1922 smallpox epidemic at Poteau - Leflore County, Oklahoma Submitted by: William Hunt 05 Nov 2006 Return to Leflore County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/leflore/leflore.htm ========================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ========================================================================== December 8, 1921. The Oklahoma State Department of Health a general alert about smallpox that was published throughout the state. Sadly, this is what was about to happen in Poteau, LeFlore County. The alert appeared in The Poteau News, as follows: The Poteau News, December 8, 1921. Outbreak Of Smallpox "By Dr. A. R. Lewis, State Health Commissioner. From many sections of the state reports are being received of more less serious outbreaks of smallpox. Within the last three days more than a thousand points of smallpox vaccine have been sent out to physicians by the State Health Department. Reports indicate that the disease is of a more virulent nature than for many years. One town on the east side reports a death from black smallpox, the patient having contracted the disease in Kansas City. Smallpox is a loathsome, dangerous disease often mild, but frequently fatal. It is spread from person to person and is very 'catching.' It sometimes leaves a person pock-marked for life. The prevention of smallpox depends primarily upon two things (1) Vaccination; and (2) upon isolation and disinfection. Vaccination is no longer an experiment. As an absolute safeguard against smallpox it has been known for many years, and has been tested out in every clime and under every condition. People who are vaccinated are not in any danger of getting smallpox, but people who are not vaccinated are always exposed to chance of infection. Vaccination consists in the introduction of vaccine virus into the skin. When properly cared for it is not more dangerous than any pin scratch on the skin. It protects you against smallpox. Even after a number of years when protection is lessened, smallpox is till much less fatal than in unvaccinated persons. Vaccination is not a question that concerns the individual alone. No person has a right to argue that he is will to take chances of having a yellow placard tacked on his door in preference to the slight inconvenience of being vaccinated. The unvaccinated person is not only a menace to himself, but he is a source of danger to his family, to his friends and to the entire community. If You have not been vaccinated within the past five year, go to your doctor and get vaccinated today. Have every member of your family vaccinated." December 30, 1921. By this 05 Nov 2006 in 1921, a man who was a carrier of the smallpox virus had been arrested as a vagrant by a deputy sheriff and placed in the LeFlore county jail. Not knowing that the person carried the virus, the jailor put him in with the general population of prisoners. As a result, other prisoners, as well as law officers and visitors to the jail, were exposed to the virus and contracted the disease. Many were to die. Because of the outbreak of smallpox in the community, the city government of Poteau issued a Health Proclamation imposing a strict quarantine on persons and places exposed to the smallpox virus and requiring valid vaccinations of all persons in the community. For the purpose of this reading, descriptive information about smallpox and its effect, as published in the January 19, 1922 issue of The Poteau Weekly Sun is quoted as follows: The Poteau Weekly Sun. January 19, 1922. First Symptoms Of Small Pox. The following is the description of Smallpox given by a standard Encyclopedia: "Smallpox is an infectious disease characterized by pustular eruption accompanied by high fever. The first symptoms of the disease appear about seven days after infection, when a feverish shivering pervade the body, followed about three days later by the appearance of red spots on the face, breast, hands, and gradually over the whole body. After about three days these develop pustules, which become inflamed and suppurate. About the eleventh day the pustules begin to dry up and form a crust. Commonly the smallpox virus infects but one, and then only those persons who have a certain susceptibility for it. This disease is first mention by Arabic writers. It is not certain how it was introduced into Europe, but from the 13th century downwards it raged with great destruction among the western nations until it was checked by the introduction of vaccination. It is more fatal on its first appearance in a country, and commits greater ravages, than after having prevailed for some time, as it did in Iceland in 1707, and in Greenland in 1733. The violence of the disorder is lessened when it is produced artificially by inoculation with the smallpox virus. Inoculation was introduced into Western Europe from Turkey by the celebrated Lady Montagu; but it has been entirely suspended by vaccination, which is safer." The story of the 1922 Poteau smallpox epidemic is told in the following news articles: The Poteau News, January 5, 1922. Health Proclamation. It having come to the knowledge of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Poteau, that there exists at this time in the City of Poteau, the contagious disease known as Small Pox, and it being immediately necessary for the pubic health and for the public good of the community that restrictive measures be adopted to prevent the spread of this disease, the following rules and regulations respecting quarantine of Small Pox patients and persons having been exposed or suspected of having been exposed to Small Pox, will be enforced in the City of Poteau: "FIRST: A rigid quarantine must be enforced against all persons infected with the disease of small pox; also the premises where the disease is found to exist, and all persons who may have been exposed in any way by contact with the patient or the premises. All persons who go about the residence portion of the City of Poteau, should keep a close look-out for placards and yellow flag, and should avoid contact however slight with persons or premises where the disease is shown to exist. Likewise all people should be careful in associating with persons who may be sick or ailing, and should report such cases coming to their knowledge to the City Health Authorities. SECOND: That no person be allowed to enter or leave the premises where small pox exists, except physicians and nurses. That persons who may be exposed to the disease shall be isolated from the public and remain under strict quarantine until such time as may be prescribed by the City Health Authorities for their release. That any and all persons who may be suspected of having been exposed to the disease by contact with small pox patients or with the premises where the disease is known to exist shall be kept under quarantine for such period as may be prescribed by the Health Authorities of the City of Poteau. THIRD: That all persons who have not been successfully vaccinated within the three years immediately prior to the publication of this proclamation, should proceed at once to have themselves vaccinated, and this rule should apply to all members of each family residing within the corporate limits of the City of Poteau, and all vaccination should be had under the