HomeMy WebLinkAboutEpidemicsEpidemics
Questions about epidemics keep coming up every few months, due in part
to ongoing concerns about how this area would respond to a new outbreak
of a super flu or other disease. This is by no means everything on the
topic - as always, serious researchers should check the holdings of the
Carnegie History Center and the Cushing Library. In addition, the city
and county health officials probably have information on more recent
outbreaks.
Also see: Anderson, Frank, and Edith Anderson Wakefield, The History
of Medicine in Brazos County
1844 / 1845: unknown disease marked by fever and lung congestion
See Anderson's history, page 14
1846 / 1847: pneumonia
See Anderson's history, pages 14-15
1858: Scarlet fever
... Mr. M. [Elliot M. Millican], in his capacity of neighborhood
doctor, was out when we arrived, attending upon the cases of scarlet
fever, which was raging in the neighborhood. Quite a number of children
were down, and some had died, whilst others were not expected to live
... Galveston Weekly News, 26 January 1858, page 3
1863: Smallpox
1863: Dec. 26 -Saturday ... While lodging with Bro. Iglehart in
Millican we heard that smallpox was in town, so we had our little
daughter, Lidie, vaxinated by Dr. Sims. [See W.S. South Journal, in
Hull Papers, Cushing Library, Texas A&M University, box 1-9]
1864: Yellow fever
Anderson, Tex., October 15, 1864
Lieutenant Brashear, Commanding Provost Guard, Millican:
The yellow fever having broken out amongst the prisoners, it is
necessary in order to prevent its spreading to the guard and the
prisoners to scatter them into the country at points not too far from
the railroad. You will therefore divide the prisoners into squads of
from eight to ten, sending a guard of sufficient strength (from fifteen
to twenty-five) to guard the worst class of prisoners, and such as may
be acclimated, at Millican. You will remain at Millican yourself, as I
am told you have had the yellow fever, and do everything in your power
to make the condition of the sick as comfortable as possible. To effect
this, you are hereby authorized to impress cotton to make mattresses and
beading for the sick, as well as anything else necessary for their
comfort, observing the provisions of the impressment law. As soon as
these different parties locate themselves, direct the officer in charge
of each to inform you of their localities, so that you can communicate
with them when necessary. Doctor Cade has been ordered to remain at
Millican.
J.G. Walker,
Major-General, Commanding.
After the prisoners were sent to Millican, a few cases of yellow fever
occurred there. The extent of that outbreak is not known, nor whether
anyone died of the fever there.
(Lisarelli, Daniel Francis, The Last Prison: The Untold Story of Camp
Groce CSA, Parkland, FL: Universal Publishers, 1999, pages 107-109; also
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the
Union and Confederate Armies, Series II, volume 7, page 994; also
Keating, John M., A History of the Yellow Fever, Memphis, TN: Printed
for the Howard Association, 1879, page 91: 1864 ... Galveston ...
mortality, 259; Houston, Tex.; Millican, Tex.).
1866: cholera
Millican, Nov. 19, 1866
Eds. News - To-day we have but one new cholera case reported. On
yesterday, Sunday, five interments; to-day two. We have reason to hope
that the epidemic has passed away, and that we shall once more be
blessed with health -total whites have died six -Negroes 18 (?).
Yours, W.
P.S. -There is a fact connected with the progress of cholera here;
that when one shall die in a house, nearly all the ... [illegible].
Galveston Tri-Weekly News, 21 November 1866, page 2, col.i
From Navasota ... We are informed that there are over one hundred wagons
at Bryant's Station loaded with cotton bound for Millican, but in
consequence of the cholera at that place the teamsters are afraid to
venture into the town ... Galveston Tri-Weekly News, 28 November 1866,
page 2, col.3
Nov. 30th, 1866
Millican,
Texas
To Mr. E.M. Wheelock: ... We suspended school for 2 weeks, the
cholera having made its appearance in town and people were afraid to
send their children in consequence ... In my last report I spoke of two
schools in town taught by Mrs. Mary McFadden and Octavia Carr; they have
not taught for 3 weeks and I presume discontinued the business until
next year.
