By Dr. Bill Stewart

Influenza is one of the – currently and usually – non-fatal diseases from which people might suffer to the extent that they have to be hospitalized. During the early years of the 20th century, however, flu was frequently fatal. It was most notably a killer among the very young and senior citizens.

Flu was not the only ailment from which residents suffered, though, and when illness struck, there were few medical facilities.

Sept. 19, 1895—Miasmatic influences lead to diseases resulting from a vapor in the air, suspended particles of decaying matter causing cholera, chlamydia, even the Black Death. Many citizens live in fear of contracting one of these diseases.

July 11, 1899—Dr. A. R. Wilson was taken suddenly ill Thursday afternoon with a congestive chill. He is still quite sick.

Dec. 7, 1899—A local woman suffering from dementia left home last Sunday and no trace of her could be found until today when she was discovered in the woods, about one mile from the city, in a very sorrowful condition. Her clothing was in bad shape, and she was nearly starved and frozen. She was taken to her house, where she is being cared for by relatives and friends. (Medical facilities were extremely limited at this time.)

Feb. 18, 1900—Because some people claim it actually does work, the Himalaya asthma remedy is selling briskly at local pharmacies, even at the steep price of $1.65.

May 29, 1911—The body of Tom Evans Sr., a resident of Falkville, six miles south of Hartselle, was found in the woods near Falkville Sunday afternoon with his gun by the side of it. At an inquest held by Esq. J. W. Young, a verdict of suicide was rendered. Evans was generally considered to be in a demented condition.

March 5, 1907–Word was received here this morning of the death of county commissioner S.P. Lovelady of the fourth district. He had been in bad health for some time but the immediate cause of his death was due to a severe cold which developed into a case of pneumonia.

Nov. 15, 1910—Bob Clemons seems to be the victim of a series of unfortunate circumstances. He and his family reside on the corner of East Grand and Maple Street, New Decatur. Today one of his children died with diphtheria, and two of his other children are ill with the same disease.  Clemmons himself has been quite ill for many months.

Feb. 16, 1911–Dr. McWhorter has just been in this area looking for a suitable location for the establishment of a tuberculosis sanitarium for the state and also a state epileptic sanitarium. He was much impressed with the high altitude of this county, saying this portion of the state should be free from consumption and kindred lung trouble.

Dec. 1, 1923–Members of the Morgan County Medical Association today were discussing enthusiastically the address of Dr. James McLester, a prominent Birmingham physician, who recently addressed the members of the society on the use of insulin in the treatment of diabetes.

Dec. 4, 1927—Doctors are currently seeing more bronchial illnesses among their patients who smoke than those who don’t. Its harmful effects may be mitigated by using a cigarette or cigar holder, or pipe. Persons suffering from indigestion, bronchial catarrh or profuse salivation must not, however, under any conditions, smoke.

Oct. 1, 1942—To the relief of families in every community, Morgan County was not one of the 13 counties in which cases of epidemic typhus fever (Brill’s disease) were reported last month.