Desmond, Willie d. 1896

DESMOND

Posted By: Barbara Hug (email)
Date: 7/25/2003 at 23:26:12

Another Victim of Diphtheria

The home of Mrs. Alice Desmond, southeast of town has suffered terrible affliction during the past two weeks from the scourge of diphtheria. Willie, about twelve years of age, the youngest of the household, died Monday night, and was buried Tuesday morning. Cornelius, the eldest son, who was the first stricken with the disease, is now thought by Dr. Hunter to be out of danger. Johnnie is also much better, but Eva is still in a very critical condition. Mrs. Desmond is surely drinking to the very dregs from the cup of sorrow. The nature of the disease prevents the assistance which friends would gladly render her, but she has their tenderest sympathy in the fullest degree. ~ The Newton [IA] Record, Friday, May 1, 1896, Page 1, Column 5