Rev. Meredith and His Four Children Among Many Suffering from Flu in Scotland Neck, Jan. 3, 1918

From The Commonwealth, an afternoon daily published in Scotland Neck, N.C., January 3, 1919

Rev. Meredith Reported Ill

Rev. Reuben Meredith was taken down with fever on Tuesday and has had considerable temperature but today is somewhat better though he complains of pain in his back. He is very weak but it is hoped is progressing favorably.

Four of his children have also been taken down and have considerable fever, but Mrs. Meredith is attending them and it is expected that another day will show improvement.

Churches to Close Sunday

The local ministers, with the exception of Rev. Reuben Meredith who is sick in bed, met this morning and discussed the local health situation and determined, in the interest of the community, that it is advisable to discontinue Sunday School and Church services this coming Sunday, after which it could be determined whether the influenza was abating and it would be safe to open the places of worship the following Sunday.

Local Illnesses from the Personals Column

Mr. Lonnie Dunn is reported to be sick at his boarding house.

Little Miss Lillian Outerbridge of Hobgood is reported down with the flu, and that she has high fever.

Miss Gerty McDowell is reported ill this morning but her case has not been declared yet.

Mr. Hugh Johnson is reported slightly better this morning with temperature running about 101.

Mrs. Herbert McDowell is reported better this morning and has no temperature.

Mr. C.A. Paramore is reported better this morning, his fever having dropped during the last 24 hours.

Mr. J.H. Alexander Jr. is stated to be a trifle better this morning though he seems quite nauseated.

Orange Fields, a colored farmer near Hobgood, was in town this morning purchasing all kinds of medicine for the flu. He stated he had 30 cases on his place.

Mr. Bernard Allsbrook is at his home this morning sick but the doctor has not pronounced his case.

Mr. H.C. Bell, who has been ill in Dunn, N.C., returned Wednesday night and is progressing nicely now.

A phone message from Plymouth asking Mr. Paul Speed to meet little Billy Elmore stated that Mrs. J.G. Elmore had gone down with the flu and that her little son was being sent here until she recovered.

Mr. Ashby W. Dunn was quite sick yesterday with the flu but today is reported to be resting better.