The Prince George Citizen reports a local count of 21 deaths from influenza and 62 cases in the hospital: "While exact figures as to the number of influenza cases in Prince George are unobtainable today, it is the opinion of the city and provincial health authorities that the epidemic is on the wane, and while a number of serious cases are under treatment, a far greater number are in the convalescent stage and a considerable number have fully recovered. Up to last evening a total of twenty-one dead from influenza and its attendant ills have been taken in charge by the local undertaker. The large majority of these had come from outside points. Deaths in Prince George and its immediate environs do not a present exceed six...In the three temporary hospitals in Prince George there are sixty-two cases of influenza. About ten per cent of these are seriously ill."[4]
BCPP Inspector T.W.S. Parsons (South Fort George) attended five coroner's enquiries, visited both hospitals, and obtained extra help. He also sent a letter to "all employers of labor in [the] Division for their assistance with sick men".[5]
BCPP Constable Carl Johnson (South Fort George) "left South Fort George with medicines for Aleza Lake; investigated conditions of Spanish Flu along GTP [Grand Trunk Pacific Railway]; left medicines at [the] Davidson's [in] Aleza Lake".[5]
Deaths of John V. McCabe, Eva Coil Niedermaier, Hattie May Guss, Marif Nazarek, and Mary Jane Joseph.
Deaths of Percy Dunton Hiscock, Paul Hesse, and Anastasia Louie.
BCPP Inspector T.W.S. Parsons (South Fort George) obtained extra help for the two Provincial hospitals in Prince George; the officer in charge of the Union Rooms hospital went home sick. Parsons himself received medical attention. [5]
BCPP Constable W.R. Henley (Vanderhoof) sick in bed with influenza and notes that the count of deaths from Spanish influenza in the Vanderhoof community is 2. [5]
Deaths of Thomas H.L. Fisher, Garnett McManus, Hilda Theresa Feren, Adeline Fradie Qua, and Joseph Qua.
The Prince George Citizen reports a local count of 30 deaths from influenza and 72 cases in the hospital: "Opinion is about evenly divided as to whether the influenza epidemic in Prince George is abating or on the increase. Hospital officials are inclined to the opinion that the outbreak remains about stationary in point of numbers affected, while the death rate for the past two days has been slightly increased. There are a number of serious cases still in hospital and private homes, while a great number have recovered and are now attending to their daily duties. There are now 72 cases of influenza receiving treatment in the three temporary hospitals. Of these perhaps six or seven are in somewhat serious condition. Of the temporary hospitals the Connaught hotel has 25 patients, the Union Rooms 23, and the Millar School 24. There are perhaps 25 additional cases being treated in private homes. Up to 9 a.m. today, the total number of deaths since the outbreak of the disease is 30. The majority of these were residents of outside points, particularly the lumber camps east of the city. In practically every fatal case from the surrounding distract the patient was in an advanced stage of influenza before being sent here."[4]
BCPP Inspector T.W.S. Parsons (South Fort George) received an urgent call for medical assistance from Willow River. He sent Constable Johnson. Johnson investigated the conditions of Spanish influenza at Willow River, provided medicine to the Nazareks in Willow River, then proceeded to Giscome. [5]
Deaths of Antoine Qua, Harold C. Feren, Chief Louie, Alphorsine John, Mary F. Seymour, and Katherine Gazimel
BCPP Inspector T.W.S. Parsons (South Fort George) worked throughout the day in the emergency hospitals and opened an account for the Connaught Emergency Hospital with the Bank of Montreal. He also arranged a health patrol to Aleza Lake. [5]
Deaths of Emma Mocbus, Elizabeth Davidson, Alderie Pelletier, and Uldenic Pellitrin
BCPP Inspector T.W.S. Parsons (South Fort George) proceeded to Prince George, worked in the emergency hospitals, and arranged for the reception of sick men from Scandia Hotel to the hospital. He also met with military police regarding sick defaulters. [5]
Death of Johnnie Pierre Roy
Deaths of Lee Esties and Virginia Qua
The Prince George Citizen reports: "The influenza epidemic may be said to have passed its worst stage in Prince George and vicinity, according to reports from medical men and hospital authorities. While a large number of patients are still in hospital, practically all are convalescent, and most of them, if present progress continues, will be discharged this week. A few new cases continue to arrive from the lumber camps, but there are of a comparatively milder type than the earlier arrivals. From all parts of the district the report comes that the epidemic is moderating and the affected ones rapidly recovering. The death rate has been particularly heavy among the Indians, several deaths in the local tribe having occurred during the past few days."[4]
BCPP Inspector T.W.S. Parsons (South Fort George) worked on hospital accounts and intestate estates and later visited both hospitals. He discharged patients from the Union Rooms hospital and rendered accounts, as well as making arrangements for milk supplies. [5]
Deaths of George Lloyd Jorgenson, Baby Girl Jorgenson, Aroud Nordquist, George Boutiz, Daniel Nelson, and Annie Nizoygit
