Spanish Influenza, Jan. 16, 1919

Sheridan Media reporter Pat Blair looks back in time, over 100 years ago, to the impact of Spanish influenza as reported in the pages of the Sheridan Enterprise in 1919.

The funeral of Mrs. J. J. Waddell was held at Reed’s chapel this morning, Jan. 16. Only the most intimate friends of the family were present owing to death being due to influenza. Mrs. Waddell died at Alliance, Neb., but she was a former resident of Sheridan.

Three cases of influenza, all in one family, were reported to the county health officer yesterday.

Evidence seems to prove that Spanish flu is a germ disease, spread principally by human contact. People are advised to avoid those who have colds, which means avoiding crowds.