Flu Hit Benson Hard, Church and Schools Still Suspended, Jan. 9, 1919

From The Dunn Dispatch, Jan. 9, 1919

Several Deaths at Benson From Flu

Benson, Jan. 6—During the past 10 days more deaths have occurred in Benson and community than for the same length of time in the history of the section. All of them have been due to attacks of influenza. While the disease is somewhat abated now there are quite a number still suffering with the flu in some stage or other.

George F. Moore, deputy U.S. marshal, is confined to his room with influenza and P.D. Johnson is convalescing from an attack.

A.L. Barefoot died at his home here on Thursday morning and was buried Thursday afternoon. He was 50 years of age and is survived by his wife and two sons, Jefferson and Sherwood. He was one of the best merchants in Benson and had long enjoyed the full confidence of the people. He had been for eight years chairman of the county Republican executive committee.

Isham Woodall, the 16-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Preston Woodall, died of complications following an attack of influenza Thursday and was buried Friday afternoon. He was a very brilliant young man and had won the respect of all ages and classes of people in the town and community.

Church services and schools in this immediate section are still suspended on account of the influenza epidemic.

A large amount of cotton is being marked here now which is probably due to the advance in price. Farmers who have been holding cotton all fall are putting it on the market.

As soon as health conditions become normal and the weather permits, the town commissioners are planning to begin operations in the installation of the waterworks and sewerage system which was deferred from last spring on account of the war. After this work is done plans are being considered to pave some of principal streets in town.