USA > Tennessee > Shelby County > Memphis > A history of the yellow fever : the yellow fever epidemic of 1878, in Memphis, Tenn., embracing a complete list of the dead, the names of the doctors and nurses employed, names of all who contributed money or means, and the names and history of the Howards, together with other data, and lists of the dead elsewhere > Part 23
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Dr. Hunter, of Kansas City, who has been one of the most devoted of the Howard physicians, returned from Masons, October 4th, where he had been sent to look after the sick of that place. The doctor says that he found a bad state of affairs there. Trne, there were not many citizens, the majority having fled into refuge on the first outbreak of the fever, but the few remaining, not sick, were much alarmed lest every one would be stricken down and the little place be desolated, as have been Grenada and many smaller places. The doctor tells a pleasing anecdote of his first adventure there. On arriving he met an aged darkey on the platform who was very communicative, and endeavored to tell of the suffering and privations ; hadn't a mouthful to eat in forty-eight hours, and every body in town was either dead or down with the fever. "That is very bad, indeed," replied the doctor, " but how is it that the country people do not furnish supplies when there is so much destitution?" "Oh, sir," said the antiquated specimen of African anatomy, "dat's easy 'nough 'splained. You see, sir, dey pontoonel agin every body, and dey quit comin' here, sir; dat's how dat come about, sir." The doctor has now a new subject for discussion before the Memphis Howard Medical Society as a preventive of the spread of yellow fever.
Appeal. October 5th .- " We took occasion, a few days ago, to speak of the faithful service and arduous labors of that good man, Colonel W. S. Pickett. who has charge of the office of the Howard Medical Directory. He is still on duty, as faithful and diligent as ever, and manages the affairs of the office in such manner as to have won the esteem of the entire corps of physicians. The oldl gentleman told a good joke on himself yesterday, which we feel compelled to print. A couple were married recently, the bridegroom comparatively a stranger, Colonel Pickett being one of the few of his acquaintances. The colonel thought it would be in order to extend congratulations in person, and, providing himself' with an elegant bouquet, about nine o'clock at night, the hour when in the good old days of yore festivities on such occasions were . red-hot." he called at the residence. The doors were closed, but he knocked once, twice, even thrice. before he could get a response. Finally the door was opened by an elderly lady, to whom he made known his mission. He told her that he had called to congratulate the newly-married couple and salute the bride, . Bless your dear heart,' said the lady, 'they retired two hours ago.' 'What!' exclaimed the colonel, with an emphasis that startled the old lady, but then, checking himself, he handed her the bouquet, asking her to please preserve it till morn- ing and then present it to the bride with his compliments. Colonel Pickett says they don't do things now like they did when he was a boy."
The Appeal, October 5th .- "Camp Joe Williams, by the Hernando Road, is between five and six miles from the city. Under the same command, and in the immediate vicinity of ' Camp Joe,' are Camp Smith, Camp Griffin, Camp Wade, and the camps of the Bluff City Grays, and Captain Glass's colored company. The hills upon which these camps are situated are covered with fine forests. and Captain Cameron states that everyone is apparently well satisfied with camp life and rations. Eight hundred and nine persons are receiving rations. they being bona fide residents of the camps; no individual can receive rations that is not registered at one of the camps. From Dr. Nall we learn that there are six cases of yellow fever and nine cases of malarial fever in the hospital and camps. Three of the . Bluff's' are down with the malarial. Dr. Sample, from Austin, Mi -- i-sippi, who acted as assistant physician, died yesterday Monday morning. Dr. Nall has had six assistants, all of whom have died or left the camp, and the doctor is alone to attend not only the camps, but 12
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also all the sick within a radius of four miles. The disease has been of a very mild type, and in most cases easily handled. Jemnie McClain, during the ill- ness of Wade Hampton, was in charge of the hospital; but Wade having re- covered will soon return to duty. On the road to . Camp Joe,' after passing the Poston place, there are small camps of two and three tents at every mile, the inhabitants of which appear to enjoy camp life to the utmost. The num- ber of women and children around these camps, their merry shouts of laughter, and their hurried rush to the roadside to bid us good-bye as we whirled along in our buggy, soon made it apparent that we had left . Yellow Jack ' miles in the rear of us."
