck. Mindless of the storm, he rushed across the beach. At the pier he heard a cry: ‘Help — get me out.’ He looked into the cabin and in dismay saw the twisted bodies. Young Percy, crying, pulled at the dead men’s arms and legs to get them away. He saw Willie Anderson’s head and part of his body, but he could not pull him out, nor could he pull the heavy bodies from on top of him. Then young Keane telephoned to the police…” (Jefferson Bee, IA. “Lightning Kills Eleven,” 7-4-1901, p. 2.)

 

Sources

 

Daily News Almanac and Book of Facts for 1902. “Events of 1901.” Chicago Daily News Company, 1902, pp. 335-338. Accessed 7-10-2018 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=7ZIaAQAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

 

Evening Herald, Syracuse, NY. “Single Bolt Killed Eleven,” 8-2-1901, p. 2. Accessed 7-11-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-evening-herald-jul-02-1901-p-2/

 

Jefferson Bee, IA. “Lightning Kills Eleven,” 7-4-1901, p. 2. Accessed 7-11-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/jefferson-bee-jul-04-1901-p-2/

 

New York Times. “Ten Killed By One Bolt of Lightning,” July 2, 1901, p. 1., col. 6.  Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52164636

 

[1] Today (2018) Lake View is one of the 77 community areas of Chicago, Illinois, located on the city’s North Side. (Wikipedia)

–10,000  Lesher, David. “Western Maryland Weather.” Frederick Post, 7-25-1988, p. B6.[1]

—  9,508  AP. “Heat Can Be Uncomfortable…Deadly.” The Progress, Clearfield, PA. 7-9-1986.

—  9,508  AP. “Heat Wave Worst of the Century.” Ottawa Herald, KS.  10-16-1980, p. 10.

–>9,500  AP/Schmid. “Heat’s heavy toll…” Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, PA, 7-24-1998, B3.

–>9,500  Cumberland News, MD. “Heat Waves are Dangerous.” 8-21-1987, p. 8. Cites NYT.

—  4,012  Heat and sunstroke. US Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1900-1904, lxx.[2]

–2,472  Males –1,540 Females. Census Bureau. Mortality Statistics 1900-1904. P. 246.

Age Breakouts Total               Males   Females (pp. 246-247)

Under 1              512                 302       210

1 year old           133                   67         66

2 years old            21                   12           9

3 years old            15                   10           5

4 years old            14                     4         10

5-9                    29                   13         16

10-14                    19                   15           4

15-19                    28                   16         12

20-24                     91                  60         31

25-29                   153                114         39

30-34                   204                159         45

35-39                   311                260         51

40-44                   300                226         74

45-49                   309                237         72

50-54                   281                184         97

55-59                   280                177       103

60-64                   302                147       155

65-69                   275                143       132

70-74                   248                101       147

75-79                   186                  88         98

80-84                   152                  60         92

85-89                     75                  34         41

90-94                     29                    8         21

95+                         7                    3           4       Unknown         38 total, 32 male, 6 female.

—  3,531  Blanchard estimate based on reports below.[3]

 

Summary of Heat-Related Mortality Compilation by State

 

Alabama                        1

Arkansas                        3

Connecticut                47

District of Columbia   73

Illinois                         83

Indiana                                    90

Iowa                               7

Kentucky                     13

Louisiana                       2

Maine                             9

Maryland                 ~226

Michigan                      53

Minnesota                      1

Missouri                    240

Nebraska                     13

New Hampshire          21

New Jersey                467

New York               1,565

Ohio                             48

Oklahoma                      3

Pennsylvania             312

Rhode Island                34

Vermont                         8

Virginia                         5

Wisconsin                   14

 

Heat Death Breakout by States and Localities

(Lines highlighted in yellow indicate deaths that are not included in our tally.)

 

Alabama                    (  1)

— 1  Decatur, July 11. Sandusky Daily Star, OH. “Sol as a Scorcher.” 7-12-1901, p. 2.

 

Arkansas                    (  3)

— 2  Pine Bluff, July 11. Sandusky Daily Star, OH. “Sol as a Scorcher.” 7-12-1901, p. 2.

— 1         “          July 12. Columbus Daily Herald, IN. “Heat Record Broken.” 7-13-1901, p. 1.

 

Connecticut               (47)

–47  State. US Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1900 to 1904. 1906, p. 238.

–32  Cities.

–15  Rural.

—  1  Stamford, July 2. Unnamed male. Boston Daily Globe. “Death by Heat and Storm.” 7-2-1901, 1.

 

District of Columbia (73)

— 73  US Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1900 to 1904. 1906, p. 238.

— 35  Blanchard tally of breakouts-by-date noted below.

— 30  Washington DC. July 1-3. Atlanta Constitution. “Heat Deadly at Washington.” 7-6-1901, 1.[4]

“   —  2   July 1. New York Times. “Whole Country Swelters.” 7-2-1901.

“   —  7   July 2. Atlanta Constitution. “Dropped Dead by Hundreds.” 7-3-1901, p. 1.[5]

“   –18   July 2. Atlanta Constitution. “Heat Deadly at Washington.” 7-6-1901, p. 1.

“   —  2   July 3. Syracuse Post-Standard. “Rain Conquers Heat…,” 4 July 1901, p. 1.

“        –Dr. Edmund Weston. Massillon Independent, OH. “More Deaths…” 7-8-1901, 3.

—  5       “             July 6. Helena Independent, MT. “Backbone of Hot Wave…” 7-9-1901, p. 1.

 

Illinois                         (83)

— 83  State       Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.

—   1  Benton   June 30. Cayuga Herald, IN. “Hot Wave Scorches.” 6-30-1901, p. 14.[6]

—   7  Chicago, June 13. Six males and one female.[7]

—   3       “        June 14. Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 6-21-1901, 6.

—   2       “        June 22. Male fell from 3^rd story window “trying to get fresh air” and male, 76.[8]

–2-3       “        June 24. Trenton Times, NJ. “Men and Cattle Die of Heat.” 6-25-1901, p. 1.[9]

—   2       “        June 25. Paul Dooley and Nicholas Schuickrath. (18 non-fatal prostrations).[10]

—   4       “        June 26. George Smith, Emma Jefferson, Walter Steinberg, John Volkman.[11]

—   2       “        June 28. Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Hot Weather in New York.” 6-29-1901, 1.[12]

— 27       “        June 30-July 3. Decatur Herald, IL. “Deaths and Prostrations,” 7-4-1901, 1.

“ –5  July 1. Syracuse Post-Standard. “Five Drop Dead in Chicago,” July 2, 1901, 2.

“ –3  July 2. Atlanta Constitution. “Dropped Dead by Hundreds.” 7-3-1901, p. 1.

“ –3  July 3. Decatur Herald, IL. “Deaths and Prostrations,” July 4, 1901, p. 1.

—   3       “        July 4. Syracuse Post-Standard. “Three Deaths in Chicago,” July 4, 1901, p. 1.[13]

—   9       “        July 5. Montana Anaconda Standard. “Intense Heat Continues.” 7-6-1901, 1.

— 10       “        July 10. The World, NYC. “West is Fairly Baking.” 7-11-1901, p. 2.

—   8       “        July 22. Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “The Heat Kills.” 7-22-1901, p. 1.

—   3       “        July 27, by 10 a.m. Racine Daily Journal. “Hot Again in Chicago.” 7-27-1901, 2.

—   1  Mattoon, June 30. NYT. “Died From Heat On Train,” July 1, 1901, p. 2, col. 1.

—   1      “         Late July. Edward Robinson.[14]

 

Indiana                       ( 90)

–90  State. US Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1900 to 1904. 1906, p. 238.

–40  Cities.

–50  Rural.

—  1  Fort Wayne, July 2. Fort Wayne Evening Sentinel, IN. “First Fatality from Heat.” 7-3-1901, 8.

—  1  Goshen, July 5. Mrs. Emanuel Cripe.[15]

—  3  Newberg area, June 26. Two farm hands and Mrs. Charlotte Walker. 100° in Evansville.[16]

 

Iowa                            (   7)

— 7  State. June 26-July 22.  Blanchard tally from breakouts below.

— 1  Burlington, June 30. Cayuga Herald, IN. “Hot Wave Scorches.” 6-30-1901, p. 14.[17]

— 1  Davenport, June 26. Drowning; female, 65, “crazed by intense heat…jumped into cistern.”[18]

— 2        “           July 5. Anaconda Standard, MT. “Intense Heat Continues.” 7-6-1901, p. 1.

— 2  Des Moines, July 21-22. Racine Weekly Journal, WI. “Heat Reaches its Maximum.” 7-25-1901, 6.

— 1  Onawa, Jordan township, Monona County, June 29. Frank Crum, farmer and cattle feeder.[19]

 

Kansas                       (  ?)

— ?  Kansas City. (See Kansas City MO, July 21-22; 14 deaths are noted for KC, MO and KS.)

 

Kentucky                   ( 13)

–13  Blanchard tally based on breakouts below (showing range of 2-3 for Louisville, July 3).

—  8  Hopkinsville, July 3. Reno Evening Gazette, NV. “Thousands Die from the Heat.” 7-3-1901, 1.

—  2  Louisville ~July 3. Reno Evening Gazette, NV. “Thousands Die from the Heat.” 7-3-1901, 1.

—  3        “           July 3. Fort Wayne Evening Sentinel, IN. “Weather Shows Little Mercy.” 7-3-1901, 8.

 

Louisiana                   (   2)

–1  Jefferson Parish, opposite New Orleans, July 13. Male; sunstroke.[20]

–1  Shreveport, July 13. Notes two, but states that “liquor was the main cause of death” in one.[21]

 

Maine                         (    9)

— 9  US Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1900 to 1904. 1906, p. 239.

–1  Cities.       –8  Rural.

— 1  Bangor, July 16. Cornelius Donovan, 50, over-hauler in lumber docks.[22]

— 1  Portland, July 16. Sarah E. Gordon, 13.[23]

— 1  South Gardiner, July 16. William Page “died from prostration by heat…while haying.”[24]

 

Maryland                   (~226)

–~226  Baltimore. June 30-July 6. NYT. “Record Number of Deaths in Baltimore.” 7-7-1901.[25]

–103   “      June 30-July 7. Blanchard tally from breakouts below.

–68    “  By July 3. Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL. “600 Dead…Six Days.” 7-5-1901, 1.

—  1    “      June 30. New York Times. “99 at Baltimore,” July 1, 1901, p. 2, col. 2.

–14    “      July 1. Syracuse Post-Standard. “Fourteen Deaths in Baltimore,” 7-2-1901, 1

–11    “      July 2. Syracuse Post-Standard. “Dying by Hundreds in…Cities,” 7-3-1901, 1

–23    “      July 2. Atlanta Constitution. “Dropped Dead by Hundreds.” 7-3-1901, p. 1.

–27    “      July 3. Syracuse Post-Standard. “Rain Conquers Heat…,” 4 July 1901, p. 1.

–38    “      By July 3, 8 am. Reno Gazette, NV. “Thousands Die from…Heat.” 7-3-1901, 1.

–13    “      July 5. Anaconda Standard, MT. “Intense Heat Continues.” 7-6-1901, p. 1.

–12    “      July 6. Boston Daily Globe. “Two Heat Heaths in Baltimore.” 7-8-1901, p.2.[26]

—  2    “      July 7. Boston Daily Globe. “Two Heat Heaths in Baltimore.” 7-8-1901, p. 2.

 

Massachusetts           (  195)

–195  State. US Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1900 to 1904. 1906, p. 239.

–156  Cities.

—  39  Rural.

—  89  State.  Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.

—    2  Andover, July 4. Charles Pease and Miss Mildred Davis, both at work.[27]

—  35  Boston. June 27-July 17. Blanchard tally based on date breakouts below.

—>3  June 27. Boston Daily Globe. “Killed by Heat.” 6-28-1901, p. 1.[28]

—  3  June 28. Boston Post. “Death in Hot Wave. Three Dead in Boston.” 6-29-1901, 1.[29]

—  4  June 29. Boston Daily Globe. “Temperatures in Boston…Six Days…” 7-3-1901, 1.

–Abel Hollingworth, 64. Lowell Sun, MA. “Report of Deaths.” 7-6-1901, p. 1.

—  5  June 30. Boston Daily Globe. “Heat Adds to Victims.” 7-1-1901, p. 1.[30]

—  4  July 1. Boston Daily Globe. “Temperatures in Boston for Six Days…” 7-3-1901, 1.

–Lizzie Robinson, 40, heat prostration. Lowell Sun, MA. “Report of Deaths.” 7-6-1901, 1.

—  3  July 2. William H. Mosher, 55; Fannie Fitzgerald, 43;[31] Johann Leary, 64.[32]

—  3  July 3. Charles W. Turner, 61; Margaret Manning, 60; Jeremiah Curtin.[33]

–10  July 16. Cedar Rapids Gazette, IA. “Heat Wave in New England.” 7-17-1901, 1.

—  1  Fall River, July 3. Charles H. Albert. Boston Daily Globe. “Still Claims…” 7-4-1901, p. 1.

—  1  Gloucester, July 4. Prof. John Fiske, Cambridge, coming to Gloucester seeking heat relief.[34]

—  1  Haverhill, June 30. Daniel O’Leary. Boston Globe. “Heat Adds to Victims.” 7-1-1901, p. 1.

—  1        “         July 3. Thomas Condon. Boston Daily Globe. “Still Claims…” 7-4-1901, p. 1.

—  3  Holyoke, July 2. John E. Mackay, Dennis Murphy, and unknown male.[35]

—  1        “        July 3. William Woods. Boston Daily Globe. “Still Claims…” 7-4-1901, p. 1.

–17  Lawrence. June 28-July 4. Boston Globe. “Lawrence…Serious…Hot Weather.” 7-7-1901, 2.

—  3  June 29. Cayuga Herald, IN. “Hot Wave Scorches.” 6-30-1901, p. 14.

—  1  June 30. William Hennessy, infant. Boston Daily Globe. 7-1-1901.[36]

—  1  June 30. L. A. Ritchie. Boston Globe. “Heat Adds to Victims.” 7-1-1901, p. 1.

—  1  July 1-2. Fanny Bowles, 50. Boston Globe. “Deaths From Heat Today.” 7-2-1901, 1.

—  1  July 2. Mrs. Eliza McMahon. Boston Globe. “Death by Heat and Storm.” 7-2-1901, 1.

—  2  Lowell, June 28. Mann Hoyen, 50, heat prostration; Mildred D. Hobart, 3 mo. sunstroke.[37]

–15        “      June 29-July 2. Lowell Sun. “Call Out Firemen to Wet…Tenements…,” 7-2-1901[38]

“–1 June 29. Sunstroke; Abel Hollingworth, 64. Lowell Sun. “Report of Deaths.” 7-8-1901, 5.

“–2 July 1. Lowell Sun (MA). “Call Out Firemen to Wet…Tenements…,” 7-2-1901.

–Lizzie Robinson, 40; heat prostration. Lowell Sun. “Report of Deaths.” 7-8-1901, 5.

“–3 July 2. Concord Enterprise, MA. “Heat Wave Continues…New England.” 7-3-1901.

–William McGuane. Boston Daily Globe. “Death by Heat and Storm.” 7-2-1901, 1.

–Thomas P. O’Connor, 28. Boston Globe. “Deaths From Heat Today.” 7-2-1901, 1.

–John Sullivan. Boston Daily Globe. “Death by Heat and Storm.” 7-2-1901, 1.

—  3        “      July 3. Mrs. Joanna Leary; Mrs. Mary Murphy, 65; Joseph J. Judkins.[39]

—  1  Malden, June 30. Boston Daily Globe. “Heat Adds to Victims.” 7-1-1901, p. 1.

—  4  Springfield, June 29-July 5. Boston Daily Globe. “Victim of Heat.” 7-6-1901, p. 3.

–2  July 2. Miss Elizabeth McNamara; and Frederick S. Jervis.[40]

–1  July 4. Patrick Griffin; heart failure induced by heat (medical examiner autopsy).[41]

—  1  Waltham, July 2. William Conneary, 22, farmhand.[42]

—  1  Worcester, July 2. Mrs. Addie R. Russell. Boston Globe. “Death by Heat and Storm.” 7-2-1901, 1.

 

 

 

Michigan        (53)

–53  State. US Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1900 to 1904. 1906, p. 239.

—  5  Detroit       July 1-4. Decatur Herald, IL. “Deaths and Prostrations,” 7-4-1901, p.1, c.1.[43]

—  4       “            July 2. Atlanta Constitution. “Dropped Dead by Hundreds.” 7-3-1901, p. 1.

—  1  Grand Rapids, July 28. Mrs. Antonia Van Oosten.[44]

—  1  St. Joseph  July 21. Mrs. C. M. Cornwell. “Heart failure hastened by heat prostration.”[45]

 

Minnesota      (   1)

— 1  Sioux Falls, July 15. Child sent to sleep in sun on day when temp. reached 100 and died.[46]

 

Missouri         (240)

–240  State           Blanchard tally of locality and date breakouts below.

—    2  Albany       July 5. Man kills two. “Temporary insanity, induced by the heat…caused…”[47]

—    1  Bolivar       June 29. Farmer, “committed suicide…while insane from the excessive heat.”[48]

— 18  Kansas City. July 2-23. Blanchard tally from date breakouts below.

“          –1  July 2. Reno Evening Gazette, NV. “Thousands Die From the Heat.” 7-2-1901, 1.

“          –1  July 4. Anaconda Standard, MT. “Intense Heat Continues.” 7-6-1901, p. 1.

“          –9  July 21. Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “The Heat Kills.” 7-22-1901, 1.[49]

“          –5  July 22. Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “The Heat Kills.” 7-22-1901, p. 1.

“          –2  July 23. Manitowoc Daily Herald, WI. “Hot Blast in…Southwest.” 7-23-1901, 2.[50]

—   4  St. Joseph. June 24-July 4. Blanchard tally from date breakouts below.

“     –1   June 24. W.B. Bradford, on train near St. Joseph, after complaining of heat.[51]

“     –1   July 1.  Ex-policeman T. J. Dowdon.[52]

“     –1   July 3. Hawarden Independent, IA. “Terrible Heat Kills Scores…” 7-4-1901, p. 3.

“     –1   July 4. Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL. “600 Dead in Six Days.” 7-5-1901, p. 1.

–215  St. Louis, by July 27. Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Rain in Missouri.” 7-27-1901, 2.[53]

–77  St. Louis, June 23-July 24. Blanchard tally from date breakouts below.

—  1  June 23. The Press, Summer, IL. “Hottest Day of the Year.” 6-27-1901, p. 2.

–34  July 1-4. Decatur Herald, IL. “Deaths and Prostrations.” 7-4-1901, p.1.[54]

–8  July 1. Syracuse Post-Standard. “Hundreds Die…Killed By Heat,” 7-2-1901.

–4  July 2. Syracuse Post-Standard. “Dying by Hundreds in…Cities,” 7-3-1901.

–6  July 2. Fort Madison Weekly Democrat, IA. “Hot Days Continue.” 7-3-1901, 7.