BCPP Inspector T.W.S. Parsons (South Fort George) made up hospital vouchers, went to the emergency hospitals and entered 3 patients. He also sent a child back to Willow River and arranged for its upkeep during its parent's illness. [5]
Deaths of Phillipe Boutez and Frank Dyer Jorgenson
BCPP Inspector T.W.S. Parsons (South Fort George) visited the emergency hospitals and arranged for the admission of "indigent women from Fort George". Constable Johnson was sent to investigate the conditions of Spanish influenza along the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway route; he went to Hutton, Dewey, and Penny then returned to South Fort George. [5]
The Prince George Citizen reports: "Up to the present a total of forty-six deaths from the influenza epidemic have been recorded in this immediate district. The number of cases reaches will into the hundreds and no exact figures can be obtained. The death rate, therefore, is comparatively small and considering that the majority of fatal cases were brought in from outlying districts in an advanced stage of the disease and before receiving any treatment whatever, the percentage of deaths is very low, and speaks well for the treatment accorded influenza sufferers in this city. There are today about sixty cases in the temporary hospitals with probably an equal number affected in private homes. The great percentage of these are now in the convalescent stage. Outlying sections report a continued decrease in the numbers affected, and a gradual recovery from the illness."[4]
BCPP Inspector T.W.S. Parsons (South Fort George) visited both hospitals, worked on their accounts, and arranged for the burials of deceased persons. [5]
Deaths of Henry Charles Parsons and George G. Thompson
BCPP Constable Charles Tame (Lucerne) posted up notices at the post office and the railway station regarding the quarantine of Lucerne. He met trains and patrolled the town and yards. [5]
The Prince George Citizen reports that the epidemic is on the decline: "The "flu" epidemic has rapidly abated during the past week and very few new cases are reported. There are still a considerable number of patients in hospital and practically all are reported convalescent. It is believed by city authorities that the end of this week will see the temporary hospital in the Millar School clear of patients. The temporary hospital in the Union Rooms which has been conducted by the provincial government authorities, was closed today and the convalescent patients removed to the Connaught Hotel, also in charge of the government. Deputy Inspector Parsons, of the provincial police, and Dr. Lazier, medical health officer, who since the outbreak of the epidemic have labored night and day in ministering to those from outside points, are today finding their work a little less strenuous, though their labors are by no means over."[4]
BCPP Inspector T.W.S. Parsons (South Fort George) proceeded to Prince George and visited both emergency hospitals. He closed the Union Rooms emergency hospital and transferred patients. He arranged with the Public Health Officer to reopen churches and schools. [5]
The Prince George Citizen reported that "Father Coccola [in Vanderhoof] from his medical mission among the Indians at Stony Creek reserve, states that 42 deaths had occurred in the native village, and all the Indians were afflicted with the disease. He also stated that he had heard from his associate priests in other towns, and was told 45 deaths had occurred in Anyox, 67 in Prince Rupert, and 46 in Prince George."[4]
Deaths of Susie Unrau and John Heildman
BCPP Inspector T.W.S. Parsons (South Fort George) received his first injection of "anti-influenza serum" at the Connaught Hospital. He returned to the barracks at 7 pm, sick and unfit for further duty. [5]
Death of Otto Gross
The Prince George Citizen reports that the BC Provincial Police have lifted the ban: "The order forbidding the holding of assemblages and all public gatherings in the district has been rescinded by the provincial police. In this immediate vicinity the cancellation of the order will apply to Fort George and South Fort George, but is also applicable to every settlement in the district outside of Prince George. Schools and churches are now permitted to reassemble and other public gatherings are not prohibited."[4]
The Prince George Citizen reports "There are forty-two influenza patients now receiving treatment in the hospitals here. Nearly all are in a convalescent stage."[4]
Death of Jennie Louisa Westman
The Prince George Citizen reports "J.D. Charleson, of Vanderhoof, is in the city today. He states that the influenza plague has proved particularly deadly among the Indians of that section, over fifty of the Stony Creek tribe and more than forty of the Stuart Lake Indians having fallen victims. As a result of so many deaths among the natives fur dealers believe this winter's catch in the local section will be one of the smallest on record."[4]
The Prince George Citizen reports "All patients at the city hospital are recovering nicely from influenza, and it is proposed to close the emergency at the end of this week if present favorable conditions continue."[4]
Death of Agnes Ruth Keller
