By Rit Carter
As the sun rose Monday, Oct. 7, 1918, at 6:53 a.m., Bristol Police Detective Edward Cullem rose his stocky 5’10″ frame and readied himself for work. Despite nursing a cold, he had reason to feel pretty good.
Officer Cullem apprehended two suspects wanted regarding a burglary at the Lester Clothing Store in the preceding days. With some good detective work and the aid of the Terryville and New Britain Police Departments, the two suspects were in custody in a Bristol jail cell.
And there was a string of robberies concerning a Pequabuck department store, the Terryville train station, and a Bristol retailer that he was close to resolving.
As he stepped out into the crisp morning air from his home at the west end of Laurel St. at No. 179, which he shared with his wife Mary, Detective Cullem did not have far to walk. Police headquarters, located at 15 N. Main, was four-tenths of a mile away.
Proceeding down Laurel, he passed Hotel Butler, George Stecher’s delicatessen, and the shoeshine stand nestled between barber Francesco Martellitti and the proprietor William Treutlein who owned City Bakery, which had fresh loaves of bread, cookies, and pies that teased and seduced passersby in the store window.
N. Main brought Bristol Hardware, restaurants, and a newsstand where you could get the Bristol Press for two cents and for one additional “wheat-back” the Hartford Courant.
Crossing the alleyway that separated buildings, he then entered the first floor of 15 N. Main St., but unbeknownst to Detective Sergeant Cullem, as he navigated his way through the labyrinth of filing cabinets and desks to his office is this would be his final commute because, within 72 hours, the 38-year-old would be dead.
The Pandemic
In June of 1917, John T. Black was appointed state health commissioner with a salary of $4,000 a year. At the time of his hiring, he had no way of knowing that in 427 days, a pandemic would engulf the state and kill 9,000 residents.
As the Spanish flu spread across Connecticut in the early fall and citizens became alarmed, Dr. Black urged cities and towns not to close schools or churches, despite all industries being affected. Instead, the Department of Health banned playing cards in saloons.
“When you close public gatherings, you assume that it will stop the epidemic. Well, it won’t. Closing theatres, schools, and churches will have little effect unless you go ahead and close factories, offices, and railroad trains,” Black explained.
Dr. Black was also no fan of masks. His department recommended using gauze masks where exposure was most certain. However, he thought it was futile to wear face-coverings while walking the streets, as done in several communities.
By the second week of October, though, with the death toll climbing rapidly and cemeteries overrun, local leaders ignored the health commissioner and began closing churches and schools.
School Closings:
- Ansonia September 30
- Berlin October 10
- Bloomfield October 23
- Bristol October 5
- Danbury October 4
- Greenwich October 14
- Manchester October 19
- Portland October 1
- Stafford October 20
- Suffield October 16 but due to a resurgence, closed again November 17
- Terryville October 7
- Thompsonville October 12
- Wallingford September 30
- West Hartford October 1
- Willimantic September 27
- Windsor Locks October 30
In Bristol, there were only 18 “mild” cases of Spanish Influenza on Sept. 27.
By Oct. 5 though, by order of Bristol’s acting health director Dr. Henry B. Spring, schools, churches, and theatres closed and would remain closed for a month. One week later there were 1,000 Bristol cases, including 400 at New Departure.
Despite the mounting cases, amateur sports carried on. In Bristol, The West End, Bristol’s amateur football team, played through the pandemic, which did not come without a cost. Andy Muckavich, their star halfback, died in mid-November due to influenza and pneumonia after only being sick a week. He was 26-years-old and was in the middle of his first season with the club.
It is not like the government did not know the Spanish flu was coming.
The troops fighting in the European theater were infected and suffering, and stateside military camps on the east coast, where recruits were training and preparing for war, reported 23,000 influenza cases. And troop transport headed to Europe were infected. By the end of the war, 45,000 American soldiers died from Spanish flu.
Throughout the pandemic, our government leaders were mostly silent.
An examination of the Bristol Press from October shows no statements by or articles mentioning Mayor Joseph Dutton urging residents to protect themselves. This is not to infer that he did not care. Far from it. His niece Chloe was infected with the grippe (the term at the time) and he did plead with state officials to secure more doctors and nurses for Bristol because many were overseas with the war and those that remained were among the sick. (Curious as to how Dutton’s administration handled the pandemic internally, I requested their records from the city. Unfortunately, that information no longer exists.)