–1  July 3. Reno Evening Gazette, NV. “Thousands Die from…Heat.” 7-3-1901, 1.

—  1  July 11. Columbus Daily Herald, IN. “Genuine Sirocco.” 7-12-1901, p. 1.

—  1  July 16. Prof. Bernhard J. Neumann.[55]

–40  July 23-24. Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Many Die at St. Louis.” 7-24-1901, p. 1.[56]

 

Nebraska        (13)

–13  State.         Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.

 

—  1  Beatrice.   June 29. Frank Richtor, “overcome by heat while working in the harvest field.”[57]

—  1  Friend.      July 1. Sunstroke; George Bender, working in a wheat field.[58]

—  1  Omaha.     June 25. “…South Omaha…Ulrich Andreeg…44…a butcher, died from heat.”[59]

—  9       “           July 21-22. Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Heat Wave Moderates.” 7-23-1901, 1.[60]

—  1  West Point, June 30. Andrew D. Murphy, “overcome by heat” walking home from church.[61]

 

New Hampshire        ( 21)

–21  State. US Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1900 to 1904. 1906, p. 239.

–10  Cities.

–11  Rural.

–17  State. Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.

—  1  Concord, June 30.      Boston Daily Globe. “Heat Adds to Victims.” 7-1-1901, p. 1.

—  6  Dover. By July 6. Boston Sunday Globe. “Dover. Successful Efforts…” 7-7-1901, p. 2.[62]

–1  June 30. Mrs. Janet Hanna. Boston Globe. “Heat Adds to Victims.” 7-1-1901, p. 1.

–1  30^th. George E. Brophy, infant. Boston Globe. “Heat Adds to Victims.” 7-1-1901, 1.

–1  July 2. Boston Daily Globe. “Temperatures in Boston for Six Days…” 7-3-1901, p.1.

–1     “  July 3. Mrs. Mary McLin. Boston Daily Globe. “Still Claims…” 7-4-1901, p. 1.

–10  Manchester. Blanchard tally of breakouts below.

—  3  June 29. Cayuga Herald, IN. “Hot Wave Scorches.” 6-30-1901, p. 14.

—  1  June 30. Miss Mary Clark. Boston Globe. “Heat Adds to Victims.” 7-1-1901, 1.

—  1  June 30. John King. Boston Globe. “Heat Adds to Victims.” 7-1-1901, p. 1.

—  1  June 30. William Moran. Boston Globe. “Heat Adds to Victims.” 7-1-1901, p1.

—  1  June 30. Miss Annie Spooner. Boston Globe. “Heat Adds to Victims.” 7-1-1901, 1.

—  1  July 2. Michael Bird. Boston Globe. “Temperatures in Boston…” 7-3-1901, 1.

—  2  July 3. Alonzo Whiting and Patrick Garvin, 59.[63]

 

New Jersey                (467)

–467  State.            US Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1900 to 1904. 1906, p. 239.

–364  Cities.   –103  Rural.

–282  State             Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.

–100  State             July 2. Atlanta Constitution. “Dropped Dead by Hundreds.” 7-3-1901, p. 1.[64]

—    1  Chesterfield  July 2. Joseph Taylor, farm hand.[65]

—    6  Elizabeth      July 2. Syracuse Post-Standard. “Dying by Hundreds in…Cities,” 7-3-1901.

—    6        “             July 3. New York Times. “New Jersey Deaths Again Reach 100.” 7-4-1901.

—    1  Hackensack, July 2. New York Times. “Over 100 Deaths in New Jersey.” 7-3-1901.

—    1  Hoboken      June 30. NYT. “Suicide Caused by the Heat,” July 1, 1901, p. 2, col. 2.

—    8        “             July 2. Syracuse Post-Standard. “Dying by Hundreds…Cities,” 7-3-1901.[66]

—  19        “  area    July 3. New York Times. “New Jersey Deaths Again Reach 100.” 7-4-1901.

—    1  Jersey City   June 30  NYT. “Jersey City’s First Fatal Case,” July 1, 1901, p. 2, col. 2.

—    6        “             July 2.  Syracuse Post-Standard. “Dying by Hundreds in…Cities,” 7-3-1901.

—  21        “             July 3. New York Times. “New Jersey Deaths Again Reach 100.” 7-4-1901.

—    3  New Brunswick, July 2. New York Times. “Over 100 Deaths in New Jersey.” 7-3-1901.

—    4        “             July 3. NY Times. “New Jersey Deaths Again Reach 100.” 7-4-1901.

—    1  Newark        June 30. NYT. “Crazed by Heat He Hanged Himself,” July 1, 1901, p. 2, c. 2.

—  31        “             July 2. Syracuse Post-Standard. “Dying by Hundreds…Cities,” 7-3-1901.

—  52        “             July 3. New York Times. “New Jersey Deaths Again Reach 100.” 7-4-1901.

—    4        “             July 4. New York Times. “Four Deaths from Heat in Newark.” 7-5-1901.[67]

—  51        “             July 5. Dakota Huronite, SD. “Death List is Large…Heat…” 7-11-1901, p. 7.

—    2  Orange         July 2. New York Times. “Over 100 Deaths in New Jersey.” 7-3-1901.

—    5       “              July 3. Boston Daily Globe. “Still Claims its Victims.” 7-4-1901, 1.[68]

—    1  Passaic        July 2. New York Times. “Over 100 Deaths in New Jersey.” 7-3-1901.

—    1  Patterson      July 1. Jacob S. Rogers, 69, his apartment at the Union League Club.[69]

—  11       “              July 3. New York Times. “New Jersey Deaths Again Reach 100.” 7-4-1901.

—    1  Plainfield     July 2. New York Times. “Over 100 Deaths in New Jersey.” 7-3-1901.

—    2  Rahway        July 2. New York Times. “Over 100 Deaths in New Jersey.” 7-3-1901.

—    1  South Amboy, July 1. Boston Sunday Globe. “St. Albans.” 7-7-1901, p. 2.

—    8  Trenton        June 30-July 3. Trenton Times, NJ. “Humidity’s Awful Work.” 7-3-1901, p1.

“              Mrs. Mary McFadden; “driven mad by the heat” and committed suicide.

“              Thomas Clark; heat prostration outdoors.

“              July 2. Joseph M. Deegan, while at work indoors.

“              July 2. Mrs. Thomas Madden; heat prostration.

“              July 2. William Morgan, 62; “overcome while at work…”

“              July 2. Joseph Neweth, heat prostration at home after leaving work early.

“              July 2. John Robbins of Windsor, found in a grove near his home.

“              July 3. Jacob Tams, farm hand at Exton’s farm, after July 2 prostration.

— 41  Not noted.    July 2. New York Times. “Over 100 Deaths in New Jersey.” 7-3-1901.[70]

 

New York                   (1,565)

–1,565  State.        US Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1900 to 1904. 1906, p. 239.

–1,363  Cities.

—   202  Rural.

–1,040  State.        Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.

Breakout by Locality

—    2  Albany        July 1. New York Times. “Blistering Weather Up State.” 7-2-1901.

—    3  Brooklyn     June 28. NY Times. “Heat Brings Death and Much Suffering.” 6-29-1901.

—    1       “             June 29. NYT. “Heat’s Ravages in Sugar Refineries.” 6-30-1901.[71]

—    3       “             June 30. NYT. “Deaths in Brooklyn,” July 1, 1901, p. 2, col. 1.

—    4       “             June 29. New York Times. “New York Wilts in Protracted Heat.” 6-30-1901.[72]

—  56       “             July 2. Count of names listed in NYT for Brooklyn, in July 3 paper.[73]

–203       “             July 4.  NYT. “Cool Breeze Tempers the Heat in the City,” July 5, 1901, 1.

—    4       “             July 5. New York Times. “Deaths in Brooklyn,” July 6, 1901, p. 2.[74]

—    2       “             July 30. New York Times. “Heat Kills Two in Brooklyn.” 7-31-1901.[75]

—    2  Chester        July 3. Syracuse Post-Standard. “Deaths in New York Cities,” 7-4-1901, 1.

—    1  Huntington, L.I., July 1. Henry Schweier, 71, “driven insane by the heat, committed suicide.”[76]

—    1  Jamestown  July 1. Syracuse Post-Standard. “Hundreds Die…Killed By Heat,” 7-2-1901

—    1  Kingston     July 3.  Syracuse Post-Standard. “Deaths in New York Cities,” 7-4-1901, 1.[77]

–724  Manhattan  June 26-July 5. Charleston Daily Mail, WV. “Heat Waves.” 7-29-1931, p12.[78]

—  12        “            June 29. New York Times. “New York Wilts in Protracted Heat.” 6-30-1901.[79]

—  15        “            June 30. New York Times. “Deaths in Manhattan,” July 1, 1901, p. 2, col. 1.

–533        “            July 2.  Charleston Daily Mail, WV. “Heat Waves.” 7-29-1931, p. 12.[80]

–165        “            July 2. Count of names listed in NYT for Manhattan, in July 3 paper.[81]

—    7        “            July 5. New York Times. “Deaths in Manhattan,” July 6, 1901, p. 2.[82]

–898  New York City. Annual Rpt. of Dept. of Health of the City of [NY]…1911-1912., p. 240.

–1  May          –47  June        –826  July       –24  August    –0  September

—    3  New York June 27. Female, 33, at home; male, 68, at work; male, 50, at home.[83]

—    8        “          June 28. Sault News-Record (MI). “Eight Deaths in Gotham…,” 6-29-1901.

–>1,000   “          Week ending July 6. Galveston Daily News. “Heat in New York.” 7-7-1901, 1.[84]

—     989   “ 5 boroughs, June 29 (noon)-July 6 (noon). NYT. “Heat’s Great Ravages.” 7-9-1901.[85]

–700 Greater NYC one week. Oakland Tribune, CA.  “Heat Wave Studied.” 7-24-1936.

—  19           June 29. Marshall Daily News (MI). “Many Die From Heat,” 7-1-1901, 1.

–600           June 29-July 3. Syracuse Post-Standard. “Rain Conquers Heat…,” 7-4-1901.

—  19           June 30. Cayuga Herald, IN. “Hot Wave Scorches.” 6-30-1901, p. 14.

—    2           June 30. New York Times. “Died in a Vacant Lot,”  July 1, 1901, p. 2, col. 2.

—  87           July 1. NYT.  “Heat’s Holocaust In The Five Boroughs,” July 2, 1901, p. 1.

–229-245    July 2. NYT. “Heat Brings Death to over 200 Persons,” 7-3-1901, p. 1.[86]

–200           July 3. NYT. “200 More Dead Before Rain Falls,” July 4, 1901, p. 1, col. 7.

–406           July 4. NYT. “Cool Breeze Tempers the Heat in the City,” 7-5-1901, 1.[87]

—    8           July 6. Janesville Daily Gazette, WI. “Eight Die in New York City.” 7-6-1901, 1.

—    1  New York    July 7. James W. Smith. NYT. “A Pleasant Sunday.” 7-8-1901, p. 10.[88]

—    4          “           July 22. Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “The Heat Kills.” 7-22-1901, p.1.

—    2          “           July 23. Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Many Die At St. Louis.” 7-24-1901, p.1.

—    1  Patchogue L.I. July 3. S.A. Vilson. NYT. “Retired Merchant a Heat Victim.” 7-4-1901.

—    5  Queens            July 2. Count of names listed in NYT for Queens, in July 3 paper.[89]

—    3  Richmond Borough, July 2. Count of names listed in NYT for Richmond, July 3 paper.[90]

—    1  Saratoga        June 30. NYT. “Heat Kills Mr. Trask’s Coachman,” July 1, 1901, p. 2, col. 2.

—    1  Schenectady  June 29. New York Times. “Two Prostrations in Schenectady.” 6-30-1901.

—    1         “             June 30. New York Times. “Old Engineer Succumbs,” 7-1-1901, p. 2, col. 2.

—    2         “              July 1. Syracuse Post-Standard. “Hundreds Die…Killed by Heat,” 7-2-1901

—    1  Syracuse        June 29. Syracuse Evening Herald. “Is This Warm Enough?” 7-1-1901, 7.

—    2         “             June 30. New York Times. “Three Deaths in Syracuse.” 6-30-1901.

—    1  Weehawken. July 5, W.H. Simmons. NYT. “Died from Heat in Weehawken,” 7-6-1901, p2.

 

Ohio                           (48)

–48  State             June 23-July 3  Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.

–27  Cincinnati    June 23-July 3.  Blanchard tally from date breakouts below.

“     —  8  June 23-29. Atlanta Constitution, “Three Victims at Cincinnati.” 6-30-1901, 7.

“     —  3  June 29 (An additional eight non-fatal heat prostrations on 97° day.[91]

“     –19  June 30-July 4. Decatur Herald, IL. “Deaths and Prostrations,” 7-4-1901, 1.[92]

–5  July 1.  Syracuse Post-Standard. “Hundreds Die…Killed by Heat,” 7-2-1901.

–2  July 2. Atlanta Constitution. “Dropped Dead by Hundreds.” 7-3-1901, p. 1.

–4  July 3.  Decatur Herald (IL). “Deaths and Prostrations,” 7-4-1901, p. 1.

–17  Cleveland  June 29-July 3.  Blanchard tally from date breakout below.

–4  “       June 29. Plus 4 non-fatal heat prostrations, 100° registered on the street.[93]

–1  “       June 30. Cayuga Herald, IN. “Hot Wave Scorches.” 6-30-1901, p. 14.

–3  “       July 1. Colorado Springs Gazette. “Still Near a Hundred.” 7-3-1901, p. 3.

–5  “       July 2. Atlanta Constitution. “Dropped Dead by Hundreds.” 7-3-1901, p. 1.

–4  “       July 3. Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL. “600 Dead in Six Days.” 7-5-1901, 1.

—   3  Toledo       July 2. Atlanta Constitution. “Dropped Dead by Hundreds.” 7-3-1901, p. 1.

—   1  Zanesville  July 2. Hawarden Independent, IA. “Terrible Heat Kills Scores…” 7-4-1901, 3.

 

Oklahoma Territory (   3)

— 3  Lawton. 14 women in land office line prostrated on day temperature reached 115 at 3 pm.[94]

 

Pennsylvania             (307)

–312  State             Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.

—    1  Allegheny    June 30. Greenville Evening Record (PA). “Deaths from Heat,” July 1, 1901.

—    5  Altoona        July 2.   Altoona Mirror, PA. “No Relief From the Heat,” July 3, 1901, p. 1.

—    1  Engleside     July 1.   Williamsport Daily Gazette and Bulletin (PA). July 2, 1901, p. 1.

—    1  Greensburg  June 29. Greenville Evening Record (PA). “Deaths from Heat,” 7-1-1901, 1.

—    1         “            June 30. Greenville Evening Record (PA). “Deaths from Heat,” 7-1-1901, 1.

—    1  Greenville.   June 30. Greenville Evening Record (PA). “Deaths from Heat,” 7-1-1901, 1.

–176  Philadelphia. June 29-July 6. Blanchard tally from date breakouts below.

“ —  3 June 29. New York Times. “Three Deaths in Philadelphia.” 6-30-1901.

“ —  1 June 30. NYT. “Great Heat at Philadelphia,” July 1, 1901, p. 2, col. 2.[95]

“ –14 July 1. Syracuse Post-Standard. “Fourteen in Philadelphia,” 7-2-1901, p. 1.

“ –52 July 2. Syracuse Post-Standard. “Dying by Hundreds…Cities,” 7-3-1901.[96]

“ –47 July 3. NYT. “More Deaths in Philadelphia. Forty-seven Fatal…” 7-4-1901.

“ –47 July 5. Dakota Huronite, SD. “Nearly Fifty Deaths.” 7-11-1901, p. 7.[97]

“ –12 July 6. Janesville Daily Gazette, WI. “Philadelphia Has Twelve Deaths.” 7-6-1901, 1.

–125  Pittsburgh  Blanchard tally based on fatalities-by-date noted above.[98]

“       —  1  June 25. Edward Calloway, 20, “died from the extreme heat.”[99]

“       —  3  June 28. Nebraska State Journal. “Hot Weather in New York.” 6-29-1901, 1.

“       —  2  June 29. Francis Mills and Mary Geermo.[100]

“       –15  June 30. New York Times. “Heat Fatal in Pittsburg,” July 1, 1901, p. 2, col.2.

“       –18  July 1. Colorado Springs Gazette. “Still Near a Hundred.” 7-3-1901, p. 3.[101]

“       –40  July 1 (11:00 am)-July 2 (11:00 am).[102]

“       –12  July 2 (midnight to 11 am).[103]

“       –50  July 2. Syracuse Post-Standard. “Dying by Hundreds in…Cities,” 7-3-1901.

“       –20  July 3. Decatur Herald (IL). “Deaths and Prostrations,” July 4, 1901, 1.[104]

“       –11  July 6-7. Wyoming Post-Herald. “Hot Wave Scorches.” 7-10-1901, p. 4.[105]

“       —  5  July 21-22. Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Heat Wave Moderates.” 7-23-1901, 1.

—    1  Scranton    July 2. Greenville Evening Record.  “Number of Deaths Occurred,” 7-3-1901.

 

Rhode Island (34)

–34  State. US Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1900 to 1904. 1906, p. 239.

–28  Cities.

—  6  Rural.

—  7  Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.

—  1  Central Falls, July 3. Mrs. Ann Barry.[106]

—  2  Pawtucket, July 3. William Henkamp and an unidentified child.[107]

—  4  Providence, July 2. George Whiteaway, Peter Norcross, George Waldron, Joseph Dolan.[108]

 

Vermont         (  8)

— 8  State (cities 3, rural 5). Bureau of Census. Mortality Statistics 1900 to 1904. 1906, p. 239.

 

Virginia          (  5)

— 1  Norfolk       July 2. Atlanta Constitution. “One Death in Norfolk, VA.” 7-3-1901, p. 1.[109]

— 2  Richmond  July 1. Atlanta Constitution. “Suffering in Richmond.” 7-3-1901, p. 1.

— 2        “           July 5. Atlanta Constitution. “Two People Die at Richmond.” 7-6-1901, p. 1.

 

Wisconsin      (14)

–14  State           Blanchard tally from breakouts below.

—  1  Berlin         June 26. Sunstroke; J. Bernhart.[110]

—  1  Caledonia   June 26. Carrie Drown, 22.[111]

—  1  Durand vic. June 27. Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Heat Kills Man Aged 94” 6-29-1901, 1.[112]

—  2  Eau Claire  July 21. Twins, a boy and a girl, 6 months old; deaths due to “extreme heat.”[113]

—  1  Hansen       July 21. Mrs. Johanna F. Brockman; prostration by the heat.[114]

—  1  Janesville   June 14. Charles Eber.[115]

—  1  La Crosse   July 3.  Decatur Herald (IL). “Deaths and Prostrations,” July 4, 1901, 1.

—  1  La Crosse   July 11. Marshfield Times, WI. “South…Suffers…Great Heat.” 7-19-1901, p5.