direction of some duly licensed and practicing physician. FOURTH: That any and all pupils attending the public school in the City of Poteau, be required to submit certificates of vaccination had during the last three years, or submit to vaccination at this time showing certificate thereof on or before the 4th day of January, 1922. Any pupil or pupils failing to comply with the above regulations, will be suspended from the public schools of the City of Poteau for such period of time as may be deemed best by the City Health Authorities of the City of Poteau. FIFTH: That any and all persons who may be found to violate any of the above rules and regulations may be dealt with under the summary manner prescribed by law for eradicating epidemic diseases among the people. SIXTH: The City Board of Health respectfully invites the cooperation of the law abiding citizens in the City of Poteau, looking toward the eradication of this disease among our citizens in the Town of Poteau. SEVENTH: That an emergency is hereby declared to exist by reason of the danger to the public of the City of Poteau, and that by reason thereof, this proclamation shall be in effect immediately from and after its passage and publication in bulletin form. Passed and approved on this the 30th day of December 1921. Published and made effective from and after 4 o'clock, December 31st, 1921. CHARLES E. SCOTT, Mayor. J. M. BOLGER, City Physician. Attest: EARL MYATT, City Clerk." The Poteau News, January 5, 1922. The Small Pox Situation Here. Notwithstanding the fact that many rumors have gone out magnifying the small pox situation here, the fact remains that very few people are concerned over it at present. The physicians say there is nothing to be alarmed over, and vaccination is stamping it out as fast as the people can be reached. Up to 05 Nov 2006 one death has occurred from the disease. Mr. E. L. Jenkins, a painter, one among the first to take it, died Sunday. Mr. Jenkins has not been a resident of Poteau very long. He has a large family, consisting of a wife and five children. Some of the cases are as bad as they could be, but they are no worse than other small pox cases we have had here in other days. It broke out in the jail and from that one case it was spread over parts of the town by people visiting friends down there. There were not services at any of the churches last Sunday, and the picture shows were closed down Saturday night. The health board, with the school board decided not to close down the school, but they require a certificate of vaccination before a child can go to school. We have something like fifteen cases in the city. They all seem to be getting along nicely. There is no stampede and very vew people are in the least uneasy, and all this talk of shot guns and air-tight quarantine is the merest kind of rot. We have had more people in bed here from bad colds than we now have down with small pox, and the average citizen is about as much concerned as they would be over a visit of any mild disease." A similar statement was also carried in The Poteau Weekly Sun, as follows: "The Health Situation. The smallpox situation here is improving, as there have been no new cases reported in the last two days. Only twenty cases have so far been reported, seven of which are in the county jail. F. L. Jenkins, a painter, residing in Parkdale, succumbed to the disease Sunday and was buried at midnight, according to the law. A negro prisoner in the jail died Tuesday, and these two are the only fatalities so far. Field officer R. F. Burke, from the state health department, was in town this week and advised a strict quarantine of all cases and all those who had been exposed. A committee waited on the county commissioners and the county health officer, Dr. Harrell Hardy, was authorized to put a guard at the jail to see that there is no passing in or out to spread the disease further from that source. Every precaution should be used to prevent a spread of the disease and a strict quarantine should be enforced to safeguard the public health, and we believe our people are loyal and unselfish enough to comply with it to the letter in order to eradicate it in our city and prevent its spread into the county." The Poteau News, January 5, 1922. Jail Delivery. Last Tuesday evening about three o'clock eight prisoners confined and quarantined in the county jail here quietly walked out, and away and did not take the trouble to leave any future address. It is not know how they got their start unless they made an impression from one of the locks and from this made a key. The front door, we understand, was not locked and they had no trouble in making an easy get-away. Those who made the get-away were charged with various crimes. They included Will Sykes, Bill Boatman, Ike Campbell, a man named Welchel, Shaffer, Harmon, Pampin, and Pampin. Sykes is the man charged with murdering the miner at Heavener, some few days ago, and is considered a dangerous man. All of the have been exposed to smallpox." The Poteau Weekly Sun, January 5, 1922. Prisoners Break Jail. Some eight or more prisoners, so it is reported, walked past the jail guard Tuesday afternoon of the week and made their escape from the bastille. Included in the bunch was the many Sykes, who knocked a Mr. Hutchinson in the head in the railroad yards at Heavener a short time ago, from the effects of which Hutchinson afterwards died. Up to the time of going to press the miscreants have not been apprehended." The Poteau News, January 5, 1922. One of the small pox patients at the jail died yesterday. The man was a negro and contracted the disease after he was put in jail. This makes the third death from small pox since it first made its appearance here." The Poteau Weekly Sun, January 5, 1922. District Court Is Postponed. District Judge E. F. Lester was in Poteau the first of the week, and after a consultation with the attorneys decided to postpone the jury term of district court until April, owing to the present health conditions. He will return January 16th to dispose of the non-jury cases." The Poteau News, January 12, 1922. Poteau People Under Ban at Muskogee. Attorneys and witnesses from Poteau in cases set for trial in the federal court today were shunned as though they had the plague by Federal Judge R. I. Williams, who shooed them all out of the courtroom because of the prevalence of smallpox in a virulent form in the capital city of LeFlore county." The Poteau News, January 5, 1922. Prominent Lady Passes Away. The entire town was shocked yesterday afternoon to learn that Mrs. John Hunt was dead. Her friends knew that she had been in a critical condition for several days, but had hoped that she would withstand the dread disease. He death came like a thunderbolt from a clear sky. All that medical skill could do was brought to bear in her favor, but to no avail. Mrs. Hunt was one of the best known women in eastern Oklahoma. She was an active Christian worker, and through her labors along this line she had become so well known as so universally loved. Some few days ago she took some special dishes to some sick prisoners at the county jail, not knowing that any one had small pox there, and through this kind effort she contracted the disease that caused her death. Mrs. Hunt leaves [a son] and a husband to