Gov. Marcus H. Holcomb was mostly quiet too, much like Dutton. You will be hard-pressed to find any front-page stories with the governor regarding the pandemic. A review of the Hartford Courant for October shows no front-page stories with Gov. Holcomb and the pandemic. The scant stories about the pandemic are lost among the war reporting.
What about President Woodrow Wilson, you ask? The president never issued a public statement about the pandemic because he did not want anything to interfere with the war effort.
So, what would why would the mayor and the governor have what appears to be tepid public reactions to a pandemic that was laying siege to their residents?
The focus was the war and due to wartime censorship, the goal was to downplay the flu and keep morale amongst citizens and soldiers alike, while preventing the enemy from knowing the extent of the outbreak as well. To ensure that war morale did not falter, the federal government had a willing partner in that endeavor.
Edward J. Cullem
Detective Cullem left work Monday, Oct. 7, because he was feeling ill. On Oct. 9, he was transferred to St. Francis Hospital for treatment. Despite being under the constant care of two nurses and a physician, his condition worsened.
Shortly after 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, Detective Cullem died.
Edward J. Cullem was born in Bristol on Aug. 28, 1880, and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Cullem. Edward attended Bristol schools and following graduation, he took up employment as a clerk for grocer James Monaghan.
He resigned to become a police officer and received his appointment on Feb. 3, 1906.
Along with his parents, he was survived by his wife Mary (Brouillard) to whom he married in October of 1909 in Unionville, and by two brothers and two sisters.
Colleagues and associates of Detective Cullem admired him for being even-tempered, fearless, and a man of excellent judgment with sympathy for the less fortunate.
His obituary read, “In his death, the city loses a substantial citizen and a true and faithful servant. He had the confidence of every businessman in the city, the esteem, and regard of all who knew him. The sympathy of the entire community goes out to the family and their great loss.”
What Do you Say, Partner?
According to state records, Bristol’s most challenging period was the weeks of Oct. 12 and Oct. 19, with 30 reported deaths each week. Despite crowded obituaries in The Bristol Press, the news from the battlefield dominated the front page.
The deadliest day in Bristol was Thursday, Oct. 10, with 10 reported deaths. On the Bristol Press front page were the following stories:
- Enemy Retreats in Haste on Long Front, Burning Towns as He Goes-Americans in New Attack
- Lively Interest Being Shown in Art Exhibit
- Americans Strike Enemy Hard
- Steamer Torpedoed Six Hundred Lives Lost
- Archbishop Abducted by Germans
- Influenza Hits South Africa and Western Canada
- Schools to Remain Closed Next Week
- Moving Pictures Will Be Curtailed
- More Prizes in Art Contest
- An Emergency Doctor Will Be Sent to Bristol at Once
Throughout October, despite the death and the suffering, the Press’s only front-page stories related to Spanish Influenza were:
Sat. 10-5 Schools, Churches and Theatres Ordered Closed
Fri. 10-11 An Emergency Doctor Will Be Sent to Bristol at Once
Fri. 10-18 Closing Order is Continued for Another Week
Sat. 10-19 Emergency Hospital Needs Fresh Eggs
Tue.10-22 Emergency Hospital Cases Improved
Thu. 10-24 Emergency Hospital Does Great Work During First Week
Sat. 10-26 Schools Open Monday
Mon. 10-28 Cases Improve at Emergency Hospital
Due to the “Great War,” a nursing shortage existed, so on Oct. 7, the state appealed for doctors and nurses to help with the pandemic. The Press published the request but tucked it inside on page 5.
Newspapers throughout the country reported constructive pandemic information, but nothing that could be interpreted as unfavorable or critical.
It is not as though death and suffering were a secret to newspaper reporters. Indeed, the reporters lived in the neighborhoods, and they were talking to relatives, friends, and neighbors and heard the stories. In fact, amid the madness, S. Taylor Baldwin, the Hartford Courant reporter assigned to cover Bristol, died due to influenza and pneumonia on Oct. 21.