—  1  Madison     July 22. Ed Toepelmann, 71, at his home in University Heights.[116]

—  1  Marinette    June 28. Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Heat Kills Man Aged 94” 6-29-1901, 1.[117]

—  1  Oshkosh     June 24. Oshkosh Daily Northwestern, WI. “Overcome by Heat,” 6-24-1901.

—  1  Prairie du Chien, July 21. Rev. Hogenforst.[118]

—  1  Viroqua      June 28. Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Heat Kills Man Aged 94” 6-29-1901, 1.[119]

 

General Narrative Information

 

AP, 1980: “In this century only three other heat waves have taken a higher toll of lives [than in 1980]. The highest reported heat death toll in this country was 9,508 in 1901. There were 4,678 heat deaths in 1936 and 1,401 in 1952.” (Associated Press, Washington. “Heat Wave Worst of the Century.” Ottawa Herald, KS.  10-16-1980, p. 10.)

 

AP, 1986: “One of the worst years for heat deaths in this century was 1901, when the hot weather claimed 9,508 lives…” (AP. “Heat Can Be Uncomfortable, Costly, Perhaps Deadly.” The Progress, Clearfield, PA. 7-9-1986.

 

AP/Schmid, 2016: “Washington — Heat waves don’t have the catchy names of hurricanes or the dramatic television footage of tornadoes or earthquakes. But they are the deadliest form of weather. A hurricane that killed 6,000 people in Galveston, Texas, in 1900 is often ranked the nation’s worst natural disaster. But more than 9,500 people died a year later when a heat wave settled in the Midwest….” (Associated Press (Randolph E. Schmid). “Heat’s heavy toll counted in lives. ‘Deadliest weather’.” Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, PA, 7-24-1998, p. B3.)

 

Cumberland News, 1987: “Past hot spells have taken their toll. Of the epic heat wave of 1901, which took more than 9,500 lives, the New York Times reported, ‘The suffering, especially in the poorer sections, was intense,’ In those days, radiators didn’t overheat in traffic, instead, horses simply fell down and died.” (Cumberland News, MD. “Heat Waves are Dangerous.” 8-21-1987, p. 8.)

 

Frederick Post/Lesher, 1988: “….Extraordinarily hot summers have produced death tolls such as 1,401 in 1952, 4,678 in 1954 and more than 10,000 in 1901.” (Frederick Post (David Lesher), MD. “Six-month total precipitation reported near normal in county.” 7-25-1988, p. B6.)

 

Newspapers at the Time

 

July 2: “….Phoenix, Ariz., had the hottest temperature today, the thermometer registering 106, while at Philadelphia it was again 102, at Atlantic City, 86; Boston, 94…Cincinnati, 92; Davenport, Iowa, 92; Des Moines, Iowa, 94; Indianapolis, 94; Kansas City, 100; Little Rock, Ark., 96; Memphis, Tenn., 94; New Orleans, 92; New York, 98; North Platte, Neb., 92; Pittsburg, 94; Salt Lake, 92, St. Louis, 96; Springfield, Ill., 96; Vicksburg, Miss., 94….”

 

“As yet this warm wave has not equaled in duration those of 1881 and 1900 except in New York city, where during the present hot wave the maximum temperatures have ranged from 90 to 98 during the past seven days, exceeding the greatest previous record by two days.” (Atlanta Constitution, GA. “Some Relief is Expected.” 7-3-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 3: “Washington, July 3. — The weather bureau last night issued the following: The hot wave which has prevailed over New England, the middle Atlantic states, the lake region, the Ohio Valley and the Central west and northwest, continued Tuesday, although temporary relief was afforded during the afternoon by numerous thunderstorms in New England and the middle Atlantic states and at Chicago and St. Louis. At Philadelphia a maximum temperature of 103 degrees was again reached; at Washington it was 100; at New York city, 98; at Boston, 94; at Albany, 98…at St. Louis, 96, at Louisville, 96, and at Alpena, Mich., 92. Maximum temperatures above 90 also occurred in the extreme western states.” (Concord Enterprise, MA. “Heat Wave Continues Throughout New England.” 7-3-1901, p. 8.)

 

July 14: “Washington, July 14.– Reports to the weather bureau show that the hot weather continued today in nineteen states and territories of the great corn belt, the Ohio valley and various portions of the south. There seems to be no immediate evidence of abatement except in the south and southwest, where local thunderstorms may cause some moderation. The states affected include Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Colorado and Michigan. It has become considerably warmer also in the upper lake region and in New England. Marquette, Michigan, reporting today a record-breaking temperature of 102 degrees….In Des Moines, Ia., today the temperature was 100, in Kansas City, 102, and in Omaha, Neb., 102, while at Davenport, Ia. Denver, Col., Little Rock, Ark., New Orleans, St. Paul and Vicksburg, Miss., it was 96 or higher.” (Atlanta Constitution, GA. “Another Day of Hot Wave.” 7-15-1901, p. 3.)

 

July 23: “Washington, D.C., July 23. — One hundred degrees temperatures were common throughout the great corn belt yesterday, according to the reports to the weather bureau here. There appears to be no prospect of decided relief from these exhausting conditions for the next two days at least, except such as may come from the always present possibility of scattered thunder-storms, which are predicted for some portions of the super-heated area….The warm weather again was general throughout the entire country, except on the Pacific coast. In the East, the temperature, while high, did not approach anywhere the extremes prevailing in the West, and a recurrence of the hot wave of two weeks ago is believed to be unlikely in the Atlantic coast region….” (Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Heat Records Smashed.” 7-23-1901, 1.)

 

Alabama

 

July 12, Selma: “Selma, Ala., July 13. — The thermometer (unofficial) registered 112 degrees at 1 p.m. yesterday.” (Daily Times, Columbus, IN. “Heat Intense in Nebraska.” 7-14-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 14, Montgomery: “The official weather record here today was 100 degrees, two degrees higher than the official record yesterday…” (Atlanta Constitution, GA. “Another Day of Hot Wave.” 7-15-1901, p. 3.)

Arkansas

 

July 12, Little Rock and Pine Bluff: “At Little Rock, the highest temperature ever recorded was officially reported at 4 o’clock, when the mercury reached 106 degrees. Notwithstanding the oppressive heat no prostrations occurred there. Pine Bluff reports the warmest day on record with one fatality.” (Columbus Daily Herald, IN. “Heat Record Broken.” 7-13-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 13, Texarkana: “Today was without doubt the hottest day Texarkana has experienced since the hot spell of 1878. The thermometer at 1 o’clock this afternoon registered 107, and stayed there for two hours. This was against 106 yesterday and 103 Thursday. Work on new buildings, public works, etc., has been greatly crippled, the men being unable to stand the heat. Crops are gone beyond recovery, excepting cotton, which is greatly damaged….” (Galveston Daily News, TX. “Hot Weather Record.” 7-14-1901, p. 2.)

 

Colorado

 

June 29: “Denver, Jun 29 — Today was the hottest in…[unclear] in the eastern part of Colorado. At Buena Vista the thermometer registered 100 in the shade. Crops in that section reported seriously affected. At Idaho Springs it was 98 in the shade, something unheard of before in that section. At Fort Morgan it was 98…Pueblo 103. At Denver the government thermometer in the tower recorded 98 degrees. On the streets downtown the thermometers varied from 100 to 104.” (Colorado Springs Gazette. “Extreme Heat.” 6-30-1901, p. 11.)

 

District of Columbia

 

July 1: “Washington, July 1. — The hot weather continued unabated here to-day, the climax coming in the afternoon, when the local record for this time of the year was broken, the Weather Bureau thermometer recording a temperature of 102 degrees. Fortunately there was no much humidity. There were fifty cases of heat prostration reported, and two resulted fatally. At 8 o’clock tonight the thermometer had fallen to 90 degrees, with every probability that tomorrow would be another intolerable day.

 

“The present hot wave started in the West June 20, and today the Weather Bureau officials report that high temperatures are recorded in most regions east of the Rocky Mountains and many places west of them….” (New York Times. “Whole Country Swelters.” 7-2-1901.)

 

July 30: “Washington, July 30. — There were five prostrations from heat today. Temperature at 2 p.m. was 99.” (Racine Daily Journal. “Hot at Washington.” 7-30-1901, p. 1.)

 

Georgia

 

July 2, Rome: “Rome, Ga., July 2…The mercury touched 95 today. While the suffering was great here it was not so great as last week when Rome had the record of the highest temperature in the state. It registered 99 one day and 98 on other days. The heat today was tempered by cooling breezes, which served to alleviate suffering. No prostrations or deaths reported.” (Atlanta Constitution. “Ninety-Five Shown at Rome.” 7-3-1901, p. 1.)

 

Illinois

 

June 11, Chicago: “The city today experienced the highest temperature of the year, 89, and at the same time humidity was extremely high, reaching 92. There were six prostrations, two of which are in a precarious condition.” (Jacksonville Daily Journal, IL. “Weather Conditions.” 6-12-1901, p. 1.)

 

June 12, Chicago: “Heat prostrated many people and the mercury soared to 89 degrees, making Tuesday [June 11] the hottest day of the year in Chicago.” (Daily News, Marshall, MI. “The News.” 6-12-1901, p. 1.)

 

June 13, Chicago: “The heat and humidity caused seven deaths today, as follows: Patrick Buckley, John Carlson, Thomas Curia, Otto Hecker, Fritz Sagler, W. White and Mrs. Josephine Wolocosky.” (Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL. “Fatalities of a Day.” 6-14-1901, p. 1.)

 

June 14, Chicago: “Although the temperature was milder today there were three deaths attributed to the heat of the last three days.” (Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 6-21-1901, p. 6.)

 

June 22, Chicago: “One dead, one person fatally hurt, and five prostrations, is the record of a sweltering day in Chicago. The mercury touched 90, but the humidity was so great the record of the thermometer is only a small record of the discomfort caused. John Hall fell from a third story window while trying to get fresh air, and sustained fatal injuries. Charles Jenkins, aged 76, died from the heat.” (Sunday Review, Decatur, IL. “Death from Heat.” 6-23-1901, p. 1.)

 

June 25, Chicago: “Chicago, June 25. The present warm wave lies like a hot blanket on all the central western country and according to the weather forecasters, it is here to stay for several days. In this city there has been great suffering during the past 36 hours. Three people were overcome and died yesterday and a large number suffered in a lesser degree. The humidity is so great that it makes the heat almost unbearable. The suffering in the tenement districts is fearful. The humane society wagons are busy carting away horses which fall in the streets. Out at the stock yards the animals are stifled in the crowded pens. Over 300 died from exhaustion yesterday.” (Trenton Times, NJ. “Men and Cattle Die of Heat.” 6-25-1901, p. 1.)

 

June 26, Chicago: “There were four fatalities and a score of prostrations today as a result of the torrid weather. ” (Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL. “Prostrations By Score.” 6-28-1901, 2.)

 

June 28, Chicago: “This was the eighth day of the hot wave. The temperature reached 93 degrees and there were two deaths.” (Colorado Springs Gazette. “In Chicago.” 6-29-1901, p. 1.)

 

June 30, Chicago: “The heat in Chicago today broke all records for June since 1872. For three hours this afternoon the government thermometer in the weather bureau at the top of the Auditorium tower registered 97. In many places in the street it was 104 and 106. A northwest breeze brought some relief after nightfall, but at 11 o’clock the mercury was again soaring around 90. There was intense suffering throughout the city, especially in the poorer districts, the police ambulances were kept busy picking up victims who had succumbed to th heat. No fatalities were reported, but several of those who were prostrated are in a serious condition.” (Centralia Daily Sentinel, IL. “Worse Than A Battle. Ambulance Corps Busy All Day Picking Up Victims of Heat Prostration.” 7-1-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 1, Chicago: “Five persons dropped dead on the streets in Chicago today from the excessive heat and 15 others were so badly overcome that they had to be removed to hospitals. A number of the prostrated are in a serious condition and may die. At noon the temperature in the weather bureau in the Auditorium tower was 93 and on the streets over 100. A severe thunder storm at 1 o’clock brought relief and the mercury dropped 20 degrees. The dead are:

Peter Bajdik.

Bessie Poole.

John Smith.

Joseph Sobezak.

Thomas Walsh.

(Colorado Springs Gazette, CO. “Still Near a Hundred.” 7-3-1901, p. 3.)

 

July 2, Chicago: “Chicago, July 2 — Three deaths and numerous prostrations were reported in Chicago today….One woman, who suffered from the heat, attempted suicide. Heat prostrations in Chicago today were due rather to the great humidity than to excessive temperature. In point of heat 85 degrees was the highest recorded…” (Atlanta Constitution. “Three Deaths at Chicago, 7-3-1901, p. 2.)

 

July 10, Chicago: “Chicago, July 10. — Today was the hottest day ever recorded in Chicago, the mercury in the weather tower showing 100 degrees, while thermometers on the street were from two to four degrees hotter. A dry southwest wind kept the humidity at a low point. It was hot all over the State today. Crops are suffering from lack of rain.” (New York Times. “Chicago Heat Record Broken.” 7-11-1901.)

 

July 11, Decatur: “The government thermometer reached 102 yesterday [11^th]. Many horses have died.” (Marshfield Times, WI. “South Now Suffers From Great Heat.” 7-19-1901, p. 5.)

 

July 13, Chicago: “Chicago, July 13. — The long-continued dry, hot weather is rapidly making a prospective famine in farm produce. Potatoes are 150 per cent higher than a year ago. Green corn is 100 per cent higher. Other vegetables are similarly advanced.” (Daily Times, Columbus, IN. “Heat Intense in Nebraska.” 7-14-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 22, Chicago: “By Associated Press. Chicago, Ill., July 22 — The terrible heat, which reached its record breaking climax of 103 degrees yesterday, was broken at dawn today by a fresh lake breeze. The night was very close, there being scarcely a breath of air and hundreds of people in the crowded districts slept out of doors or sat up until the wind made sleep possible. The forecast today promised no relief. At 6 a.m. today the temperature in Chicago was 72, and at 9:30 it was 75. Eight deaths from heat have been reported up to 2 p.m.” (Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “The Heat Kills.” 7-22-1901, p. 1.)

 

Iowa

 

June 26, Dubuque: “Dubuque, Ia., June 26. — The temperature was 98 here today. There were several prostrations among the 6,000 excursionists from Aurora.” (Davenport Daily Republican, IA. “More Victims of the Heat. Prostrations at Dubuque.” 6-27-1901, p. 2.)

 

July 11, Des Moines: “For the third day in succession the maximum yesterday [11^th] was 101, breaking the record for continued extreme heat since the establishment of the weather office.” (Marshfield Times, WI. “South Now Suffers From Great Heat.” 7-19-1901, p. 5.)

 

July 12, Des Moines: “Des Moines, Ia., July 13. — The government thermometer registered a temperature of 102 at 3:30 yesterday afternoon, the highest of the year.” (Daily Times, Columbus, IN. “Heat Intense in Nebraska.” 7-14-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 14, Burlington: “Today was the sixth day in succession that the mercury went to 100 and over. The humidity in the atmosphere makes it very oppressive. There are no indications of rain.” (Atlanta Constitution. “Another Day of Hot Wave.” 7-15-1901, p. 3.)

 

July 16, Waterloo: “The heat record of Waterloo was broken today, the bulb standing at 103, thought to be the highest point ever attained by the government thermometer here. Cheap thermometers register higher, but the government uses the only reliable weather gauge. The register of today is one degree hotter than the first two days of last week and three degrees above the record of yesterday. At noon today the thermometer stood 102. The 103 mark was attained at 3 o’clock. The excessive hot weather and drouth has made itself more evident at the city pump house than any place in the city. For the last week, they have been pumping over 2,000,000 gallons per day….A horse belonging to Charles Heller on West Fifth street fell dead last evening as he was unhitching him from a drive in the country….” (Waterloo Daily Reporter, IA. “Heat Record Is Broken.” 7-16-1901, p. 1.)

 

Kansas and Missouri

 

July 3, Kansas City: “Kansas City, July 3. — Kansas City today was the centre of the hottest area in the country. Within a radius of 200 miles of this city the temperature ranged from 96 to 108 degrees. In Central Kansas hot winds are reported as literally burning up all vegetation. At Leavenworth, Kan., the highest temperature recorded in this part of the country for years was reached, the Government thermometer in that city reaching 108 at 3 o’clock. Other records in Kansas are: Hutchinson, 105; Fort Scott, 104; Lawrence, 102; Atchison, 100; Arkansas City, 98.

 

“In Missouri the temperature at Sedalia reached 104; at Kansas City, 101; at Joplin, 100, and at Springfield, 96.

 

“In Kansas City the record of yesterday was exceeded by one degree, and five prostrations, none of which it is believed will prove fatal, were reported.

 

“In Joplin the drought of the past ten days ahs so reduced the water supply as to threaten a shutting down of many mining plants unless rain soon comes.” (New York Times. “Intense Heat in Kansas.” 7-4-1901.)

 

July 12: “Topeka, Kan., July 12. — Government stations in Kansas report the following regarding the maximum temperatures yesterday: Kansas City 103, Baker, Wichita, Concordia, Topeka, 102; Dresden, Hayes City, 106; Fort Scott 108; McPherson, 107; Manhattan, Osage City, 106….Reports received here last night indicate that in no county in the state are crops damaged less than fifty per cent. Bourbon, Allen, Franklin and Miami counties report almost total loss of the corn crop. It is generally conceded that this is the worst drought since 1860 in Kansas.” (Marshfield Times, WI. “South Now Suffers From Great Heat.” 7-19-1901, p. 5.)

 

July 12: “Not since the present hot spell began have Kansas City people suffered so severely as they did Friday night [July 12]. The average temperature from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. was 91 degrees. The atmosphere was almost stifling and thousands of people slept on lawns or porches, or remained up the entire night riding or walking about town.” (Salt Lake Tribune, UT. “Hot Waves Travel.” 7-14-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 13: “Topeka, Kan., July 13. — The weather in Kansas continues very hot, the highest temperature reported being 110 at Fort Scott. The heat was accompanied by a very light breeze from the south, which came as from a red-hot furnace, blasting and withering vegetation of all kinds….” (Columbus Daily Herald, IN. Hot Weather In Kansas.” 7-13-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 14: “Kansas City, Mo., July 14.– No relief came today to break the drought in the southwest. The day was a repetition of the past two weeks, with reports from many places in western Missouri, Kansas, Indian Territory and Oklahoma of temperatures over the 100 mark….In Kansas City today the government thermometer reached 102, and at Marysville, Kans., 104 was recorded against 100 yesterday. There were three prostrations at Marysville.” (Atlanta Constitution, GA. “Another Day of Hot Wave.” 7-15-1901, p. 3.)

 

July 21-22, Kansas City, KS and MO: “Kansas City, Mo., July 22 — Fourteen deaths from heat, with fully forty prostrations, were reported up to one o’clock in Kansas City, Mo., and Kansas City, Kan., the past thirty-six hours. Nine of these occurred yesterday and five since midnight last night. At one o’clock this afternoon the weather bureau thermometer registered 102. Not a drop of rain is reported from any point in the southwest today and there is no immediate promise of moisture.” (Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “The Heat Kills.” 7-22-1901, p. 1.)

