Allen County OhArchives News.....Spanish Influenza Epidemic of 1918 1918
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The Lima Daily News 1918
Spanish Influenza Epidemic of 1918 in Lima and Nearby Communities

Excerpts from available issues of The Lima Daily News 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 10, 1918

DRASTIC QUARANTINE ORDER GOES INTO EFFECT IN LIMA THIS EVENING

Limas second victim of Spanish Influenza is LEWIS OLT, of the Lima Packing 
company, who died Wednesday night after a weeks illness with the disease.

WILLIAM E. JOHNSON, of Elmer D. Webb company, suffering with the influenza is 
in a critical condition, according to reports from his home this afternoon.  
Mrs. ETHEL MILLER, north Union street, is also in a serious condition with the 
disease.  Numerous other critical cases are being reported.  HENRY KELLER, 
agent for PETER ALTMEYER, 45, Findlay, manager of the Krantz Brewing companys 
plant there, was notified today that he had died of the influenza.  ALTMEYER 
was well known in Lima and attended the Elks clambake here two weeks ago.
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October 11, 1918

William E. Johnson, Limas third victim to the dread Spanish influenza 
epidemic died at 2:15 oclock this afternoon at his home, 447 Albert street, 
after an illness of two weeks duration, which later developed into pneumonia.

Health Officers Report to Daily News Conditions in their Sections.

The Daily News presents below a summary of conditions in the cities on all 
sides of Lima, showing conditions of the Spanish Flu epidemic.  Kenton is the 
hardest hit, while Findlay has a seemingly malignant type of the disease.  
Here is the story as told The Daily News by the Health Officers themselves:

FINDLAY.The Sanitary police officer stated this morning that there were few 
new cases reported here, although there are now between 400 to 500 cases in 
the city.  The conditions are at a standstill although most of the cases are 
serious.  CHARLES L. REIMUND and entire family are suffering from the 
disease.  Mr. REIMUND is an oil man of prominence.  ORVILLE MOORE is ill.  Mr. 
HEADSWORTH and family are confined with the dreaded disease.  They are 
reported as in serious condition.  Mr. HEADSWORTH is local manager for the 
Toledo News-Bee.  Every kind of amusement, schools, churches, lodges and 
public meetings of all kinds are closed on account of the epidemic.

KENTON.This city is perhaps the hardest hit of any of the surrounding towns 
with the epidemic now raging in the country.  There are in the neighborhood of 
500 to 600 cases reported and are still coming in.  There were 114 new cases 
reported in the last 24 hours.  Most of these are serious ones.  Everything is 
closed tight and under the closest surveillance.  Many prominent people in 
town are confined with the dread malady.  Probate Judge R. D. TURNER is 
serious.  PAUL WAGNER, prominent young man is also dangerously ill.  JOHN D. 
JAMES, who owns a cigar factory and cigar store is reported worse.  WALTER W. 
BERN and entire family, consisting of four children, all are ill and 
dangerously.  He is county recorder.  The family of WILLIAM HARP have suffered 
a great deal, as they have already lost two children, and there are now six 
other cases in the family.  O. E. BONNELL and daughter are suffering from the 
effects, also five carriers in the city post office are in serious condition.  
Misses CLARA BOWLER and ANNA DRASS, teachers in the High school are confined 
to their homes with Influenza.  Mr. WURST is also a sufferer.  He is 
proprietor of Woolworths 5 & 10 cent store in this city.

WAPAKONETA.The city is closed up tight on account of the epidemic of 
Influenza.  Schools, churches, lodges, saloons and all public meetings are 
shut.  Drastic measures are being taken here to prevent the spread of the 
disease.  There are about 12 cases in town, and only two were reported within 
the last 24 hours.  The situation is believed to be growing better here, but 
the closing laws will be enforced.  No deaths have resulted.

ADA.The health officer stated this morning that conditions were fairly good, 
although there are 75 cases in town.  Public schools, churches, and all public 
meetings are discontinued, until the epidemic is under control.  Classes at 
the University are allowed to run.

COLUMBUS GROVE.The epidemic has been prevalent for some time and has 
partially been controlled in this city, as there are about 40 cases in all, 
and these are not considered serious although some may develop pneumonia.  Few 
deaths have resulted.  All schools, churches, saloons and public meetings are 
closed and conditions look a good deal better.