The closest the Press ever came to being critical was the partial publication of a report by Dr. J.B. White of the United States Public Health Services.
Because Bristol needed medical professionals, the United States Public Health Services sent Dr. White to Bristol to treat the ill. Dr. White was here for more than a month and saw countless patients and visited the stricken homes.
While his assignment was concluding, he issued a report to the state detailing what he encountered by writing, “I saw instances where as many as eight or ten in one family were so prostrated, they were utterly unable to render assistance to each other.” This situation repeated itself in many homes.
The report went further concerning the conditions he found, “But from my own personal observation in Bristol I venture to state that the extension of the epidemic in certain parts of your city is easily accounted for by the plague of flies, which infested certain unsavory localities furnishing fertile breeding spots for these pests as a no-doubt carried infection to better and remote sections of the city.”
Dr. White’s findings were partially published by the Press the last week of November. By then, though, the war was over, and the Spanish flu had nearly run its course, and the daily comings and goings had mostly returned to normal. (I inquired with both the state and the local health department’s for a full copy of the report, but it no longer exists.)
Through the pandemic’s turbulent months (October-December), the Bristol Press and the Hartford Courant published modest warnings on protecting against Spanish influenza. Bristol Press readers would have to read between the lines and put all the stories together to know a problem was at hand by scanning the obituaries and the gossip column that reported who was sick in town.
How could this be?
The Espionage and Sedition Acts of 1917 saw to it.
The law (acts) passed after the U.S. committed to entering World War I was designed to limit dissent by criminalizing any disloyal, profane, scurrilous, or abusive language” about the U.S. government or military, or any speech intended to “incite insubordination, disloyalty, mutiny, or refusal of duty.” Newspapers faced with such threats could be shuttered, fined and jailed.
The Wilson administration muzzled the media and newspapers regarding the pandemic. Not wanting to appear unpatriotic or face prosecution, the media went along.
One newspaper, the Jefferson County Union of Wisconsin, was threatened with prosecution. The newspaper published a report advising that the Spanish flu was more severe than the public was led to believe.
Newspapers like the Bristol Press did not have the means to stand up against such threats.
The fervor of patriotism was dripping everywhere.
For example, in May of 1918, Rev. Theodore Beussel of the German Lutheran Church on Judd St. was arrested for sedition and convicted in July (a future story we are working on). What did he say? Among several statements, the ones that stood out were that the conflict was a Wall St. War, and the Kaiser was a better leader than President Wilson. He was sentenced to ten years in prison, and his U.S. citizenship was revoked (Wilson pardoned Rev. Beussel after the war).
The Bristol Press took note.
Laid to Rest
On Sunday, Oct. 13, at approximately 2 p.m. and under the canopy of a seasonal fall day, a large contingent of family, friends, and local dignitaries attended the funeral of Officer Edward C. Cullem.
Among those in attendance included Bristol’s governmental body from Mayor Dutton to the city council, police chief Ernest T. Belden and the entire Bristol Police Department dressed in full uniform.
The solemn funeral at Officers Cullem’s parents’ home at 18 Prospect Place had many floral tributes adorning the house from family and friends, including a large broken wheel from the police force.
The service, conducted by Rev. Thomas J. Keena of St. Joseph Parish, followed the Catholic funeral rites and traditions. The bearers were police Chief Belden, Officers Doyle, McGillicuddy, Lambert, Duffy, and Rourke.
It was a tribute to Officer Cullem that so many attended. At the time, the city was about to hit its peak of Spanish influenza-related deaths. Over the next two weeks, another 60 residents would succumb while countless others would suffer but outlast the disease.
Following the ceremony, to avoid the railroad tracks, which was the custom, the mourners took an unconventional route to St. Thomas Cemetery for the committal service.
Officer Cullem is buried in the family lot located at the east end of the cemetery.
The Last Waltz
“I mean, they say you die twice. One time when you stop breathing and a second time, a bit later on, when somebody says your name for the last time.” ― Banksy (street artist, political activist, and film director)
The Spanish flu killed 50 million worldwide, 675,000 Americans, and 9,000 Connecticut residents. It was the most destructive force since the Middle Ages.
