It is very hard for me to understand what life was like without modern medicine. I find it difficult to understand the helplessness that mothers faced when their children became ill. Now we just call the doctor and for all but a few diseases, a medicine will provide a cure in just a few hours. This was not the case 122 years ago. The news item in the next column tells of the tragedy faced by many families.	Bereavement "It is not often that we are called upon to witness so sad a bereavement as that which has befallen the family of S. H. Durbin, of Sherman Tp., in this [Jasper] county. On Sunday afternoon, September 8th, Willie, the oldest son, complained of a sore throat and distress indicating diphtheria. The parents, having had considerable experience in the treatment of that disease, and being prepared with remedies that had been effectual in staying and dispelling the same, lost no time in applying them. Finding these remedies ineffectual, the family physician was called in, and everything that medical skill, good care, and parental affection could accomplish, was done, but to no avail. Willie, just as he had passed the line that divides childhood from youth, was marked a victim to this terrible scourge, and on Monday morning, Sept. 16th he passed away. On the Friday previous the disease developed itself on Mrs. Durbin, Anna, the oldest daughter, and Dora, a bright bud of three summers. These cases all seemed to yield to medical treatment until Monday forenoon, when a mother's quick perception detected another hand reaching after her choicest flower. The physician had been gone but an hour or so, and was recalled before he got out of the neighborhood, only to confirm their fears, --croup in its worst had taken hold of Dora. While friends were paying the last tribute of respect to Willie, and Mr. Durbin and Vonie were the only ones of the family to stand by the grave, the wrestle between the beautiful flower and the hideous fiend was going on in the home. After many hours of intense suffering, on Wednesday morning Sept. 18th, Dora, the beautiful, passed away. Before we could scarcely realize that Dora was gone, intelligence came that Vonie, who had been taken by a kind neighbor and friend for care and safety, was attacked. Steps were immediately taken to bring her back to that home from which she had gone for safety. --Her case was of the most malignant type, never yielding for an instant to medical treatment, and on the afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 28th, Vonie passed away, in the tenth year of her age. After thoroughly renovating and disinfecting the house and premises, it was thought safe for Harry , the youngest boy, six years of age to return home, which he did on the evening of Oct. 1st to take his bed in a few hours thereafter, where he was watched over by parents, physician and friends, until Sunday morning, Oct. 6th, when seeing "angels and flowers above him," he departed. We saw the parents stand by three little mounds while the fourth was building. We saw them return to that desolate home, and the wail of grief that went up from the mother's heart as she entered the threshold, can only be assuaged by the love of him who said "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven." ~ The Journal, Newton, Iowa, Oct. 10, 1878.
What is Diphtheria? One disease that caused a lot of deaths of people buried in Sugar Grove Cemetery was Diphtheria. I found on the Internet that diphtheria is a contagious bacterial disease that produces thick, gray membranes in the mouth, throat, and airway passages. The disease occurs largely because of a toxin produced by the infecting bacteria, Corynebacterium diptheriae. Diphtheria can produce difficulty in breathing, pneumonia, heart failure, even paralysis and death. The entire process was described in epidemics in Europe in the 1500s and 1600s and in New England in the 1800s. All 50 states have laws requiring immunization against diphtheria before entering school. The use of the DTP and DTaP vaccine has made it almost nonexistent in the U.S. ~ Source: http://www.babyzone.com/drnathan/D/Diptheria.htm "The Epidemic is Over County News - Sherman Township It has been a long time since I could report our township clear of diphtheria, but so far as I can learn at the present time, there is not a case within our borders. The cases last mentioned are all about well. That of Ella Phillips, altho' of the worst type yielded to medical treatment, assisted by a good constitution and care. We are of the opinion that that there is but little difference in the ability of our best physicians in their treatment of this terrible disease, yet we confess our faith considerably strengthened in the medical fraternity generally, and a warm feeling for Dr. Gorrell in particular, after witnessing his successful treatment of this case, for, from what we have seen of diphtheria this was a case where medical skill met the destroyer in its strong entrenchments and cam off victor. Since this disease has been among us in its fatal form --say for the last thirty months -- the mortality has been between twenty-five and thirty." ~ The Journal, Newton, Iowa, March 20, 1879 News from Sherman Township "It is again our painful work to report the ravages of diphtheria in this community. We last week mentioned the appearance of the destroyer of our little ones, but as we supposed and hoped in a mild form, in the family of Will Baker, on the Des Moines road. The first child attacked got along nicely under medical treatment and we concluded we had only the mild form to contend with, but when four others were attacked, the disease developed in its most hideous form. On Thursday forenoon Ada, the oldest of the children, was numbered among its victims, aged 9 years, 2 months and 26 days. On Saturday morning little Jennie took leave of parents and friends and joined Ada on the other shore. Aged 3 years, 9 months, and 9 days. The links of the chain that bind us here are attached to the anchor beyond. At the present writing the disease has laid its two-fold fatal grasp on the oldest boy, who, ere this reaches you, will be numbered with he departed. Mr. Baker, Burt and Nelly are in a fair way to recover. Besides this family there has been diphtheria at A. J. Westbrook's and James Simms, but all doing well." ~ The Newton Journal, April 24, 1879.
