Spanish Flu Pandemic, Other Tragedies, Hit Hendersonville Hard, October 1918

Imagine a forest fire in the United States that leaves 500 people dead and 12,000 homeless. This happened in October, 1918, when fire took homes and lives in northern Wisconsin and Minnesota. This occurred when the nation was at war and fighting the Spanish flu pandemic. The first story listed in this post is about the forest fire. The next story includes news briefs from across the state. The final six stories concern local folk. While the residents of Hendersonville reading the account would saddened by the loss in Wisconsin and Minnesota, they were distracted by what was going on at home. Schools, churches, and places were the public would meet had been ordered closed. People were dying of the flu. Young people who had gone away to school were coming home to be buried, and funerals were not held because public meetings were banned. Soldiers were injured or killed in the fighting in France, but they were also dying of the flu.  All of the following stories are from a single issue of the French Broad Hustler, Hendersonville, published Oct. 17, 1918. Tomorrow I’ll post more stories from the same issue.

Forest Fire Kills 500; Leaves 12,000 Homeless

Duluth, Minn., Oct. 13—With probably 500 persons dead, thousands homeless and without clothing, and with property damage amounting far into millions of dollars, whole sections of northern Wisconsin and Minnesota timberland tonight are smoldering, fire-stricken areas, with only the charred ruins of abandoned, depopulated towns to accentuate the general desolation. The bodies of 75 victims lie in Duluth morgues. Hundreds more along the roads leading to Duluth and Superior lay where they fell when overtaken by the fire.

12,000 Homeless

Twelve thousand homeless and penniless refugees are quartered in hospitals, churches, schools, private homes and the armory here.

Reports that the holocaust resulted from the work of enemy agents were circulated tonight.

Greatest loss of life and property damage is believed to have occurred in the Cloquet region where a number of towns have been destroyed and all semi-rural settlements virtually wiped out.

A special train of 20 coaches brought 1,500 refugees to Cloquet and Carleton. They confirmed reports that many persons lost their lives in those towns.

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News from across the state, from the French Broad Hustler, Hendersonville, Oct. 17, 1918.

Lumberton—In order to do all possible to prevent the spread of Spanish influenza in Lumberton, the mayor and board of alderman have passed an ordinance quarantining against Charlotte, Wilmington, Fayetteville and all points in Bladen and Cumberland counties.

Fayetteville—The eighth name was added to Cumberland county’s honor roll when Machinist Raymond Manchea Gallup, U.S.N., son of Mr. and Mrs. D.T. Gallup of this city, died in a naval hospital at New London, Conn., after a brief illness.

Special from Washington—Representative Claude Kitchin is ill at his home and is believed to be a victim of Spanish influenza. While he had a high temperature, he was reported as improved. Representative Zebulon Weaver of the Asheville district has also been a sufferer from the new malady in a mild form for several days. He has a room at Providence hospital but is not dangerously ill.

Salisbury—Mrs. H.C. Daniel has received word from a brother, Dick Russell, that he was injured some days ago in action in Europe, receiving a bullet wound in his right shoulder.

Reidsville—William E. Price of Madison, who attended the Plattsburg Training Camp with the U.N.C. unit, has been commissioned a second lieutenant and ordered to Moravia College, Pa., as military instructor.

Kingston—the army and navy have stripped the local fire department of nearly all of its volunteer “runners with the machines.” Thomas Moseley, the volunteer chief, says only 10 or 12 are left to answer alarms now. The city council at its next meeting will be asked to “draft” men suggested by the chief and foreman.

Asheville—Black Mountain township, in the heart of the Blue Ridge mountains, reported to central headquarters that it has gone over the top in the fourth Liberty Loan campaign by subscribing five times the allotment, making a total subscription of $250,000 for this town in the township.

Kingston—Petitioners for an injunction against the levying of a special tax for schools in the Kingston district having appealed from Judge W.P. Stacy’s temporary injunction, the matter will come up for trail in the Supreme Court at Raleigh.

Carthage—A cablegram has just been received here announcing the safe arrival overseas of Lieut. Henry L. Graves of the air Service Casual, with the American Expeditionary Forces in France.

Winston-Salem—Former Governor R.B. Glenn, who has been quite sick since his return from a business trip to New York, was reported to be resting more comfortably. A weak heart is the cause of his illness.