Kentucky

 

July 1, Louisville: “With a maximum temperature of 97 there were two heat prostrations at Louisville today.” (Colorado Springs Gazette. “Still Near a Hundred.” 7-3-1901, p. 3.)

 

July 11, Louisville: “A hot wave south yesterday [11^th] and many cities are reporting the highest temperatures of the year and some since the weather bureau stations were established….The maximum at Louisville was 103….” (Marshfield Times, WI. “South Now Suffers From Great Heat.” 7-19-1901, p. 5.)

Louisiana

 

July 13: “New Orleans, La., July 13. — This was the hottest day ever known in New Orleans, the hottest since the Weather Bureau has been in existence. At headquarters the record stood at 102.1, which was two degrees higher than the day before. Friday’s record was 100-2 in the shade….There were 10 prostrations from the heat, and tonight the Charity Hospital is rapidly filling up with those who have been overcome by the heat. A horse fell on Esplanade Avenue from sheer heat, and all over the city suffering was reported among the beasts of burden. It has been a scorcher from sun up to sundown, and the coast trains this afternoon ran in sections carrying the heat stricken people over to the Gulf coast resorts for the Sabbath…” (Galveston Daily News, TX. “Hot Weather Record.” 7-14-1901, p. 2.)

 

“Shreveport, LA., July 13. — The thermometer went up to 106.6, and the suffering from the heat is intense. Two prostrations were reported. In one case, however, liquor was the main cause of death. No rain and no prospect of any. Today’s figures do not break the record. On July 21, 1895, the thermometer registered 107.” (Galveston Daily News, TX. “Hot Weather Record.” 7-14-1901, p. 2.)

Maine

 

July 16: “Maine…bore the brunt of the [New England] hot wave and every city and town heard from reports the mercury ranging above 100 degrees and in some places it was 120 degrees in the shade in the middle of the afternoon. In the mill towns the suffering was intense and operations were generally suspended.” (Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette, IA. “Heat Wave in New England.” 7-17-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 16-17, Bath: “Bath, Me., July 16. The intense heat of yesterday, which caused cessation of work in several manufacturing plants here was surpassed Tuesday [16^th] and in the afternoon nearly every factory and mill in the city was closed. In the shade thermometers registered more than 100 degrees above zero — 102 being registered at one point at 1:15 o’clock. Two prostrations were reported before 3 o’clock….Both will recover.” (Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME. “Maine Having Touch of Torrid Zone Weather. Numerous Prostrations and Several Deaths in Past Few Days.” 7-17-1901, p. 1.]

 

July 16, Biddeford and Saco: “Biddeford, Me., July 16. — The extreme heat today caused a suspension of the work in the Saco and Pettee machine shop and foundry. The slashen [unclear] rooms in the Pepperell mills shut down this noon. The quarrymen and some of the city laborers had to give up work, this morning. The thermometer registered from 90 to 100 in different places at 10 o’clock this morning. John I. Goodrich of Saco, was prostrated by the heat while at work in the York mills dye-house. He was unconscious for some time. His physician says he will recover. Avery Cole, a Saco farmer, was prostrated while at work in his hay field. A number of the machinists in the Saco & Pettee had to be carried home before the plant shut down, the heat being 100 then….” (Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME. “Biddeford and Saco. Work Generally Stopped — Several Cases of Prostration Reported.” 7-17-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 16, Eastport: “The highest mark touched by the mercury in the official thermometer at the United States weather bureau since its establishment in 1872 was reached yesterday when the maximum temperature recorded was 93. The nearest approach to this figure was July 29, 1894 when the maximum was 91. The average for the 24 hours ending at 8 P.M. yesterday was 79, the temperature having fallen to 65 during the night.” (Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME. “Maine Having Touch of Torrid Zone Weather…Prostrations and Several Deaths…” 7-17-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 16, South Gardiner: “….Thermometers register 102 in the shade, the highest recorded for thirty years.” (Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME. “Maine Having Touch of Torrid Zone Weather. Numerous Prostrations and Several Deaths in Past Few Days.” 7-17-1901, p. 1.

 

Maryland

 

July 2, Baltimore: “Baltimore, Md., July 2 — This city was again at the head of the list of hottest cities today. The highest point reached by the mercury was at 2 p.m., when it touched 103 degrees, the maximum temperature of yesterday, and remained stationary for an hour…Up to 11 o’clock tonight thirteen deaths and thirty-nine prostrations had been reported.” (Atlanta Constitution. “White Heat at Baltimore. Mercury Touches 103 Degrees…” 7-3-1901, p. 1.)

 

Massachusetts

 

June 27, Boston: “Three persons died yesterday [27^th] as a result of the heat, which was the greatest this city has experienced this year, more than a score were prostrated, and those who suffered from the heat numbered in the hundreds of thousands. Doubtless there were many deaths of people who were ill, and might otherwise have recovered, to be attributed to the torrid wave which swept down on the city as early as sunrise, and which stayed down and upon the people until long after the sun had gone to rest below the western horizon.

 

“It was a day of the utmost discomfort to those who have no more serious occupation in hand than to look after their personal pleasures, and to the many more who have to earn a livelihood in occupations which necessitate their active participation in business affairs, especially when that activity is exercised out of doors, the weather brought real suffering.

 

“The greatest suffering, however, was in those neighborhoods where the tenement dwellers are closely crowded together and where there is neither an opportunity for the adults to get a breath of fresh air, nor for the children to find a shady spot in which to rest or play. In the North End, especially, every thoroughfare was simply thronged throughout the day by half-dressed little folks trying to get a breath of fresh air, which seemed to be impossible of attainment, and along the wharves and in North End parks there were so many women and children, all trying to get cool, that it seemed that every newcomer merely added to the discomfort, for, said the North End dwellers, there was no comfort anywhere.

 

“All the rich folks who have yachts, or who have friends who own them, got out of town early in the day and went to sea, where it is always tolerable in hot weather; those who had no yachts, but who had a little money, went to the beaches, and those who had no money at all either went to the pier-heads or to the public parks, but whoever they were or wherever they went, the people of Boston found that the heat had seen the place first, and that it was a hot day afloat as well as ashore.

 

“In Boston those who had to be about their duties in the streets suffered the most, and some of them died. At 12:35 yesterday afternoon a policeman found a man who was young, and dressed as a laborer, lying on the sidewalk in front of 19 Faneuil Hall market, on the South Market-st side, unconscious. The policeman called an ambulance, and the man, who was then breathing, was started for the Massachusetts general hospital, but he was dead when the ambulance reached there. The surgeons refused to accept the body, which was then taken to Tinkham’s undertaking rooms on Howard st….

 

“At 11 o’clock yesterday morning Fred Busher, 53 years old, of 153 Cambridge st, Cambridge, employed as a laborer by the Boston elevated railway company, was overcome by the heat while at work on the elevated structure at Thompson sq. An inbound L train was stopped to carry him to the City-sq station, and from there an ambulance was called from the Emergency hospital. When the ambulance got there Busher was dead….

 

“Michael Mulrey, aged 25, of 1040 Harrison av., who was found unconscious from the heat in Dorchester Wednesday afternoon, and who was removed to the City hospital…died at the hospital yesterday forenoon without having regained consciousness….” (Boston Daily Globe. “Killed by Heat. Three Persons Dead.” 6-28-1901, p. 1.)

 

June 28, Boston: “Yesterday was the hottest June 28 in the history of the weather bureau. The official thermometer, high up on Federal building, registered 97 degrees at 3 o’clock p.m. Down in the streets, where thousands sweltered, the thermometer registered 98 degrees from 12 to 1 o’clock. Only once in twenty-nine years has any June day been so hot….

 

“The heat is general throughout the country. Boston is now but one of the suburbs of a continental ‘city of dreadful heat.’ When the sun arose yesterday morning it glowed like fiery copper through the heat haze over the harbor. The heat was even then 75 degrees. By 7 o’clock it was 78, by 9 o’clock it had risen to 87, at 10 o’clock it jumped into the 90s, and there, ever climbing upward, it remained the most of the day….

 

“Suffering humanity sweltered and fainted in the streets…Horses floundered and fell and in dumb misery sometimes died. A shop girl would be wearily showing goods, and suddenly would collapse upon her counter. A waiter would be handing dishes to restaurant patrons and would be prostrated in the midst of the heat and steaming odors. Men, women and little children dropped in the streets, and the ambulances hurried here and there to the hospitals and police stations. In the crowded and narrow streets of tenements the poor folks suffered intensely. Going through the North and West Ends one could see pitiful sights — a suffering mother trying to soothe a fractious baby, half naked children lying on the pavement in narrow alleys, seeking shade and moaning to themselves. Wherever there was an open space, a park or a bench in shade, the people lay about, wearing as little clothing as possible….” (Boston Post, MA “Death in Hot Wave. Three Dead in Boston, Several Dying.” 6-29-1901, p. 4, continued from p. 1.)

 

July 1, Boston: “The end of the hot wave is not yet in sight. It caused five deaths in Boston and 11 in other places in New England yesterday….As a warning it can be said that the prostrations from heat are chiefly due, where the victim is not old, to the injudicious drinking of ice water or to a careless choice of one’s food….” Boston Globe. “Heat Adds to Victims.” 7-1-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 16, Boston: “New England was baked to a crisp yesterday [16^th] and the death record directly traceable to he heat will mount into the fifties, while the prostrations will reach into the hundreds. In Boston alone there were ten deaths from heat and eighty serious cases of prostration treated at the hospitals….In Boston the day opened with a temperature of 80 degrees and it jumped 5 degrees an hour for a couple of hours and at noon registered 96 degrees on the official thermometer, 150 feet above ground, on the federal building, while in the streets below it was 10 degrees warmer. The humidity was fearful and only a slight breeze, hot as coming from a baker’s oven, swept over the town at times. City laborers were compelled to quit work, many department stores released a large part of their help and manufacturing concerns were forced to shut down.” (Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette, IA. “Heat Wave in New England.” 7-17-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 16, Lowell: “In Lowell, Mass., the thermometer registered 120 degrees and many reported the mercury bursting the tubes after reaching that mark.” (Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette, IA. “Heat Wave in New England.” 7-17-1901, p. 1.)

 

Minnesota

 

June 25: “St. Paul, June 25. — The hot weather record for this section for June was broken today, the mercury at the local weather station reaching 96 degrees, three points above the highest previously reported here in June. At 7 o’clock tonight it was 92 with little prospects of falling much lower during the night. Only one prostration was reported.” (Weekly Gazette, Colorado Springs, CO. “Hot Day in St Paul.” 7-26-1901, p. 1.)

 

June 26: “Minneapolis, June 26. — There were four prostrations here today from the heat, and two at Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka.” (Davenport Daily Republican, IA. “More Victims of the Heat.” 6-27-1901, p. 2.)

 

July 12: “In St. Paul, Minn., yesterday [July 12] was the hottest day ever recorded by the Government weather bureau at that station, being 98. Unofficial instruments ranged from 100 to 105. One prostration was reported.” (Salt Lake Tribune, UT. “Hot Waves Travel.” 7-14-1901, 1.)

 

July 15: “The hot wave continues throughout Minnesota the Dakotas, Huron reporting 103 and Sioux Falls 100. At the latter place a child went to sleep in the sun and died from the heat. New Ulm, Minn., reports a temperature of 104, with a number of prostrations. The government thermometer here went up to 98. There was a hot breeze from the south most of the day, which greatly added to the discomfort…” (Times Democrat, Lima, OH. “Drouth Unbroken.” 7-15-1901, p. 4.)

Mississippi

 

July 13: “Vicksburg, Miss., July 13. — At 4 o’clock this afternoon the thermometer in the Weather Bureau registered 11 degrees, while street thermometers indicated from 101 to 103. This has only been exceeded once since the establishment of the Bureau, 101 on June 15, 1881, being the highest ever recorded.” (Galveston Daily News, TX. “Hot Weather Record.” 7-14-1901, p. 2.)

 

July 15: “Jackson Miss., July 15 — From all over the state come reports that corn, cotton and other farm crops have been seriously damaged because of the long continued drought. Very little rain has fallen since April and none at all except in a few favored spots since June 1. Mississippi made little corn last year because of continuous rains during June and July, and to fail two years in succession is a serious mater to thousands of farmers. The weather has been extremely hot for a week.” (Times Democrat, Lima, OH. “Drouth Unbroken.” 7-15-1901, p. 4.)

 

Missouri

 

June 23, St. Louis: “Yesterday [June 23] was the hottest day St. Louis has experienced this year, the thermometer registering 100 degrees from 4 to 5 o’clock in the afternoon. Commencing with a minimum of 75 degrees  early yesterday morning, the mercury soon reached the nineties, and continued above 95 degrees for a great part of the day. Although the majority of persons kept quiet as much as possible and frequented the summer gardens, several cases of heat prostrations were reported, including one fatality.” (The Press, Summer, IL. “Hottest Day of the Year.” 6-27-1901, p. 2.)

 

June 28, Kansas City: “Kansas City, Mo., June 28. — The temperature at 4 p.m. was 100. Michael Carter, a plasterer, was overcome by the heat and his condition is critical.” (Colorado Springs Gazette, CO. “In Kansas City.” 6-29-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 1, St. Joseph: The long drouth and heated spell was broken tonight by a heavy rain and a rapid drop in temperature. There were many heat prostrations here today, only one of which proved fatal. Ex-Policeman T. J. Dowdon was overcome on the street and before he had recovered he drank a glass of ice water. Within five minutes he was dead. The thermometer registered 105.” (Colorado Springs Gazette. “Still Near a Hundred.” 7-3-1901, p. 3.)

 

July 1, St. Louis: “July was ushered in today with scarcely any abatement of the heat which marked the closing days of June. Starting at 5 o’clock at 81 degrees, the mercury in the thermometer at the weather bureau rose steadily, reaching 100 at 8 o’clock. It did not remain long at this point, however, and an hour after the highest point had been reached dropped two degrees. As night drew near a breeze cooled the atmosphere. The following deaths from heat were recorded:

 

John Keller, 58 years.

John Wise.

Henry Stauber, 50 years.

Frank Douglas, negro.

Henry Schuette, 60 years.

Annie Nannie.

 

“The following names were added to the list of prostrations: Julius Eberhart, 38 years; Patrick Rabbit, Ike Murphy, Mrs. Lizzie Curboy, 60 years.” (Colorado Springs Gazette, CO. “Still Near a Hundred.” 7-3-1901, p. 3.)

 

July 2, St. Louis: “St. Louis, Mo., July 2 — A much-wanted rain came to St. Louis this afternoon and brought great relief from the heat. After the rain the mercury dropped from 97 to 80 degrees. Thirty-three persons — a larger number than were treated during the entire summer of 1900 — are at the city hospital suffering from heat prostration. During the twenty-four hours ending at 8 o’clock tonight four deaths and forty-seven prostrations have been reported.” (Atlanta Constitution. “St. Louis is Cooled by Rain.” 7-3-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 14, St. Joseph: “St. Joseph, Mo., July 14. — The long-continued drought has resulted in the entire ruin of the corn and oats crop in this section of the country. The fruit and vegetable crops are also complete failures, and the pastures have dried up so that the farmers are paying enormous prices for hay and seed. Unless rain comes this week, wheat, which was an abundant crop, will have to be substituted for even the coarser and cheaper kinds of food.” (Atlanta Constitution, GA. “Another Day of Hot Wave.” 7-15-1901, p. 3.)

 

July 17, St. Louis: “The rain that threatened yesterday and last night failed to come and today [17^th] starts in with every indication of being a scorcher. At 8 o’clock the government thermometer registered 84. Several prostrations have been reported during the past twenty-four hours and one death, that of Prof. Bernhard J. Newmann…” (Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette, IA. “St. Louis Disappointed.” 7-17-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 22, St. Louis: “This was the hottest day in the history of St. Louis. Shortly after 1 p.m. the government thermometer recorded 107.” (Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “The Heat Kills.” 7-22-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 24, St. Louis: “Reports received at the mortuary office up t noon showed forty deaths from heat during the past twenty-four hours. The ward of the city hospital are filled with heat patients. Ten new cases were received this forenoon. At noon the temperature was 102, two degrees higher than yesterday. At 10 a.m. the temperature here was 98, compared with 92 at the same time yesterday. Twenty-one deaths due directly to the heat reported in St. Louis yesterday. In several of these cases death occurred late Monday [22^nd]. Thermic fever, sunstroke, heat prostration and inselation [?] are named as the various forms of fatal strokes.” (Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Many Die At St. Louis.” 7-24-1901, p. 1.)

 

Nebraska

 

June 25: “Omaha, June 25. — The highest temperature reached today was 97 degrees, one degree lower than the highest mark of last year. Strong winds prevented such heat oppression as to cause casualties except in one instance. At South Omaha today, Ulrich Andreeg, aged 44 years, a butcher, died from heat.” (Weekly Gazette, Colorado Springs, CO. “High Temperature.” 7-26-1901, p. 1.)

 

June 28: “Omaha, Neb., June 28. — Today was the hottest June day on the records of the weather bureau, the thermometer reaching 100 degrees. The whole week has been a record-breaker. Wednesday the register was 98, and the minimum high point for the week.” (Colorado Springs Gazette, CO. “Omaha Hot Weather.” 6-29-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 11: “Lincoln, July 12. –The maximum temperature for Lincoln and the southern half of Nebraska dropped two degrees yesterday [11^th], to 101. Hot winds continue, however, and the drought is still on. At Beaver City this was the nineteenth successive day when the temperature has been 100 degrees or over. Fear of a water famine exists in many towns….” (Marshfield Times, WI. “South Now Suffers From Great Heat.” 7-19-1901, p. 5.)

 

July 12: “Omaha, Neb., July 13. — The heat yesterday was intense. The thermometer reached 104 degrees in this city, and ranged from 103 to 107 throughout the state. At Fairbury the mercury registered 107; at Tecumseh, 104, and at O’Neill, 103. The street thermometers in this city was as high as 110 during the day, and the streets were fairly cleared of people. Hardly a breath of air stirred during the twenty-four hours. There was, however, an absence of hot winds which characterized the hot spell last week. The local forecaster gives no hope of relief except that the indications are for a less degree of humidity.” (Daily Times, Columbus, IN. “Heat Intense in Nebraska.” 7-14-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 15: “Lincoln, Neb., July 15 — Nebraska again suffered from the heat, the highest temperature reported by the weather bureau being 102 degrees at 4:30 p.m. Thermometers in the business district recorded 109. Reports show that no rain has fallen in the state during the past 24 hours. Rainfall within two days will yet save the corn crop. The spring wheat and oats crops will be a failure.” (Times Democrat, Lima, OH. “Drouth Unbroken.” 7-15-1901, p. 4.)

 

New England

 

June 29: “The heat at points all over the New England states was intense and prostrations were numerous.” (Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Slight Abatement of Hot Wave Today…” 6-29-1901, 1)

 

July 1: “….The worst feature is the great increase in infant mortality in the cities.” (Colorado Springs Gazette. “Still Near a Hundred.” 7-3-1901, p. 3.)