The Prince George Citizen reports that the emergency hospital is to be closed down: "The rapid decline of the influenza epidemic was announced by Mayor Perry at last night's meeting of the city council, his worship stating that in all probability the emergency hospital being maintained by the city would be closed within the next few days. It was stated that Dr. Lyon, the medical health officer, had permitted the opening of churches and also the poolrooms, but he believed a general lifting of the ban was not yet advisable."[4]
Death of Mary Leuzinger
A meeting of the City of Prince George Health Committee was held on this date: "His Worship [Mayor Perry] stated the reason for the call of meeting that now that the danger perios [sic], so far as the epidemic was concerned, had been passed, he thought it would be advisable for to take up the matter of re-opening the City and asking for the lifting of the order in Council governing the same. He read a communication from Dr. Lyons informing the Committee that in his opinion as Medical Health Officer, the necessity of keeping the town closed no longer existed. It was moved by His Worship the Mayor and seconded by Alderman Gaskill that the Health Committee request the Government to withdraw the order in Council in so far as it effects the City of Prince George, and that the same date from the first day of December, 1918. His Worship reported to the Committee that it was the intention to close the Miller [Millar] Addition Hospital on Sunday or Monday the first or second day of December."[6]
BCPP Inspector T.W.S. Parsons (South Fort George) remarks that "considerable abatement in Spanish Influenza is noted generally". [5]
Vanderhoof, Dec. 2 - There have been no less than seventy deaths among the Indians of the Stuart Lake district, and it is conservatively estimated there will be another twenty-five. The chief and his wife died last week. Whole families have been wiped out. Many who were out trapping have been picked up in the bush dead. Search parties are now out looking for missing natives. The epidemic is still raging and apparently has no mercy for the poor Indian.[4]
The Prince George Citizen reports that the public school reopened with a good attendance.[4]
The Prince George Citizen reports that "The city emergency hospital which for several weeks has been conducted in the high school building was closed...the two or three remaining influenza patients having been removed to their homes. This week the building is receiving a thorough fumigation. It is expected the high school classes will be resumed next week."[4]
Death of Andrew Walter Jackson
The Prince George Citizen reports "There are still a few cases of influenza under treatment in the provincial emergency hospital at the Connaught Hotel. Most of the patients are convalescent, though an occasional new case is brought in from the surrounding district."[4]
The Prince George Citizen reports "Several new cases of influenza are reported in the city this week. The disease, however, appears to be of a much milder type than that of a month ago. There are still about a dozen cases under treatment at the provincial emergency hospital."[4]
The Prince George Citizen reports "Deputy Inspector Parsons, of the provincial police, has returned from a visit to police posts westward as far as Hazelton. He states that the mortality among the Indians in certain sections, due to influenza, has been heavy. On the Fort St. James and Stony Creek reserves there were 117 deaths. Among some of the Indian bands in the Hazelton district practically 25 per cent of the members had succumbed to the plague."[4]
BCPP Inspector T.W.S. Parsons (South Fort George) commenced his preparation of an "Epidemic report" and visited the hospital in Prince George. [5] This epidemic report is summarized in a Prince George Citizen article from January 14, 1919. The location of the original report is unknown.
Death of Isabella McLeod A. Jackson
The Prince George Citizen reports on the economic impact of the Spanish influenza on the city's coffers. The City Council "spent the evening in discussing and checking an accumulation of bills aggregating $3,223.32, many of which were incurred in support of the influenza hospital and the public schools."[4]
BCPP Inspector T.W.S. Parsons (South Fort George) proceeded to Prince George and "obtained cheque account hospital fees for $300 and handed same to government agent". [5]
The Prince George Citizen reports that "One hundred and fifty-four Indians, out of a total of 1400 in this district have to date fallen victims to the influenza plague, according to the statement of Mr. W. J. McAllan, district Indian agent. Many of those who have recovered from the epidemic are in a weak state of health and unless extremely careful of themselves until strength is regained will be liable to further serious complications. During the epidemic that has raged among the natives Mr. McAllan and the veteran missionary, Father Coccola, have been indefatigable in their efforts to relieve the suffering Indians. Father Coccola is himself a physician of recognized ability, and to the untiring efforts of him and the department officials may be ascribed the recovery of so many of those who were stricken."[4]
BCPP Inspector T.W.S. Parsons (South Fort George) visited the Connaught Hotel emergency hospital and outlined a plan for closing it. [5]
BCPP Inspector T.W.S. Parsons (South Fort George) completed his draft of an "Epidemic report" and visited the hospital in Prince George. [5] This epidemic report is summarized in a Prince George Citizen article from January 14, 1919. The location of the original report is unknown.
