Genealogy and History Fan

Have you ever read a historical article, novel or old death certificate and come across a strange sounding ailment or disease? The following are some of the more common diseases or sicknesses and what they were called in “bygone days”.

Pneumonia might be called Lung Fever or Winter Fever. Tuberculosis was commonly called Consumption, but might also be described as African Consumption, Galloping Consumption or Lung Sickness. Influenza was La Grippe or Grippe.

The common cold might be called Coryza. General terms for infection were Corruption of Mortification. Anemia was Green Sickness. Skin infections were sometimes called St. Anthony’s Fire. A boil was called a Whitlow.

Tonsillitis was known as Quinsey. Other names for Malaria were Congestive Fever or Remitting Fever. Ague was the persistent recurring chills and fever of Malaria. If a person suffered a stroke it was called Apoplexy.

Small pox was also known or Black Pox. A concussion might be listed as a Commotion. Whooping Cough was called Chin Cough. A sun stroke was known as Brain Fever. Various types of mental illnesses were called Bethlehemite.

I recently saw a number of these diseases listed as cause of death on an 1870 Mortality Schedule. Hope this list helps you identify some “strange” sicknesses that really aren’t so strange after all.

About two years into the American Revolutionary War, the British captured Philadelphia. The humiliated members of The Continental Congress had to flee the city to save their lives.

General George Washington led his army of 12,000 to a place called Valley Forge which was about 20 miles from Philadelphia. It was December with snow and a harsh wind blowing. There were no buildings to use as barracks. They pitched tents for some shelter while they built small huts of sticks and logs held together with mud plaster. Over 1,000 dirt floored drafty log huts were constructed by the army. Their clothes were little more than rags and some of the men had no shoes! These terrible conditions were made worse by few supplies (blankets, medicine etc.) and scant amounts of poor quality food.

Although no military battles were fought at Valley Forge, many lost their lives while camped there for six months. Typhus, typhoid, dysentery, and pneumonia were the predominant killers - downing about 2,000 men. Also hundreds of horses starved to death.

General Washington stayed with his army throughout the winter (1777-1778). The men who did survive became stronger and more confident. By spring there was plenty of food and the men received proper clothing.

Their German born skilled drill sergeant Baron von Steuben, began rigorously training the army in much needed military tactics. They left Valley Forge with renewed energy, high spirits, greater abilities and a firm will to win the fight for independence.

I have two fifth great grandfathers with the last name of Miller from Pennsylvania. I have written about both of them in previous articles. They were soldiers in the Revolution. Frederick survived the War but Peter did not.

According to family records, Peter fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill and also took part in the Boston Tea Party. Sadly Peter lost his life at Valley Forge where he is buried. He left behind his wife and five young children.

May our Country ever remain “the land of the free and the home of the brave”.

Happy Birthday America!

June 17, 1775 was the date of the first major battle between the “Brits” and the Colonial troops. This fighting occurred in Boston and was known as the Battle of Bunker Hill, even though the actual location was on Breed’s Hill.

As 2000 British soldiers marched up the hill, the Americans were given the orders not to fire until they saw “the whites of their eyes.” The Americans held off the British in two separate attacks in quick succession. About 30 minutes later the British attacked a third time. The Colonists soon ran out of ammunition and were left only with bayonets to defend themselves. The British won this fight but lost over half their troops. The Americans lost about 400 men.

On July 6, 1775 The Continental Congress presented a declaration of the “Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms.” The proclamation listed the Colonists reason for fighting Great Britain. It also stated in no uncertain terms, that America was “resolved to die free men rather than live as slaves”.

In November the American Navy was established by Congress. Right before Christmas, British King George III issued a royal edict to close off the Colonies to all commerce and trade.

In June 1776 a huge British war fleet docked in New York Harbor. This fleet consisted of 30 battleships with 1200 cannons, 30,000 soldiers, 10,000 Navy men, and 300 supply ships.

On June 7th Virginia Congressman Richard H. Lee presented a formal resolution to Congress that called for America to declare it’s independence from England. A few days later Congress appointed a committee to compose a declaration of independence. Committee members were Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Livingston and Roger Sherman. Jefferson, who was chosen to write the document was able to complete the first draft in only one day! Jefferson presented his paper to Congress on June 28th. A few changes were made by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. On July 2nd, twelve of the colonial delegations (New York abstained) voted to support and adopt Lee’s resolution for independence.

On July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress formally endorsed Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence. Copies of the document were prepared and delivered to all of the Colonies. The actual signing did not occur until August 2nd. All 55 members of the Congress signed their names to that now famous and revered document. The war continued for nearly seven more years which will be topics for future articles.

My German born fifth great grandfather Frederick Miller, lived in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in 1776. He was eighteen when he became a soldier in the Revolution. He survived the war, went on to marry and was the father of seven children. I salute all the brave men who fought to make this a free and independent country.

“These are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country: but he that stands… deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny… is not easily conquered. Yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”
Thomas Paine (written December 1776)

Have a happy and safe 4th of July celebration!