Smallpox "Throughout history, smallpox had killed hundreds of millions of people and scarred and blinded millions more. Smallpox was caused by a virus that spread from person to person through the air. A smallpox victim expelled droplets containing the virus from the nose and mouth. Another person inhaled the droplets and became infected. In most cases, symptoms appeared in the new victim 10 to 12 days later. The person developed aches and a high fever. Two to four days later, a rash appeared on the face and spread to other parts of the body. The rash resembled thousands of small pimples. During the next week, the pimples became larger and filled with pus. Scabs formed over the pimples and fell off three or four weeks later, leaving scars. There was no treatment for smallpox, of which the most serious form killed about 20 percent of its victims. Those who survived were permanently scarred, and many were blind. Survivors were immune after one attack. Smallpox was once so common that almost everyone had it at some time. During the Middle Ages, smallpox epidemics frequently swept across Asia, Africa, and Europe. In some wars, more soldiers died from smallpox than in combat. Europeans brought the disease to America, and millions of Indians died as a result of it. In 1796, Edward Jenner, an English physician, developed the first vaccineóone that prevented smallpox. Its use quickly spread to other parts of the world. During the 1800's, many countries passed laws requiring vaccination. But the disease continued to exist almost everywhere until the 1940's, when it was eliminated in Europe and North America. For many years, most children in the United States were vaccinated as infants and then revaccinated about every five years. In 1971, United States government health officials ended routine vaccinations except for persons traveling to or from countries where smallpox still existed."	Smallpox "The small pox, or some disease nearly akin to it, has been raging for some weeks around Greencastle, and four or five deaths have occurred. -- None has appeared south of the river bottoms, but the people of Colfax and vicinity are so much alarmed that business is very nearly suspended.-- People from north of town have been somewhat careless undoubtedly, but we think there is hardly sufficient cause for such a general alarm and timidity as seems to prevail." ~ Newton Free Press, March 5, 1873. Home Remedy? Just like now, some people provided false hope in the name of a "home remedy." This article from the October 26, 1873 edition of the Newton Free Press was typical. "Small-Pox Remedy We have no small-pox in Newton, but it is reported in various places around us, and it is well enough to be prepared for it. We publish the following on the authority of a correspondent of the Stockton Herald: 'I herewith append a recipe which has been used to my knowledge in hundreds of cases. It will prevent or cure small-pox, though the pittings are filling. When Jenner discovered cow-pox in England, the world of science hurled an avalanche of fame upon his head, but when the most scientific school of medicine in the world--that of Paris--published this recipe as a panacea for small-pox it passed unheeded. It is as unfailing as fate, and conquers in every instance. It is harmless when taken by a well person. It will also cure scarlet fever. Here is the recipe as I have used it to cure my children of scarlet fever; her it is as I have used it to cure the small-pox, when learned physicians said the patients must die, it cured. Sulphate of zinc, one grain; fox-glove (digitalis), one grain; half a teaspoonful of sugar; mix with two tablespoonfuls of water. When thoroughly mixed, add four ounces of water. Take a spoonful every hour. Either disease will disappear in 12 hours. For a child, smaller doses according to their age. If countries would compel their physicians to use this, there would be no need of pest-houses. If you value advice and experience, use this for that terrible disease.' " And in a paid advertisement in the April 30, 1873 issue of the Newton Free Press, comes the following: "A Warning. When the cyclopean furnace raging beneath Vesuvius are about to hurl forth a molten sea of fire, the earth trembles and the inhabitants flee for safety; likewise when disease in announced by the avant courier, pain, we should provide at once the great Antidote, Dr. McCAbe's Tonic Cordial and system Renovator, and guard well the citidal of life."