 

New Jersey

 

June 30, NYT: “Newark, N.J., June 30.— The heat here last night left the central part of the city in darkness, owing to the collapsing of men at the electric power station.  The firemen at work in the pits in the power house worked in relays during the early evening but even this did not enable them to keep at work.  By 8 o’clock several were in a state of collapse.  The rest managed to keep the steam up for an hour, but as more and more men were forced to give up the steam began to run down.

 

“The engineers then made an investigation and found the fire-room force demoralized.  The force that remained had to be conserved for the most important boilers, and most of the street lights were shut off.  The store circuits were generally kept going but office circuits were shut down. The arc light circuits also had to be cut off in the centre of the city where the store lights could be relied upon to keep the streets fairly wall lighted.

 

“Meantime messengers were scouring the city for extra, firemen. The day firemen who had gone off duty at 6 o’clock, were called upon, and worked until extra men could be gotten. By midnight enough men were on hand to keep up steam in all boilers.  The men are working in relays tonight, so no further trouble is expected.”  (NYT. “Newark in Partial Darkness,” July 1, 1901, 1)

 

July 2, NYT: “New Jersey baked again yesterday until local showers in the afternoon caused a decided drop in the temperature, but in the evening after the storm had subsided there was a disposition on the part of the mercury to rise again. The outlook last night was for another scorcher to-day [July 3].

 

“The death rate went up with a bound in the big cities of the State. Thirty-one persons died in Newark as a direct result of the heat. Sixty or more persons were prostrated in the same city. In Hoboken and North Hudson eight deaths were reported and fifty-two prostrations. Jersey City escaped lightly with less than half a dozen deaths and about thirty cases of prostration. Six deaths took place at Elizabeth, where there were fifteen cases of prostration reported. New Brunswick had three deaths and nine cases of prostratin. Passaic had one death and nine prostrations. Paterson had three deaths and fourteen prostrations. Plainfield had but one death but a dozen prostrations. Orange had two deaths and eight prostrations. Hackensack, one death and two prostrations. Rahway had two deaths and one case of sunstroke.

 

“Various other places in the Sate ran the deaths up to more than one hundred. There were hundreds of prostrations. The cases continued to occur during last evening, despite the apparent break in the heat. The hospitals in all the cities are overflowing, and there is danger of the attendants collapsing. In most of the big hospitals in Newark and Jersey City no cases are taken unless they are urgent, so as to reserve as much room as possible for heat cases. Those treated for prostration are hurried home as soon as it is safe to let them go, so as to make room for more.

 

“In Newark and Jersey City, Hoboken, and other places having tenement quarters, the residents of these sections sought relief from the heat last night in the parks. They were ll thrown open to them, and the police looked the other way.

 

“Horses dropped by the score in the big cities. Paterson, Newark, Jersey City, and Hoboken having steep hills witnessed the greatest mortality in horses.

 

“Paterson and New Brunswick are practically at a standstill so far as manufacturing is concerned. Newark, Jersey City, and Elizabeth are almost as bad. Then the thermometers on the streets and in the shade ran up to 100 or more the temperature in the factories became unbearable, and the proprietors either shut down for the day or the employes abandoned work.

 

“In Hoboken a standard thermometer registered 108 in the shade, and while this was excessive, almost every section of the State registered more than 100….” (New York Times. “Over 100 Deaths in New Jersey.” 7-3-1901.)

New York

 

June 22, NYC: “A dense fog which settled over the harbor yesterday [June 22], humidity which settled over the mainland, and temperature of real Summery character, made the day an exceptionally disagreeable one in New York. It was the first real warm day of the year, and the fact that it was Saturday, and a half holiday, made it possible for vast throngs to seek the seaside and the country. Mr. Emery, who supervises the weather for this city and neighborhood, sat in his office on the top floor of 100 Broadway yesterday afternoon, perspiring just like all the rest of New York. He said he hated to say it, but that the day was but the precursor of a series of hot days which have been arranged for the next week or so….

 

“The effect of the heat was particularly noticeable upon horses. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals did a rush day’s work caring for the unfortunate beasts that had become overheated. Horses dropped in their tracks in many parts of the city, the humidity wreaking its effect relentlessly in this particular.

 

“Last night [22^nd] was the first real Summer night for the tenement districts. Every man, woman, and child in those sections of this big city who could do so slept outdoors. Mothers could be seen by hundreds nursing infants on the sidewalk, while others with parched throats tried to sleep on pavements where policemen would not interfere. Only three prostrations were reported: Horace Rosenberg, twenty-two years old, of 72 Goerck Street, was overcome at 255 Second Street and taken to Bellevue Hospital. Thomas Robinson, thirty-six years old, of Mills Hotel No. 2, was overcome at 51 Jackson Street, and had to be attended by a hospital physician. An unidentified man was overcome late in the afternoon by the heat at the corner of Christopher and West Streets. He was taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital….” (New York Times. “Heat and Humidity Drive Many From City.” 6-23-1901.)

 

June 23, NYC: “The temperature in New York was of the torrid order again yesterday. At one time the mercury reached the 85 degree point, one degree hotter than was recorded at the Weather Bureau on Saturday. The parks, especially Central and Battery Park, were filled all day with a sweltering crowd of men, women, and children in search of relief from the oppressive heat. The cars and boats trafficking between the city and near-by seaside resorts were crowded all day, and it seemed from appearances that every person who had the fare took advantage of the opportunity to get an hour or so rest in the cooler atmosphere of the suburbs….Only one prostration from the heat was reported. John McCaffrey, a laborer living at 412 East Sixtieth Street, was found unconscious in front of 127 East Twenty-third Street. He was taken to Bellevue.” (New York Times. “Hot Sunday in the City.” 6-24-1901, p. 2.)

 

June 28, NYC: “There is no prospect of a let-up of the heat. Yesterday [27^th] was hotter than the day before and today promises to be still hotter….Yesterday’s list of prostrations was longer, too, than Wednesday.[120] The official mercury reached 91.5 degrees, a degree and half higher than on Wednesday, making it the hottest day of the year. At 8 A.M. the record was 77 in the shade, at 10 A.M. it was 85, and 87 at noon. One P.M. saw it 89….Down on the street, twenty stories below, the mercury mounted much higher. Many thermometers made in 96 and 97 and in particularly torrid places there were records of 99 and 100 in the shade. ‘It is hot everywhere in the country east of the Missouri River,’ said Mr. Emery….” (The World, NYC. “Still Hotter Today; No Relief in Sight.” 6-28-1901, p. 7.)

 

June 29, NYC: “….the weather man says that Friday’s temperature was 2 degrees above that of yesterday [June 29]….In spite of this and the fact that figures never lie the average New Yorker yesterday was willing to swear that it was considerably hotter than on Friday. That it seemed so much hotter was probably due to the fact that the southerly breeze which had ameliorated conditions during the first part of the hot spell diminished much in force as the forenoon wore on….In the parks, on the piers, and even on the river, where weary men and women tried to get a breath of pure air, it was not much better. Several men were overcome on the river front and in Central Park two men succumbed temporarily to the rays of the sun. Up at the top of the twenty-story building where the Weather Bureau observes the evolutions of the thermometer the maximum temperature recorded was 92 degrees. This point was reached twice during the day, once at 2:30 o’clock and again at 4 o’clock….On the street it was, of course, much hotter, thermometers at various parts of the city registering all the way from 98 to 106 in the shade….

 

“The heat caused several deaths,[121] and a large number of prostrations were reported to the police by the hospitals. It appears from these reports that the greater part of those prostrated were not children and old people, but men between the ages of twenty-five and forty. In anticipation of such demands the hospitals yesterday completed their Summer equipment for the treatment of such cases. At Bellevue all the bathrooms have been prepared for the giving of ice baths on short notice, and at the other hospitals similar precautions have been taken….

 

“The heat also affected the horses, and Dr. W. P. Henderson of the New York Veterinary Hospital estimated that nearly 200 had died from the effects….” (New York Times. “New York Wilts in Protracted Heat.” 6-30-1901.)

 

June 29, Syracuse: “Syracuse, N.Y., June 29. — John Heitzman, teamster, sixty-six years old, was prostrated by the heat yesterday afternoon and died this morning. Two laborers were overcome this afternoon and died an hour later. Today several foundries were obliged to close, the men being unable on account of the excessive heat to continue at work. The thermometer registered 92 degrees at noon.” (New York Times. “Three Deaths in Syracuse.” 6-30-1901.)

 

July 1, NYC: “Out  of the burning Sahara of brick and stone – Manhattan – there  moved yesterday a mighty host, which swept down through Brooklyn to the sea at Coney Island.  It was a second evacuation of New York, and in the city the dreaded heat was left in possession.  The exodus was a record-breaker…. While yet the sun was low in the east there began to flow, from the east side and west side, already baking and blistering both, human streams, which came together in Park Row and raged as a swollen river across the bridge, breaking at last in an ever-growing flood on waiting and eager Coney….It is estimated that, about 150,000 fled to the Island from the city’s heat during the day.” (NYT. “The City A Furnace, Virtually Deserted,” 7-1-1901, p. 1, c. 7.)

 

July 1. NYC: “July sizzled into town yesterday as a record breaker, sending the mercury up the official tube at 3:10 o’clock in the afternoon to the 98 degree mark.  Not only was it the hottest day of the Summer, but it was the hottest July 1 in the history of the Weather Bureau, the previous high record being in 1872 when the thermometer recorded 95 degrees. Moreover, the record of yesterday came within one degree of equaling the mark of the hottest July day of which there is any record, and also it came within 2 degrees of equaling the highest record which the department has on its books.

 

“The above records are those of the Weather Bureau, situated on the twentieth story of a skyscraper, far above the real city, where in the hemmed-in streets countless multitudes work and swelter until many of them succumb to the unnatural strain.  The temperature, according to standard thermometers in the streets, varied considerably with the location of the thermometer. The thermometer at The New York Times Building reached the maximum of 100 degrees at exactly 4 o’clock.. At 2 o’clock the thermometer in Herald Square reached the 108 degree mark. Fortunately, the humidity in the air was slight, else the list of heat victims might have been doubled.  As it was, no fewer than 87 deaths and 178 cases of prostration reported in the various boroughs during the day were attributed to the heat.

 

“As usual, the brunt of the suffering was borne by the very poor on the east and west sides of the town. The early morning scenes along Hester Street and Division Street and Delancey and Allen Streets were interesting and sad to behold…

 

“Hundreds upon hundreds of the poor inhabitants, unable to exist longer in their close, stifling quarters, brought their mattresses from inside the houses and camped in the street. When the policemen on beat along Hester and Division Streets made their early rounds they had to take to the roadway, for it was impossible without stepping on exhausted sleepers, to walk the sidewalk.

 

“Whole families camped out, fathers anxious to keep, their young together, mothers with crying babies, and –children who were too exhausted to care where they slept.  And while the street was blocked with these, the roofs of the tenements for blocks around. were covered with others and the fire escape landings were crowded with still others, driven to the point of desperation to find rest and comfort….”  (NYT.  “Heat’s Holocaust In The Five Boroughs,” July 2, 1901, p. 1.)

 

July 2, NYC: “Over 200 deaths in all the boroughs and over 300 cases of prostration in Manhattan alone, two heat records smashed to smithereens, and two furious black squalls which brought some relief was the result of yesterday’s [July 2] meteorological record. The maximum temperature came at 2:15 o’clock in the afternoon, when the mercury reached the 99-degree mark — within one degree of the highest record in the history of the Weather Bureau, and equal to the highest previous July record, and 5 degrees higher than the previous July 2 record on the book of the bureau.

 

“The heat was so intense that the entire city was as if paralyzed. Many big companies and wholesale houses closed their doors as early as noon, in order to give their stenographers and clerks a chance to flee the city. Almost all of the insurance companies closed their doors. The Metropolitan Street Railway Company was unable to run its cars on strict schedule time for want of men to take the places of those who gave out. All work on the tunnel was well as on buildings and construction work throughout the city was suspended, and even the hospitals were affected. Many of the hospitals were unable longer to send out ambulances because their horses had given out. Patients were taken to the hospitals in police patrol wagons, and even in private delivery wagons. Up to 6 o’clock in the evening the total number of ambulance calls for heat prostrated persons was 500, and throughout the night the calls continued to come in. Over 250 horses were stricken with the heat, an the Health Department was unable until last night to remove all the bodies of the animals.

 

“The rise of the thermometer began with the coming of the sun, surrounded by a sickly coppery glare which announced another day of torture. All night long the temperature had been at a height that made sleeping impossible for the thousands of worn-out human and animal creatures that make up the population of the city. Throughout the night cars running to and from the Battery, and the ferryboats of all lines were packed with sweltering persons unable to find sleep and anxious to spend the night aboard anything that floated, even though it were but a ferryboat. The ferryboats at the foot of Cortlandt Street, the Staten Island ferryboats, and even the Brooklyn ferryboats were crowded on every trip, the passengers simply paying another fare and remaining to sail back and forth over the water to catch gasps of fresh air.

 

“As early as 8 o’clock the thermometer 300 feet over the real city showed 88 degrees, 5 degrees higher than the day before, itself a record-breaker. Within two hours the mercury jumped 7 degrees, and persons who looked at thermometers wiped their perspiring foreheads and wondered what the day would have in store, the record at that early morning hour being the one that caused consternation only two days before. In the next two hours the mercury went up at the rate of 1 degree for each, until at 1 o’clock P.M. it stopped at 98 degrees, where it held on for an hour….

 

“Down in the streets, where there was hardly a breath of air and where the tall buildings exhaled the heat that has been pumped into them by the sun for the last week, the temperature was far higher than that recorded in the Weather Bureau. A standard thermometer at Eighth Street and University Place marked 103 in the shade at 2 o’clock. In Park Row the New York Times thermometer showed 101 degrees at as early as 1 o’clock, and the thermometer in Herald Square, which on Monday showed 108 degrees at 2 o’clock showed 110 degrees at the same hour yesterday. Even in the offices high up over the sidewalks the heat was almost unbearable. In the office of Contractor McDonald, on the twenty-sixth floor of the Syndicate Building — presumably the coolest office in town — the thermometer rose to 96 degrees at noon and remained at that point until the storm broke….

 

“In the shopping districts along Six Avenue the stores were almost deserted. The streets, at other times packed with anxious buyers, pushing toward the enticing bargain counters, were filled only with pedestrians obliged to work, and whose one object was to get out of the sun.

 

“On the lower east side among the poor of the city the same pitiful efforts shown on the previous days to fight the heat were apparent. As usual, whole families slept in the streets and on the tops of houses and on fire-escape landings. Many, however, went to the parks, and Central Park showed a rare sight as the blistering sun went down on it Monday night. Whole families, mothers and babes in arms, had gone to the Park to sleep outdoors rather than to stifle in their squalid hot rooms. All made themselves comfortable for the night and found places for themselves to sleep under trees and bushes, or to spend the hot night at least under God’s free sky. Similar scenes were witnessed in the parks in Brooklyn. Park Commissioner Brower called at local Police Headquarters and secured the consent of the police authorities not to enforce the ordinance prohibiting persons from entering the parks after a certain hour at night.

 

July 3, Brooklyn: “The suffering among the sugar house workers in the refineries of the American Sugar Refining Company on Kent Avenue, Brooklyn, still continues. While several physicians are employed by the company to look after the men who become prostrated from the heat, they were unable to attend to all the cases that occurred during Tuesday night [July 2], and it was found necessary to call upon the doctors of the Eastern District Hospital to help them….All with the exception of one who had been overcome were taken to their homes, and he was taken to the hospital.

 

“Between midday on Tuesday and 6 o’clock last night, the hour of closing, 305 deaths [all causes] had been recorded at the office of the Brooklyn Department of Health. This exceeds all other records for a like period of time by 100.” (NY Times. “Incidents and Notes.” 7-4-1901.)

 

July 22, New York: “Four deaths from heat were reported here today. At 1 a.m. the weather bureau thermometer registered 86 degrees. The humidity at the same hour was 69.” (Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI. “The Heat Kills.” 7-22-1901, p. 1.)

 

Ohio

 

June 29, Cincinnati: “Cincinnati. The highest point the thermometer has reached here in many years was 104 degrees on July 10, 1881, and…it looks as though the performance of twenty years ago is about to be repeated….” (Daily Republican-News, Hamilton, OH. “Still Swelter but Bassler [weather bureau] Holds out Hope.” 6-29-1901, p. 1.)

 

June 29, Cleveland: “The excessive heat that has prevailed for the past several days continues tonight causing prostrations and deaths in various parts of town. He official weather record on the top of a ten story building is 98. On the ground the temperature reached 100. Four deaths and four prostrations are reported, some of the latter being in a serious condition….” (Colorado Springs Gazette, CO. “Extreme Heat.” 6-30-1901, p. 11.)

 

June 29, Columbus: “Columbus, June 29 — The thermometer started skyward early today and the local weather bureau has promised the hottest day of the season unless rain shall give relief. At 10 o’clock the temperature was 86 and at 11 o’clock 89, and still going up…” (Daily Republican-News, Hamilton, OH. “Still Swelter but Bassler Holds out Hope.” 6-29-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 1, Cincinnati: “The spell of torrid heat which has held sway here during the past week, was broken this afternoon by a squall. The storm came suddenly from the southeast, and for a time the wind blew at a rate of 60 miles an hour. This was followed by a thunder shower, and the temperature dropped to 75. The maximum temperature today was 96 at the government observation station and 99 on the street. There were five deaths from heat today, making 12 since the hot spell began a week ago. Today’s deaths:

John Stofer.

Jos. Fuzz.

Michael Gibben.

George Elrich.

Michael Deloughey.

 

“Twelve persons are now at the city hospital in a serious condition.” (Colorado Springs Gazette, CO. “Still Near a Hundred.” 7-3-1901, p. 3.)

 

July 1, Cleveland: “The highest temperature recorded by the weather bureau today was 98. About 9 o’clock a heavy wind came from the west and cooled the atmosphere considerably. Three deaths occurred from the heat and 18 prostrations. The dead are: William Reidel of Cleveland. James Kracek, a farmer of Orange township. Owen McCloane of Buffalo, found dead on the lake docks tonight.” (Colorado Springs Gazette. “Still Near a Hundred.” 7-3-1901, p. 3.)

 

July 2, Cincinnati: “”Cincinnati, O., July 2 — Two deaths and sixteen prostrations were reported here today, making a total of seventeen deaths and ninety-one prostrations during the present hot spell. The maximum was 92.” (Atlanta Constitution. “Two Dead at Cincinnati.” 7-3-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 11, Cincinnati: “The government thermometer yesterday [11^th] reached 99.4, while on the street it ranged from 100 to 105 in the shade.” (Marshfield Times, WI. “South Now Suffers From Great Heat.” 7-19-1901, p. 5.)

Pennsylvania

 

June 25, Pittsburgh: “Pittsburg, Pa., June 25. — This was the record hot day of the year. The thermometer hovering around 92 degrees from early morning until nightfall. Edward Calloway, aged 20 years, died from the extreme heat and there were many prostrations. Between 75 and 100 men were driven from the Homestead steel works by the heat and the National Tube works at McKeesport[122] suspended work in several of its departments. Many other plants will have to close down tomorrow if the hot spell is not broken.” (Weekly Gazette, Colorado Springs, CO. “Pittsburgh Weather.” 7-26-1901, p. 1.)