Appeal, October 5th. -- "On Sunday last, a number of heart-stricken citizens repaired to Elinwood Cemetery for the purpose of visiting the fresh-made graves of their loved and lost, and spreading flowers on the earth-hillocks that marked those sacred spots. But to their horror and dismay, the graves of the dead could not be found, notwithstanding the long and patient search made by the mourners and by the employés of the cemetery. This is a horrible fact to have to disclose, because it is well calculated to awaken the deepest alarm in the minds of hundreds of citizens who had their loved ones interred at Elm- wood. It will be well to remember how the dead daily encumbered the grave- vard, and how a hundred coffins lay around Elmwood daily awaiting interment. which had to be postponed for days, sometimes, owing to the scarcity of grave- diggers, the terrible death-rate, and the sickness of those in charge of the cemetery during the gloomy days of September, when the fever-pest gathered in two hundred victims a day. Those who died during those days, and whose relatives had not lots to bury their dead, purchased private graves in that part of the cemetery known as Chapel Hill. The dead were taken out, and the coffins, boxes, etc., were laid down on the rank grass, which locations, accord- ing to the then superintendent of the cemetery and those having charge of the interments, were the exact spots designated as lots number so-and-so. The graves could not be dug until the next day, and the relatives and friends of the dead could not, of course, wait to see their dead interred. It now turns out that in these days but little attention was paid to the manner of interments. Long trenches were dug and the coffins were placed therein, side by side, re- gardless of the fact that, in many instances, private graves with regular num- bers were purchased and promised to be furnished. How can the living now find their dead? Can they feel certain (unless an exhumation takes place) that beneath the sod on which they kneel and pray and spread immortelles rests their own beloved dead? Certainly not. On Sunday last, it would make one's heart ache to have seen a gentleman searching for the lost grave of his wife at Elmwood Cemetery. He had purchased a private grave, but it can not be found, and the horrible belief that his wife had been buried in the trench or ditch haunted the unfortunate man as he wandered around, searching and weeping. He had flowers to strew on the grave. but he searched in vain. The employés of the grave-yard searched in vain. The grave was lost. A lady, at the same time, was searching for a private grave on Chapel Hill, but that grave was also lost, and the treacherous ditches near by the place suggested the fate of the loved one who died. The present employés at Elmwood are new people, who were not there during the dark death days of September. and they know nothing of the past. Many of the old employés have died, others are absent. As one of the present employes said : "In September, every thing was in a horrible condition here ; there was no order nor system followed as to burying the dead, and many of those entitled to private graves were put in the trenches." The negro grave-diggers tell tales as to how the dead were buried in these days, tales not well calculated to assure the living that their dead were buried in accordance with directions, or in such graves as had been
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specially purchased for such purposes. There is no one to blame, probably, but the horrible fact exists nevertheless."
Arulanche, October 5th .- " New cases in the city and suburbs, 139. Deaths, thirty-five. The Citizens' Relief Committee are establishing depots in the suburbs and country adjacent. A depot has already been established in the eighteenth eivil district (eastward), that includes also the fifth and fourteenth. Depots are to be opened on next Monday. Also, one in North Memphis, another in South Memphis, and one in the fifteenth civil district (north-east of the city). In addition, there is Camp Joe Williams, with 600 residents, and 200 others near by, who are receiving relief; also, Camp Father Mathew, with 400 resi- dents, and 100 near by : Camp Benjes, with 200. When rations are issued to the different camps, they are delivered to responsible parties in charge, who take good care that the rations go to the proper persons."
