Tag Archives: measles

Smallpox Epidemic, Part LXXV

Indianapolis Journal - 1900-04-19 (Smallpox epidemic), p. 6In Doubt About Disease.

A suspected case of smallpox in a family living on Nelson street was reported to the Board of Health yesterday. Dr. C. E. Ferguson visited the patient and will make a thorough diagnosis of the case this morning, as he was unable to determine yesterday whether it was smallpox or measles.

“In Doubt About Disease,” The Indianapolis Journal (Indianapolis, Indiana), 19 April 1900, p. 6, col. 3; digital image, Chronicling America (http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/ : accessed 3 February 2015).

Smallpox Epidemic, Part LV

Indianapolis Journal - 1900-04-03 (Smallpox epidemic)Measles Epidemic at Wabash

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
WABASH, Ind., April 2. – There are fifty cases of measles in this city, as reported by Health Officer Lorin W. Smith, who says the disease is spreading rapidly. Some of those afflicted with the disease are very ill.

Case of Smallpox at Peru.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
PERU, Ind., April 2., – Considerable excitement was caused here to-day by the discovery that Clarence Fetro, a freight conductor of this city, has been stricken with smallpox. The house is under quarantine.

“Measles Epidemic at Wabash,” and “Case of Smallpox at Peru,” The Indianapolis Journal (Indianapolis, Indiana), 3 April 1900, p. 2, col. 2; digital image, Chronicling America (http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/ : accessed 31 January 2015).

News from Noumea (Dr. Porterfield)

R.S. USA PB
Noumea NC
7 PM San Fra Cal.
3.31.43 –

Dear Mrs “Yege”

Thanks for the letter. Sorry your family are having the measles. The pictures did not arrive until after he left. His mail is being forwarded from – here – I had word direct from him yesterday by messenger and he is ok. Conveniences are not as good there as here. But will improve very soon.

[page 2] We miss him very much and felt that we would be left together but one never knows out here what the next move is. One of my boys is out here someplace but I haven’t seen him. Hope the boys are over measles by now – I remember when mine had them. Oh – Boy –

[page 3] Everything is running along very smoothly here and we are really living very comfortable under circumstances. But there still remains the longing to see our families, which we hope will not be too long over the year we have sorta set our hearts on.

Sincerely the Country Doctor
M. H. Porterfield

New_Caledonia-CIA_WFB_Map

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/03/20/news-from-noum…dr-porterfield/

Had to call the fire engine (Gladys)

1943-03-24Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
3-24-43

Dear Daddy – 12 letters Mon & 2 Tues. so didn’t expect any today. This was the first day we could hang out clothes since Nov. 29-’42. It is a little cool but nice. The ground is beginning to dry so won’t be long till we can get the yard cleaned up. We are still having measles – Bill Taylor has them – was feeling bad so he went to Lucy and got a treatment. Thought after that he was taking pneumonia – has been pretty sick with them. The seventh grade is getting them now so I suppose John will take them but I don’t dread them so now that Mark has had them and got thru O.K. I went to a church meeting this afternoon – had to give the lesson at W.S.C.S. When I got to town to mail this I think I’ll spend the rest of our ration coupons (26). I used most of them the first of the month. I think I mentioned a freeze put on butter, fats, etc. Monday. That came as a surprise like shoe rationing. The butter etc. will be one sale again next week. So far rationing hasn’t bothered us but I hear it is hard to get meat, butter, eggs and quite a lot of things in the cities. There was a little excitement yesterday at Zells – Foulks cleaning woman burned some papers and there was quite a wind – the fired caught the dry grass and burned over almost to Zells’ chicken house & garage – Had to call the fire engine. We have an air Raid Warden – Bob Shurtter for this block – and are to have black-outs – They said they didn’t think it would be necessary but we have to keep in step with the times so we would know what to do ‘in case.’ I am sending a letter registered with some more pictures. Some taken at 5 & some 6 mo. of David. He is a little rascal today – but cute enough to get away with it. Taking a nap now. Everyone fine.