Very Respectfully,
Mary T. Smith
(from Records of the Superintendent of Education for the State of
Texas, Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, 1865-1870.
National Archives and Records Service, microfilm publication M822, reel
11)
An account of the cholera written many years later says: °...The
cholera epidemic struck in 1866. Residents in Millican today recall
their parents talking about as many as 100 persons dying in the
2
epidemic..." [from °Boom Era Ended for Millican After War, Yellow
Fever, Riots," Houston Post, 20 July 1963, reproduced in F.L.
Pool's, The Life and Times of F.L. Pool, Millican: The Juggery,
1990, page 372]
1867: Yellow fever
[extensive notes available]
1867: Pneumonia
Colonel Holman, formerly President of the Pacific Railroad, and
residing at Marshall, died yesterday at Bryan City, of pneumonia.
Flake's Bulletin (Galveston), 10 December 1867, page 4
1870: Meningitis (extent unknown)
°In 1870, four of his [Harvey Mitchell's] young daughters between
the ages of one and fourteen, as well as their first grandchild, died of
spinal meningitis within one week." Van Bavel, Margaret Lips, Birth
and Death of Boonville; page 95. These deaths occurred from January
18th to January 25th, 1870. (Brazos County History, Rich Past -
Bright Future, page 247).
1870: Measles
The measles are prevailing in Bryan. Mrs. Capt. Henderson died there
on Tuesday last. Galveston Tri-Weekly News, 18 March 1870, page 3
Jo Goodwin, died, aged 1; girl; died Feb.1870, measles; born TX. 1870
Mortality Schedule, family no. 285.
Rob. Hall died, aged 22; died Feb.1870, measles; born TX. 1870
Mortality Schedule, family no. 539.
Susan McCullough died, African American; aged 3 months; died Feb.1870,
measles; born TX. 1870 Mortality Schedule, family no.548.
H. Morrison died, aged 1; boy; died Feb.1870, measles; born TX. 1870
Mortality Schedule, family no.285
John Newton died, aged 4; died Feb.1870, measles; born TX. 1870
Mortality Schedule, family no.558
Amanda Thrasher died, aged 19; married; died Jan.1870, measles; keeping
house; born TX. 1870 Mortality Schedule, family no.?
1873: Yellow fever
[extensive notes available]
1877: Scarlet fever
Scarlet fever is reported prevailing in Bryan. Brenham Daily Banner,
10 March 1877, page 2
1878: unknown
Brazos County ... There is a great deal of sickness in the country at
present, produced by the great amount of wet weather we have been having
for five or six weeks past ... Galveston Weekly News, 5 August 1878, page
2, col.9
1880: unknown
The Brazos Pilot says the doctors are all getting rich this season.
°An ill wind," etc. Houston Post, 12 October 1880, page 2
Bryan, Dec. 1 -Napoleon B. Davis died in the Brazos bottom Sunday
morning. Dr. J.B. McLelland is lying dangerously ill and is expected to
die. More deaths in Bryan this past summer than ever before for the
same length of time. Houston Post, 2 December 1880, page 1
1881: measles
Bryan, April 13 - A strong norther is blowing to-night. A number of
cases of measles in the city and two or three deaths from the same.
Dallas Weekly Herald, 21 April 1881, page 7
Bryan, April 14 ... The measles, mumps and whooping cough have caused a
falling off in the attendance at the public schools, of about
thirty-five per cent. Dallas Weekly Herald, 21 April 1881, page 7
1881 / 1882? -Smallpox. I have not seen any indication of a smallpox
epidemic around this time, except for the following reference to a Bryan
city ordinance, perhaps indicating some recent concern about that
disease?
Bryan ... The time given by the small pox ordinance passed some time
since by the City Council expired to day. Every citizen subject to the
contagion who has not been vaccinated, is liable to be fined $25.
Galveston Daily News, 18 January 1882, page 1.
1883: pneumonia
Brazos ... Mrs. A.H. Wilkerson, wife of Mr. John E. Wilkerson, hospital
steward of the Agricultural and Mechanical College, died of pneumonia
Wednesday morning. The remains were conveyed to Millican for interment.
