Leeson, St. Marys, Merrill & Webster children died 1879

LEESON, LEASON, ST MARYS, MERRILL, WEBSTER

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 11/7/2024 at 16:45:12

Note: Although not an obituary, I'm posting this news article to the obituary board since it may be the only mention of the death of these children.

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One of the most distressing cases of sickness and death which has ever come under our observation has just occurred in the family of Alfred Leeson, who lives about ten or twelve miles southeast of this city. A short time ago one of his children was attacked with malignant diptheria, and a few days later the mother and four other children were also prostrated with the same disease.

A week ago last Sunday, Marenas Leeson, brother of Alfred, brought the body of one of the children here and buried it alone, and last Friday night death came to relieve the sufferings of another, and before Saturday noon two more were added to the list. Sunday morning their remains were brought to Osage and, assisted by a few kind friends here, the three were buried in one grave.

The mother and the remaining child, we are glad to say, are thought to be in a fair way to recover.

This disease has made fearful ravages in that neighborhood this spring, seven children having died in the family of a man named St. Marys, four in Mr. Merrill's family, and five in Mr. Webster's family, besides many others whose names we were unable to learn.

The worst feature about it seems to be the lack of nurses. People are afraid of contracting the disease, and when one sickens, it can get no care only that afforded by the family. Dr. Chase informs us that there are no more new cases, and he thinks the further spread has been checked.

~Mitchell Co. Press, Osage, Thursday, July 3, 1879; pg 3

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Notes:
-The 1880 U.S. census, Mitchell co., Lincoln twp. (Albert Leeson is not w/his family)
Charlott Leeson, HOH, 29, keeping house, married, born Canada
Jacob Leeson, son, 14, at school, born Canada
Marnas Leeson, son, 8, born Iowa
Lizzie, daughter, 12 - entry crossed through indicating death in the past year
Fredie, son, 10 - entry crossed through, etc
Warren, son, 5 - entry crossed through, etc
Gertie, daughter, 2 - entry crossed through, etc

-The 1880 Mortality Schedule for the year June 1, 1879 - May 1, 1880:
Leeson, Lizzie, 12, female
Leeson, Ferdie, 10, male
Leeson, Warren, 5, male
Leeson, Gurtie, 2, female
All died in June 1879 of Diptheria, Dr. Chase being the doctor for all of the children

-Osage City cemetery records list the burial of Gertrude Leason, Linsa Leason, Prude Leason and Warren Leason

-The 1880 mortality schedule may also show some of the other children who died. Be aware that many deaths were NOT reported:

1880 Mortality Schedule
 

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