History of epidemics, Ripley County, Indiana, late 1890s
I have been sitting on a photo of 6 children in an album between 2 known great X2 grandparents. They only had 4 children, or so I thought until I finally noticed the 1900 Census included a count of deceased children. This couple had 6 children, 4 living. Then things made sense and knowing birth years of the living and gaps in those years, I worked out who all the 6 children were. I have another set of great X2 grandparents who lived in Ripley County Indiana at the same time and they, too, lost 2 children by the 1900 Census. My question is about what epidemic / pandemic was the cause. I've done some googling on Indiana in general and can't seem to find a smoking gun for the years 1897-1899, which is when I think this happened. Does anyone know where I can find medical history to solve this? I'm sure whatever it was did not stay within the bounds of Ripley county, or possibly even Indiana. Thank you in advance!!
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Hello Gail -
I found this great resource that covers all Indiana newspapers. I am not sure which newspaper served Ripley at that time, but this resource is comprehensive and can give you that info. I found the search feature quite comprehensive! I am sure if there was a big outbreak of some kind, it would be in the news.
One thing I have noticed in my own research of that time period, influenza was a major cause of death. It's possible that was it and that could be a key word for your search.
I am interested to know what you find out, so please keep us posted in this thread. Let me know if I can be of further service!
Jennifer Corder, Group Leader
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Thank you @Jennifer Ann Corder ! I have been looking in that site, and I can tell it will take a while. And my 2 families may not have lost their children in the same epidemic. Thank you! I will report back if I find what I think is a smoking gun!
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AWESOME! So excited it is taking you in a new direction. It is a LOT of resource material. So excited to see what you find! @Gail S Watson
Jennifer Corder, Group Leader
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