Galveston Daily News, 3 February 1883, page 3.
Bryan ... Several deaths have occurred recently at the Agricultural and
Mechanical College from pneumonia. Among the number: Mr. John
Wilkerman, the drummer, and also his wife. Several more are seriously
sick. Galveston Daily News, 6 Feb. 1883, page 1, col.6; also Waco Daily
Examiner, 7 February 1883, page 1
Bryan, February 8 -Professor Gardner, of the Agricultural and
4
Mechanical College, is very sick with pneumonia, and is said to be in
quite a critical condition. Galveston Daily News, 9 February 1883, page
1
Bryan, February 13 ... Mr. Calvert, cadet at the Agricultural and
Mechanical College, died to-day. Also, Professor Gardner, instructor in
modern languages, died and was buried in our city cemetery. Galveston
Daily News, 16 February 1883, page 1
1884: Pneumonia
Bryan Enterprise: Three deaths occurred during the past week in the
McFail family, near the college. Mr. McFail died and was buried on
Saturday at old Boonville. On Sunday his wife died, and on Monday Mrs.
Higgins, his daughter, died, all from pneumonia. The son, eighteen
years old, is not expected to live. Galveston Daily News, 24 March
1884, page 4
Bryan, April 3 - S.N. Blatherwick died to-day from pneumonia.
Galveston Daily News, 4 April 1884, page 1
1884: unknown
Allen Farm ... A great deal of sickness prevails, owing to the hot
weather and scarcity of good water. Galveston Daily News, 22 September
1884, page 1.
1885: unknown
Millican ... The weather has caused a great deal of sickness in and
around here. Cattle are dying very fast from the want of food and
excessively cold weather. Galveston Daily News, 12 February 1885, page
2
1886: Pneumonia
Bryan, Feb. 7 ... Mr. Buck Halter, one of the first settlers of the
Wellborn neighborhood, died Friday of pneumonia. Dallas Morning News, 8
February 1886, page 2
1890: Influenza
Millican, Tex., Jan. 13 ... Several cases of la grippe have developed
in this community. Dallas Morning News, 14 January 1890, page 1
1891: Smallpox
Bryan, Tex., Jan. 18 - A well defined case of small-pox in confluent
form was discovered here this morning. The patient is a Negro boy about
18 years of age who came up from Houston about fifteen days ago. Dr.
Hall, county health officer, ordered the house in which he is strictly
quarantined. The case is outside the city and well isolated and ever
precaution is exercised to prevent (illegible). Dallas Morning News, 19
January 1891, page 4
Bryan, Tex., Jan. 21 - No new cases of small-pox have been found.
The Negro found on the 18th instant is doing very well under the care of
a local nurse. A pesthouse has been built and things are arranged to
take care of any cases that may be found. Dallas Morning News, 22
January 1891, page 4
Bryan, Tex., Jan. 25 -The Negro confined at the pesthouse outside
this city died last night. This is the only case of small-pox that
Bryan has had. The News correspondent saw Dr. F.M. Hall, city health
officer, this morning and was informed by that gentleman that there was
no more small-pox in or near Bryan; never had been any except the case
mentioned above, and that he had no fear of there being any more. He
added: °Though we are now free from the disease, yet I am not going
to let up on a strict quarantine until matters assume a different aspect
over the state." Dallas Morning News, 26 January 1891, page 8
1897: Local area quarantined against yellow fever occurring elsewhere
Bryan, Tex., Sept. 16 -Late this afternoon Mayor Adams issued a
quarantine against New Orleans and all other points where yellow fever
has been reported. Officers will meet all trains and parties who desire
to get off here will be required to show where they came from and
produce a clean bill of health. The quarantine also applies to freight
and express from infected points. Dallas Morning News, 17 September
1897, page 2
Bryan, Tex., Sept. 22 -Upon receipt of the news of a death from
yellow fever at Beaumont to-day Health Officer Tabor issued orders
taking effect at 12 o'clock to-night that no freight or passenger
train will be allowed to stop anywhere in Brazos County until further
notice. Health officers have been appointed at College, Wellborn and
Millican to enforce quarantine regulations ... (article continues) ...