mourn her death, her husband, John Hunt, being sheriff of this county." The Poteau Weekly Sun, January 5, 1922. Mrs. Hunt Dead. As we go to press news comes of the death of Mrs. John Hunt, wife of the sheriff. We were unable to get the particulars at the time. Mrs. Hunt was a very prominent woman, and an active worker in the Baptist church. Besides her husband, she is survived by one child, Herbert Hunt." The Poteau News, January 12, 1922. John Hunt Hurt. John Hunt was painfully hurt last Thursday night by a car turning over on him this side of Wister. With his son, Herbert, he was returning from the burial of his wife, at Hartshorne, when the car turned over pinning him underneath the car and breaking five of his ribs. Mr. Hunt has been under quarantine since his wife took sick, but was given a permit to attend her funeral by the state health board." The Poteau Weekly Sun, January 12, 1922. Sheriff Hunt Injured. Sheriff John Hunt was severely injured on Friday of last week, when he and his son, Herbert, were returning home from the burial of his wife, who was taken to Hartshorne for burial on Thursday of last week. Mrs Hunt succumbed to smallpox on Wednesday of last week, and was taken to Hartshorne, her former home, for burial. Mr. Hunt and Herbert were driving a Dodge roadster, Herbert driving, and in some inexplicable manner the car was turned bottom side upward between Poteau and Wister and the two occupants pinned beneath it. Herbert was unhurt, but Mr. Hunt sustained a fracture of several ribs. He is reported as improving nicely, however, and we trust will be none the worse for his painful experience." NOTE: The manner and conditions under which Sheriff Hunt was allowed to transport the body of his wife to Hartshorne for burial is described in the following open letter to the public, published as follows: The Hartshorne Sun, January 12, 1923. "J. A. Hunt Makes Statement in Regard Transporting Body "Poteau, Okla. Dec. 7, 1922. Mr. T. W. Hunter, Editor, "Hartshorne Sun, "Hartshorne, Oklahoma. Dear Sir: "For the purpose of relieving the minds of the people of Hartshorne, and also those along the road between Poteau and your city, and in justice to ourselves, we desire that you publish, in your paper the following statement concerning the disposition of the body of our dear wife and mother, who departed this life at 3:11 p.m. January 4, 1922. We could never have been content with having placed her at rest elsewhere than by the side of the baby at Hartshorne. In order to do this, Mr. J. F. Miller, of Poteau, who is a licensed undertaker and embalmer of twenty years experience, procured a permit from the State Health Physician, through the County Health Physician, to move the body to Hartshorne, under the following conditions: "That the corpse be placed in an air-tight, water-proof, rust-resisting, lead-coated, steel casket, hermetically sealed; that the casket be thoroughly fumigated; that it be taken out of the house and put in a strong box lined with black tin, sealed by soldering the lid on, making the box air-tight. And in order that we might accompany the body, it was necessary that we thoroughly cleanse our bodies, fumigate our clothing and make the trip between darkness and daylight. All this was strictly complied with, directed by the family physician, Dr. J. J. Hardy, the County Health Physician, Dr. Harrell Hardy, supervised by Miss Minnie Smith, a trained nurse from Fort Smith, Ark. In conclusion, we wish to express our appreciation for the help given us at Hartshorne in placing the body to rest, and for the sympathy extended. JOHN A. HUNT "HERBERT HUNT" The Poteau News, January 12, 1922. Ed McClure Dead. Ed McClure died last Sunday after a short siege with smallpox. Mr. McClure was among the first to take the disease here, contracting it from the first case at the county jail. Ed McClure was raised in this immediate section, moving to Poteau from his farm near the old McClure home east of town when he was appointed Under Sheriff by Sheriff John Hunt one year ago. He was well known all over the county, having served for a long time as farm demonstration agent for the federal government. He was a quiet, unassuming gentleman and his friends were legion. The News extends condolence to the bereaved relatives." The Poteau News, January 12, 1922. Chief of Police Qualls Dies. Chief of Police L. W. Qualls died Saturday night from the small pox and was buried Sunday night according to the State Health law. Chief Qualls died on the ninth day after taking the dread disease. Besides his wife and children, he leaves several other relatives. Mr. Qualls had become one of the best and most popular peace officers Poteau has ever had and executed his duties to the interest of the people at large, and never hesitated when called upon to enforce the law. He was elected at the last city election by an overwhelming majority, running on the independent ticket. Chief Qualls, since his installation into office has tackled some very hard cases, and was always successful in bringing lawbreakers to justice. Poteau has suffered a great loss in the death of Lander Qualls and his efficient services will be sadly missed, as hi place will be hard to fill. The News extend sympathy to the bereaved relatives." The Poteau News, January 12, 1922. Small Pox Situation Here. There has been little change in the small pox situation in Poteau since last Thursday. Several have died, but up to 05 Nov 2006 no new cases have been reported. Every case in town can be traced to the county jail. They were all exposed to the man who is supposed to have brought it here from Kansas City and every death has been among the people who had business or came in contact with some one who had been in the jail. Over thirty-five hundred people have been vaccinated by the physicians of Poteau since the disease broke out, and some of the people have found that vaccine will not immune them for life. People who claim to have had the disease have been vaccinated successfully. Poteau is a town of sore arms, it being a very rare thing to meet any one who hasn't one. The situation looks better, although very, very few cases recover. The fact that none but those who were first exposed have died leads the physicians to believe that the worst is over. Following is the list of victims to 05 Nov 2006: "E. L. Jenkins, Mrs. John Hunt, Ed McClure, Mrs. Ed McClure, Lander Qualls, J. B. Peters, Ben Taylor. Following are the prisoners who have died in the county jail: "Whites Fielder Johnson, Ed Cummins, W. R. Rowton, Willis R. Walters. Colored Ben Johnson, Ben Fisher, Claud Gravely. This is fourteen of the original twenty-one cases contracted at the jail. It is said that two of the first to take the disease at the jail are well on the way to recovery, while some of the others are in a critical condition." The Poteau Weekly Sun, January 12, 1922. Court Postponed. A letter received this week by Court Clerk Will Branson, from District Judge E. F. Lester, of Wilburton, is to the effect that the January term of district court, set for the 16th, for the trial of non-jury cases, on account of health conditions in Poteau at this time, will be continued until the third Monday in February, the 20th." The Poteau Weekly Sun, January 12, 1922. Small Pox Victims. TAYLOR Ben Taylor, a