Dunham, Luther W. 1879-1918

DUNHAM

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/10/2014 at 15:20:44

HUSBAND AND WIFE DIE.

The first death from Spanish influenza in this vicinity came last Saturday and Sunday, when Mr. and Mrs. Luther Dunham, who hail just moved from Elk Point to the Dr. O. H. Wooten farm, Nix and one-half miles west of here, passed away of pneumonia complications within SB hours of one another.

Conditions surrounding the death of these people were particularly sad. Mr. Dunham was not feeling well when he drove up from Elk Point with a load of their goods a few days before, and was taken ill before lie could return there for the balance of their effects. They were hardly in shape- to keep house in the new location when Mrs. Dunham was also taken ill, and soon their young daughter and son, aged about twelve and ten, also came down with the malady. There was no one to care for them at first and Mr. and Mrs. Dunham became worse rapidly. Dr. Brunner, of this city, administered to them as often as possible, and finally Mrs. C. Rean, of this city, went out Friday to care for them. Mr. Dunham passed away at about 1:15 o'clock Saturday morning. Mrs. Dunham was also critically ill at the time and the shock and grief from her husband's death hastened her demise, which took place Monday morning.

Ames, la., Mrs. Ed. Patterson, of this city, went to the Dunham home to assist in the care of the patients. Dr. Wooton made frequent trips to the farm to care for the livestock. Mr. Dunham was interred in Riverside cemetery Saturday evening and Mrs. Dunham was laid to rest by his side Monday.

Mr. and Mrs. Dunham were quite well known in Akron, having resided here a few years ago, after which they farmed a year below Westfield and then returned to Elk Point. They were worthy people and respected by all who knew them. The two orphaned children and other relatives have much sympathy in their bereavement. The county sheriff drove up from Elk point Monday and took the sick children to Elk Point for medical attention and care. Mrs. Bean accompanied them. It Is believed both children will recover.

A dispatch from Elk Point in the Sioux City papers contained the following information regarding the unfortunate family: Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dunham, of this city, lost three children in less than four months, Luther Dunham, their son, aged 30 years, died Saturday at his home eleven miles north of Elk Point of Spanish influenza.

His wife's death occurred Sunday evening and their two children are seriously ill with the same disease.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, October 24, 1918
Akron, Iowa