Dallas Morning News, 23 September 1897, page 2
Bryan, Brazos Co., Tex., Sept. 29 -Upon receipt of information from
Houston today, Health Officer Tabor posted a bulletin that he did not
believe the case there was yellow fever. To-night the shotgun
quarantine was raised. Papers and other mail will be received and
fumigated tomorrow. Passengers from the north know to the health
officer, and not from any infected point, will be permitted to get off
at the fumigating stations. Dallas Morning News, 30 September 1897,
page 2
Bryan, Tex., Oct. 13 -Millican has furnished the principal incident
of the quarantine in this county. This afternoon Health Officer Tabor
received the following from that place: °People from Navasota coming
on us. Guards letting them pass. Arrington not in town. Appoint
health officer to take charge at once. We recommend T.B. White.
Appoint and give instructions. If you don't act will have to use
extreme measures. Citizens of Millican." Dr. Tabor replied by
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appointing two assistants to Health Officer Arrington, who was here
to-day and left this afternoon for the scene of excitement. News
reached here to-day that the bridge on the Millican and Navasota Road
had been torn upon this end to prevent Navasota people from crossing.
Dallas Morning News, 14 October 1897, page 2
1897: Dengue fever
City Council ... The health officer states that while dengue fever
prevails throughout the state and epidemic at many points, not a single
case has been reported in Bryan. Bryan Daily Eagle, 9 October 1897,
page 4
Capt. S.M. Derden, Samuel Levy and Jack Buchanan are among the dengue
victims this week. Bryan Daily Eagle, 29 October 1897, page 4
Capt. S.M. Derden, who has been sick for a week, was able to be on the
streets yesterday, and says he had a terrible tussle with the dengue.
Bryan Daily Eagle, 4 November 1897, page 4
Mayor Adams was able to be up awhile yesterday after a hard tussle with
the dengue which he says nearly got the best of him. Bryan Daily Eagle,
13 November 1897, page 4
1899: Smallpox
Bryan, Tex., Jan. 30 -Two cases of smallpox having been discovered
here by the city health officer, Dr. George R. Tabor, he immediately
reported the matter to the city council which gave him full authority to
take the necessary steps to effectually isolate the cases. This has
been done and Dr. Tabor says there is no occasion for alarm and no
danger of a spread of the disease. No excitement prevails. The state
health officer has been notified by Dr. Tabor. Dallas Morning News, 31
January 1899, page 4
Bryan, Tex., Feb. 14 -The county commissioners and city council held
a meeting here to-day to which Dr. George R. Tabor, health officer,
reported the development of one case of smallpox and five cases of
varioloid since last Friday. Dr. Tabor says the cases are exceedingly
mild. The meeting was held for the purpose of building a pesthouse and
other incidentals necessary to isolating and treating the cases, all of
which are being properly looked after. Dallas Morning News, 16 February
1899, page 9
°Dr. Blunt at Bryan," Dallas Morning News, 28 March 1899, page 3
Bryan, Brazos Co., Tex., April 2 -Health Officer Tabor reports one
mild case of smallpox discovered in Freedmantown and immediately removed
to the pesthouse. The patient is a Negro. The health officer also
reports one case discharged cured, and he states that all the patients
are improving satisfactorily. Dallas Morning News, 4 April 1899, page
4
7
1899: Texas A&M quarantined against disease occurring elsewhere
Bryan, Tex., March 4 -The Agricultural and Mechanical College
quarantine against outside points has been raised. Dallas Morning News,
5 March 1899, page 3
1899: Measles
Pearl Drew, Edge, Tex. - Mr. Big Hat: I have written but once before
and that was many years ago. I like to read and have read a good many
nice books... I like to go to school, but have had to stop now on
account of the measles.... Dallas Morning News, 26 March 1899, page 20
1899: Miscellaneous (at Green's Prairie)
Green's Prairie ... Mr. Editor - As I haven't seen anything from
our little community, I shall endeavor to give you a few dots... The
health of our neighborhood is generally good, but at this writing there
is some sickness, such as la grippe, roseola and colds. We are glad to
note that Miss Bernice Goodyear is able to be among her friends and
neighbors again after having a severe attack of roseola.... (weekly)
Bryan Eagle, 23 March 1899, page 3
From Green's Prairie. Farmers seem to be very busy preparing the
ground for cotton. There seems to be a great deal of sickness in this
community but not very serious. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 13 April 1899,
page 3
1900: Black jaundice (Wiel's Disease)
°Black jaundice" usually referred to what is now known as Wiel's
Disease. This disease is caused by a germ found in rat urine, and not
transmitted directly from human to human, so it is not clear why so many
people died from the disease in 1900. The disease began appearing in
Brazos County prior to the Galveston hurricane, which took place in
September, so the resulting flooding in Brazos County (which perhaps
drove rats into closer proximity with humans) could not have been the
only cause for this disease's unusual virulence that year.