In just three months, 113 Bristol residents (official state number) perished, and another 2,000 were sick. Yet, there is no memorial or acknowledgment. No annual retrospectives, historical programs, and no thank you to the doctors and nurses who came to Bristol in its time of need to aid and comfort the ill and dying.
Conversely, the Flood of 55 garners much historical attention in town. There are annual retrospectives, video montages, newspaper articles, and remembrances, and yet no one died; only buildings and property were destroyed.
The average age of death was between 20 and 40 years old; the victims struck down in the prime of their lives. For many, their lives never had the opportunity to flourish. The youngest acknowledged death in Bristol is 2-months old, with at least 10 deaths under the age of 2, which does not include infant deaths at the time of birth to mothers who died due to Spanish flu.
Before writing a word about the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, I knew very little. The extent of my knowledge was there was a pandemic called the Spanish flu, and many died. Through this experience, I learned that my great grandmother died at the Parish House and viewpoints can sharpen, and matters can come into focus when there is a personal connection.
Among Bristol’s dead were mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters and singers, umpires, laborers, engineers and volunteers. The fabric of a vital community that makes it prosper and grow.
Perhaps if the pandemic of 1918 was given more attention and scrutiny, the problems we face with our current dilemma would not be so harsh. For those keeping score at home, we are 0-2 when it comes to how we handle pandemics.
The Fallen: Who Were They?
Alexander, Emile (28)
Emile Alexander, a well-known resident of Bristol, died on Friday, Nov. 1, at his home at 6 Laurel Pl. following an illness of a week with influenza and pneumonia. Emile was employed in New Departure and an expert mechanic, a faithful and conscientious employee, and was well regarded amongst his shop mates. He was a member of the St. Jean Baptist Society. In 1913, he married Miss Eva Lapierre, who survived him.
Anderson, Anton (33)
Anton Anderson, a well-known Bristol’s young businessman and president of the F.A. Schaeffer Company passed away at his home on Willis St. after an illness of 10 days with Spanish influenza and pneumonia.
He was devoted to family and friends and regarded highly in the community. Anton’s brother Carl died in December due to pneumonia.
Anelli, Ambrocio (30)
Ambrocio Anelli died at his home on Pine St. due to pneumonia in October. Originally from Italy, he worked for The Bristol Brass and was survived by his wife and several small children.
Bacon, Donald (14)
Three days following his mother, Mrs. Louise Bacon’s death, Donald died at his grandparents’ home, Mr. and Mrs. Gideon Ouellette, after an illness of a week with Spanish influenza and pneumonia. He attended Northside School and was very bright and popular with his classmates and teachers.
Mrs. Louisa Bacon, the wife of George Bacon, died as a result of influenza and pneumonia. She was born in Bristol and worked for The Horton Manufacturing Company. She was survived by her husband, one son, her parents, and one brother. Her sister, Jeannette Ouellette, would also perish.
Bailey, Ruth (27)
Miss Bailey of 36 South St. died at Hartford Hospital on Oct. 5 due to Spanish influenza. She was a member of the Ruth Rebekah Lodge and had a large circle of friends.
Bakola, (Bokola) Annie (35)
Mrs. Adam Bakola (Bokola) died at her home on 6th Ave., following an illness with pneumonia. An infant child passed away at the same time. She was survived by her husband and six children.
Basso, Harry B (16)
Henry B. Basso, age 16, son of Mrs. Joseph Basso of South Elm St., died Monday, Oct. 7, following a brief illness with pneumonia. Harry attended the Southside School and, before his death, had been employed at the factory of the Wallace Barnes Company. Besides his mother, he was survived by two brothers, Private Angelo Basso, a member of Company D who was a German prisoner of war, one younger brother, and a sister.
Beaston, Frederick (50)
Frederick Beaston was a native of England. He was survived by his wife, two daughters Ruth and Dorothy, and four sons John, Frederick, Arthur, and Clarence.
Bechard, Florida (17)
Miss Florida Bechard, the 17-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ephriam Bechard, died the morning of Oct. 9, following a 12-days illness of Spanish influenza. She was survived by her parents, five sisters, and five brothers. During the epidemic, every member of the family was ill.