Appeal October 5th .--.: We published yesterday, from the London Standard and the New York Times, extracts from editorials eulogistic of the courage and endurance of the people of the South during this epidemic. Both have at- tracted very general attention, and both have found a place, with more or less of commendation and indorsement, in the leading papers of the Union, north and south. To us who share in this generous measure of approbation of the performance of an unusually perilous duty, the words of our contemporaries- the one a leading northern Republican journal, and the other the steadfast ad- mirer and friend of the South-come laden with a strength to sustain and en- courage that only those can appreciate who have watched the weary, heavy- footed hours pass away, bearing with them our bravest and our best. The strain and tension of mind in the contemplation of the awful facts of sixty five days, during which 4.800 men, women, and children have died of the fever, out of a population at no time within that limit more than 19,000, would have been more than the stoutest heart among us could have withstood, were it not for such warm and heartfelt messages of sympathy as those we refer to. These kindly words have opened hearts that were steeling themselves in despair. and tears of relief have flowed freely, attesting the consolation of sympathy and the power of speech even from across the sea. During this awful harvest-time of death our churches have been closed and all business has been suspended, and the only relief or release from mental strain was found in fitful sleep, snatched in the intervals of calls that no one could disobey. It was death in the morning, at noon, and at night. But it was not to dwell upon the wearying acts of a dreary tragedy not yet closed, still less to plume ourselves as upon a vic- tory not yet won, that we commenced this article. Our purpose was the more pleasing one of sugge-ting to the Standard that, while all that it says is true of the pluck and endurance of the southern people under the provocations of war, pestilence, and famine, there is something to be said for our brethren of the North, whose constancy, steadiness, and devotion to their cause. bravery and persistence in battle, and endurance in a prolonged contest that taxed all their energies and a skill and resources unequaled. have few parallels in history. To no other people could we of the South have surrendered. Magnanimous on the field so fiercely contested, despite the hazards of political disputes. they have many times since April. 1865, extended us the right hand of fellowship, full up and flowing over with good gifts, tendered with a manly spirit that robbed the generous tender of the humiliations of charity. The sime men who led the armies of the North, the same journalists who inspired those armies, and the same religious teachers, and the same noble, heroic women who originated and sustained amid the heat of battle, and the excitement of sometimes peril- Que popular commotions, the grandest beneficence ever conceived of for the re- lief of soliliers in the field, have boon foremost in the heaven-sent work of our relief in weeks that are the dreariest in our calendar Unwearied in their
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tasks, as did Joseph with his brethren, they have filled our sacks to overflow- ing, many, many times, and yet they are not done. From far Oregon and Montana to Vermont, from villages, towns, and cities of all the busy northern States, from the miners' camp, the newsboys' home, from the banker and the farmer, the professor and the mechanic, from all classes of that section of our country where American ingenuity has found its largest field of conquest, and whose industries challenge the world in vain for a comparison-from this scat of a great industrial population unmatched by any other ou the earth, the gifts of an intelligent help and a touching sympathy have come, saving many thon- sands of our stricken ones from death. and lighting our dreary pathway with the light of an enduring brotherly love. 'Blood is thicker than water.' Of the same race, speaking the same tongue, the heirs of the same liberties, and citizens of the same glorious country, no memories of sectional divisions, of political animosities, or of civil war, have been allowed to stay the steady flow of the bounteous stream that has brought us, with all else, the assurance that we are one people in fact as well as in name, and that beyond the froth and fuss of politics, and the deceits and dangers of demagogues, the popular heart is safe, yielding only of its fullness when challenged in the cause of humanity and brothers' lives are at stake."
One of the most modest and best of our citizens engaged in the blessed ta-k of nursing the sick and caring for the indigent was Mr. M. S. Jobe, who died October 6th, of a second attack of the yellow fever. Though he had just con- valesced from what was deemed a light attack, and was hardly equal to the task, he promptly sent in his name when the Howard Association called for members, and was gladly accepted, and at once assigned to duty. Five weeks of most difficult labor in the eighth ward proved too much for him, and he at last gave way, notwithstanding he was sustained by the best medical skill and the most faithful nursing.
The wife of Mr. Abadie, a French citizen, died at Fort Pickering. Mi. Abadie and his children were stricken with the fever. Dr. Luppo was called to attend them, and all became nearly convalescent. Mr. Abadie continually brooded on the loss of his wife, but steadily grew better every day. On Satur- day, October 5th, the physician called, and found all so far recovered as to report them convalescent. The next day, however, he was called to see Mr. Abadie, but, on arriving at his house, found him dead. The children said when the doctor called last on Saturday, and went away, their father dismissed the nurse, and made them bring him several bottles, which, on examination, were found to have contained respectively, laudanum, ergot, and paregorie, but which were nearly empty. The conclusion arrived at was, that Abadie, in deep grief at the loss of his wife, had taken the poisonous potions with the determi- nation of ending his distress by death. Four children were thus left fatherless and motherless.