 

June 28, Pittsburgh: “While the maximum temperature today was but 88 and the minimum 70, three deaths and several prostrations were reported. The dead are Mary Dermo, 15; Gilbert Logan, 65 years; Robert Houston, 8 years.” (Colorado Springs Gazette, CO. “Heat In Pittsburg.” 6-29-1901, p. 1.)

 

June 29, Philadelphia: “Philadelphia, June 29. — Three deaths and a score of prostrations occurred here today as a result of the excessive heat. The maximum temperature was 95 degrees at 3 o’clock this afternoon, and the minimum 78 degrees at 5 o’clock this morning. There was 83 percent humidity, which added greatly to the discomfort.” (New York Times. “Three Deaths in Philadelphia.” 6-30-1901.)

 

June 29, Pittsburgh: “This was the hottest day of the year for Pittsburg, the thermometer registering 94 at the government weather bureau shortly after 3 p.m. Francis Mills and Mary Geermo died from exhaustion and many prostrations are reported. The mills and factories lost many men during the day because they could not continue work in the intense heat. The Soho and [unclear] furnaces both had to suspend operations and if the warm wave continues other plants will be forced to close down.” (Colorado Springs Gazette, CO. “Extreme Heat.” 6-29-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 1, Philadelphia: “Philadelphia, July 1. — Philadelphia and vicinity to-day experienced the highest temperature ever recorded in this city, the Government thermometer on the top of the Post Office Building, 170 feet above the street, registering 102 degrees even. The highest temperature previously recorded was on Sept. 1, 1881, when the Weather Bureau thermometer touched 101.5 degrees. The minimum temperature today was at 5 A.M., when 82 was recorded. At noon it reached 98; 2 P.M. 100; 3 P.M., 101, and 3:45 P.M., 102. From the latter point it slowly fell, and at 6 o’clock it was down to 100 and at 8 P.M. 96. The velocity of the wind throughout the day was six miles an hour, practically a dead calm.

 

“All records regarding the number of deaths and prostrations due to the hot blast were broken. Every one of Philadelphia’s many hospitals was taxed to its full capacity. The extreme heat had a most demoralizing effect on the manufacturing establishments. The industrial district of Kensington was badly crippled, many of the establishments having to close down. At Cramps’ shipyard the prostrations were so numerous that the 5,000 men employed there were relieved from duty at noon. At Baldwin’s Locomotive Works, the Midvale Steel Works, and numerous other places scores of heat sufferers had to quit.

 

“Up to midnight fourteen deaths were reported and upward of one hundred persons were treated at hospitals for heat exhaustion.” (New York Times. “Philadelphia’s Hottest Day. 102 Degrees… ” 7-2-1901.)

 

July 1, Pittsburgh: “Pittsburg was a veritable furnace all day. From sunrise until long after dusk there was no cessation in the terrible heat. All previous records were broken, and the death rate was more than doubled. Infants and aged people succumbed alike and the suffering among all classes was intense. Many mills closed down entirely, and in all big mills relief shifts were constantly in readiness to replace those who could no longer endure the heat. Beginning at 1 o’clock this morning the thermometer registered 84 degrees, and from that time the temperature kept rising until at 5 o’clock this evening when it reached its maximum, 98. During all this time there was an almost entire absence of breeze. Among the poorest classes who live in the narrow streets and alleys, suffering was intense. Between the hours of 7 a.m. and midnight tonight 18 deaths from heat in Pittsburg and Allegheny were recorded and 40 prostrations. Shortly after midnight a cooling breeze sprang up and the mercury dropped to 88…” (Colorado Springs Gazette. “Still Near a Hundred.” 7-3-1901, p. 3.)

 

July 2, Pittsburgh: “Pittsburg, July 2 — Twelve deaths and sixty prostrations from the heat were reported between midnight last night and 11 o’clock this morning, making the number of fatalities 40 in 24 hours.” (Daily Republican News, Hamilton, OH. “Pittsburg’s Roaster.” 7-2-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 2, Pittsburgh: “Pittsburg, July 2 — While the maximum temperature today, 94, did not reach yesterday’s figures the effect of the heat was more disastrous than on any day since the hot spell began. Up to 11 p.m. fifty deaths had been reported in Pittsburg, Allegheny and suburbs, with many prostrations. The only out-of-town death victim was Chase Hendrie, of Lexington, Ky….

 

“The effect of the heat is appalling. In the store, in the factory, in the mill, employees are stricken down, many to death, others to prolonged prostrations. In one mill at the Homestead plant fifty-two men were prostrated, and finishing mills Nos. 28 and 32 and open hearth mill No. 3 had to close down. The workmen were as busy carrying out and caring for their comrades who were prostrated as they were in performing their regular work. Innumerable children throughout the city are heat victims and the mortality among them is unprecedented. So many horses have succumbed to the heat that deliveries of all kinds are badly crippled. Particularly is this the case with the deliveries of ice and for a time almost an ice famine was threatened. One ice company lost fifty-six horses.” (Atlanta Constitution, GA. “Fifty Dead at Pittsburg.” 7-3-1901, p. 1.)

 

July 3, Philadelphia: “Philadelphia, July 3. — Although the temperature to-day did not reach the record it made yesterday and Monday by 4 degrees, the suffering from the heat was nearly as great, and the fatal results from the torrid wave were nearly as numerous as on the two previous days. Up to midnight the number of deaths attributed to the excessive heat reported since last midnight was 47, with over 250 prostrations. Th later reports from the police stations and hospitals will doubtless considerably increase these numbers.

 

“In order that heat patients can be promptly attended to, the city authorities have issued orders that policemen can seize any nearby team so as to get a patient to a hospital quickly. Tents have been erected in various parts of the city for the care of the prostrated.” (New York Times. “More Deaths in Philadelphia. Forty-seven Fatal Cases Yesterday.” 7-4-1901.)

 

Rhode Island

 

June 29, Newport: “Today’s heat, added to that of the last few days, caused an immense amount of suffering, one suicide and two attempts being indirectly charged up to the hot wave.” (Davenport Daily Republican, IA. “Deaths Follow Intense Heat.” 6-30-1901, p. 1.)

 

South Carolina

 

June 25, Charleston: “Charleston, S.C., June 25. — Severe heat here today caused many prostrations, although none have resulted seriously. The hot wave came unexpectedly on the heels of particularly pleasant weather and the sudden change had a terrible effect. As a result of the severe heat John Heyward, a negro boy, was prostrated in the street and the refusal of the city hospital authorities to receive him has created a stir in municipal circles. Hayward was in a dying condition. When the hospital would not admit him the police left him on the steps of the institution where he remained in the sun until he was finally admitted under protest. The matter has been unofficially presented to the grand jury which is in session and if Heyward should die, which is more than probable, a sifting of the conditions will be demanded. The hospital, for financial reasons, is opposed to accepting pauper patients, and the fact that the hot summer will have a disastrous effect on the poor is causing serious concern.” (The Constitution, Atlanta, GA. “Prostrated by the Heat. Severe Hot Wave Strikes the City of Charleston.” 6-26-1901, p. 5.)

 

South Dakota

 

July 12: “Mitchell, S.D., July 13. — A hot wind swept over this section of the state yesterday that had bad effects on the wheat crop. Competent judges place the damage done to wheat at from 12 to 15 per cent. The temperature by the government thermometer yesterday afternoon was 104.” (Daily Times, Columbus, IN. “Heat Intense in Nebraska.” 7-14-1901, p. 1.)

 

Tennessee

 

July 12, Memphis: “Memphis, Tenn., July 13. — Friday [12^th] was the warmest day of the year in the central southern states and parts of the southwest. Many places in West Tennessee, Arkansas, North Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas reports that all heat records were broken during the afternoon. In Memphis the official report was 102 degrees at 5 o’clock. This is the highest temperature ever recorded here.” (Columbus Daily Herald, IN. “Heat Record Broken.” 7-13-1901, p. 1.)

Texas

 

July 13: “Dallas, Tex., July 13. — This is claimed to have been the hottest day known here in 16 years. Thermometers in the shade registered all the way from 101 to 107  degrees minimum. According to the one kept by The News in what is considered the coolest place down town, the average temperature between 4 a.m. and midnight was 98.1 degrees. Yesterday the average was 91.1 degrees…

 

“Orange, Tex., July 13. — This has been the hottest day ever experience here. In the Western Union office, where the Government records were kept for years, the thermometer registered 99, five degrees higher than ever before recorded. The same thermometer placed in front of Bland’s battery, on the sidewalk, registered 106 degrees.” (Galveston Daily News, TX. “Hot Weather Record.” 7-14-1901, p. 2.)

 

July 14, Denison: “Denison, Tex., July 14. — The worst drought ever experienced in this section was broken this afternoon by a terrific rainfall of over two hours’ duration…” (Atlanta Constitution, GA. “Another Day of Hot Wave.” 7-15-1901, p. 3.)

 

Wisconsin

 

June 11, La Crosse: “The thermometer registered 95 today and many prostrations were reported, one probably fatal. Workmen were compelled to stop work and farmers’ horses dropped on the streets as the result of the heat.” (Jacksonville Daily Journal, IL. “Weather Conditions.” 6-12-1901, p. 1.)

 

June 26: “Milwaukee, June 26. — Record-breaking heat prevailed in some parts of the state today. There was one prostration in Milwaukee. At Berlin, J. Bernhart died from sunstroke.” (Davenport Daily Republican, IA. “More Victims of the Heat.” 6-27-1901, p. 2.)

 

July 22, Madison: “All heat records in Wisconsin were broken yesterday. The government thermometer at Washington observatory registered a maximum temperature of 104 degrees. Crops already suffering severely wilted under the combined heat and unless rain come now in one or two days corn and tobacco will be practically a total loss…” (Grand Rapids Tribune, WI. “The Crops Are Doomed. Continued Drouth and Hot Weather Causes Alarm.” 7-27-1901, p. 2.)

 

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Concord Enterprise, MA. “Heat Wave Continues Throughout New England.” 7-3-1901. Accessed 1-8-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/massachusetts/concord/concord-enterprise/1901/06-03/page-5?tag

 

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Daily News, Marshall, MI. “The News.” 6-12-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-8-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/michigan/marshall/marshall-daily-news/1901/06-12?tag

 

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Daily Republican-News, Hamilton, OH. “Still Swelter but Bassler [weather bureau] Holds out Hope.” 6-29-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-9-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/ohio/hamilton/hamilton-daily-republican-news/1901/06-29?tag

 

Daily Review, Decatur, IL. “61 Deaths From Heat in Greater New York Tuesday.” 7-2-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-13-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/illinois/decatur/decatur-daily-review/1901/07-02?tag

 

Daily Times, Columbus, IN. “Heat Intense in Nebraska.” 7-14-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-12-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/indiana/columbus/columbus-daily-times/1901/07-14?tag

 

Dakota Huronite, SD. “Death List is Large…Heat…” 7-11-1901, p. 7. Accessed 1-12-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/south-dakota/huron/huron-dakota-huronite/1901/07-11/page-7?tag

 

Dakota Huronite, Huron, SD. “Nearly Fifty Deaths.” 7-11-1901, p. 7. Accessed 1-12-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/south-dakota/huron/huron-dakota-huronite/1901/07-11/page-7?tag

 

Davenport Daily Republican, IA. “Deaths Follow Intense Heat.” 6-30-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-9-2017: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/iowa/davenport/davenport-daily-republican/1901/06-30/page-9?tag

 

Davenport Daily Republican, IA. “More Victims From the Intense Warm Wave in Chicago.” 6-26-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-9-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/iowa/davenport/davenport-daily-republican/1901/06-26?tag

 

Davenport Daily Republican, IA. “More Victims of the Heat. Four Deaths and a Number of Prostrations are Reported in Chicago.” 6-27-1901, p. 2. Accessed 1-8-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/iowa/davenport/davenport-daily-republican/1901/06-27/page-2?tag

 

Davenport Daily Republican, IA. “Overcome by the Heat.” 6-15-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-9-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/iowa/davenport/davenport-daily-republican/1901/06-15?tag

 

Davenport Daily Republican, IA. “Succumb to the Heat.” 6-14-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-8-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/iowa/davenport/davenport-daily-republican/1901/06-14?tag

 

Decatur Herald, IL. “Deaths and Prostrations,” 7-4-1901, p. 1, col. 1. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=309027

 

Des Moines Daily Capital, IA. “A Death From the Heat.” 6-29-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-9-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/iowa/des-moines/des-moines-capital/1901/06-29?tag

 

Fitchburg Sentinel, MA. “Cool Air Vanished,” 7-30-1901, p. 7. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=24838084

 

Fort Madison Weekly Democrat, IA. “Hot Days Continue.” 7-3-1901, p. 8. Accessed 1-10-2017 at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com

 

Fort Wayne Evening Sentinel, IN. “First Fatality from Heat.” 7-3-1901, p. 8. Accessed 1-10-2017: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/indiana/fort-wayne/fort-wayne-sentinel/1901/07-03/page-8?tag

 

Fort Wayne Evening Sentinel, IN. “Weather Shows Little Mercy.” 7-3-1901, p. 8. Accessed 1-10-2017: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/indiana/fort-wayne/fort-wayne-sentinel/1901/07-03/page-8?tag

 

Frederick Post (David Lesher), MD. “Six-month total precipitation reported near normal in county.” 7-25-1988, p. B6. Accessed 7-21-2016 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/maryland/frederick/frederick-news-post/1988/07-25/page-25?tag

 

Galveston Daily News. “Heat in New York.” 7-7-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-10-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/texas/galveston/galveston-daily-news/1901/07-07/page-3?tag

 

Galveston Daily News, TX. “Hot Weather Record.” 7-14-1901, p. 2. Accessed 1-12-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/texas/galveston/galveston-daily-news/1901/07-14/page-2?tag

 

Goshen Democrat, IN. “Heat Caused Death.” 7-6-1901, p. 3. Accessed 1-10-2010 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/indiana/goshen/goshen-democrat/1901/07-06/page-3?tag

 

Grand Rapids Tribune, WI. “Causes Death of Twins.” 7-27-1901, p. 2. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/wisconsin/grand-rapids/grand-rapids-tribune/1901/07-27/page-2?tag

 

Grand Rapids Tribune, WI. “Death at Madison.” 7-27-1901, p. 2. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/wisconsin/grand-rapids/grand-rapids-tribune/1901/07-27/page-2?tag

 

Grand Rapids Tribune, WI. “Heat Kills Priest.” 7-27-1901, p. 2. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/wisconsin/grand-rapids/grand-rapids-tribune/1901/07-27/page-2?tag

 

Grand Rapids Tribune, WI. “Johanna F. Brockman.” 7-27-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/wisconsin/grand-rapids/grand-rapids-tribune/1901/07-27/page-9?tag

 

Grand Rapids Tribune, WI. “The Crops Are Doomed. Continued Drouth and Hot Weather Causes Alarm.” 7-27-1901, p. 2. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/wisconsin/grand-rapids/grand-rapids-tribune/1901/07-27/page-2?tag

 

Greenville Evening Record, PA. “Deaths from Heat,” 7-1-1901, p. 1, col. 1. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=131410116

 

Greenville Evening Record, PA. “Number of Deaths Occurred.” 7-3-1901. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com

 

Hawarden Independent, IA. “Terrible Heat Kills Scores in Big Cities.” 7-4-1901, p. 3. Accessed 1-10-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/iowa/hawarden/hawarden-independent/1901/07-04/page-3?tag

 

Helena Independent, MT. “Backbone of Hot Wave is Broken.” 7-9-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-11-2011 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/montana/helena/helena-independent/1901/07-09/page-9?tag

 

Indianapolis Sun, IN. “Three Women Killed by Heat.” 7-13-1901, p. 3. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/indiana/indianapolis/indianapolis-sun/1901/07-13/page-3?tag

 

Jacksonville Daily Journal, IL. “Weather Conditions.” 6-12-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-13-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/illinois/jacksonville/jacksonville-daily-journal/1901/06-12?tag

 

Janesville Daily Gazette, WI. “Eight Die in New York City.” 7-6-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-10-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/wisconsin/janesville/janesville-daily-gazette/1901/07-06?tag

 

Janesville Daily Gazette, WI. “Philadelphia Has Twelve Deaths.” 7-6-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-10-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/wisconsin/janesville/janesville-daily-gazette/1901/07-06?tag

 

Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME. “A Death at Bangor.” 7-17-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/maine/augusta/daily-kennebec-journal/1901/07-17?tag

 

Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME. “Biddeford and Saco. Work Generally Stopped — Several Cases of Prostration Reported.” 7-17-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/maine/augusta/daily-kennebec-journal/1901/07-17?tag

 

Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME. “Maine Having Touch of Torrid Zone Weather. Numerous Prostrations and Several Deaths in Past Few Days.” 7-17-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/maine/augusta/daily-kennebec-journal/1901/07-17?tag

 

Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME. “One Degree Higher. Portland Thermometers Go Up — A Death from Recent Extreme Heat.” 7-17-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/maine/augusta/daily-kennebec-journal/1901/07-17?tag

 

LeMars Post, IA. “Heat Fatal in the Field.” 7-2-1901, p. 2. Accessed 1-5-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/iowa/lemars/le-mars-semi-weekly-post/1901/06-02/page-2?tag

 

LeMars Post, IA. “Laborer Dies From Heat.” 7-2-1901, p. 2. Accessed 1-5-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/iowa/lemars/le-mars-semi-weekly-post/1901/06-02/page-2?tag

 

LeMars Post, IA. “Succumbs to Heat Prostration.” 7-2-1901, p. 2. Accessed 1-5-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/iowa/lemars/le-mars-semi-weekly-post/1901/06-02/page-2?tag

 

Lesher, David. “Western Maryland Weather.” Frederick Post, MD. 7-25-1988, B-6. Accessed 6-18-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/frederick-news-post-jul-25-1988-p-25/

 

Lowell Sun, MA. “100 Deaths in New England, 7-5-1901, p. 5. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com

 

Lowell Sun, MA. “Call Out Firemen to Wet Down the Tenements in the Crowded Districts,” 7-2-1901. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=61826325

 

Lowell Sun, MA. “Report of Deaths.” 7-6-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-10-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/massachusetts/lowell/lowell-sun/1901/07-06/page-37?tag

 

Lowell Sun, MA. “Report of Deaths.” 7-8-1901, p. 5. Accessed 1-11-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/massachusetts/lowell/lowell-sun/1901/07-08/page-28?tag

 

Lowell Sun, MA. “Three Deaths…in Boston,” 7-1-1901, p. 10. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=56782030

 

Manitowoc Daily Herald, WI. “Chicago Woman Killed by the Heat at a Michigan Resort.” 7-23-1901, p. 2. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/wisconsin/manitowoc/manitowoc-daily-herald/1901/07-23?tag

 