Beliveau, Mrs. Jeanne (29)
Born in Waterbury and a Bristol citizen for two years, the 29-year-old Divinity St. resident died the morning of Oct. 10 due to pneumonia. Jeanne’s husband and three small children survived her.
Benoit, Doris (5)
Doris, the 5-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph a Benoit, died at the home of her parents on 41 Gaylord St. on Oct. 10, following an illness with Spanish influenza. She is buried in West Cemetery.
Benoit, Eva (7)
Eva, the 7-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Benoit of 41 Gaylord St., died following an illness with influenza and pneumonia. She is buried in Section 13 in West Cemetery next to her sister.
Bergeron, John Age (42)
John Bergeron, of 42 Lincoln St., died Sunday evening falling in illness with influenza and pneumonia. Interment is in the Greek Catholic Cemetery in Terryville.
Betiste, Vito (14 months)
The son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Betiste died Oct. 10, following an influenza and pneumonia illness.
Blanchard, Caroline (23)
Miss Caroline Blanchard died following an illness of two days with Spanish influenza. Miss Blanchard came to Bristol from Wellsboro, N.Y., two weeks before her death to take a Wallace Barnes Company position. Learning of her daughter’s condition, Caroline’s mother rushed to Bristol, but she arrived too late to see her daughter alive.
Bowman, Bertha (19)
Bertha Bowman, the wife of Harold Bowman of West St., died due to influenza and pneumonia. Bertha’s husband and an infant son survived her. At the time of her death, Harold Bowman was seriously ill with the flu.
Brown, Edward (44)
Edward was born in Norwich and was a resident of Bristol for a year and had many friends. He was a night watchman for the New Departure Manufacturing Company.
Brown, Henry (33)
Supernumerary Henry Brown of the Bristol police force died at his home on the afternoon of Wednesday, Oct. 16, following an illness of a week with pneumonia. Mr. Brown was born in Munson, Mass., the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Brown. A U.S. Army veteran, Henry became a Bristol resident around 1913 and joined the police force in 1915. He was also employed as a guard at New Departure
Henry Brown was remembered for being honorable and a man of character. His wife, Teresa, and three small children survived him.
His sister, Grace Mae Brown, died in November, which marked the family’s eighth death since the pandemic began.
Brophy, John (33)
John Brophy, a teamster in Plymouth before coming to Bristol in 1917, was employed with the Bristol Trucking Company.
Burwell, Ruth (29)
Miss Ruth Burwell died of pneumonia on Oct. 15. She is interned at West Cemetery.
Bushey, Frederick (4)
Frederick, the 4-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Edward Bushey of Federal St., died Oct. 21 after an illness of two weeks with influenza and pneumonia.
Buyryn, Frank (35)
Frank died at his home due to Spanish flu. He left a wife and three children.
Bzoski, Sophie (29)
Sophie, wife of Joseph Bzoski of 6th Ave., died following an illness of a week with pneumonia. She was survived by her husband and several small children.
Casey Margaret (34)
Margaret Casey was a Ladies Auxiliary member, and a young lady with a pleasing personality and very popular.
Cawley, Michael Joseph (28)
Michael Cawley was educated in Bristol schools and the Heart for Business School. He was a store clerk at New Departure, and due to his attention to detail, Michael was promoted to the Purchasing Department before his death. He is interned at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Chipallia, Mary (19)
Mary died Tuesday, Oct. 8, due to Spanish influenza and pneumonia. She was born in Italy and came to this country as a young girl with her parents.
Cleary, Peter (38)
Peter Cleary of 163 North Main St., died following an illness of two weeks with pneumonia. He was employed at Sessions Clock Factory.
Corando, Luigi (33)
Luigi died at St, Francis Hospital and had no relatives in this country.
Cosgrove, Joseph J. (28)
Joseph was a lifelong resident of Bristol and was employed by the NYNHNHBRR railroad as a foreman.
Cottano (Cottano), Josephine (18 months)
Josephine, the 18-month-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Cottano of 99 South Elm St., died Oct. 16 as a result of influenza and pneumonia.