Sheriff J. W. Anderson died October 8th, after a brief illness, of yellow fever. He had been very active during the epidemic as a member of several relief committees, and in attendance upon the duties of his office, and had, like many others, gone to his bed broken down. He was a good citizen, and enjoyed the esteem of a wide circle of friends.
Mr. J. M. Tomeny died of yellow fever October 8th, after but three days' illness. The death of a lovely daughter and of his wife, whom he buried a few days previously, preved upon his mind to an extent undermining his strength, so that he fell an easy prey to the scourge that has taken so many.
Avalanche, October 8th .-- " It is with much regret we announce the death of that good man and useful citizen. Mr. John A. Holt, paying-teller of the Bank of Commerce of Memphis. Mr. Holt, when nearly all his associates fled the city, remained at his post, knowing full well the importance of his trust and the
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good work he could accomplish through his bank in aid of suffering humanity. Early and late he could be found at his place, and many a want was relieved through his kind offices. 'Death loves a shining mark,' and no brighter object could have attracted the attention of the grim visitor than John A. Holt. He was born on these bluffs in 1829, a son of that old respected citizen, Neal B. Holt. He leaves a wife and a helpless family of children, the mother at present an invalid !. "
Appeal, October 8th .-. The steamer John M. Chambers, loaded at St. Louis. at the suggestion of ex-Governor Alex. Shepherd, of Washington, with medical and other supplies and clothing, for the people of the fever-stricken towns on the Mississippi River, tied up at the landing yesterday for a couple of hours, during which two of the doctors on board came up town and interviewed our authorities. She visited Hickman on Sunday, and will stop at every town and landing between this city and Vicksburg, distributing supplies where needed. As we said a few days ago, this is a practical, benevolence of which the people of Washington and St. Louis, and all who contributed toward it, may well feel proud. Governor Shepherd has linked his name with it indissolubly, and will always be remembered by the people of the Mississippi valley."
Appeal, October 8th. -.. Major W. T. Walthall, of the Can't-Get-Away Club, of Mobile, left the city yesterday for his home, near Mississippi City, where his family is closely besieged by the plague. Since his arrival here the major has done good work among the sick, and has increased the list of friends he made when, in 1873, in the same heroic spirit, he came to our help. We part with him with a drep regret, as deep as that he fele in leaving the scene of his God-appointed labors, well knowing that nothing but the imperative calls from his home, which no man is at liberty to disobey, could take him from us until the epidemic had been declared over. He carries with him the best wishes of all classes of our people, coupled with earnest prayers for the safety of his wife and children. His devotion to the cause of humanity ought to be their shield at such a time, and so, we trust. when he reaches home, he will find it."
Appeal, October 8th. - " From almost every town of Louisiana and Mississippi, and our own State, affected by the fever, we get news of its rapid spread in the surrounding country. Removed from the centers, where the benevolence of the Union has collected medical assistance and supplies, the sufferings and deaths among the planters, in proportion to cases, must be a great increase over what we have mourned over the past nine weeks. We hope, therefore, that the Howard Associations of New Orleans and Vicksburg, as ours has done, will organize railroad relief trains, and, as near as possible, bring their multi- plied blessings to every suffering home. There is no time to lose. The planters and their hands should be cared for to the utmost of the ability of New Or- leans, Vicksburg, and Memphis, which, if they have not funds and supplies enough. can make a fresh appeal to the country, which has never turned a deaf ear, but has always held out full and willing hands."
