Mortality in Pocahontas County (1892-1893)

 

The sources, primarily excerpts from The Pocahontas Times newspaper, offer glimpses into the causes and impacts of death in Pocahontas County during the late 19th century. While not a comprehensive record of all mortalities, the reports highlight several trends and noteworthy incidents:

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Grippe (Influenza): The "grip," as it was commonly called, appears as a significant cause of death during this period. Several individuals are mentioned as succumbing to this respiratory illness, including:

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Henry Gum: He died near Academy at the age of 81. The newspaper notes that he was a respected member of the community and his death was met with widespread grief.

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Dr. S.P. Patterson and S.L. Brown, Esq.: Both men from the city are reported to be recovering from severe bouts of the grip.

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Hella Beverage: A young woman originally from Pocahontas County, she died at the age of 20 at the residence of A.D. Harlow. Her father traveled from Clover Lick to attend her burial.

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The prevalence of grippe deaths underscores the vulnerability of the population to infectious diseases during this era. The impact of the illness on individuals of various ages and backgrounds suggests its widespread reach within the community.

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Violence: The sources also report several deaths resulting from violence:

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Mrs. E. Cook: She was murdered in her home near Welch in McDowell County. The newspaper describes the incident as a "cold-blooded assassination," with two unknown assailants firing a shotgun and a Winchester rifle through her window.

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Harry M. Smoot: A young man from Shepherdstown, he was shot and killed by a "prominent society young lady" after he refused to marry her.

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These incidents highlight the potential for lethal violence stemming from personal disputes, targeted attacks, or other motives. The fact that these deaths occurred in different locations, but were reported in the Pocahontas Times, suggests the newspaper's coverage extended beyond county lines, likely reflecting shared concerns about violence across the region.

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Accidents and Other Causes: While not explicitly mentioned, the sources hint at the possibility of deaths from accidents, particularly those related to potentially hazardous occupations such as logging and construction. The article mentioning large poplar trees being cut for lumber in Webster County serves as a reminder of the risks associated with timber harvesting.

Additionally, the historical context suggests that other common causes of death during this era, such as childhood illnesses and childbirth complications, likely impacted the community, though they are not specifically detailed in the provided excerpts.

Limitations of the Sources: It's crucial to remember that the newspaper excerpts provide a limited perspective on mortality in Pocahontas County during this period. They primarily focus on noteworthy incidents or individuals known to the community. Deaths that went unreported or did not attract public attention would not appear in these sources.

By examining the reported deaths, we can gain insights into the leading causes of mortality, the impact of disease outbreaks, and the presence of violence within the community. The sources, while limited in scope, offer a starting point for exploring the social, environmental, and health-related factors that influenced life expectancy and the experience of death in late 19th-century Pocahontas County.