carpenter, residing in the south part of town on Harper street, died on Thursday of last week from smallpox. He was a brother-in-law of Herman McCafferty, and leaves a family. QUALLS Lander W. Qualls, chief of police of Poteau, died Sunday morning, after a week's illness of smallpox. Mr. Qualls, it will be remembered, in a pistol duel here several months ago with an Indian named Walton James, killed the Indian and was so wounded himself that for a while his life was despaired of, while in the discharge of his duties, and his depleted system could not withstand the ravages of the dreaded disease. His mother died about two week ago from other causes. A wife and several children are left to mourn the loss of husband and father. Mr. Qualls made a good officer and was well liked by all who knew him. M'CLURE Ed McClure, chief deputy in the office of the sheriff of LeFlore county, succumbed after a two weeks' illness of smallpox on Sunday evening. Mr. McClure was a fine man, was always on the job as deputy sheriff, and attended strictly to business. M'CLURE Mrs. J. E. McClure, wife of Ed McClure, died on Monday evening, just 24 hours after the death of her husband. A large family of children, two of whom are not precariously ill of the dread disease, are left to mourn the loss of both father and mother. Tom Cummins, white, died at the county jail Wednesday evening from the ravages of the disease. Cummins was released from the penitentiary at Little Rock, Arkansas, and was brought here and contracted the disease while being held a prisoner here. PETERS J. B. Peters, a barber, died Tuesday morning at 4 o'clock from the ravages of the disease, after a week's illness. He is survived by a wife and two babies. Mr. Peters was employed at the Wigwam Barber Shop, and was a man liked by all who knew him." "Several prisoners at the county jail, where the disease was first located, both white and colored, have died since our last issue; one seventeen-year-old negro boy dying last Saturday night, and a white many by the name of Jenson, from Summerfield, being held as a deserter, died Monday night of this week." The Poteau Weekly Sun, January 12, 1922. Health Conditions in the City Rapidly Improving. The health authorities of Poteau think they have the smallpox situation well in hand here, since but one new case has developed withing the past seven days, and no further spread of the disease is anticipated at this time. In an interview with R. F. Burke, state Health inspector from the Oklahoma City office, he authorized The Sun representative to say to the people that the strictest quarantine that has ever been put on in Oklahoma is now being enforced here, guards are being kept at the various houses where there is a patient or where exposed cases live, and in his opinion the situation will bet gradually better from now on, unless new cases develop. He thinks that if the week passes with no new cases, that the crisis will be passed and then it will be only a short time until health conditions are materially cleared in LeFlore county, the cases reported in the county being a much milder form. Dr. Harrell Hardy, county physician, reports to The Sun representative that to 05 Nov 2006 there have been seven deaths in the county jail, and seven cases are now confined there. Seven deaths have occurred in the city, outside of the jail, and ten cases are under quarantine in the city. This makes a total of fourteen deaths in all. Investigation by the health officers shows that the majority of our citizens have been vaccinated. The schools of the city were dismissed Monday of this week, and every precaution is being taken to prevent a further spread of the disease, even the postal authorities fumigating all outgoing mail from Poteau every day, as an additional precaution. A card received by Dr. Harrell Hard the first of the week stating that Paul White, County Commissioner from the south end of the county, had contracted the disease, but no information has been received as to his condition." The Poteau Weekly Sun, January 19, 1922. Smallpox Proclamation. By State Health Officer. To the people of Poteau and Vicinity: "This is to say that I, A. R. Lewis State Health Commissioner, in and for the State of the Oklahoma, hereby request that all persons residing in Poteau and vicinity, who have not been recently vaccinated successfully, or who have not had a successful vaccination within the last three years, proceed to have themselves vaccinated at once. Those who are unable to pay the small nominal charge for vaccination will be vaccinated free by calling at the office of any practicing physician in the City of Poteau. The state department of health will, for a short time hereafter, furnish a certain amount of serum free, and this will be administered to all persons who are unable to pay, by any practicing physician in the City of Poteau. The person desiring such vaccination should call at the office of the physician of his or her choice and proceed to be vaccinated at once as a means of protecting themselves and the public against further outbreaks of smallpox, and as a further means of stamping out the epidemic now existing in Poteau and vicinity. Given under my hand and 05 Nov 2006d at Poteau, this the 15th day of January, 1922. A. R. Lewis, State Commissioner of Health." The Poteau News, January 19, 1922. Small Pox Situation Here. The small pox situation here is in just as nice condition as it's possible for it to be. There are no new cases since the first big outbreak and there is very little fear entertained over the outlook at present. Up to 05 Nov 2006 there have been thirty-one cases in Poteau. Three people to contracted the disease here Paul White of Octavia, a man at Wilburton, and a man on Tarby Prairie, all died. Of those outside of the jail cases all of them died with no exception. This makes the total deaths outside the jail thirteen, and eight in the jail, giving us a total of twenty-one deaths, out of thirty-one cases. At the jail six of the first cases are up and said to be out of danger while the rest of the twelves are getting along nicely with chances of recovery, notwithstanding the fact that conditions are not so favorable there as at private homes. The authorities are well pleased with the outlook at present and believe that if the people will back them up adhering to the rules laid down in the two proclamations issued, we will be free of the disease in a very short time. If you have not been vaccinated do it immediately and if you have any suspicion that you have been exposed stay inside til some physician passes on your case and tells you it's safe for you to get out. The state health officials say we have the situation well in hand and say it's up to us to how we come out of this. If we don't relax our vigilance we are out of the woods, if not we are in for another spell. Following is the list of victims to 05 Nov 2006: "E. L. Jenkins; Mrs. John Hunt; Ed McClure; Mrs. Ed McClure; Arnold McClure; Richard McClure; Lander Qualls; J. B. Peters; Ben Taylor; M. I. Gibson; Robert Harrison; Jewell Collier; D. M. Kyle; G. M. Jones, Tarby Prairie. The following are prisoners who have died in the county jail whites: Fielder Johnson; Ed Cummins; W. R. Rowton; Willis R. Walters; Frank Bacum colored: Ben Johnson; Ben