Death of Harman Emmebuan
The Prince George Citizen reports that "The provincial emergency hospital in the Connaught Hotel is being closed today. The few remaining patients are being removed to other quarters."[4]
BCPP Inspector T.W.S. Parsons (South Fort George) remarks that between December 22 and 31 he was sick and unfit for active duty. [5]
Death of Asbjorn Osmunson Kjitsaa
Death of John Anderson Strome
The BC Provincial Police compiled a report on the impacts of the Spanish influenza in Northern BC. The location of the original report is unknown, but the information in the report was shared in the Prince George Citizen:[4]
EIGHTEEN HUNDRED CASES OF INFLUENZA IN NORTHERN BC
The Citizen is indebted to the provincial police for the following information relating to the late influenza epidemic as it was felt in this district:
The first manifestation of this epidemic was noticed in Prince George on October 15th, 1918. Prior to this its presence had been established at Lucerne, near the eastern provincial boundary. Thereafter outbreaks were reported from centres often widely apart, but invariably in proximity to railway depots, pointing to dissemination by transients and railway employees.
Acting on instructions from government agents, the provincial police alleviated the sufferings of a great many in isolated sections. The officers were frequently called upon to serve both as doctor and nurse, and were active day and night, in many instances contracting the disease they were called upon to fight.
On October 16th, under provincial auspices, the Connaught Hotel, Prince George, was converted into an emergency hospital. Accommodation thus provided being insufficient, further quarters were opened on October 23rd in the Union Rooms.
At their inception these hospitals were staffed by voluntary helpers, but the strain on this assistance becoming great, owing to illness in the homes of many of the volunteers, thereafter salaried workers were employed.
From information obtained from various sources there were approximately 1800 known cases in the district between Lucerne on the east and Kitselas on the west. Of these 220 succumbed to pneumoniac complications. It is noteworthy that those suffering from pulmonary complications were usually men physically robust.
Mortality among Indians was exceedingly heavy and may be attributed to lack of care consequent upon their nomadic tendencies, coupled with a native stoicism when finally prostrated.
Prince George Hospitals
About sixty beds were provided in the two provincial hospitals in Prince George [the Connaught Hotel and the Union Rooms]. A fortunate government purchase of blankets was particularly opportune owing to a general local shortage. A dearth of essential drugs developed early, and the attorney-general's conditional assent to the seizure of liquor held by the Canadian Express Company was timely.
At both hospitals a superintendent was placed in complete charge with a necessary staff of nurses and orderlies. Mr. W.D. Smith, at the Connaught, and Mr. A. Wright, at the Union--subsequently taken ill and replaced by Mr. F. Tapley--rendered excellent service.
The entire management of the two hospitals was in the hands of Captain (Dr.) Lazier, who worked long hours in connection with the epidemic, besides caring for a large number of outside patients. Dr. Lazier was suffering severely from phlebitis [inflammation of a vein, usually in the legs] during the whole of this period and was able to walk only with the greatest difficulty.
Stony Creek Indians
The epidemic's course ran with exceptional severity on the Stony Reserve near Vanderhoof, and but for the splendid work of Rev. Father Coccola, many more would have died. Affectionately known throughout the north, Father Coccola has spent the greater part of a long life in this section of the province, and his success in this instance was due to the implicit trust placed in him by the Indians.
[1] Wikipedia. Military history of Canada during World War I. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history_of_Canada_during_World_War_I
[2] CDC. 1918 Pandemic Influenza Historic Timeline. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/1918-commemoration/pandemic-timeline-1918.htm
[3] Corless Funeral Ledger
[4] Prince George Citizen newspaper. http://pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca/
[5] Daily Provincial Police reports. South Fort George. 1918. GR-0445.48.16-18. BC Archives. https://search-bcarchives.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/south-fort-george-6
[6] Prince George City Council Meeting Minutes https://libguides.unbc.ca/1918_flu_epidemic/pg_city_council_minutes
