Diphtheria Epidemic in Grafton
submitted by Anne Kiely
On December 3, 1888, Jerusha Gardner, age 6, daughter of Lewis and Francelia Snyder Gardner, died from diphtheria. [private]In 1888 there were twenty-four deaths in Grafton, as recorded in the Town’s cemetery records. How many of these were from diphtheria?
Health officials were well aware of the contagion factor of this disease and the burial permit for Jerusha took care to insure the disease did not spread. There were grave concerns about a possible epidemic ensuing. Apparently this was not heeded for the Town received a letter from the State Board of Health later that year, severely chastising the Town in this matter. It reads, in part:
“We have been informed that three weeks ago there was brought to Grafton from New York City for interment a casket hermetically sealed containing the remains of a person who died of diphtheria.
It is asserted this casket was taken to the cemetery and there opened by the undertaker in order to give a chance to a large congregation to view the remains. This was a wanton violation of sanitary laws and the undertakers should be severely fined. It is further stated that diphtheria has broken out at Grafton, that there has already been one death and that no precautions are taken in the way of quarantining and isolating the sick, the prevalent idea being that the disease is not contagious or infectious and that it cannot be carried in clothes or given in any form to any one.
If the above statements are true they reveal a most alarming and culpable condition of things in your town and your Board of Health can clearly be held responsible.” [/private]