Fisher; Claud Gravely." The Poteau News, January 19, 1922. Paul White Dead. County Commissioner Paul White died at his home at Octavia last Friday from small pox contracted thru a visit to the jail here when the disease first broke out. He attended the last meeting of the commissioners, but was not feeling well at the time and went home earlier on that account. He was in this office a few days before he left and was greatly concerned over the condition of the men confined at the fail, saying that he wished he had some way of helping them. "Paul was elected commissioner at the last election and was regarded as a first rate official by everyone with whom he came in contact. He was a real good citizen, and the people of his district will miss him." The Poteau News, January 19, 1922. M. I. Gibson Dead. M. I. Gibson, one of the first to contract small pox here died at his home here last Friday. Mr. Gibson came to Poteau from Monroe where he had been in business for some time. He bought the garage now owned by Little and Hinton and ran that place for some time. He is survived by a wife and several brothers." The Poteau News, January 19, 1922. D. M. Kyle Died Last Night. D. M. Kyle died last night at his home here from the small pox. Mr. Kyle was one of the first to contract the disease and the last of the original cases to die. His friends had hopes of his recovery up to a few days ago when his condition became critical. He had been confined to his bed about twenty-three days. Mr. Kyle was a son-in-law of J. E. McClure, who died a week ago from the small pox. Mr. Kyle is survived by a wife and six children." The Poteau News, January 19, 1922. Dies at Jail. A prisoner named Fielder Johnson died at the county jail here last Monday evening from small pox. He was a federal prisoner awaiting trial for draft evading, and was among the first to take the disease. Up to 05 Nov 2006 there have been eighteen cases of small pox at the county jail. Out of that number seven have died. The man who is supposed to have brought it here is well on the road to recovery and unless some complications set up he will be up within a few days. A Negro died there Sunday night, and several more of the prisoners are in very bad condition." The Poteau News, January 19, 1922. Ed McClure Dead. Ed McClure died last Sunday evening after a short siege with small pox. Mr. McClure was among the first to take the disease here, contracting it from the first case at the county jail. Ed McClure was raised in this immediate section, moving to Poteau from his farm near the old McClure home east of town when he as appointed Under Sheriff by Sheriff John Hunt one year ago. He was well known all over the county, having served for a long time as farm demonstration agent for the federal government. He was a quiet, unassuming gentleman and his friends were legion. The News extends condolence to the bereaved relatives. The Poteau News, January 19, 1922. Mrs. Ed McClure Passes Away. Mrs. J. E. McClure died last Monday night from an attack of small pox. She contracted the disease from her husband, Mr. Ed McClure, who was among the first to take it. Mr. McClure died from the disease Sunday night. Mrs. McClure was well known all over eastern Oklahoma, and was one of this section's most prominent women and numbered her friends and acquaintances by legion. She is survived by two daughters and three sons, one being in the army and the other two are very ill at their home here of small pox. Her eldest daughter, Mrs. D. M. Kile, whose husband was among the first to take the disease, has been under quarantine for some time. The youngest daughter is now with Mrs. Kile." The Poteau News, January 19, 1922. Four In One Family Dead. Small pox took a terrible toll in the family of Ed McClure here. Ed was among the first contracting the disease, his duties as under sheriff keeping him at the jail a great deal. Mr. McClure had not been down with it but a few days when his wife was stricken, and later their two sons who were both young men. A little girl was taken to her sister's, Mrs. D. M. Kyle. Mr. McClure died Sunday night, Mrs. McClure died Monday night, and the two sons died Thursday night. The nurses kept the sad news from each member of the family as they died and none knew the fate of the other, although they all died in the same house. Another son, Clayton McClure, is in the army somewhere in Texas." The Poteau Weekly Sun, January 19, 1922. Small Pox Victims" "On Thursday evening of last week, Dick and Arnold McClure, sons of Mr. And Mrs. J. E. McClure, who died the previous week, aged 21 and 23, respectively, succumbed to smallpox, after a two weeks' illness of the dread disease. These young men were well known and highly respected, in both the city and the county. At noon on Friday of last week M. I. Gibson died, after only a short illness of smallpox. Mr. Gibson was one of the member of the former firm of Gibson Auto Co., and was well known in business circles. He came to Poteau from Monroe some time ago. Robert Harrison, son of Jack Harrison, janitor at the court house, died Friday evening of last week at 6:30, after only a short illness of the dread disease. Paul White, county commissioner from the south end of the county, died Saturday afternoon of last week. Mr. White was in Poteau the first of the month with the other commissioners, transacted the county's business coming up for disposition. He had only been in office since July, but was making a good official. He was well known in the county, and had many friends. "Frank Baucum, white, an inmate of the county jail, died shortly after noon last Friday. G. M. Jones, who resided at Tarby, died late Friday of last week. Jewell Collier, twenty-first victim of the disease, died at 3 o'clock Wednesday morning, of the smallpox. He was 23 years of age, and a brother of Horace collier of this city. He is survived by a young wife, who is the only daughter of Mrs. Ellen Clay." The Poteau Weekly Sun, January 19, 1922. Total List of Dead From Small Pox" "Following is the total list of persons who have died from smallpox to 05 Nov 2006, with 05 Nov 2006 of death and burial: "Ben Johnson, negro, at the county jail, December 22; "O. E. Jenkins, January 1, 1922; "Mrs. Mary Catherine Hunt, wife of Sheriff John Hunt, January 4; "Claude Graveley, negro, of Calhoun, in jail, January 5; "Ben Taylor, January 5; "Wallace R. Walters, address unknown, jail, January 6; "W. R. Rowton, in jail, January 6; "Benjamin Fisher, negro in jail, from Spiro, January 7; "Lander Qualls, chief of police, January 8; J. E. McClure, under sheriff, January 8; "Mrs. Dorthula McClure, wife of Under Sheriff J. E. McClure, January 9; "Fielder Johnson, of Summerfield, in jail, January 9; "J. B. Peters, barber, January 10; "Ed Cummins, negro in jail, thought to be from Arkansas; January 11; "Richard McClure, son of Under Sheriff J. E. McClure, January 12; "Arnold McClure, son of Under Sheriff J. E. Mcclure, January 13; "M. I. Gibson, January 13; "Frank Faucum of Watson, Okla., in jail, January 13; "G. M. Jones, at Tarby, January 13; "Robert Harrison, January 13; "Paul White, county commissioner, at his home in Octavia, January 14; "Jewel Collins, January 18." The Poteau Weekly News, January 19, 1922. State Specialist to Assist In Fight on Small Pox. Dr. George