SPENCERVILLE.There are now about 35 cases in this city, at the present and 
only one new case reported in the last 24 hours.  Churches, schools and 
meetings are closed.  Mr. WHEELER who is an oil pumper is ill with the 
disease, and also Mr. HILTY who owns the meat market, neither of the two cases 
is considered serious at this time.

VAN WERT.There are perhaps 35 or 40 cases of Flu in the city, but not many 
serious ones at this time.  These are mostly mild cases and unless pneumonia 
sets in, nothing serious will develop.  No business houses, churches or 
schools have yet been closed, but a meeting is called for tonight, and the 
health officer thinks that every thing will be closed by tomorrow, more as a 
preventive than a necessity.  There have been no deaths from the dreaded 
disease here.

CRIDERSVILLE.There are four cases reported here and all are mild ones.  The 
schools were closed this morning and no public meetings will be allowed until 
the epidemic is under complete control.

BLUFFTON.No cases have been reported here, but Board of Health has closed all 
schools and places of public gatherings.  They are taking all precautions to 
keep the disease from the community.

CELINA.This city has a few cases scattered over the city, none as yet, have 
proved fatal.  There has been nothing closed as yet, but this will be done if 
the disease spreads.

OTTAWA.Health officers state this morning that there were 50 cases in the 
city, and still reporting new ones.  Everything is closed up and the small 
town of Glandorf is completely isolated.  CHARLES SCHIERHOH, manager of the 
newspaper is ill; HENRY LANDWEHR, a lumber man, is also suffering.  The GODDE 
family consisting of eight, are seriously ill.  SAM KERR and son are both 
suffering of pneumonia brought about by the Influenza.  There were eight new 
cases in the last 24 hours.  Dr. HAROLD is seriously ill with influenza, and 
is unable to take care of patients.  Doctors from this city are helping 
Leipsic as two doctors from there are ill, and unable to assist with the other 
cases.  The doctors are working hard between the two places.  There are about 
120 cases here and in surrounding neighborhood.

ST. MARYS.There is nothing to be alarmed about in this place although the 
usual precautions have been taken to prevent the spread of the epidemic.  
There are only one or two cases and these are light attacks.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 12, 1918

Of Lima residents afflicted with Influenza, one of the most serious cases is 
that of U. G. WALTZ, well known business man, and a member of the hardware 
firm Waltz and Berryhill.  He is confined to his home and was reported this 
morning to be in critical condition.

Private funeral services will be held for DOIT BOIDELL who died yesterday of 
Spanish influenza at Cincinnati.  Young BODELL had only been in the service 
for a fortnight, and before that resided with WALTER FISHER of Lima.

EDWIN E. JONES, 21 years of age, son of Mr. and Mrs. D. E. JONES, was another 
Lima soldier who fell victim to the dread Spanish Influenza epidemic.  He was 
stationed at Camp Taylor, Louisville, Ky., and died Friday morning.

Mr. and Mrs. CHARLES MARTIN, St. Johns avenue, received word late Friday night 
announcing the death of their son WILLARD L. MARTIN, 29 years of age, which 
occurred at Camp Sherman, Chillicothe, following a brief illness from 
influenza and pneumonia.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 13, 1918

Another Lima boy has paid the supreme sacrifice of his life for his country.  
Mr. and Mrs. PETER BERRY, received an official communication from the war 
department at Washington Saturday morning stating that their son Corporal 
ARTHUR BERRY had died in a French hospital of pneumonia, September 18.

The body of Private JOHN OSBORN, a victim of the dread influenza, will arrive 
in Lima from Camp Sherman early Sunday morning.  Private funeral services will 
be held from the home of his sister, Mrs. P. J. KERSHAW on Monday, with 
interment in Roundhead cemetery.
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October 14, 1918

Another soldier of Allen County has given his all to his country, in the 
person of IRA RAY CLAPPER, 21.  Private CLAPPER died at Camp Sherman of 
pneumonia, brought on by Spanish influenza.  Three brothers, FRANCES, ALVA, 
and DELBERT, 2 sisters, EDITH and Mrs. SARAH SMITH, and his parents, survive.

