Huntersville

 

Events in Huntersville

The document, "Historical Sketches of Pocahontas County," offers valuable insights into the history and lives of early settlers in Pocahontas County, Virginia, where Huntersville served as the first county seat.

The text describes Huntersville's growth as a trading post and its development into a central hub for commerce, court sessions, and social gatherings. 

It also notes the impact of events like a major fire in 1852 and its burning by Federal troops during the Civil War.  

Additionally, it highlights the importance of education, religion, and community institutions in Huntersville's development. 

## Diseases Identified in Historical Sketches of Pocahontas County

The source, "Historical Sketches of Pocahontas County, West Virginia," mentions several diseases that afflicted the early settlers. Some of these diseases are identified by the names commonly used at the time, while others are described through their symptoms.

*   **Smallpox:** This highly contagious and often deadly disease is mentioned as a risk faced by travelers. For example, Daniel McCollam contracted smallpox while traveling up the Ohio River and died from the disease.
*   **Measles:** This highly contagious viral illness is mentioned as a common childhood disease. Sheep saffron was a popular folk remedy used by some for measles.
*   **Whooping Cough:** This highly contagious respiratory infection is mentioned as a serious childhood illness. The source notes an instance where an infant suffering from a severe case of whooping cough was treated with folk remedies.
*   **Pneumonia:** This serious lung infection is mentioned as a cause of death, particularly among older individuals.
*   **Cholera:** This acute diarrheal illness, often fatal, is mentioned as a risk for travelers, particularly in the western United States. The source describes a case where an individual traveling on a steamer in Missouri died from cholera.
*   **Camp Fever:** This term was historically used to refer to a variety of infectious diseases, often typhus or typhoid fever, that spread rapidly in crowded and unsanitary conditions, such as military camps. The source mentions multiple instances of individuals dying from "camp fever" during times of war.
*   **Diptheria:** This serious bacterial infection, primarily affecting the throat and nose, is described as a "dread malady." The source notes that diphtheria was responsible for several deaths, including children, and highlights its rapid spread within families.
*   **"Cold Plague":** This term, commonly used in the past, likely referred to illnesses we now identify as pneumonia or congestive chills. The source mentions "cold plague" as a cause of death, particularly among children.
*   **Cancer:** The source mentions "cancerous affection" as a cause of death and describes a case of facial cancer causing excruciating suffering.
*   **Brain Fever:** This term was historically used to describe various brain infections or inflammations, such as meningitis or encephalitis. The source mentions a case where an individual died from a "very malignant attack of brain fever."

The source also describes a variety of other health issues and afflictions, such as:

*   **Chronic Sores:**  The source describes a situation where an individual sought treatment from a Native American for a chronic sore.
*   **Nervous Prostration:** This term was used to describe a condition characterized by physical and mental exhaustion, often attributed to stress or trauma. The source mentions a case of an individual experiencing nervous prostration after a traumatic event.
*   **Hemorrhage:** The source mentions a case of death caused by a hemorrhage, specifically related to cancer.
*   **Bronchial Troubles:** While not identified by a specific name, the source mentions individuals seeking relief in the mountains for "bronchial troubles," indicating respiratory ailments were prevalent.

While the source offers valuable insights into the diseases and health challenges faced by early settlers in Pocahontas County, it's important to remember that medical understanding and terminology have evolved significantly since the time period described. The information provided in the source should be considered within its historical context.

Elizabeth McLaughlin provided information to the author about the McCollam family. It also states that Mrs. McLaughlin was a daughter of William Sharp and that she was a friend of Mrs. Warwick, often visiting and staying with the Warwick family. 

**Daniel McCollam died of smallpox while traveling back to his home in the west.** He contracted the illness while traveling up the Ohio River.