Manitowoc Daily Herald, WI. “Hot Blast in the Southwest.” 7-23-1901, p. 2. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/wisconsin/manitowoc/manitowoc-daily-herald/1901/07-23?tag

 

Marion Daily Star, OH. “New York Suffers Death Grip of a Fearful Wave of Heat.” 6-29-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-9-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/ohio/marion/marion-daily-star/1901/06-29?tag

 

Marshall Daily News. MI. “Many Die From Heat,” 7-1-1901, p. 1. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=120379162

 

Marshfield Times, WI. “South Now Suffers From Great Heat.” 7-19-1901, p. 5. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/wisconsin/marshfield/marshfield-times/1901/07-19/page-5?tag

 

Massillon Independent, OH. “More Deaths Charged to Heat.” 7-8-1901, p. 3. Accessed 1-11-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/ohio/massillon/massillon-independent/1901/07-08/page-3?tag

 

Montana Anaconda Standard. “Intense Heat Continues.” 7-6-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-10-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/montana/anaconda/anaconda-standard/1901/07-06/page-4?tag

 

Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Heat Wave Is Widespread.” 6-25-1901. Accessed 1-8-2017: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/nebraska/lincoln/lincoln-nebraska-state-journal/1901/06-25?tag

 

Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Hot Weather in New York.” 6-29-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-9-2017: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/nebraska/lincoln/lincoln-nebraska-state-journal/1901/06-29?tag

 

New North, Rhinelander, WI. “Dropped Dead.” 8-1-1901, p. 2. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/wisconsin/rhinelander/new-north/1901/08-01/page-2?tag

 

New York Times. “99 at Baltimore,” 7-1-1901, p. 2, col. 2. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52164617

 

New York Times. “200 More Dead Before Rain Falls,” 7-4-1901, p. 1, col. 7. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52164664

 

New York Times. “A Pleasant Sunday.” 7-8-1901, p. 10. Accessed 1-12-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/new-york/new-york-times/1901/07-08/page-10?tag

 

New York Times. “Blistering Weather Up State.” 7-2-1901. Accessed 1-7-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9E07E7DF163BE733A25751C0A9619C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Chicago Heat Record Broken.” 7-11-1901. Accessed 1-7-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=980CE6D71139EF32A25752C1A9619C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Chicago Swelters at Ninety Degrees.” 6-23-1901. Accessed 1-8-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9F04E1D81139EF32A25750C2A9609C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Cool Breeze Tempers the Heat in the City,” 7-5-1901, 1, col. 7.  Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52164676

 

New York Times. “Crazed by Heat He Hanged Himself,” 7-1-1901, p. 2, c. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52164617

 

New York Times. “Deaths in Brooklyn.” 7-1-1901, p. 2, col. 1. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52164617

 

New York Times. “Deaths in Brooklyn.” 7-6-1901, p. 2. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com

 

New York Times. “Deaths in Manhattan,” 7-1-1901, p. 2, col. 1. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52164617

 

New York Times. “Deaths in Manhattan,” 7-7-1901, p. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/PdfViewerTags.aspx?img=52164691&firstvisit=true&src=search&currentResult=3&currentPage=0&fpo=False

 

New York Times. “Died From Heat On Train,” 7-1-1901, p. 2, col. 1. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52164617

 

New York Times. “Died from the Heat in Weehawken,” 7-6-1901, p. 2. Accessed 1-6-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9F03E7D71030E132A25755C0A9619C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Died in a Vacant Lot,”  7-1-1901, p. 2, col. 2.  Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52164617

 

New York Times. “Four Deaths from Heat in Newark.” 7-5-1901. Accessed 1-6-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9F0DEEDB143FE433A25756C0A9619C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Great Heat at Philadelphia,” 7-1-1901, p. 2, col. 2. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52164617

 

New York Times. “Heat and Humidity Drive Many From City.” 6-23-1901. Accessed 1-8-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9E04E1D81139EF32A25750C2A9609C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Heat Brings Death and Much Suffering. Life Rendered Almost Unbearable in the Tenement Districts.” 6-29-1901. Accessed 1-8-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=980DEED71F38E733A2575AC2A9609C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Heat Brings Death to over 200 Persons,” 7-3-1901, p. 1. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52164650

 

New York Times. “Heat Fatal in Pittsburg.” 7-1-1901, p. 2, col. 2. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52164617

 

New York Times. “Heat Kills Mr. Trask’s Coachman,” 7-1-1901, p. 2, col. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52164617

 

New York Times. “Heat Kills Two in Brooklyn.” 7-31-1901. Accessed 1-9-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=980CE4DF1130E132A25752C3A9619C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Heat Victim Strangles Himself.” 7-2-1901. Accessed 1-7-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9A04E7DF163BE733A25751C0A9619C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Heat’s Great Ravages. Deaths Due to it in All Boroughs for Week Ending July 6 Numbered 989.” 7-9-1901. Accessed 1-7-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9504E3D71030E132A2575AC0A9619C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Heat’s Holocaust In The Five Boroughs,” 7-2-1901, p. 1. Accessed at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free

 

New York Times. “Heat’s Ravages in Sugar Refineries.” 6-30-1901. Accessed 1-7-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9D07E5DA1E3BEE33A25753C3A9609C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Hot Sunday in the City.” 6-24-1901, p. 2. Accessed 1-8-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/new-york/new-york-times/1901/06-24/page-2?tag

 

New York Times. “Incidents and Notes.” 7-4-1901. Accessed 1-6-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9801EFD81030E132A25757C0A9619C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Insane by Heat, Farmer Kills Two.” 7-6-1901. Accessed 1-7-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9803E7D71030E132A25755C0A9619C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Intense Heat in Kansas.” 7-4-1901. Accessed 1-6-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9A04EFD81030E132A25757C0A9619C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Jacob S. Rogers Dead. Ex-Head of Paterson Locomotive Works, Suffering from the Heat, Expired at the Union League Club.” 7-3-1901. Accessed 1-7-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=940DE0DB143FE433A25750C0A9619C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Jersey City’s First Fatal Case,” 7-1-1901, p. 2, col. 2. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52164617

 

New York Times. “Man, Apparently Crazed by the Heat, Commits Suicide,” 7-1-1901, p. 1, col. 2. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52164617

 

New York Times. “More Deaths in Philadelphia. Forty-seven Fatal Cases Yesterday. — Policemen Can Seize Teams to Get Patients to Hospitals.” 7-4-1901. Accessed 1-6-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9C01EFD81030E132A25757C0A9619C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “New Jersey Deaths Again Reach 100.” 7-4-1901. Accessed 1-6-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9901EFD81030E132A25757C0A9619C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “New York Wilts in Protracted Heat.” 6-30-1901. Accessed 1-8-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9404E5DA1E3BEE33A25753C3A9609C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Newark in Partial Darkness.” 7-1-1901, p. 1, col. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52164617

 

New York Times. “Old Engineer Succumbs.” 7-1-1901, p. 2, col. 2. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52164617

 

New York Times. “Over 100 Deaths in New Jersey. A Standard Thermometer Registered 108 in Shade in Hoboken. Many Cases of Prostration from the Heat All Over the State — Factories Closed Down.” 7-3-1901. Accessed 1-6-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=940DE0DB143FE433A25750C0A9619C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Philadelphia’s Hottest Day. 102 Degrees…” 7-2-1901. Accessed 1-7-2-17 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9504E7DF163BE733A25751C0A9619C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Prof. John Fiske Dead. Historian, Lecturer, and Philosopher Stricken by Heat.” 7-5-1901. Accessed 1-6-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9502E7DA143FE433A25756C0A9619C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Record Number of Deaths in Baltimore.” 7-7-1901. Accessed 1-7-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9B00E2D91139E733A25754C0A9619C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Retired Merchant a Heat Victim.” 7-4-1901. Accessed 1-6-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9801EFD81030E132A25757C0A9619C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Suicide Caused by the Heat.” 7-1-1901, p. 2, col. 2. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52164617

 

New York Times. “The City A Furnace, Virtually Deserted.” 7-1-1901, p. 1, c. 7. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=52164616

 

New York Times. “Three Deaths in Philadelphia.” 6-30-1901. Accessed 1-8-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9B04E5DA1E3BEE33A25753C3A9609C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Three Deaths in Syracuse.” 6-30-1901. Accessed 1-8-2016 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9A04E5DA1E3BEE33A25753C3A9609C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Two Prostrations in Schenectady.” 6-30-1901. Accessed 1-7-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9D07E5DA1E3BEE33A25753C3A9609C946097D6CF

 

New York Times. “Whole Country Swelters.” 7-2-1901. Accessed 1-7-2017 at: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9907E7DF163BE733A25751C0A9619C946097D6CF

 

Oakland Tribune, CA. “Heat Wave Studied.” 7-24-1936, p. 48. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=98100589

 

Oshkosh Daily Northwestern, WI.  “Overcome by Heat.” 6-24-1901, p. 1. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=8968661

 

Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Heat Kills Man Aged 94” 6-29-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-9-2017: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/wisconsin/racine/racine-daily-journal/1901/06-29?tag

 

Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Heat Records Smashed.” 7-23-1901, 1. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/wisconsin/racine/racine-daily-journal/1901/07-23?tag

 

Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Heat Wave Moderates.” 7-23-1901, 1. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/wisconsin/racine/racine-daily-journal/1901/07-23?tag

 

Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Hot Again in Chicago.” 7-27-1901, p. 2. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/wisconsin/racine/racine-daily-journal/1901/07-27/page-2?tag

 

Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Hot at Washington.” 7-30-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/wisconsin/racine/racine-daily-journal/1901/07-30?tag

 

Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Hot Blasts Visit City.” 7-27-1901, p. 2. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/wisconsin/racine/racine-daily-journal/1901/07-27/page-2?tag

 

Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Many Die At St. Louis.” 7-24-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/wisconsin/racine/racine-daily-journal/1901/07-24?tag

 

Racine Daily Journal, WI. “Slight Abatement of Hot Wave Today…” 6-29-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-9-2017: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/wisconsin/racine/racine-daily-journal/1901/06-29?tag

 

Racine Weekly Journal, WI. “Heat Reaches its Maximum.” 7-25-1901, p. 6. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/wisconsin/racine/racine-journal/1901/07-25/page-6?tag

 

Reno Evening Gazette, NV. “Thousands Die from the Heat.” 7-3-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-10-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/nevada/reno/reno-evening-gazette/1901/07-03?tag

 

Salt Lake Tribune, UT. “Hot Waves Travel.” 7-14-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-12-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/utah/salt-lake-city/salt-lake-tribune/1901/07-14?tag

 

Sandusky Daily Star, OH. “Sol as a Scorcher.” 7-12-1901, p. 2. Accessed 1-12-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/ohio/sandusky/sandusky-daily-star/1901/07-12/page-2?tag

 

Sault News-Record (Sault Saint Marie, MI). “Eight Deaths in Gotham From Heat.” 6-29-1901, p. 1. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=109242088

 

Sunday Review, Decatur, IL. “Death from Heat.” 6-23-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-13-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/illinois/decatur/decatur-daily-review/1901/06-23?tag

 

Syracuse Evening Herald, NY. “Is This Warm Enough?” 7-1-1901, 7. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=48665328

 

Syracuse Post-Standard, NY. “Deaths in New York Cities.” 7-4-1901, p. 1, col. 7. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=22396699

 

Syracuse Post-Standard, NY. “Dying by Hundreds in Great Cities,” 7-3-1901, p. 1., col. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=22396687

 

Syracuse Post-Standard, NY. “Five Drop Dead in Chicago,” 7-2-1901, p. 2, col. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=22396675

 

Syracuse Post-Standard, NY. “Fourteen Deaths in Baltimore,” 7-2-1901, p. 1, col. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=22396675

 

Syracuse Post-Standard, NY. “Fourteen in Philadelphia,” 7-2-1901, 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=22396675

 

Syracuse Post-Standard, NY. “Heat Kills Eleven in New York.” 6-30-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-9-2017: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1901/06-30?tag

 

Syracuse Post-Standard, NY. “Hundreds Die…Killed By Heat,” 7-2-1901, p. 1. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=22396675

 

Syracuse Post-Standard, NY. “Rain Conquers Heat, But Only for a Time…99 Deaths,” 7-4-1901. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=22396699

 

Syracuse Post-Standard, NY. “Three Deaths in Chicago,” 7-4-1901, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=22396699

 

Syracuse Post-Standard, NY. “Washington Record Broken,” 7-2-1901, p. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com

 

The Press, Summer, IL. “Hottest Day of the Year.” 6-27-1901, p. 2. Accessed 1-13-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/illinois/sumner/sumner-press/1901/06-27/page-2?tag

 

The World, NYC. “245 Deaths; Lightning; Panic; Hotter; No Relief in Sight.” 7-3-1901, p. 1.  Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=160318866

 

The World, NYC. “Still Hotter Today; No Relief in Sight.” 6-28-1901, p. 7. Accessed 1-9-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/new-york/new-york-world/1901/06-28/page-7?tag

 

The World, NYC. “West is Fairly Baking.” 7-11-1901, p. 2. Accessed 1-12-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/new-york/world/1901/07-11/page-2?tag

 

Times Democrat, Lima, OH. “Drouth Unbroken.” 7-15-1901, p. 4. Accessed 1-12-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/ohio/lima/lima-times-democrat/1901/07-15/page-4?tag

 

Trenton Times, NJ. “Death of Farm Hand in Barn.” 7-3-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-10-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/new-jersey/trenton/trenton-times/1901/07-03?tag

 

Trenton Times, NJ. “Humidity’s Awful Work…Deaths in Trenton.” 7-3-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-10-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/new-jersey/trenton/trenton-times/1901/07-03?tag

 

Trenton Times, NJ. “Men and Cattle Die of Heat.” 6-25-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-8-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/new-jersey/trenton/trenton-times/1901/06-25?tag

 

United States Bureau of the Census. Special Reports. Mortality Statistics 1900 to 1904. Washington, DC: Department of Commerce, Government Printing Office, 1906, 990 pages. Accessed 1-11-2017 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsushistorical/mortstatsh_1900-1904.pdf

 

Waterloo Daily Reporter, IA. “Heat Record Is Broken.” 7-16-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/iowa/waterloo/waterloo-daily-reporter/1901/07-16?tag

 

Weekly Gazette, Colorado Springs, CO. “High Temperature.” 7-26-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-13-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/colorado/colorado-springs/colorado-springs-weekly-gazette/1901/06-26?tag

 

Weekly Gazette, Colorado Springs, CO. “Hot Day in St Paul.” 7-26-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-13-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/colorado/colorado-springs/colorado-springs-weekly-gazette/1901/06-26?tag

 

Weekly Gazette, Colorado Springs, CO. “Pittsburgh Weather.” 7-26-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-13-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/colorado/colorado-springs/colorado-springs-weekly-gazette/1901/06-26?tag

 

Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL. “600 Dead in Six Days.” 7-5-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-10-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/illinois/bloomington/bloomington-weekly-pantagraph/1901/07-05?tag

 

Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Around Home.” 8-2-1901, p. 7. Accessed 1-14-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/illinois/bloomington/bloomington-weekly-pantagraph/1901/08-02/page-13?tag

 

Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL. “Deaths Due to Heat.” 6-21-1901, p. 6. Accessed 1-13-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/illinois/bloomington/bloomington-weekly-pantagraph/1901/06-21/page-12?tag

 

Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL. “Fatalities of a Day.” 6-14-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-13-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/illinois/bloomington/bloomington-weekly-pantagraph/1901/06-14/page-2?ta

 

Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL. “Prostrations By Score.” 6-28-1901, p. 2. Accessed 1-13-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/illinois/bloomington/bloomington-weekly-pantagraph/1901/06-28/page-2?tag

 

Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL. “Swept the South. Hot Blasts Put Previous Temperature Records into the Clear.” 7-12-1901, p. 1. Accessed 1-13-2017 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/illinois/bloomington/bloomington-weekly-pantagraph/1901/07-12?tag

 

Williamsport Daily Gazette and Bulletin, PA. [Engleside, PA heat death.] 7-2-1901, p. 1.   Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com

 

Wyoming Post-Herald. “Hot Wave Scorches.” 7-10-1901, p. 4. Accessed 1-11-2011 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/us/illinois/wyoming/wyoming-post-herald/1901/07-10/page-4?tag

 

 

[1] We do not use this or ~9,500 deaths figures noted in AP reports below in that the figures are not close to those we have compiled from many sources, nor the 1906 Bureau of the Census heat mortality figure for 1901. Also no source citations provided, thus we do not know where figures came from nor how compiled. We can speculate a misreading of the line for “Heat and sunstroke” for 1901 (p. clxiv) in the Bureau of Census Mortality Statistics report for 1900-1904. The line, reading left to right, clearly notes that the number of deaths for heat and sunstroke for the “registration area” was 4,012. The next column, following double horizontal lines, has a breakout of 3,643 such deaths for “Registration cites.” The next three columns are under the heading of “Registration states. The first is titled “Total” showing 2,462 deaths. The next is “Cities” and shows 2,093 deaths. The next is “Rural districts” showing 369 deaths. The final column is “Registration cities in other states” [those outside the registration states], noting 1,550 deaths. The figure of 2,462 as the total of registration states is derived by adding 2093 for cities in registration states and 369 for rural districts in registration states. If one adds to this the 1,550 deaths for registration cities in other states, one gets 4012 — or the total shown for “registration area.” If however, one misreads this breakout and adds all the columns to the right of “registration area” one derives 10,117. This, though, would be an incorrect manner of reading the Heat and sunstroke line. Sent email to CDC 1-15-2017 seeking to confirm 4,012.

[2] Number applies to “registration area” comprising 11 registration States (CT, DC, IN, ME, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, RI and VE, plus approximately 360 registration cities.

[3] We in no way bring into question Census data showing 4,012 deaths. We just note the tally we have been able to reproduce from reporting at the time, and we put those into State and local breakouts by date. We have no doubt that the Census total is the minimum. As news reports of the time note, it was known that frail elderly, many with pre-existing health conditions, were dying at increased rates and thus there was little doubt that heat was a contributing factor. It was also known that babies were dying at alarmingly increased rates, and that many of these deaths could be attributed to high day and night temperatures, combined with high humidity, and low ventilation or air movement. Much of the reporting in the press, was of adults who passed out, were “prostrated,” on the street or at work or farming, and died on the spot or soon afterwards.

[4] “The records of the district health office show that for the first three days of July there were thirty deaths in Washington from sunstroke or other heat causes. The highest number of deaths for one day was recorded last Tuesday, the victims numbering eighteen. More deaths have been reported so far this month from heat than for any month during last year.”

[5] Noted, as well, “a score of heat prostrations.” Also noted that as of 9 pm, the temperature had only dropped to 79°.

[6] “…Ambrose Rice, a farmer, demented by the heat, hanged himself.” Notes temperatures in the shade of 100°.

[7] Davenport Daily Republican, IA. “Succumb to the Heat.” 6-14-1901, p. 1.

[8] Sunday Review, Decatur, IL. “Death from Heat.” 6-23-1901, p. 1. The fall victim was identified as John Hall.