Love – Mother

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/03/05/had-to-call-th…-engine-gladys/

6 months old (Gladys)

1943-03-23Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
3-23-43

Dear Daddy – Two letters today – that makes 14 this week – The two today were earlier than some of yesterdays but I am always glad to get them. Today David is 6 mo – old (17 lbs) and quite an active little fellow. He doesn’t sit alone yet but has a good straight back and holds erect very good. He sits up good in his high chair and buggy. I must say he is a little more spoiled than either J. or M. but not bad. IT is nice out today so think I’ll get him out for a walk in the sunshine. He hasn’t shown any signs of measles but maybe he won’t having had Immune Globulin. The 7th grade is dropping out pretty fast now so I suppose John will get them now tho he didn’t take them from Mark. I am afraid he will get them about the time we want to go to C. C. Apr 2. I thought the epidemic was about over but there are new cases every day. I wrote to Uncle Wess and to Jewell & Bill today. I have told several people around town the reason you aren’t writing. After writing you about filing separate tax returns Agnes discovered she was wrong about that. Hope we get a rebate on the Gross. I saw in the paper all gross 1942 pd on salary rec’d in Service will be refunded. – Mary McGee (worked for Funks) went to Ari and was married last fall. Her husband was transferred to some place in the east. She is back working for Funks and staying with Bill & Arlene. She is going to have a baby but is going to work as long as she can. I have the picture of you you sent from N. C. on the desk – would like to have a new one in your new brief uniform you mentioned – or would I? We have had so much cold weather I will be glad to get into some lighter clothes. Had a card from Mrs. P. They are in St. P. Fla now. – Those flower pictures look good. I think she will write you from there. Dr. M. got a letter from Joe R. He had rec’d the box Dr. M. sent.

Love Mother

Yegerlehner, David with Mark - 1943-03-23

Mark holding David, March 1943

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/03/03/6-months-old-gladys/

Planting Potatoes (Gladys)

1943-03-17Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
3-17-43

Dear Daddy – The weather has turned cold again and got down below freezing last night with a high wind. Mark went back to school today – Mr. Zell took him with his girls. I am going after him at noon so he won’t have to be in this wind. He is feeling good but I don’t want an aftermath of measles. I am watching John closely for any early signs. So far nothing has developed in either John or David. I got the duplicate of our tax sheet from Agnes yesterday and it figured $757.33 for ’42. The rate is much higher this time and exemptions lower. I have enough bonds to cover that & the bal. of ’41 when and if you know it may be cancelled. Mr. Zell raises chickens – (in a house of course) and he has quite a lot of fertilizer – cleans the house 3 times a week. He put a load around our shrubbery in the back yard this morning. He has been spreading it over his lawn. I believe you would have a different opinion of him as county agent than you did of the last one. He should be on a farm but Mrs. Z. said the farmers here aren’t in favor of their agent farming. It has been so cold none of our neighbors have shown any spring signs. Bill cleaned off his garden not long ago but that is all. I don’t know what the Irishers will do today about planting potatoes. Our bank bal is $150⁰⁰ – few odds bills to pay but nothing big. No uniform money as yet. David is raising a howl – just woke up and it is about bath time. He is quite an active little fellow and a little spoiled but not too much as he goes to bed a little after 6 P.M. and sleeps till 6 A.M. – weighs 16 ½ I am knitting him a new spring outfit (Pink & white). Haven’t seen Jimmy Ed lately. Afraid to go there till measles scare is all over.

Love – Mother

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/20/planting-potatoes-gladys/

Quite an appetite (Gladys)

1943-03-11Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
3-11-43

Dear Daddy – No letter today or yesterday, but will keep looking every day now since receiving three this week. I think there is one yet to come. One letter came Mon. saying you had written three, but only two more came – Well the weather is getting a little warmer but will look for anything during March. Mark is getting along fine. Had temp of 103 ½ – yesterday but broke out good and is feeling much better this a.m. Sleeps OK at night and doesn’t cough much now. Temp was 99 1/5 this morning. He wants some dinner so he must be improving. Now if John takes them maybe he can get along as well. They closed the grade school – there were 56 out with measles. There are some cases of chicken pox & scarlet fever but we won’t have to worry about them. We are going to give David Immune Globuline if we can get it. Jack Byrnes ordered from Chicago. There wasn’t any to be had in Laf. Mrs. Roberts called me last night and she is going to try and find some for me – said Joe had some but thought his Dad took it when he left. – – Pause – to feed Mark. He had quite an appetite and is feeling pretty good. Dr M. said John could come home tomorrow evening after school Mark thinks John has had it pretty nice eating all his meals at the restaurant. Ira Dixon had another spell like the one he had before. They took his to St. E. – didn’t know whether it was appendicitis or kidney stone. Haven’t any late word about him. Arvilla was on the floor with him when he entered the hospital. Dr. P. wrote me a letter and said he would send your things when he gets instructions from you. I am answering his letter. He said they hated to see you leave. (So did a lot of other people).