Frank Wagner, aged 23; died at his home near the Brazos River;
Catholic. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 30 August 1900, page 6, col.i. Aged
23; died 22 August 1900, black jaundice; buried 23 August 1900, Calvary
Cemetery. St. Joseph Catholic Church Death Records.
John Berger, aged 48 years, native of Germany; died from °black
jaundice," buried 23 Aug. 1900, Bryan City Cemetery (sexton's
records)
Victoria Kalinec, name given as °Kalnec"; aged 10; died at her home
on the Little Brazos River; buried at Smetana; Catholic. (weekly) Bryan
Eagle, 30 Aug.1900, p.6, col.4. Aged 10; died 26 August 1900, black
jaundice; buried 26 Aug.1900, Smetana Cemetery. St. Joseph Catholic
Church Death Records.
Paul Kalinec, died at his home near Little Brazos River; buried at
Smetana; left wife & children. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 6 September 1900,
page 6, col.4. Aged 38 years; died 1 September 1900, black jaundice;
buried 2 September 1900, Smetana Cemetery. St. Joseph Catholic Church
Death Records.
Jos. Kalinec, aged 16 years; died 17 Sept.1900, black jaundice; buried
17 September 1900, Smetana Cemetery. St. Joseph Catholic Church Death
Records.
Joseph Penanzek, aged 10 years, 6 months; died 14 October 1900, black
jaundice; buried 15 October 1900, Calvary Cemetery. St. Joseph Catholic
Church Death Records.
Floyd Moore, died at home of his brother Pat Moore at Edge from
°black jaundice"; Baptist; buried Presbyterian cemetery near
Edge. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 7 November 1900, page 1, col.2; 7 November
1900, page 3, col.1
Agnes J. Maher, name might be °Mayer"; aged 20 years; died 7
November 1900, black jaundice; buried 8 November 1900, Calvary Cemetery.
St. Joseph Catholic Church Death Records.
Arch McCallum, died at Cameron ranch from °black jaundice"; buried
at Alexander Chapel; left family. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 15 November
1900, page 6, col.3
1901: Varioloid (a mild form of smallpox) at Texas A&M
Bryan, Tex., Dec. 10 -Two cases of varioloid have developed at
College Station. They were seen today by State Health Officer Tabor,
who pronounced them very mild. Dr. Tabor says that are isolated a
quarter of a mile from the college buildings under the care of an
experienced trained nurse. They are not sick and have no fever and no
alarm whatever is felt among the students who have not been exposed at a
contagious stage of the disease. Dallas Morning News, 11 December 1901,
page 10
Bryan, Tex., Dec. 30 -Prof. R.H. Whitlock, acting president of the
Agricultural and Mechanical College, makes the following announcement
relative to the varioloid cases at the college:
College Station, Tex., Dec. 30 - To Parents of Cadets: I wish to
inform you fully about the three cases of varioloid we had here before
the holidays. One of the young men left for his home before we knew
what his trouble was, and the other two were placed in our hospital as
soon as we knew they were sick. The State Health Officer, who was sent
for at once, pronounced the two cases as a very mild form of varioloid,
but all of the precautions were taken which would have been adopted had
it been the most virulent form of the disease. The consequence has been
that we have had no more cases, and I am glad to say that the two young
men were pronounced entirely recovered in time to spend the holidays at
home. All the rooms have been thoroughly fumigated, and we feel
convinced that there is no further danger. Yours very truly, R.H.