Hunter, specialist on smallpox with the state health commission, arrived in Poteau this week, together with Dr. A. R. Lewis, state health commissioner, to confer with local city, county and health authorities in regard to the smallpox situation here, and after a conference between them and the physicians of the city, and later some of the businessmen, it was decided to keep Dr. Hunter here a few days to assist in the fight. A committee to act in an advisory capacity with the officials, composed of Dr. Harrell Hardy, county health officer; Dr. J. M. Bolger, city health officer; Dr. M. W. Murray and G. O. Nelley, was named to assist in the work. After a thorough investigation and tour of inspection of the victims, Dr. Hunter, in an interview with The Sun representative, stated that every thing was being done by the authorities that could be done with the equipment and facilities at hand, and that the quarantine now in forces is the strongest ever put on in the state; and that since no new cases had developed in the past twelve days and there had been no deaths since last Friday, the outlook was improved. Those exposed to the disease in homes where there have been deaths will be moved into tents in the yards until the houses can be thoroughly fumigated, when they will be moved back into the houses and held under street quarantine for twenty-one days or longer, according to Dr. Hunter, in order to safeguard against the spread of the disease, and the officials and committee met Monday and decided to fumigate the Ed McClure home, across the K. C. S. tracks, and convert it into a detention camp or hospital, should any new cases develop. Hot and cold baths will be installed and all equipment necessary, and if new cases develop, nurses to be looked after in the latest approved sanitary methods. Every vestige of furniture in the McClure home was burned last week. To 05 Nov 2006 there have been twenty deaths, eight in the county jail and twelve in the city, while there remains ten cases in the jail and four in the city, these being Dempsey Kyle, one of the first to contract the disease; Jewell Collier, another early victim; Mrs. M. I. Gibson, who developed a case last week, and a boy by the name of Price, who has been helping to bury the dead, who is said to have it only in a light from like variloid. Two prisoners in the county jail who did not contract the disease have been moved to a tent at the fair grounds. According to authorities, the situation now is very encouraging and no new cases are expected to develop if the ordinary precautions are continued. Tuesday Dr. Hunter ordered a thorough cleanup at the county jail, having bath tubs installed to bathe and ordered gowns for the sick, enough for a change each morning and conditions there are reported much improved in consequence. Government Expert Arrives. Tuesday Dr. Thomas Parran, and expert from the federal government public health service, arrived in the city to advise with the state and local authorities in charge. Dr. Parran's efforts usually are exerted to preventative work, and he is working along this line to prevent further spread of the disease. Canvas the City. Wednesday afternoon a volunteer committee of businessmen and others were sent out over the city to check up those who had and those who had not been vaccinated and it is hoped in the way to have everyone in the city vaccinated who had not been heretofore. Everything Being Done. Everything is being done that is humanly possible, and it is thought by those in position to know that the crisis is past, and that there will be no further spread of the disease. Only three more cases are left in the city [outside of the jail]: Dempsey Kyle, one of the three being so precariously ill that his life is despaired of; Mrs. Gibson, as it is reported, has a good case, but it is thought with prudent nursing she will recover; while Mr. Price's case has hardly gone far enough yet to determine its results. Cases are reported at Heavener, Spiro, Panama, Octavia and other places in the county, but in a much milder form, so the county physician state, with the exception of those who contracted it here. The schools are still closed this week and will not likely resume until the worst is over. Government and State Assistance Appreciated. The Sun wishes to offer its word of appreciation, on behalf of itself and, we feel that we are voicing the sentiments of the citizenship in general, for the timely assistance given the city both by the state and federal governments in the present epidemic of smallpox. R. E. Burke, state health inspector, was the first state man to come to our rescue, being due a large share of the credit for the strict quarantine now in force, and he has cooperated with both the city and county health authorities in inaugurating every measure that would in any way relieve the situation, and we feel deeply grateful to him, along with our local authorities for the heroic work they have done. Dr. Hunter, the expert sent out by the state, has been of invaluable assistance, having aided and encouraged the local work in every way possible, and we feel deeply grateful to Dr. A. R. Lewis, our state commissioner of health, for the interest he has taken in sending us two of his very best men. The government sent us Dr. Parran, in the public health work in Missouri, who assisted the state board of health at Kansas City during the recent smallpox epidemic there, and we feel no better man could have been detailed for this work, and we are profoundly grateful that we owe both the state and federal government a debt of gratitude for his expert advice, which has been a world of benefit to us in our days of painful and sorrowful work." The Poteau Weekly Sun, January 26, 1922. Small Pox Victims" "Dempsey Kyle died on Thursday of last week of smallpox, he being the last victim to succumb to the disease, being the fifth member of a single family to died of the malady. Mr. Kyle was 33 years old, and is survived by his wife, who is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. McClure, and a sister of Messrs. Dick and Arnold McClure, all four of whom died of the disease the first of last week." The Poteau Weekly Sun, January 26, 1922. Death Follows In His Wake. Information comes from a sister of R. Rogers, freight agent of the Frisco railway, that C. L. Schaeffer, one of the eight prisoners who escaped from the LeFlore county jail about three weeks ago, carried smallpox into the home of relatives at Walton, Indiana, from the effects of which he died, as did also his uncle and aunt. Schaffer is the second escaped prisoner known to have died from smallpox; g. C. Butler having succumbed to the malady at Killen, Alabama, a short time ago." The Poteau Weekly Sun, January 26, 1922. Poteau's Rigid Quarantine To Be Lifted Next Week. Next week, if there are not new developments to prevent, Poteau will emerge from the most terrible period in the history of the city. Health authorities have agreed that, barring any new cases, which is quite unlikely, the quarantine will be raised, and Poteau may then resume her relations with the outside world. For more than a month the city has been working amid the gloom of sorrow and death, in suspense and fear of one of the most virulent epidemics of smallpox that ever visited this