Cholera Cholera is an illness caused by a bacterial infection of the intestine. Persons with severe disease can die within a few hours after onset due to loss of fluid and salts through profuse diarrhea and, to a lesser extent, through vomiting. The disease is most often contracted through drinking unsanitary water or eating contaminated foods. Obituaries for Sugar Grove Cemetery show only two deaths caused by cholera. Those two obituaries are in the next column.	Cholera Infantum Takes Little Babe METZ - October 13 --Spt.--Eva Viola Bell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edith Bell, former residents of this place, died at the home of her parents at Reasnor Sunday morning at 7 o'clock, cholera infantum being the cause of death. She was sick from Tuesday until Sunday morning. Left to mourn the death of the little one are the parents, one brother, Albert who is also seriously sick with the same disease. Eva Viola was born July 2, 1919 and her death comes as a great shock to the members of the family and many friends. Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock at the church in Metz, the pastor of the Reasnor church officiating. Interment will be made in the Metz cemetery. ~ The Newton Daily News, October 13, 1919. Death Visits Home Twice in Two Weeks For the second time within two weeks the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ira Bell of Metz is plunged into deep mourning. Little Albert Henry Bell, aged five, succumbed to cholera infantum, yesterday morning after a struggle of three weeks against the dread disease. This bright little lad was the pride of the family and a universay favorite with his playmates. The blow to his parents is a heavy one for only two weeks ago the daughter Eva was buried. The funeral for this tiny boy was held today at the Metz church. The Rev. Moore of Reasnor conducting the services. Interment was made in the Metz cemetery. ~ The Newton Daily News, October 29, 1919.
Childbirth I've always heard that a lot of mothers died during or right after giving birth. Even though I believed this, I didn't really understand it until I began to do the research on the families in the Sugar Grove Cemetery; unfortunately the evidence is there countless times. See the next column for just one of a number of mother and infant deaths. I found a great web site on the history of childbirth. If you are interested in more than the next few sentences, I encourage you to go directly to the site. It's an eye-opener. "Two great curses haunted natural childbirth from ancient times, the shrunken pelvis and obstructed labour. With urbanization and hospitalization, puerperal fever became common. Because so often mothers died in childbirth and children in infancy, attitudes towards birth and babies were different from ours. Parents expected that children would die in infancy, and death in childbirth was an expected tragedy." SOME OBSTETRICAL HISTORY - DYING TO HAVE A BABY - THE HISTORY OF CHILDBIRTH by Dr. Ian Carr, Professor of Pathology, Manitoba, Canada	"Obituary: Mrs. Bertha Miller-Baker Bertha Miller Baker, daughter of George W. and Emily Miller, was born at Metz, Iowa, October 28, 1876. On February 9th, 1898, she was married to Charles Wilbert Baker; died September 21, 1899. She was a member of the United Brethren church of Metz, and was always active in Christian work, both in the Sunday school and in the Young Peoples' Christian Union. Bertha was one of a family of nine children, three of whom had departed this life before her, via: Mary and May in childhood, and Stephen in young manhood. Those living and residing near the old homestead are her father and mother, her sisters, Mrs. Brock, Mrs. Emmack, Mrs. Hardenbrook, and brothers Mel and Clarence Miller, and all were at her bedside at her death. Her body was tenderly buried by the side of her new born babe in Metz cemetery, on Sunday afternoon, Rev. B.C. Baumgardner, who officiated at her wedding, preached the funeral service. The above is a very sad bereavement, and the family have the sincere sympathy of all who knew them. ~ Newton papers, September 24, 1899."