Love – Mother

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/09/quite-an-appetite-gladys/

My mail was good today (Gladys)

1943-03-08Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
3-8-43

Dear Daddy – My mail was good today. Had one letter posted Feb. 20 in which you said you had written three before but haven’t rec’d them. Possibly will this week. Well I feel better now and to get regular mail again will help lots. Still have Mark in bed with some temp but no evidence of measles. If he doesn’t break out tomorrow I won’t know what to think. He doesn’t feel bad has a good appetite, but I am keeping him in bed. John is going to Krulls to stay in case Mark does break out so he won’t have to miss school. Dr. M. said that was between me and the health officer. I told him what happened when M. had mumps and I didn’t intend to have that again. If John stayed home I think he would be the only one. There hasn’t been any in John’s class out with measles so I think he won’t be so apt to get them (I hope). I sent your mother a picture of D. and she said he looks like you did, only he is bigger than you were. I hope you have the registered letter by now with all our pictures. We are still have snow and cold weather. Yesterday it was 6 below but is warmer today. I think everyone is so tired of cold weather according to the ground hog tradition we have another week yet of this kind. We are anxious (Mark & I) to get our garden out. John hasn’t any enthusiasm about mowing lawn – as that is to be his job this summer. Not much outside news. It’s been too cold to go out and now that we are under suspicion of measles can’t take the baby out for a while. It is time for his 2 P.M. vegetable & milk and he is getting hungry.

Love – Mother

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/03/my-mail-was-good-today-gladys/

The measles have arrived (Gladys)

1943-03-06Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
3-6-43

Dear Daddy – We are having a snow again today. The air is white and as far as I can see there is a white haze. I think Mark is taking the measles. I have him shut up in his room with the blinds closed and he is listening to the radio. He got up this morning feeling so good and then he said he didn’t feel so good. I took his temp. and it was 100 2/5 so I put him right to bed. We don’t know yet what we will do with John. He wants to go to school and I don’t know whether he will be allowed to. I will keep the baby in his room downstairs and hope he doesn’t get the measles. There are so many children having or had the them, maybe they won’t be severe, but we will no doubt be over them by the time you get this. Had a letter from Uncle Wes. He and Aunt Jessie have had bad colds but are about well now. They are coming down some day after the weather clears up. John had a letter from Duane and he said Kenneth passed his physical. Freida Holley’s husband has had to go. Their baby is still small. I suppose she will go back to Buddy’s. D. is raising a fuss. It is time for his nap. He just had his bath & feeding. He played a while and got some attention now he doesn’t want to go to sleep. I didn’t deduct those dividends from the Dec. prem. but I wrote in and they are going to deduct them from the next prem. (apr). No uniform money yet. It will be like finding it when it does come. Will send some more pictures in a few days.

Love Mother

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/01/30/the-measles-ha…arrived-gladys/

Much more like spring (Gladys)

1943-02-27Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
2-27-43

Dear Daddy – After the blizzard yesterday is rather warm and sunny today – much more like spring. Had the tires checked today. Have to have that done at regular intervals now and today was last day for this first period. Blanchard wouldn’t charge me for the service – said you had been good to them. I am expecting Floyd & Ruth tomorrow on their way home from Mutchler’s. They haven’t been here since Jan. 2 so will be able to see how much D. has grown. I have him sitting up in his buggy now. He got tired lying in his bed. Had peas & carrots & milk at 2 P.M. and has been pretty well satisfied till just now. Pauline Hiestand gave me a picture of Joe Robert. I will send when I send more of D.  J. R. is 15 months old and Pauline can’t get his bottle away from him. He is so big. They had his curls cut off and it makes him look very boyish. I went to class meeting at Mullen’s last night. The first one I had attended since Christmas but I think I need to get out once in a while. The boys go to the show once in a while but not often. Mark went to see Arabian Nights last Fri. It is nice enough for him to skate today. John of course is listening to the Opera and I am too because he has it tuned in here in the living room. It is so nice I may take D. out for a little airing. The schools here are having a measles epidemic but so far they haven’t closed. Eleven are out of the 3rd grade. If either J. or M. get to feeling bad I am going to shut them up in one room and keep D. as far away as possible. So far they both are feeling fine, so will hope they escape. Will write a long letter tomorrow and get in all the fine points of home life. We are all well and finances are OK but the uniform money hasn’t come.

Love Mother

©2014 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/01/17/much-more-like-spring-gladys/