1918: 100 years ago was the end of
The First World War, The Great War, the war to end all wars.
The year also marks the 100th
anniversary of the Spanish Flu (H1N1). A major flu pandemic which
infected 500 million worldwide and killed an estimated 20 to 50
million people.
My own great grandfather, a dairy
farmer, died from this flu. He was 60. It left my family in an
economic and financial limbo that would take years to recover from.
Many families in the Cupar and area
were dramatically affected.
Lloyd Keyser who served in WW1 died
November 1918 of Pneumonia following the Influenza. He is buried in
the cemetery in Cupar. His brother Earl also contacted the flu, but
survived.
In October 1918 the first death was
Mrs. Philip Weisbrod soon to follow Mr. Paul Hodel.
The Cupar Herald dated October 17 1918
gives more detail on efforts to contain the “disease”
By October 24 1918 3 more
deaths are announced in the north district
The Cupar Herald dated October 31 1918
announces all businesses to be closed to prevent the spread of the
flu and named a number of people who had died.
The Cupar Herald dated November 7 1918
noted that many people were being inoculated against the flu.
In the same issue Doctor Stuart advices
people to remain home as the vaccine may give only some immunity
against pneumonia and other complications.
The Cupar Herald dated November 21 1918
announces that an emergency hospital has been set up at the school.
The Cupar Herald December 5 1918 gives
news of closing of the emergency hospital in Cupar.
However this was not the end of flu
deaths. The James Mainland family of the McDonald Hills area (Enid)
had lost a son in the war. In January of 1919 according to The Cupar
Herald: Mrs. Mainland and 3 children: Mary, Rose and John succumbed
to the disease.