SILAS BENTON WIKEL, 35 years of age, died at his Lima home Sunday from Spanish 
influenza and pneumonia.  Besides the wife, three children, MAUDE, MARY and 
ROSILLA survive him.  Two sisters Mrs. JOHN WILLIAMS and Mrs. BERT HEARLEY and 
three brothers, DALLAS and BURLIN all of Lima, and JAMES of Toledo, are also 
left.

LESTER SCHNITZER, manager of The Leader store, died suddenly at his home in 
Lima this morning of Spanish influenza.

RUTH ELLA BAUMGARDNER who was born in Lima, November 14, 1906, died in Chicago 
Sunday morning of Spanish influenza.  She was in Chicago, undergoing an 
operation for infantile paralysis, which had attacked her when only four years 
old.  Mr. Siferd has gone to Chicago to accompany the body to Lima.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 16, 1918

DELPHOS IS SERIOUS
Spanish Flu is spreading in Delphos more rapidly than in Lima, and according 
to the health officer, there were 56 new cases Monday and 80 cases yesterday.  
The condition of patients is also reported critical, two deaths occurring 
yesterday.  Mrs. ANNA CONLEY, as head of the Womens Benefit association, has 
started a movement to aid in stamping out the epidemic thru preventive 
precautions.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 17, 1918

One of Limas best known young men in the service, Captain DUNCAN R. 
MACCONNELL, 27, died Wednesday at his post, Ft. Stevens, Oregon.  Spanish 
influenza, which developed into pneumonia, caused his death.  His parents, Mr. 
and Mrs. A. T. MACDONNELL, Market street, and three brothers, GEORGE, 
ALEXANDER and JAMES survive.  The body will be brought home for burial.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 19, 1918

DR. W. L. NEVILLE, widely known practicing physician, who has been working 
night and day in the recent demand for his profession, was himself stricken by 
the Spanish Flu last night and is reported in a serious condition with a 
temperature of 104 today.  NEVILLE has been active in politics and served on 
the Lima State Hospital board from its inception.

HENRY SHICK, 72, for 36 years a resident of Lima, died at his home, 839 north 
Main street, last evening of pneumonia.  The deceased was one of Limas 
veteran grocerymen.  Besides his widow, four sons, CHARLES, Alger; OTTO and 
OSCAR, Toledo; LOUIS, Lima; and two daughters, Mrs. LIZZIE LIVINGSTON, Toledo, 
and Mrs. JOHN KOPP, Lima, all survive him.

The legion of friends of Lieut. A. J. DUNN, real estate broker, who has just 
been commissioned a first lieutenant in the engineers corps, will learn with 
regret that, returning from the South where he took his final examinations, 
now lies a victim of the Spanish Flu at his Collett street home.  His 
temperature was reported as very high today, pneumonia having followed the 
first attacks of the plague.
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October 26, 1918

The remains of  DAVID O. POINT, soldier who died at Camp Jackson, S. C. after 
an attack of Spanish Influenza, have been brought to the Eckert Undertaking 
Parlors, south Main street.

Wapakoneta.  JOHN KATTMAN, 24, died Wednesday of pneumonia, setting in from 
Spanish influenza.  He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. KATTMAN of Mercer county.

The remains of Mrs. JOHN COCHRAN, who died Thursday in Nashville, Tenn., after 
an attack of Spanish influenza, have been brought to the Williams and Davis 
undertaking parlors, on west Market street.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 1, 1918

The influenza epidemic in this city today increased with 18 new cases reported 
up to noon.  This is the largest number of cases reported to health officials 
this week.  There is one death in the last 24 hours, Mrs. ELIZABETH BAKER 
died, being a victim of the disease.  DR. BURTON himself is today confined to 
his home and is quite ill with an attack of bronchitis.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 3, 1918

Spencerville.  Funeral services for Mrs. RALPH NIERHART, 28, whose husband is 
in service in France will be held today.  Her death was due to influenza.  She 
is the first victim of the disease in that town.  Two hundred cases have been 
reported there.
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December 5, 1918
 
KALIDA IN THROES OF FLU EPIDEMIC.  Two hundred new cases of influenza have 
developed at Kalida since last Saturday, among a population of seven hundred.  
Four children belonging to one family have died this week.  The family is that 
of JOHN SHANK.  The town is quarantined.