Wake Forest—The Wake Forest unit of the student army training corps was officially inducted into the government service in front of the college administration building in the presence of a large number of townspeople.

Concord—Clarence Smith, 7 years of age, was killed instantly while on his way home from school, when he was struck by a large truck.

Gastonia—S.O. Yarborough, a well-known citizen of the Long Shoals section of Lincoln county, and a brother of E.E. Yarborough of Gastonia, was killed by a shifting engine on the Seaboard Air Line railroad.

Kingston—Deserters, eight or 10 of whom are banded together in the one locality, may have robbed the home of Edward Brown, one mile from Beulaville.

Raleigh—The State Food Administration making a public number of violators of the food regulations who have been disciplined following investigation of charges against them, announced that the black list order against J.L. Thompson co. of Dunn has been withdrawn.

Wallace—Since the opening of the market here, 2,250,000 pounds of tobacco have been sold at the high prices which have prevailed throughout the State. Donations of tobacco by farmers and warehouses now amount to $937.

Lumberton—Alex Johnson, a young white man of the St. Paul’s section, accidentally shot himself recently. Mr. Johnson was found in the woods near his home with a hole shot in his breast, and he is not expected to recover.

Charlotte—A contract for the construction within the shortest possible time of a salad oil plant here for Swift & Co., was awarded to a Charlotte contractor.

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“W.B. Valentine Died Last Week,” from the French Broad Hustler, Hendersonville, Thursday, Oct. 17, 1918

W.B. Valentine died last night at the Mission hospital shortly after 9 o’clock, from pneumonia and other complications which followed an attack of influenza. Mr. Valentine had been critically ill for server days and his physicians had little hope for his recovery.

Mr. Valentine was born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1882 and in 1993 came to Hendersonville with the family and most of his life was spent in Hendersonville and Asheville. Several years ago he was associated here with the Balfour Quarry Company and later became president and treasurer of Valentine and company, dealers in crushed stone and sand. He was well known in business and took an active interest in civic matters, especially in the various patriotic campaigns which have been launched here since the war began. He was a member of the Mt. Herman lodge of Masons and of the Episcopal church.

His father, Frank Valentine, who died some years ago, was a well known teacher who at one time conducted Ravenscroft as a private school. The mother is still living. His wife, who survives him, was Miss Jessie Hattemer of Asheville; an only child, a son, died several years ago. He is survived also by four brothers, T.W. Valentine and G.H. Valentine of Hendersonville; J.C.M. Valentine, formerly of Asheville, now in government service; and F.H. Valentine; and two sisters, Mrs. A.C. DeVis of Cleveland, Ohio, and Mrs. J.G. Jenkins, Summerville, S.C.

As previously stated, the death of Mr. Valentine removes one of the most popular young business men of the city. He was an ardent and tireless worker in his office and in all movements of a public nature. In the first and second Red Cross drives and in the various Liberty Loan campaigns, he worked unceasingly. Physicians who attended him in his last illness say that he made a valiant struggle against the disease to which he succumbed, and his untimely death will be greatly deplored by a large circle of friends. At one period of his illness, it was thought that Mr. Valentine had a chance for recovery, but he sank rapidly throughout the day yesterday.

Interment was made in Asheville Sunday afternoon.

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Lewis Durham of This City Died in Raleigh,” from the French Broad Hustler, Hendersonville, Thursday, Oct. 17, 1918. A & E college in West Raleigh is N.C. State University today.

Lewis Durham, aged 18 years, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. T.L. Durham of Hendersonville, died as a student of the A. & E. college at West Raleigh on last Wednesday night as a result of pneumonia, which developed from influenza.

Interment was made in Oakdale cemetery Friday morning following funeral services at the First Baptist church, conducted by Dr. E.E. Bomar.

The father of the deceased was called to West Raleigh on the 6^th on account of the condition of his son, and upon his arrival wired for Mrs. Frank Randall to go to Raleigh and take the case as nurse.