[9] Trenton Times notes three deaths. A Nebraska State Journal article datelined Chicago, June 24, noted two: George Wiley, after being prostrated at work in a foundry, and Fritz Bramen, a prison inmate at Dunning. Also notes eleven non-fatal prostrations. (Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Heat Wave Is Widespread.” 6-25-1901.)

[10] Davenport Daily Republican, IA. “More Victims From the Intense Warm Wave in Chicago.” 6-26-1901, p. 1.

[11] Davenport Daily Republican, IA. “More Victims of the Heat. Four Deaths…in Chicago.” 6-27-1901, p. 2.

[12] “This was the eighth day of the hot wave. The temperature reached 93 degrees and there were two deaths and two prostrations.”

[13] Another source notes 4 deaths and 23 prostrations. (Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL. “600 Dead in Six Days.” 7-5-1901, p. 1.)

[14] Weekly Pantagraph, Bloomington IL. “Around Home.” 8-2-1901, p. 7.

[15] Goshen Democrat, IN. “Heat Caused Death.” 7-6-1901, p. 3.

[16] Davenport Daily Republican, IA. “More Victims of the Heat.” 6-27-1901, p. 2.

[17] “Frank Dunham, a veteran in the railway mail service, was killed by sunstroke.”

[18] Cedar Rapids Daily Republican, IA. “Crazed by Intense Heat Mrs. Wiggins Jumped into Cistern.” 6-28-1901, p.7.

[19] Des Moines Daily Capital, IA. “A Death From the Heat.” 6-29-1901, p. 1.

[20] Atlanta Constitution, GA. “Another Day of Hot Wave.” 7-15-1901, p. 3.

[21] Galveston Daily News, TX. “Hot Weather Record.” 7-14-1901, p. 2.

[22] Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME. “A Death at Bangor.” 7-17-1901, p. 1.

[23] Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME. “One Degree Higher. Portland Thermometers Go Up — A Death from Recent Extreme Heat.” 7-17-1901, p. 1.

[24] Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME. “Maine Having Touch of Torrid Zone Weather.” 7-17-1901, p. 1.

[25] “Baltimore, July 6. — The number of deaths in this city for the week ended today was 452, the highest number for a week of which the Health Department has any record. Of these deaths 236 were of children under five years of age. At least 50 per cent of the mortality is said by the Health Department officials to be due, either directly or indirectly, to the intense heat.” [Thus our approximately 50% number of 226.]

[26] “Seven deaths which occurred yesterday [July 6] were not reported until today. This makes the total number of fatalities on Saturday [July 6] 12.”

[27] Boston Sunday Globe. “Andover, Mass.” 7-7-1901, p. 1.

[28] Identifies victims as Fred Busher, 53; Michael Mulrey, 25; and an unknown man, thought to be a longshoreman. Notes “more than a score were prostrated.” We note “at least” three died based on statement “Doubtless there were many deaths of people who were ill, and might otherwise have recovered, to be attributed to the torrid wave which swept down on the city as early as sunrise and which stayed…upon the people until long after the sun had gone…”

[29] Victims identified as Michael P. Ryan, a Dorchester laborer who was prostrated June 27 and died on June 28; Lorenzo Losco, after being taken to hospital day before; and James Francis, at the City Hospital.

[30] This morning addition provides the names of five males, aged 8, 30, 31, 38 and 38. In addition, notes 11 heat deaths outside Boston, but in New England. Noted as well are 10 New England drowning deaths (not in our tally).

[31] Boston Globe. “Death by Heat and Storm.” 7-2-1901, 1.

[32] Lowell Sun, MA. “Report of Deaths.” 7-6-1901, p. 1.

[33] Boston Daily Globe. “Still Claims its Victims. Three Heat Deaths in Boston and 12 in New England. 7-4-1901, 1.

[34] New York Times. “Prof. John Fiske Dead. Historian, Lecturer, and Philosopher Stricken by Heat.” 7-5-1901.

[35] Boston Daily Globe. “Temperatures in Boston for Six Days — 21 Deaths in Boston — 66 in [NE].” 7-3-1901, 1.

[36] Boston Daily Globe. “Heat Adds to Victims.” 7-1-1901, p. 1.

[37] Lowell Sun, MA. “Report of Deaths.” 7-6-1901, p. 1.

[38] “Undertaker Albert Had 15 Deaths of Children Victims of Heat.” This was over previous four day period.

[39] Boston Daily Globe. “Still Claims its Victims. Three Heat Deaths in Boston…12 in New England.” 7-4-1901, 1.

[40] Boston Daily Globe. “Death by Heat and Storm.” 7-2-1901, 1.

[41] Boston Daily Globe. “Victim of Heat.” 7-6-1901, p. 3.

[42] Boston Daily Globe. “Deaths From Heat Today.” 7-2-1901, 1.

[43] Boston Daily Globe (“Still Claims its Victims.” 7-4-1901, 1) noted “Up to noon today [July 4] there have been five deaths in this city [Detroit] from the heat.”

[44] New North, Rhinelander, WI. “Dropped Dead.” 8-1-1901, p. 2.

[45] Manitowoc Daily Herald, WI. “Chicago Woman Killed by the Heat at a Michigan Resort.” 7-23-1901, p. 2.

[46] Times Democrat, Lima, OH. “Drouth Unbroken.” 7-15-1901, p. 4.

[47] New York Times. “Insane by Heat, Farmer Kills Two.” 7-6-1901.

[48] Davenport Daily Republican, IA. “Deaths Follow Intense Heat.” 6-30-1901, p. 1.

[49] These and the five deaths noted for the 22^nd were reported for Kansas City, MO, and Kansas City, KS.

[50] This is our figure, in that the July 23, Kansas City article notes 16 deaths for the last two days. We have previously noted 14. These deaths are noted for Kansas City, KS and Kansas City, MO. Notes most of the 16 “victims were elderly people.”

[51] Centralia Daily Sentinel, IL. “Death from Excessive Heat.” 6-25-1901, p. 1.

[52] Colorado Springs Gazette. “Still Near a Hundred.” 7-3-1901, p. 3.

[53] “St. Louis, July 27….The following heat statistics of this city have been given out: Duration to date, 23 days; deaths, 215; prostrations, estimated, 1000; last day of rain (covering the entire city of St. Louis, July 3; highest temperature recorded in St. Louis, 107.1.”

[54] Boston Daily Globe (“Still Claims its Victims.” 7-4-1901, 1), noted “There have been 34 deaths and 170 prostrations [in St. Louis] since June 22.”

[55] Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette, IA. “St. Louis Disappointed.” 7-17-1901, p. 1.

[56] “St. Louis, July 24.–Reports received at the mortuary office up to noon showed forty deaths from heat during the past twenty-four hours….Twenty-ne deaths due directly to the heat reported n St. Louis yesterday.”

[57] LeMars Post, IA. “Laborer Dies From Heat.” 7-2-1901, p. 2.

[58] LeMars Post, IA. “Heat Fatal in the Field.” 7-2-1901, p. 2.

[59] Weekly Gazette, Colorado Springs, CO. “High Temperature.” 7-26-1901, p. 1.

[60] “Omaha, July 23. — With a record nine deaths and thirteen prostrations for Omaha and vicinity for the last 36 hours, today opened with a cloudy sky and the mercury registered 82 at 7 a.m.”

[61] LeMars Post, IA. “Succumbs to Heat Prostration.” 7-2-1901, p. 2.

[62] “The torrid wave of the past few days broke the casualty record in this city. There were six deaths resulting from the excessive heat and a much larger number of prostrations.”

[63] Boston Daily Globe. “Still Claims its Victims. Three Heat Deaths in Boston and 12 in New England. 7-4-1901, 1.

[64] We have noted 109 heat-related deaths on July 2 by location or date below.

[65] Trenton Times, NJ. “Death of Farm Hand in Barn.” 7-3-1901, p. 1.

[66] NYT wrote “In Hoboken and North Hudson eight deaths were reported and fifty-two prostrations.” (New York Times. “Over 100 Deaths in New Jersey.” 7-3-1901.)

[67] Identifies victims as Frederick Rommell, 58; Walter Brandt, 35; Philip Caynor, and John Eagan.

[68] Noted additionally there had been 12 heat prostrations.

[69] NYT. “Ex-Head of Paterson Locomotive Works, Suffering from the Heat, Expired…” 7-3-1901.

[70] After noting 59 heat deaths by locality, writes: “Various other places in the State ran the deaths up to more than one hundred.” Thus we arrive at > (over) 41.

[71] Not included in count in that these would be included in one week heat death toll of 989 for NYC noted below.

[72] Number comes from counting the list of decedents arranged by name, age, and address.

[73] New York Times. “Heat Brings Death to over 200 Persons,” 7-3-1901, p. 1.

[74] Beck baby, 4 months, Elsie Gaur, 7 months, Raymond Raynor, 5 months, Lizzie Veily, 3 months.

[75] Identifies victims as George Oesmen, 50, and Charles Kitmiller, 67, and notes another 6 heat prostrations.

[76] New York Times. “Heat Victim Strangles Himself.” 7-2-1901.

[77] Victim identified as William Gildersleeve. (Boston Daily Globe. “Still Claims its Victims.” 7-4-1901, p. 1.)

[78] Do not include in total, preferring to rely on New York Times daily totals.

[79] Number comes from counting the list of decedents arranged by name, age, and address.

[80] Given New York Times report below of “Over 200 deaths in all the boroughs and over 300 cases of prostration in Manhattan alone,” we do not use this number. Perhaps the fatalities and prostrations were conflated.

[81] New York Times. “Heat Brings Death to over 200 Persons,” 7-3-1901, p. 1.

[82] Daniel Carroll; Grace Conaghan, 65; Catherine Lawney, 50; Harry F. Hull; Joseph Stevens, 63; Mary Tynan, 45; unidentified male.

[83] The World, NYC. “Still Hotter Today; No Relief in Sight.” 6-28-1901, p. 7.

[84] “New York, July 6 — With a record of over a thousand deaths due directly to the heat and three times that number of prostrations, the week just passed has been anything but a happy or comfortable one for New Yorkers.”

[85] “For the Boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx the number was 689; for Brooklyn, 264; for Richmond, 12, and for Queens, 24. The records cover a period from 12 o’clock noon on June 29 to July 6 at noon, when the heat was most intense. Last year for the same period the total number of deaths from heat was but 8.”

[86] The World noted 245 deaths. (The World, NY. “245 Deaths…Hotter; No Relief in Sight,” 7-3-1901.) The headline of NYT article noted over 200. However, the number of deaths in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Richmond noted by name by the NYT totaled 229.

[87] “The total number of deaths reported for Manhattan and the Bronx to the Board of Health from noon Wednesday to noon yesterday [July 4] was a record breaker, being 406.”

[88] Died in Bellevue Hospital after having been prostrated by the heat on July 5.

[89] New York Times. “Heat Brings Death to over 200 Persons,” 7-3-1901, p. 1.

[90] New York Times. “Heat Brings Death to over 200 Persons,” 7-3-1901, p. 1.

[91] Davenport Daily Republican, IA. “Deaths Follow Intense Heat.” 6-30-1901, p. 1.

[92] Another source has 16 deaths in 5 days. (Reno Evening Gazette, NV. “Thousands Die from…Heat.” 7-3-1901, 1.), and the Atlanta Constitution (“Two Dead…”, July 3^rd, p. 1) notes 17 deaths by July 2.

[93] Davenport Daily Republican, IA. “Deaths Follow Intense Heat.” 6-30-1901, p. 1.

[94] Indianapolis Sun, IN. “Three Women Killed by Heat.” 7-13-1901, p. 3.

[95] 25 heat prostrations also noted in another source. (Cayuga Herald, IN. “Hot Wave Scorches.” 6-30-1901, p. 14.)

[96] The Atlanta Constitution of July 3, p. 1., noted 50 heat deaths, many in “the store, in the factory, in the mill,” also noting “Innumerable children throughout the city are heat victims and the mortality among them is unprecedented.”

[97] Seems somewhat suspicious in that 47 is also the number of deaths reported for July 3. The article, though, is clearly date-lined Philadelphia, July 5, and clearly states “The number of deaths accounted to excessive heat reported for the day was 47, with prostrations of 300.”

[98] The Fort Wayne Evening Sentinel of July 3 (“Weather Shows Little Mercy, p. 8) notes 86 deaths, June 27-July 3.

[99] Weekly Gazette, Colorado Springs, CO. “Pittsburgh Weather.” 7-26-1901, p. 1.

[100] Colorado Springs Gazette, CO. “Extreme Heat.” 6-29-1901, p. 1.

[101] “Between the hours of 7 a.m. and midnight tonight 18 deaths from heat in Pittsburgh and Allegheny…reported.”

[102] Daily Republican News, Hamilton, OH. “Pittsburg’s Roaster.” 7-2-1901, p1. Not in total; 50 already noted for 2^nd.

[103] Daily Republican News, Hamilton, OH. “Pittsburg’s Roaster.” 7-2-1901, p. 1.

[104] Boston Daily Globe reported 16 deaths by 1 pm alone. (Boston Daily Globe. “Still Claims…” 7-4-1901, p. 1.)

[105] “At Pittsburg eleven deaths between Saturday night and midnight Sunday are directly traceable to the heat. Within eighteen hours fifty-nine burial permits were issued, the mortality being greatest among children. The normal death rate for the same period would be sixteen.”

[106] Boston Daily Globe. “Still Claims its Victims. Three Heat Deaths in Boston and 12 in New England. 7-4-1901, 1.

[107] Boston Daily Globe. “Still Claims its Victims. Three Heat Deaths in Boston and 12 in New England. 7-4-1901, 1.

[108] Boston Daily Globe. “Temperatures in Boston for Six Days…” 7-3-1901, 1.

[109] Identified victim as Ned Lovett, a black, who died from a sunstroke at his work.

[110] Davenport Daily Republican, IA. “More Victims of the Heat.” 6-27-1901, p. 2.

[111] Bureau County Tribune, Princeton, IL. “Death of Wisconsin Fat Girl.” 6-28-1901, p. 5.

[112] “Eaton White committed suicide Thursday…by jumping into the Chippewa River, about six miles below Durand. It is supposed that the heat rendered him temporarily insane.

[113] Grand Rapids Tribune, WI. “Causes Death of Twins.” 7-27-1901, p. 2.

[114] Grand Rapids Tribune, WI. “Johanna F. Brockman.” 7-27-1901, p. 1.

[115] Davenport Daily Republican, IA. “Overcome by the Heat.” 6-15-1901, p. 1.

[116] Grand Rapids Tribune, WI. “Death at Madison.” 7-27-1901, p. 2. Noted as first heat victim in Madison.

[117] Identifies victim as Paul Mareneau, noting he had been in a healthy condition despite his age, until onset of hear.

[118] Grand Rapids Tribune. “Heat Kills Priest.” 7-27-1901, p. 2.

[119] “A farmer named Anderson, residing [near] this city, experienced a sunstroke in his hayfield and died.”

[120] Provides names, ages, and addresses for three fatal and seventeen non-fatal heat prostration victims.

[121] At the end of the article are listed the names, ages and addresses of 13 heat death victims in Manhattan and another four in Brooklyn, with another 32 non-fatal heat prostrations in Manhattan and another nine in Brooklyn.

[122] Part of today’s greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area — to the southeast of downtown Pittsburgh — at confluence of Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers.

–22-35  Syracuse Evening Herald (NY). “Thirty-Five Are Dead.” 5-28-1901.

—     21  Coggins. Tennessee Tragedies: Natural, Technological, and Societal… 2011, p. 286.

—     21  Publishers’ Press. “Richland Mine Horror.” New Castle News, PA, 5-29-1901, p7.

—     20  NIOSH. Coal Mining Disasters: 1839 to Present. 1-3-2013 update.

 

Narrative Information

 

Coggins: “May 27, 1901. Coal mine disaster — Richland Mine Disaster…Twenty-one men were killed and nine injured in a double explosion inside the Richland Mine near Dayton (Rhea County). (Coggins. Tennessee Tragedies: Natural, Technological, and Societal… 2011, p. 286.)

 

Newspapers

 

May 28: “Chattanooga, Tenn., May 28. — In an explosion yesterday afternoon at the New Richland mine of the Dayton Coal & Iron company, at Dayton, Tenn., probably thirty-five people were killed. Twenty-two bodies were taken from the mines soon after the explosion and eight miners were taken from near the mouth of the mine badly burned, the most of them fatally.
“The explosion occurred shortly after the men started to leave the mine for the day. Gas dust always accumulates in the mine at a point where there is a dip and the explosion occurred when the men reached this place. It is supposed that is was caused by a lighted torch carried by one of the miners.

”The explosion loosened the slate in the roof of the mine and hundreds of tons fell into the passageway and it will be several days before it can be cleared away. The bodies of the miners recovered are mutilated almost beyond recognition, some of them being without legs and arms.
All the miners are men of family and as soon as the explosion was heard women and children rushed to the mine and begged for information about husbands and sons. The miners found near the entrance to the mine had nearly all their clothing burned off and their flesh was baked from head to foot. It is not thought that they can recover.

”The Richland mine is a companion of the Nelson mine belonging to the same company in which thirty-two miners lost their lives by an explosion in 1805.  The rescuing party hope by daylight to reach the rest of the bodies.” (Syracuse Evening Herald. “Thirty-Five Are Dead.” May 28, 1901)

 

May 28: “Chattanooga, Tenn., May 28.–As far as known this morning the number killed in the explosion at Richland coal mines near Dayton, Tenn., is 21. There were 33 men in the mine at the time of the explosion, and everyone was either killed or wounded. Rev. Wm. Hale, who was seriously burned, may recover. One unidentified body is believed to be that of Wm. Ross. At least five are so badly injured that they will die. Coffins for 21 bodies have been ordered from Chattanooga….” (Publishers’ Press Dispatch. “Richland Mine Horror.” New Castle News, PA, 5-29-1901, p. 7.)

 

Sources

 

Coggins, Allen R. Tennessee Tragedies: Natural, Technological and Societal Disasters in the Volunteer State. Knoxville: University of Tennessee Press, 2011.  Google digital preview accessed 11-12-2017 at: http://books.google.com/books?id=SfK6aBuqohQC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

 

Fay, Albert H. (Compiler).  Coal Mine Fatalities in the United States 1870-1914 (Bulletin 115).  Washington, DC:  Bureau of Mines, Department of the Interior, 1916.  Digitized by Google.  Accessed at:  https://books.google.com/books?id=R38fAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Coal Mining Disasters: 1839 to Present. Atlanta, GA: NIOSH, CDC, 1-3-2013 update. Accessed 11-12-2017 at: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/statistics/content/coaldisasters.html

 

Publishers’ Press Dispatch. “Richland Mine Horror.” New Castle News, PA, 5-29-1901, p. 7. Accessed 11-12-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-castle-news-may-29-1901-p-7/

 

Syracuse Evening Herald, NY. “Thirty-Five Are Dead.” 5-28-1901. Accessed at:  http://www3.gendisasters.com/tennessee/6021/dayton-tn-dust-explosion-coal-mine-may-1901