FLU SITUATION IN LIMA SERIOUS AGAIN.  Dr. H. E. Burton, City Health Officer 
reports that 60 new cases developed Wednesday, as against only eighteen on the 
day previous.  Quite a number of cases are being reported today, but it is 
thought that the number will be somewhat lower than that of Wednesday.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 11, 1918
 
ABERT RAY BECKMAN, 35, DIED Wednesday morning after a short illness of 
influenza followed by bronchial pneumonia.  Mr. BECKMAN was a motorman 
employee in the Ohio Electric railway, for the past 12 years.

KENNETH E. SHEETS, aged 11, taken to the Detention hospital with the entire 
family a few days ago, died yesterday afternoon.  The parents, two sisters and 
one brother are still under care.

ALTON OSMON, chief stamp clerk at the local post office is confined to his 
home with the influenza.  Three other employees are ill at their homes.

J. C. FERGUSON, of Oak street, and his entire family were removed to the 
Detention hospital.  They all have the Influenza.  The members of the family 
are:  Mr. and Mrs. FERGUSON, MARTHA, CHARLES, BRICE and RAYMOND.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 December 14, 1918  

HARRY V. CURRAN, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. CURRAN, north Jefferson 
street, died Saturday after an illness of one week with pneumonia which 
followed an attack of influenza.  He was 25 years of age.  Besides his parents 
he leaves one sister, Miss LUCILLE CURRAN, and one brother, FRANCIS.

HUBER VANCE WETHERSPOON, 17, died Saturday after a short illness from 
influenza at the home of his sister, Mrs. JOHN FRAIL of west High street.  He 
was the son of Mr. and Mrs. FRANK WETHERSPOON, of this city, and was an 
employee of the Lima Locomotive works.

Sieferds removed Mr. and Mrs. W. WINTERS from Crossly apartments to St. Ritas 
hospital.  They both had influenza.

Mrs. CHARLES GRADY, 35, died Saturday after a short illness from influenza and 
pneumonia at her residence on south Pine street.  

FLOYD GINTER, 26, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. B. GINTER of north Collett street, 
died Saturday at St. Ritas hospital of influenza and pneumonia.

Delphos.  Mrs. EDGAR CLARK died Friday at the home of her sister, Miss MARY 
DOLT, from influenza and pneumonia.
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December 16, 1918

LUCILLE THELMA MEEKS, 12, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. MEEKS died, Sunday 
from Influenza and pneumonia at her home on Arch avenue.

Mrs. MARTHA RUFFER, 73, died Saturday after a brief illness of influenza at 
the home of her daughter, Mrs. AMOS LAMPHIER, north Union street.

MARY SMITH, 67, wife of DAVID SMITH, died after a short illness of influenza 
at the home on east High street on Saturday.  Surviving are her husband, DAVIS 
SMITH, who is ill with influenza and two sons, HARRY and WILBUR SMITH of Lima, 
also two daughters, Mrs. W. H. JONES of Columbus Grove and Mrs. G. GOBBS, of 
Wapakoneta.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 27, 1918 

MILLION OHIOANS HAVE SUFFERED FROM FLU

Over a million Ohioans have suffered with influenza and there have been 20,000 
deaths from the disease, according to the latest estimates of the state health 
department.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 January 10, 1919

WapakonetaFRANK WEIMERT, 51, died Wednesday after a severe attack of 
influenza, followed by pneumonia.  Mr. WEIMERT has for the past twenty years 
been engaged in business as a member of the firm Canther & Weimert.

FLU HAS FLOWN FROM THIS CITY

Has the Flu flown?  Miss Lima says yes, the Health Officer says yes, and the 
reports accord with the affirmative.

Not one case has been reported for the past 24-hour period, and doctors are 
openly claiming that it is a thing of the past, and they are not knocking the 
proverbial piece of wood when they so attest.

Aside from slight showings in surrounding towns, which are not considered 
forerunners of another epidemical attack, the entire district is gradually 
getting back to normal health conditions and people are breathing free once 
again.

As the influenza epidemic in Lima now seems to be history, stated Dr. 
Burton, local health officer, we can be thankful that it did not strike us 
harder.  It was a trying time for all concerned, and everybody was concerned, 
except the 25 to 30 percent whose physical condition makes them naturally 
immune to the disease. 


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