section of the southwest. The death toll has been heavy, almost every person afflicted having succumbed. From the first, when it was discovered that the malady was of the hemorrhagic type of smallpox it was known that the only way to stop the plague was to prevent its spread, and every means toward that end was used. The malady first made its appearance in the county jail, being carried there by a man who said his home was in Kansas City and who had been arrested and placed in the jail. The disease spread among the prisoners and many of the died. The disease was given to members of the sheriff's force, and the spread began. For a time it looked as if the entire city might be caught by the infection, so rapidly did it begin to go into the homes of people. About this time there arrived in the city Mr. Burke, from the state department of health, and he virtually took charge of the situation, and the strict quarantine was declared. This action was taken after conferring with local health officials, and is the thing that prevented a further spread. A short time later others from the state health department came and one expert from the federal health department. Strict quarantine and forced vaccination or quarantine of all persons refusing to be vaccinated, resulted, and now Poteau is free from the disease, except two cases in the city, Mrs. Gibson and young Price, both of whom are on the road to recovery, and a few at the jail who are doing nicely. To Raise Quarantine. Tuesday afternoon the city and county authorities met in joint meeting and decided to raise the quarantine next week, provided no new cases developed, which is not likely. The churches will have services Sunday, as usual, and the schools and picture shows will open Monday, and business will take its usual stride beginning next week. Few Cases in County Yet. There are not remaining a few cases in the county, outside of Poteau, and all, it is reported are of a much milder from that was prevalent in Poteau, very few deaths being reported in the county and other towns. It is reported there are several cases in Octavia, the home of the late Paul White, count commissioner, who died of the disease, and a few scattering cases in other section of the county. Released From Quarantine. Sheriff John Hunt, whose wife died of the disease several days ago, was released from quarantine yesterday, as was also his son, Herbert. Mrs. North has also been released. Mitt Johnson of Tarby, will be released today, and from now on all person under quarantine will be released after the stipulated number of days they have remained under the rules. Condition Looked Alarming. For the first few day after it was definitely announced that there was an epidemic of smallpox in Poteau, and especially after it was reported that it was of a very virulent type known as Mexican, or black smallpox, people wore that wan and fearful look on their faces, expressive of the apparent danger of every soul in the city. The very souls of the people you met were reflected upon their faces; those few who did venture upon the streets spoke almost in whispers in making inquiries of those they met concerning the welfare of those suffering from the malady. The streets in the business section were almost deserted at all time of the day and night, and many business houses might as well have been closed as for the business they did by remaining open; but the needs of those who were not afflicted must be cared for and our merchants stoically opened their doors in the morning and closed them again at night and made few registrations of sales in the cash registers. Fear Saved The City. It was this fear that worked so in harmony with the health authorities in quarantine that saved hundreds of lives. Seldom anyone came on the streets unless compelled to by necessity; the people were not taking any chances with the unseen foe. And, as a consequence, Poteau has emerged from the days of terror with a minimum sacrifice of lives to the most unruly and virulent epidemic that ever visited Eastern Oklahoma. The Toll of Death. On page four of The Sun today is the list of total dead in and near the city twenty-two in all. With hears tuned to thankfulness that the worst is over, those who escaped the ravages of the disease deeply sympathize with those who lost near and dean ones, and assure them that their bereavement is shared by the living, and regret that the remains of their dear ones were laid to rest under circumstances which prevented demonstrations of the regard in which the dead are held. The Lesson Learned. Though laden with sorrow, the lesson and moral to be gained by the remembrance of the epidemic is that by the prompt compliance with rules of health, preventative and quarantine under such conditions are absolutely necessary to the staying of the hand of the reaper, and every person in Poteau today is proud of the fact that he readily cooperated with the physicians and other to the end that health and happiness might return to the city, our friends and neighbors. It was a demonstration of self- sacrifice which has not been equaled in recent years in any community, and may be interpreted as a fulfillment of the biblical injunction: 'Love they neighbor as thyself'." The Poteau Weekly Sun, January 26, 1922. Total List of Dead From Small Pox. Following is the total list of persons who have died from smallpox to 05 Nov 2006, with 05 Nov 2006 of death and burial: "Ben Johnson, negro, at the county jail, December 22; "O. E. Jenkins, January 1, 1922; "Mrs. Mary Catherine Hunt, wife of Sheriff John Hunt, January 4; "Claude Graveley, negro, of Calhoun, in jail, January 5; "Ben Taylor, January 5; "Wallace R. Walters, address unknown, jail, January 6; "W. R. Rowton, in jail, January 6; "Benjamin Fisher, negro in jail, from Spiro, January 7; "Lander Qualls, chief of police, January 8; "J. E. McClure, under sheriff, January 8; "Mrs. Dorthula McClure, wife of Under Sheriff J. E. McClure, January 9; "Fielder Johnson, of Summerfield, in jail, January 9; "J. B. Peters, barber, January 10; "Ed Cummins, negro in jail, thought to be from Arkansas; January 11; "Richard McClure, son of Under Sheriff J. E. McClure, January 12; "Arnold McClure, son of Under Sheriff J. E. Mcclure, January 13; "M. I. Gibson, January 13; 'Frank Faucum of Watson, Okla., in jail, January 13; "G. M. Jones, at Tarby, January 13; "Robert Harrison, January 13; "Paul White, county commissioner, at his home in Octavia, January 14; "Jewel Collins, January 17; "Dempsey Kyle, January 19." The Poteau Weekly Sun, January 26, 1922. Report on Conditions at the County Jail. The Sun, always anxious to serve the news that its readers expect and want, interviewed Jailer W. R. Harris [by telephone] yesterday to know the exact condition in the county jail, and what the conditions there have been during the terrible scourge which originated there. Mr. Harris has had as his assistants in handling the nineteen cases of smallpox in the jail the following men: "Lem Stidham, guard; Jim Wilkinson, deputy sheriff; G. R. Herritt, cook; Bill Manifold, trusty; Ralph Bird, trusty. Of the nineteen cases in the jail eight of them died [see list ...] and there remains in the hospital ward eleven cases, all getting along nicely. There are fifteen prisoners in jail who have not had smallpox. There were fort-one prisoners in the jail when the epidemic was discovered there, and eight of them broke jail and escaped. Those who have not had the smallpox and those who are recovering may thank Mr. Harris, the county and city physician and the force at the jail for their escape. Have Worked Hard. Mr. Harris and his force have worked with the prisoners and the afflicted day and night, doing all in their power to overcome the terrible scourge and deserve the highest praise, for they have been exposed to smallpox every minute, and not permitted to go outside the jail at any time during the siege. No one knows what we have been through during the past six weeks,' said Mr. Harris to The Sun. 