Avalanche, October 8th .- " Yesterday there was one continuous call for nurses, and the demand was in excess of the supply. In addition to the re- quest for nurses in the suburbs, appeals for physicians, nurses, and supplies were received from Brownsville (fifty-seven miles ), Masons (thirty miles), Gal- loway's (forty miles), Paris (one hundred and fifty miles, on Louisville Rail- road: Collierville ( twenty-two miles), Moscow (forty miles). Tuscumbia (one hundred and thirty-seven miles, on Memphis and Charleston Railroad, and Garner (seventy-five miles), south. on Mississippi and Tenno-cee Railroad. Reports from these and other points where the fever has made its appearance, is truly startling. The ery of distress which we were forced to give utterance to six weeks ago, is now being echoed on every breeze that comes wafted to us
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from the small towns along the line of the Louisville, Memphis and Charleston, and Mississippi and Tennessee Railroads. Deplorable as may be our condition. theirs is exceedingly so. With us, a hundred or more brave hearts banded in- gether and tought to the death the plague, until at last a gleam of hope beamed upon us, by still leaving a few of that band unscathed. In the country, one case of fiver generally causes :: stampede of the entire community, and it is left to the Howards and Citizens Rt Bf Committee (of Memphis) to succor the sick and distressed of those towns where the fever has appeared. If the present spell of warm weather continues for ten days longer, not a single village or hamlet along the railroads will escape."
A man and his wife came here from New Orkans, both entering the Howard service as nurses. Both were sent to nurse the same family. Several days after he made report at the Howards that the female nurse assisting him was continually drunk and worthless as a nurse, asking that she be discharged. She was discharged, he continuing in the service. It was subsequently discor- ered that she was his wife
Probably the most pitiable case was that of the MeKinley family on Brinck- ley Avenue, all of whom died. Their appeal sent to the Howards was. " For God's sake come in us, we are all dring!" The Howard visitor who was sent to them found one of the children, who had been dead three days, so far in de- composition that its abdomen had broken open and maggots were crawling from it. Another chill had been dead a day, and all of the family were sick without any attendance whatever. The Howard visitor and physician, who first entered the house, describe it as the most dreadful that came under their notice during the epidemic.
Captain Rodgers, who lived on Tennessee Street, was nursed by two negroes, sent by the Maisons. When he died some of his friends ordered the nurses to lay him out in his Mason's regalia, telling them they would find it in the ward- robe. The nurses, in their ignorance, found a grotesque suit of clothes which the poor gentleman had worn at Mardi-Gras the previous year, and he was buriel in them before the mistake was discovered.
Susan Cunningham, residing on Carroll Avenue, had black vomit two different times in thor davs. Her atten-ling physician reduced her temperature from 1049 to 963. bat it went up again to 1059. It was again reduced to 979, but went up again to 1062, from which it was reduced again to 979, and yet she recovered.
The Rev. Mr. Schuyler, an Episcopal minister from Hoboken, N. J., came to Memphis, save the correspondent of the Louisville Courier Juvenal, to supply the place of the Rev. Dr. Harris, who was stricken with the fever. He labored 'earnestly and incessantly for four days, during which he accomplished great good, converting among others an infidel who had long before been given up as lost by the clergy of Memphis. At the end of the fourth day Mr. Schurkr was taken with the fever at the house of Dr. Harris, who had not ver reenv- ered. Dr. Dalzeil. of Louisiana, and Dr .. Green, of Memphis, were in the house at the time. They advised his removal to an infirmary set apart for phy- sicians and nurses taken down. Mr. Schuyler was averse to complying, but announced himself willing to trust his life with the physician who advised hi- removal. H. was accordingly taken to the Court Street Infirmary, Dr. Harris having expressed himself willing to permit his friend to remain if he desired. This infirmary was in charge of a physician from Texas. It is said that he honestly believed it best to remove a patient whose death was assured from the room of the living. than to permit him or her to remain, because the shock of a death always lett its impression upon the living. The charge is tiost Me. Slutter, who is said to have more his illness with great fortitude, upon this ground was removed to wet is known as the dead room eighteen hours before he expired, his faithful nurse following and remaining with him until death partedl
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them. This story was related to me by an eye-witness. Malicious persons, desiring to injure Dr. Harris, spread the report that he had ordered the removal of Mr. Schuyler from his house. This story is entirely untrue and utterly uncalled for. Dr. Harris had not heard of it until mentioned to him by myself, when he addressed me the following letter :--.
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