Burial Rituals Based upon the obituaries I've read, funeral services were held at the home of the deceased until the early 1900's. If more space was needed the service was held at the church or school house. Because of the lack of embalming, burial was usually the day after the person died. This article from the August 29, 1878 issue of the Newton Journal is the first mention I saw about embalming. "EMBALMING THE DEAD. - About two weeks ago, Mrs. Randall of Warsaw, Ills., daughter of Mrs. Otis of this city; while on a visit here lost her little babe. She was desirous of taking the body of the little one to her Illinois home, but the weather was very hot and under ordinary circumstances it would be impossible to keep the body for that length of time. I. H. McCord and Andy Howard being called on as undertakers, it was proposed to try an embalming preparation known as Rhodes Electric Balm, which was done with the most marked success. Three days after its death, the body of the little one showed no signs of decomposition, and was entirely free from offensive odors. It was altogether a remarkable test and triumph of the embalmers art over the elements of decay."   Obituaries When you read the obituary of a person who died in the late 1800's you learn a lot about that person. The language is very descriptive leaving no detail to the imagination. I found that for people buried in the Sugar Grove Cemetery, an obituary of substance almost always tells about the person's faith and conversion experiences. The obituary is a story of the person's life and often very moving. The best example of a story is in the next cell.	A Sorrowful Thanksgiving -- Death of Mother Allfree As time was ushering in the morning of November 27th, that was to bring feelings of thankfulness and cheer in so many homes throughout our land, a sorrow-laden cloud was gradually encircling our home, bring with it grief and sadness to us unknown. Our mother, from whom we had never been separated except for short intervals of time, was passing away. Those moments that were speeding the day that was to bring gladness to so many hearts, were only revealing to us our helplessness to longer retain with us our nearest and dearest. When the shores of time were receding and her earthly vision was gone, and she said to those around her, "is there no oil that your lights have gone out" we were in sorrow to know that earthly lights had gone out with her forever; but presently, when as if she had stepped off the shores of time into that stream which separates us from the great beyond, and feeling the strong arm of that Savior in whom she had trusted for over sixty years, sustaining her, her voice, coming back as if were from the other shore in words plain and distinct, said, "I am saved!" we felt that we were not entirely without cause for thankfulness. Mother Allfree's maiden name was Ellnora Luce, she was born in Cape May, New Jersey, April 6th, 1793; moved with her parents to Western Pennsylvania (Fayette Co.) when eleven years of age or in 1804. She was married to Abraham Allfree, Jan 16th, 1821; moved with her family to Knox county, Ohio, in the Spring of 1853 and to her late home in Sherman township, Jasper county, Iowa, in April 1866, from whence she took her departure for her final home, at two o'clock, Thursday morning Nov 27th, 1879, aged 86 years, 8 months and 21 days. Mother Allfree united with the Presbyterian Church at Randolph, in Fayette Co., Pa., in 1816. After her marriage she lived in the vicinity of Perryopolis, same county, and with her husband attended a protracted meeting conducted by Sim Lack, one of the pioneers of Methodism in Western Pennsylvania, at which meeting she was converted, and with her husband united with the M.E. church, of which she has since been a constant member. She was the mother of seven children, the eldest of whom died in infancy. The rest are living, and five of them reside in this county, there having been no death in her family for fifty six years. She leaves a companion, who has shared her joys and cries for nearly fifty nine years, three sons and three daughters, twenty-eight grandchildren, nine great-grand children, and many friends in the three localities in which her life has been spent, to mourn her loss. Thus another link of that wondrous chain of life that binds the last century to the present has dropped out of its place, and with it many an incident of our past history. ~ The Newton Journal, December 4, 1879.
Return to History of Metz Return to Metz Page Return to Jasper County GenWeb Pages

Created by Barbara Lane Hug, Summer of 2000. Contact me at bhug3@bigfoot.com if needed.