'It has been nerve racking and the most terrible experience of my life. I will be most profoundly thankful when the danger is past and I may be permitted to get out of this hell hole and bet a breath of fresh air.' "Prisoners Not Afflicted. W. C. Rowten, Foster; Unknown Foyl, Foster; Lee Walker, colored, Braden; Silas Jones, Cedars; Charles Johnson, colored, Poteau; J. W. King, transient; J. W. Robinson, Foster; Frank Carnes, address unknown; Lee Meyer, Spiro; Unknown Castleberry, Poteau; Howard Clem, Sallisaw; Ira Parker, Poteau; Edgar Horn, Panama; Leon Kelem, Spiro; Hugh Salone, Bokoshe. Had Smallpox Convalescing. Lee Maddox, Summerfield; Jack Crenshaw, Talihina; John LeFlore, McCurtain; Ben Payne, transient; Marshall Woodside, Bokoshe; Walter Warson, colored, Calhoun; Manuel Paul, McCurtain; Ralph King, McCurtain; Unknown Kitchen, Foster; W. T. Harris, Heavener; Eugene Loncon, transient. Eight Who Escaped. Isaac Campbell, Spiro; "C. L. Schaeffer and Roy Harmon, arrested for the robbery of Pollock's store at LeFlore Schaeffer is reported to have died of smallpox at the home of relatives in Indiana; "Henry Brown, transient; "Wm. Sykes, who was being held in connection with the murder of a miner at Heavener in December; "Edgar Pampin, transient; J. C. Welchell, Tulsa; Bill Boatman, Heavener. Held in Detention Camp. J. Pool and J. R. Crow are being held in a detention camp at the fair grounds." The Poteau Weekly Sun, February, 2, 1922. Editorial: "Why Not a Memorial Service? "Now that the quarantine has finally been lifted and there is not further fear of a return of the epidemic which saddened so many homes in Poteau and LeFlore county, The Sun would suggest that a memorial service to those who died of smallpox in it recent ravages be held in the near future. In view of the fact that the circumstances surrounding the illness, death and burial of the victims of the disease prevented relatives and friends from attending them in their illness and from paying their respects at burial, this would be a fitting tribute to those who died in the loneliness of their own homes, forbidden even the care and tenderness of their families. We feel sure that arrangements could be made for one of the theaters for a Sunday afternoon or night service of this character. We would be glad to see the ministers of the city take this matter up and so arrange the program that all denominations could take a part in it. Also combine the choirs of the various churches into one huge choir to participate in the service." The Poteau Weekly Sun, February 2, 1922. The Epidemic Was Costly. According to information obtained from Mayor C. E. Scott the recent smallpox epidemic cost the city something like$2,500in guard hire, nursing, medicine, fumigation, vaccination and other things that went towards checking the further spread of the disease. Guards had to be maintained day and night at each of the homes and at the jail; the dead had to be buried; food and medicines had to be provided to some of the families under quarantine, and wood provided for the comfort of the guards, but Mayor Scott says all afflicted families who are able to do so should bear their own expenses and relieve the authorities as much as possible. The county is expected to bear at least one-half of the expense, since a great part of it was incurred in caring for the prisoners at the county jail, including the victims as well as those who recovered, and looking after several persons who died outside the city limits." The Poteau Weekly Sun, February 2, 1922. All Danger Is Now Over. Dr. Harrel Hardy, county health officer, informs a Sun representative that practically all danger now is over as regards the recent smallpox epidemic. The quarantine was lifted Monday of this week when school was resumed and all churches held services last Sunday. The picture shows and other public gathering places were opened last Monday. There are no new cases, and all cases at the county jail are reported convalescent, and Dr. Hardy tells us Poteau is now the safest town he knows of anywhere, since reports indicate that nearly seven thousand persons residing in and near Poteau were vaccinated during the past month, the few refusing vaccination being held in quarantine the full 21 days. Dr. Hardy was very emphatic in saying that the compulsory vaccination of teachers and school children would be continued indefinitely, and there was little difficulty encountered in enforcing this very necessary measure. The health authorities and advisory committee feel that in lifting the quarantine, we are perfectly safe from another outbreak, and Dr. Hardy thinks the requirement of a health certificate to leave the county will not obtain long than this week, so that people will be free to go and come at will." The Poteau Weekly Sun, February 2, 1922. Appointed Under Sheriff. Ray McClure has been appointed undersheriff by Sheriff John Hunt, to fill out the unexpired term of J. E. McClure, who was a recent victim of smallpox. Mr. McClure will take up the duties of his office February 1." The Poteau Weekly Sun, February 2, 1922. Resolutions. On January 4, 1922, God in his infinite wisdom, saw fit to call from the walks of life Mrs. John Hunt. We, the members of the W. B. M. S., wish to extend our sympathy to the stricken husband and son in this sad hour of deep affliction; therefore, be it "Resolved: By the Society, that in her going we have lost a faithful and earnest member; and while we are grieved we bow in humble submission to God's will. That her husband and son have lost [... not copied] " The Poteau Weekly Sun. February 23, 1922. Church News. Memorial Service. Rev. Byers, of the Baptist church, last Sunday conducted a very impressive and solemn memorial service honoring members of those who were victims of smallpox and members of the Baptist and other congregations of the city. The toll from the Baptist church was more than all the other churches combined, and hence it was deemed right and fitting to have a special service of this character, although a joint memorial of all the churches for all the smallpox victims is planned and will likely be held at the cemetery in the near future. The victims for whom this service was held are: Mrs. John Hunt, L. W.Qualls, Ben Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. McClure, Dick and Arnold McClure, Irvin Gibson, B. J. Peters and Robbs Harrison. Rev. Byers presided and made the occasion a very impressive one." -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to LeFlore County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/leflore/leflore.htm