Whitlock, President Pro Tem. Dallas Morning News, 31 December 1901,
page 8
1903: Smallpox
Bryan, Tex., Feb. 17 -County Health Officer R.H. Harrison has just
returned from Millican, where he went to investigate a smallpox report.
He found five cases of a very bad type and one death last week. The
9
disease is confined to Negroes. The Daily Express (San Antonio), 18
February 1903, page 6
1903: Bryan quarantined because of yellow fever elsewhere
Bryan, Tex., Oct. 23 -The City Council met this morning and
quarantined against all points infected with yellow fever. The
quarantine is against all points, persons, mail, express baggage and
freight from such points. Citizens of Bryan who have been away are
permitted to come in provided they isolate themselves for six days.
Officers meet all trains and persons without health certificates are
required to sign sworn statements to the effect that they did not come
from infected points. There is no excitement, and indications are good
for a frost tonight. A cleaning up campaign has been inaugurated by
the authorities. Dallas Morning News, 24 October 1903, page 2
1905: Yellow fever scare (statewide in Texas); quarantine measures
implemented locally
°Yellow Fever Situation," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 3 August 1905, page
°No Fever in Texas," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 10 August 1905, page 1
°Dr. Tabor Addresses City Council," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 17 August
1905, page 1. °Effective yesterday inspectors were placed on the
trains on both railroads passing Bryan."
°Italians Were Watched," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 17 August 1905, page
2
1907: Typhoid
°Typhoid at College; Total Twenty-Five Cases," Dallas Morning News,
25 May 1907, page 9. The semester was ended early because of the
outbreak; °it is believed that the source of infection is the water of
an underground cistern, probably contaminated during the recent heavy
rains ... distilled water is now being used at the barracks and boiled
water at the mess hall ...."
1908: Influenza
"College Station," Houston Chronicle, 19 January 1908, section 2, p.ii.
Mrs. C.W. Hutson and Miss Ethel Hutson had "the grip" but are now
better.
Misses Marion Foote and Hettie Smith, who have been ill with La Grippe
the past few days, are improving. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 23 January
1908, page 8
R.S. Webb who has been confined to his home by an attack of grip, is
able to be out again. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 13 February 1908, page 5
10
J.H. White of Wixon was in the city yesterday. Mr. White is tusseling
with a spell of the grip. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 13 February 1908, page
7
1908: Pneumonia
"College Station," Houston Chronicle, 2 February 1908, section 2, page
2. °Mrs. Murphy of Dallas is here to be with her son, who is in the
hospital with pneumonia. Mrs. Jahn of New Braunfels is staying with
Prof. and Mrs. Geisecke. Mrs. Jahn is here to be near her son, who has
been very ill with pneumonia for the past two weeks."
1908: Measles on campus
"College Station," Houston Chronicle, 1 March 1908, section 2, page 10.
°Little Misses Virginia and Bess Spence are confined to the house
with measles. The fancy dress masquerade ball which the little Misses
Geisecke expected to give to their friends has been postponed
indefinitely on account of the contagious diseases among the children on
the campus."
1908: whooping cough on campus
A quarantine was imposed which was a factor in the 1908 student strike
at A&M.
°Charges Against Harrington," Dallas Morning News, 13 February
1908, page 1. °Prof. C.W. Hutson's allegations charge that a
smallpox quarantine was maintained at his home instead of a whooping
cough quarantine, which latter disease was prevalent in his home; that
President Harrington was responsible for this quarantine without proper
authority, and that it was enforced with undue rigidity; that he
interfered with his son's duties as a cadet by similarly confining him
to the premises; that Dr. Hutson's cook's children were restricted
from the campus, although it was demonstrated that they came in no
contact with the whooping cough, and that he refused to quarantine
whooping cough from another source."
°Resume Inquiry at A.& M. College," Dallas Morning News, 18 June
1908, page 4. °The only reference to the Hutson incident was that
there was a case of whooping cough at his house and Prof. Harrington
ordered a strict quarantine against the Hutson home."