Lewis was a little more than 18 years old. He was enjoying is first year in college and had enrolled as a member of the Students Army Training Corps. He was a fine young man, very agreeable and congenial, well behaved and a lover of his Sunday school and church, for which he often served as a member of the orchestra. Lewis was a regular attendant of the Baraca class, which he served as an officer, and the funeral arrangements were turned over to the Baracas. The following Baracas served as pallbearers: G.W. Bradshaw, H.L. Grainger, A.L. Beck, W.A. Keith, G.W. Justice and Charlie Morrow. Frank Bland and William Shipman, Hendersonville boys and students of the A. & A., accompanied the remains of the deceased to Hendersonville. They acted as honorary pall-bearers.

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“Donald Bly Died Saturday,” from the French Broad Hustler, Hendersonville, Thursday, Oct. 17, 1918.

Donald H. Bly, aged 27 years, died in the service of his country at Ft. Monroe, Va., last Saturday. The body arrived in Hendersonville Monday afternoon and interment was made immediately in Oakdale cemetery. Dr. McPheeters conducted the ceremony at the cemetery, no other services being held owing to the orders against public gatherings.

Radio Sergeant Bly was one of the boys leaving Hendersonville more than a year ago with the 6^th company for Ft. Caswell. He was soon promoted to corporal and was to have joined those going to France with the 7^th Anti-Aircraft Co., but when it was learned that he had knowledge of wireless telegraphy he was sent to Fortress Monroe for instruction in this branch of service and only a few days ago was promoted to the office of radio sergeant. He led a class of 120 persons in the examination.

St. Bly died of complications following an attack of influenza. He wrote his people on Wednesday of last week, telling of his illness and a few minutes after reading his letter his parents received a telegram informing them of his death.

Donald was a young man of attractive and worthy qualities and his untimely death brings sorrow to his many friends.

He is survived by a brother, Frank, who is in France, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F.A. Bly of Hendersonville.

Donald is understood to be the first of the original 6^th company to lose his life from any cause.

In this connection it is interesting to note that many of those who left here with him are now seeing service at the front and reports were received this week to the effect that the boys were in the thick of the fighting.

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“Lance Read Dies of Influenza; Brief Illness,” from the French Broad Hustler, Hendersonville, Thursday, Oct. 17, 1918.

Lance Read, aged 20 years, died at his home in Hendersonville Wednesday morning.

Lance had been attending Christ school at Arden and came home last week suffering from influenza. On Wednesday morning he appeared to be doing well and death overtook him without the knowledge of his people. They thought he was sleeping and resting well but upon examination it was found that he was dead.

Interment will be made in Oakdale cemetery Thursday.

Surviving are the mother and two brothers.

Lance was well and favorably known in the city. He was not big and strong in stature but he had a big heart and his friendly greetings will be missed by his many friends.

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“People and Events” from the French Broad Hustler, Hendersonville, Oct. 17, 1918.

Mrs. E.G. Stilwell has been sick for several days.

Louis E. Hesterly is in the hospital at Camp Green with influenza.

Miss Emmie Ferrell of Salters, S.C., has been visiting Miss Lillie Brooks.

Mrs. Nathan Bedsley left for Georgia in Saturday to be with her people.

Dr. E.P. Mallett has gone to New York City on a business trip.

Miss Alice Latham has accepted a position with the First Bank & Trust company.

Mrs. Watkins of Greenville, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Smith, is visiting in the city.

W.F. Penny left for Chapel Hill on Sunday to be with his son, William, while undergoing an operation.

Miss C. Torrence left Saturday for her home in Savannah, Ga. After spending the summer in this city.

Jack Beck, who lives in Penniman, Va., has been quite ill with pneumonia, which developed from influenza.

Mrs. N.E. Gaines has returned from New York city where she visited her son.

Miss Helen Grant, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Luna Grant, has accepted a position with Miss M.E. Woodall.

Miss Elizabeth Belk is spending two weeks at home until school is opened again at Concord, N.C.

Miss Lucile Belk came home from Peace Institute, Raleigh, N.C., and will remain until notified to return.

Mr. and Mrs. S. Johnston and Mrs. R.H. Staton have gone to Hot Springs, Arkansas, for a month’s stay.

M.M. Shepherd, who has been ill at the A. & E. College in Raleigh [N.C. State University] is reported as improving.

Mrs. Henry King, who has been very sick with influenza at the Patton Memorial Hospital, is better.

Mrs. Alice Dukes and daughter, Miss Bertha, have gone to Alcolu, S.C., to visit relatives and from there will visit at Portsmouth, Va.

Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Bartlett from Virginia are with Mrs. Sample for a brief stay enroute to Florida for the winter.

