I was recently given the opportunity to read a new reference book that has prompted me to return to my investigation of the meningitis epidemic of 1912-1913. The book has made me more aware of the impact of the devastating disease on our neighbors to the south and also revealed some of my misconceptions about the treatment of the disease.
The Texas Meningitis Epidemic (1911-1913)
Origin of the Meningococcal Vaccine
Margaret R. O’Leary, MD
Dennis S. O’Leary, MD
This book is “the historical account of the monstrous yet strangely forgotten cerebrospinal meningitis epidemic that swept through the state of Texas during the unusually cold and rainy months of 1911-1912 and 1912-1913. Before the decade of the 1940s, when antibiotics first became available to treat the disease, cerebrospinal meningitis was one of the most malignant, rapacious, non-discriminating unpredictable, and difficult to control of all the contagious-disease epidemics afflicting humans. The Texas version of the epidemic personified the disease’s savage reputation for harming individuals and communities.”
Margaret and Dennis O’Leary are doctors, educators, authors, and spouses. They were interested in this topic not only because of the medical history involved, but because Dennis’s grandfather, Dr. Abraham Sophian, played a major role in this story. A sterling silver loving cup was presented to Dr. Sophian and reads, “To Doctor Abraham Sophian in recognition of his unselfish devotion to the cause of science and in appreciation of his masterly leadership in preventing the spread of disease and in saving lives among us. This token is given by grateful citizens, Dallas, Texas, February First, Nineteen Hundred Twelve.” The story of how and why he received that award is worth reading.
Before I read this book I wasn’t aware that there was a “Texas version” of the disease or that our neighboring state suffered more losses than other states. I was however, aware that the disease had not only killed people of all ages and occupations in Bryan County, but that many, many deaths had likely been attributed to one or more of the complications of the disease, such as pneumonia. Others, including a stranger found in a Denison hotel room, were simply reported as “dead- cause unknown”. So it is reasonable to assume that we will never have accurate records of our own epidemic. The health department reported 9,272 total deaths in Oklahoma between October 1912 and October 1913, but only 127 were verified as cerebrospinal meningitis. That figure required identification and verification…which was not nearly as simple as it is today.
This book contains a lot of medical information and technical details, but ultimately it is the story of ordinary people living through extraordinary times and facing the challenge of treating a disease that often killed people before they realized they had it. The book focuses on the Dallas and Austin doctors and patients and the chapter on the impact of meningitis on the Texas State Capitol is fascinating. The journey from hopelessness to diagnosis and treatment, and finally to vaccine and prevention, is a good story to read and understand if we are to fully understand the lives of our ancestors.
The Caddo Herald
January 12, 1912
Durant- Jan. 10-Dave Hamilton, aged about 40, died this afternoon. He had been suffering from meningitis and other ailments.
An infant suffering from meningitis died Monday, but pneumonia was given as the direct cause of death.
January 19, 1912
Meningitis Situation
In Bryan County at this writing there have been reported some twelve cases of meningitis with eight deaths. At Durant the health authorities report the situation well in hand with less danger of spreading. Every new case is rigidly quarantined.
It is believed the health authorities of the county can well take care of the situation, and that no danger is imminent if the people will observe ordinary rules of cleanliness.
Importance of Cleanliness
The meningitis epidemic which has prevailed the past two months in North Texas and other points has emphasized the importance of being clean and keeping premises clean. While Caddo has no cases, it is in danger unless our people jealously guard against it. The town authorities have ordered a general clean up of the town and many already have complied with this order.
Many contagions and scourge may be avoided by keeping the town clean, even though there were no immediate danger.
The Caddo Herald
February 9, 1912
Meningitis in Caddo
Last Friday morning Dr. Gunby was up from Sherman and pronounced the illness of the little child of Mr. and Mrs. Bennett to be meningitis; immediately there was quite a furor in town, everyone nearly, became scared. Due sanitary precautions, however, were taken and no danger is apprehended of the spread of the disease. The child is getting along nicely, and will recover, it is thought.
No other cases have developed in Caddo. Every known means of disinfecting have been used.
School was dismissed Friday afternoon, but resumed again Monday morning. The meeting at the church was not discontinued, but is running with increasing interest. The opera house also is filling every date. So, from these evidences one must judge that little danger is apprehended.
Meningitis was mostly a winter disease and dissipated in hot weather. I found myself appreciating that as I thought about the huge crowds that gathered in Caddo each August for the annual Corn Carnival. The epidemic might have been even worse if hundreds of contagious visitors had ridden the train from Dallas to see the event. However, I believe many of our local residents did just that- took the train to Dallas- to shop, visit relatives, see plays, and eat at fancy restaurants. Their comings and goings are in the “locals and personals” in the Caddo Herald. And, as you will read in the book, two cadets at Texas A&M died from cerebrospinal meningitis in 1913. One of those was Fisher Rawlins of Ardmore. His incubation period indicated that he had brought the disease back to campus with him after visiting at home.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to read this book and to add to my understanding of the challenges that faced many of my ancestors. My great-grandmother had a reputation for helping sick neighbors and treating disease when the doctor wasn’t available. I wonder how close the epidemic came to their door.
The Cline family in the Caddo Hills lost six family members to the disease. Only the mother and one son were left. This book helps to explain why.