1912: Meningitis on campus (just one case?)
Bryan, Tex., Jan. 12 - A public meeting was held here this morning,
composed of the city and county health officers, physicians, members of
the City Council and citizens, to discuss the meningitis situation.
After discussing the situation a resolution was passed that it is not
necessary now to declare a quarantine nor to close the schools, places
of amusement, etc. The whole situation was placed in the power of the
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health officers, physicians and City Council. Both the A.& M. College
and Allen Academy are quarantined against Bryan for the protection of
both the city and the schools in event a case should appear in either.
Dallas Morning News, 13 January 1912, page 3
Col. R.T. Milner, president of A.& M. College, was in the city for a
short while today and during the time paid The Eagle office an
appreciated call. Discussing the quarantine situation Colonel Milner
stated that a strict quarantine was being maintained at College. That
student guards were stationed at every entrance and the vigilance was
maintained both day and night. Wood had been hauled to every post so
the guards could have fires and there was no relaxation whatever. No
person from anywhere on earth was allowed to enter the college grounds
except from Bryan, and then only when provided with a pass from the
Bryan health officer. He stated the further precaution had been taken
requiring every person who remained on the campus to have a card bearing
all the necessary information, and an inspection was made very day, and
if any person should be found without the necessary card he would be
forced to leave at once. The president stated that this sleepless
vigilance would be maintained until every semblance of danger was over.
That the college authorities were leaving nothing undone, and the
students and campus residents would be protected at all hazards. Bryan
Daily Eagle, 17 January 1912, page 5.
°Health Conditions at A.& M.," Dallas Morning News, 26 February
1912, page 9. When the students came back to school in January, there
were several cases of measles and mumps, °but by judicious isolation
and disinfection we were soon able to control the measles, but the
mumps, being in some cases so extremely mild, cadets would not in all
instances let us know of the fact that they had mumps and, therefore,
would not be isolated, and naturally we now and then had a case of
mumps." Also gives information on one case of meningitis.
1913: Meningitis on campus
°A. & M. Cadet Dies; F.Y. Rawlins is Second Victim of Meningitis at
College Station," Dallas Morning News, 16 January 1913, page 15. A.W.
Koons had died previously.
College Station, Tex., Jan. 16 - A statement issued here by D.R.
Hartman, State Bacteriologist, of Austin, said that the A. & M. College
was better fortified against an epidemic of meningitis than any
institution or city of which he knew. No new cases developed today and
there is no sickness of a serious nature on the college grounds. Dr.
Hartman said the precautions taken to prevent a spread of the disease
here were all that could be asked. About 200 students have gone home.
Dallas Morning News, 17 January 1913, page 3
°A.& M. President Refutes Charges," Dallas Morning News, 22
February 1913, page 3. In January and February 1913, there were two
cases of meningitis and five cases of measles. °During this period we
gave nearly 400 cadets the meningitis vaccine..."
1918: Women risk their lives to care for Aggies and soldiers during
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the influenza epidemic. Miss Clara Bell Hollyfield, a campus nurse,
becomes the first known woman (at least to me) to give her life aiding
students on campus, when she dies from pneumonia contracted from the
sick. See:
"Eight Deaths Bryan Record for Day from Pneumonia," Bryan Weekly Eagle,
10 October 1918, p.i, col.i. Miss Clara Bell Hollyfield dies; had only
worked on campus since 7 Sept. 1918. Gives lots of biographical
information about her.
"Thomas W. Rambold and Prof. Brawis Die of Pneumonia," Bryan Weekly
Eagle, 17 October 1918, page 1, col.6. Rambold was attended by his
mother & 2 sisters (which seems to have been a common practice during
the epidemic); the Professor was taken to a Bryan home by a woman who
cared for him.
There are, of course, numerous articles about the epidemic ... these
are just two examples. Here's another source:
Walker, Shirlireed, "Living on South Bryan Avenue During World War I,"
in Bryan Legends and Legacies (1996), ed. Betty Foster, pp.80+. Briefly
tells about Miss Nannie Berryman, a music teacher in Bryan, going to
campus to nurse the sick & one patient whose mother came to take care of
him.
