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Look Back: Small pox devastates family

Historical newspaper excerpts from the Wood County Historical Society

Photo Provided The beautiful Wood County Infirmary [Poor House] seen above was completed in 1917. It replaced a dilapidated structure that in 1901 was the subject of a very critical expose. Tragically, the building burned in February 1950, resulting in the death of a male inmate. The present Nicolette Road runs in front of the building.

Died of small pox, Levi Taylor on the 4th

This was the first and only case of small pox in the city. Every precaution is being taken by the authorities to prevent the spread here of that disease.

Parkersburg City Council Minutes, January 5, 1872: On motion it was ordered to pay Patrick Collins $25 for nursing Levi Taylor with small pox and also to furnish him a new suit of clothes

The Parkersburg Daily Times

Jan. 5, 1872

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(same paper, from Council proceeding)

Peter Devlin, Overseer of the Poor of Parkersburg township, was directed to remove the person he had taken to the Poor House, who is not a resident of this State, and provide a place, etc. for him, as he has the small pox.

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(same paper) Died of small pox

A stranger, who came to our city, was taken to the County Poor House and treated as reported by Dr. Bond, as affected with something other than small pox. After a cold bath, administered by the Dr.’s advice, small pox broke out, of which he died shortly afterwards, on the 2nd last.

(Note: In a letter to the newspaper on Jan. 8, 1872, Dr. Bond wanted it known that he did not order the cold water bath. The bath was requested by the patient and administered by a pauper woman of the institution.)

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The letter that follows was written from Grantsville, Calhoun County by Mrs. Jane Taylor on March 1, 1872. It was addressed to the Mayor of Parkersburg:

“Sir. My son, Levi J. Taylor died of small pox in your city January 4th, and I have been unable to learn anything definite concerning his family and now take the liberty of asking information of you.

“Will you please write me concerning the where-a-bouts and as far as you may know, the circumstances of my daughter-in-law and her three little children. This together with the particulars of my son’s death will be thankfully received.

“Address me at this place. Pardon the intrusion.

Very Respectfully

Mrs. Jane Taylor”

The reply from the Mayor’s office was as follows:

“Mrs. Sallie Taylor with the three children are with her brother in law Mr. Matthews at New Salem, Harrison Co. W.Va. He [her son] lay buried in the Holliday Grave Yard of this place [Sixth and Gale streets]. She is in very destitute circumstances having to leave all of her furniture, etc here which was destroyed and being entirely out of money except a little that the Baptist Church gave her to send her to her brother in law.

She was there on March 1st, 1872

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Be vaccinated

All persons not vaccinated should not lose a moment’s time. Be vaccinated at once, and prevent the consequences of that dreaded disease. There is another small pox case in our city, and as we are informed, two cases at Belpre over the river.

Under these circumstances, we apprehend the sessions of our public schools shall have to be discontinued.

Jan. 19, 1872

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Bob Enoch is president of the Wood County Historical Society. Would you like to help preserve our past for future generations? The society offers informative monthly meetings and an interesting, 20-page quarterly newsletter. Dues are just $20/year. Send to: WCHPS, P.O. Box 565, Parkersburg, WV 26102.

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