L.R. Geiger and family are visiting relatives in Waycross, Ga., and expect to be out of the city for quite a while.

M.C. Letson, who has been in the government services at Oklahoma City, has been transferred to Little Rock, Arkansas.

T.B. Connor, who is with the Champion Lumber company on Pigeon river, visited his family in Hendersonville this week.

Mr. and Mrs. R.T. Drake have received word that their son, Corporal McKinley Drake, has arrived safely overseas.

Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Davis have received information to the effect that their son, Frank Davis, has arrived safely in France.

S.J. Justice and son George W. Justice were in McDowell county engaged in engineering work this week.

Willie Shipman and Frank Bland were in the city last week. They accompanied the body of Lewis Durahm from the A & E College in West Raleigh. [N.C. State University}

Mr. Donnahoe and family of Asheville have rented the home of Gordon F. Garlington for the winter. Mrs. Donnahoe’s family resided near Hendersonville this summer.

Mrs. Montgomery and Miss McCauley, nurses at the Patton Memorial hospital, have gone to Camp Jackson to nurse influenza.

Mrs. C.T. Williams of Fletcher was seriously burned in Asheville last Wednesday while nursing a child for J.N. Garrenh. Her condition was reported as not being critical.

Jasper Lamb, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Lamb, has been quite ill with influenza. He had reached the point of embarkation when it was learned that he was not in physical shape for the trip.

Miss Bertha Foster, who has held a clerical position with the firm of E. Lewis & son during the summer, has resigned to accept school work in the Chimney Rock section.

Edgar Lance, who is seeing service in a New York hospital for the government, has been visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G.C. Lance at Fanning’s bridge for the past few days.

Miss Lola Shipman has accepted a desirable position in Greenville and is giving part of her time to a business course at Draughon’s college in that city.

Otis Byres, accompanied by his brother, Mitchell Byers, left last week for the Baptist orphanage at Thomisville, where the former will make his home. [yes, it was Byres on first reference and Byers on second; I don’t know which is correct]

Mrs. M.A. Brown of Park Hill has invited the Woman’s Club, both active and associate members, to meet with her Wednesday, October 23^rd, if public meetings are allowed at that time.

Rev. and Mrs. A.V. Reese received news last Friday of the safe arrival of their son, Sgt. Zollar L. Reese, who has bene stationed at Ft. Caswell with the 6^th Co. for the past year.

C.F. Bland is on a business trip to Washington, Philadelphia and New York City. Enroute home, he expects to visit his son, Frank, at the A. & E. college in West Raleigh.

Telegrams and letters from Georgia Military Academy in Atlanta have been sent to Mr. and Mrs. Sam Hodges stating that their son, Will, who is a student there, is sick with influenza.

Mrs. Wiltshire Griffith, who has been spending the summer with her mother and sisters, has returned to Fort Caswell, N.C., to join her husband, who is stationed there.

Mr. and Mrs. R.T. Thorn of Greenville, S.C., were recent visitors in Hendersonville. They were accompanied by the former’s sister, Miss Myrtle Thorn of St. Petersburg, Fla. She has since returned to St. Petersburg. Mr. and Mrs. Thorn’s son, R.T. Jr., is in school at Blue Ridge school for boys.

Rev. W.H. Davis and family expect to leave for Marietta, N.C., Robeson county, where Mr. Davis will be principal of a three-teacher school beginning Nov. 1. The school authorities will erect a cottage for the use of Mr. Davis and family. The school term will last for about six months.

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“Library Reading Room Is Closed During Quarantine,” from the French Broad Hustler, Hendersonville, Oct. 17, 1918.

Although the public library is open each day at the regular hours for the exchange of books, the reading room has been closed against use during the prevalence of Spanish influenza in the community.

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Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Bly Express Thanks, 1918

“A Card of Thanks,” from the French Broad Hustler, Hendersonville, Thursday, Oct. 17, 1918.

Words cannot express our appreciation of the numberless acts of kindness and tokens of sympathy which have come to us since the loss of our son, Radio Sgt. Donald H. Bly. Surely no one ever has had kinder friends. As we cannot see you all promptly, will not each one please consider this a personal message of thanks.

Yours with deep gratitude, Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Bly, Outlook, Hendersonville, Oct. 15, 1918