1924: Diphtheria occurred on campus
See Anderson's history, page 36
1925: Influenza
Bryan, Texas, Jan. 27 -Dear Cinderella: I have been planning to
write for some time but have been sick with the flu. It sleeted hard
last night. Here is a riddle. How is a nation like a baby? Answer -
When it is in arms. Your friend, Shirley Johnson (Age 11). Dallas
Morning News, 11 February 1925, section 2, page 13
1932: Influenza
College Notes ... Mr. and Mrs. N.M. McGinnis both are suffering from
attacks of influenza and are confined to their apartment at the
Aggieland Inn. Bryan Daily Eagle, 2 December 1932, page 5
°Basketball Game Saturday Night at A-M Now Off," Bryan Daily Eagle,
7 December 1932, page 2. 125 students in campus hospital; substantial
decrease from the number the day before.
College Notes ... Ralph Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. L.D. Smith, has been
suffering from an attack of the flu since Friday, and still is quite
sick. Bryan Daily Eagle, 7 December 1932, page 6
°Aggie Game Postponed Because of Flu Epidemic," Dallas Morning
News, 8 December 1932, page 10. The college discontinued all
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extracurricular activities because of the flu.
College Notes ... H.G. Johnson is back at his place in the entomology
department after recovering from a case of the flu. Bryan Daily Eagle,
9 December 1932, page 6
1940: Influenza
°College Hospital Taxed to Capacity as Bad Weather Causes Hundreds of
Flu Cases; Epidemic is Not Unusual'," Battalion, 12 December
1940, page 5. This is the 5th consecutive day with more than 200
patients in the hospital; °plans are being made to utilize Post
Graduate hall in case the number of cases increases abnormally."
°A.& M. Closing Advanced as Flu Spreads," Dallas Morning News, 14
December 1940, page 1. Classes were dismissed early for Christmas
because of the flu.
°Christmas Holidays Begin at Noon Today; Early Dismissal Result of
Widespread Flu Epidemic," Battalion, 14 December 1940, page 1
°Flu Epidemic Reaches Alarming Proportions With 300 Men on Sick
List," Battalion, 14 December 1940, page 1
1950: Meningitis
°Spiral Meningitis Blamed for Death of A&M Freshman," Dallas
Morning News, 2 February 1950, section 1, page 5.
1957: Influenza
°Flu Epidemic Hits Colleges," Dallas Morning News, 21 September
1957, section 1, page 11. °... about 75 per cent of the 325 cases of
flu and upper respiratory on the campus were among freshmen. He said it
has not been determined if any of the cases are Asian flu."
°Texas A&M Reports 600 on Flu List," Dallas Morning News, 23
September 1957, page 9. At least 600 cases among the school's 7400
students.
College Station, Tex., Sept. 23 -Texas' flu outbreak spread today
to 1,500 students at Texas A. & M. College ... Six hundred cases were
reported by A. & M. yesterday among its 7,400 students .... Chicago
Daily Tribune, 24 September 1957, page 21
°Texas Notes 9,151 Cases As Suspected Asian Flu," Dallas Morning
News, 25 September 1957, section 1, page 2. °At A&M, where 1,600
students have been taken ill, college officials said none of the Aggie
football team members were ill."
1964: Meningitis on campus (just one case?)
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°Aggies Taking Shots in Meningitis Scare," Dallas Morning News, 3
December 1964, section 1, page 19. One student diagnosed with disease.
°Classes were not called off, and the fact that a student was standing
in line to receive a shot was not a valid excuse for missing
classes."
College Station, Tex., Dec. 2 -Texas Aggies were inoculated at the
rate of 150 per hour today after it was determined a freshman student
was ill with meningitis .... Chicago Tribune, 3 December 1964, page 20
°Inoculations End at A&M," Dallas Morning News, 5 December 1964,
page 8. 4,500 students were inoculated.
1968: Influenza
°No Hong Kong Flu Reported as Influenza Lashes B-CS Area," Bryan
Daily Eagle, 16 December 1968, page 1
°Aggies Resist Flu Bugs," Bryan Daily Eagle, 18 December 1968, page
4
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