Coverty, James Private (24) * Bristol resident died in New Jersey
Private James Coverty died at Camp Merritt following a 10-day illness of Spanish influenza and pneumonia. Originally from New Haven, he came to Bristol with his parents as a small boy. Prior to being drafted for World War I, he operated a successful auto express business between Bristol and Hartford with his brother, Amateo, for three years.
Private Coverty was drafted in the summer of 1918 and served his country with great pride. He was survived by his parents, a brother, and two sisters Rosa and Antoinette of Bristol.
The funeral took place at his parent’s Park St. home and was followed by a requiem mass at St. Joseph church. Members of the Connecticut State Guard and Spanish American War veterans acted as an escort and pallbearers. The burial was done with military honors and flags of the city were at half-mast during the funeral
The casket was draped in the American Flag and there were many floral pieces from relatives and friends.
Private Coverty is interned in St. Thomas Cemetery.
Cullem, Edward (38)
The morning of Oct. 11 brought the news that Officer Edward J Cullem of the Bristol Police Department died at Stk Francis Hospital the previous night due to pneumonia.
Cunningham, Mary (3)
Mary was the 3-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Cunningham of 89 Chestnut St. and died Nov. 27 after an illness with pneumonia.
Cushner, Catherine (24)
Catherine Cushner was born and raised in Ansonia. She married Stephen Cushner in 1915, who survived her with an infant daughter.
Delaney, Martin (age unknown)
Martin Delaney of 53 North Main St. died in his home following a recent illness with pneumonia.
Delay, Anna (27)
Miss Anna delay died at her home on Summer St., following an illness of a week with Spanish influenza. Anna was born in Bristol in 1891 and attended Bristol schools. Noted for having a large circle of friends, she was employed with New Departure.
Delner, Catherine (24)
Miss Delner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Delner, died after an illness of about a week with pneumonia. She was 24-years old. Besides her parents, she leaves three sisters and three brothers. Interment was in St. Thomas cemetery.
Downs, George A. Jr. (30)
George A. Downs, Jr., an aviator for the United States Army, died due to pneumonia on Oct. 13 in St. Paul, Minn., at Camp Aero. Upon receiving word of his son’s critical condition, George Downs went to St. Paul. The remains were brought back to Forestville for the funeral, which was held at the family’s home on Stafford Ave. George Downs Jr. is interned in the family plot in Forestville Cemetery.
Duncan, Margaret (5)
Margaret, the 5-year-old daughter of officer and Mrs. Thomas Duncan of Burlington Ave., died at the Emergency Hospital Parish House, following an influenza and pneumonia illness.
Duncan, Marie (10 months)
Marie, the 10-month-old daughter of officer and Mrs. Thomas P Duncan of Burlington Ave., died following an influenza and pneumonia illness.
At the time of his daughter’s deaths, Officer Duncan was in serious condition with pneumonia at St. Francis Hospital.
Farnham, Roy E. (29)
Ray Farnham was born in Syracuse, N.Y., on Dec. 16, 1889. Roy attended New Haven Public Schools and graduated from Yale College with the class of 1910.
He was employed at New Departure as a chemist and was rapidly promoted due to his work ethic and abilities. At the time of his death, he was foreman of the BAU Department. He was survived by his wife, Bessie, his mother Carolyn, and one sister, Anna, of Waterbury. Roy was a young man of the highest character and devoted to his home and family.
Ferriola, Gaetano (35)
Gaetano died Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the Emergency Hospital at the Parish House following an influenza and pneumonia illness. At the time of his death, his wife and five children were all ill.
Fogarty, John (35)
35-year-old John Fogarty died at his home on 2nd Ave., due to Spanish influenza and pneumonia. He was employed at the Bristol Brass Company and was survived by his wife and daughter.
Fox, Ruth (19)
Miss Ruth Fox, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles fox of 413 North Main St., died at her home following an illness with influenza and pneumonia. Interment was at West Cemetery. She was a graduate of the North Side School.
Giannotti, Antoinette (28)
Antoinette died Tuesday, Oct. 29, in her home at 31 Oak St., following an illness with influenza and pneumonia. Her husband and three children survived her.
Giguere, Paul Robert (8 months)
Robert was only 8-months old when he died of pneumonia. The funeral was held at his parents’ home.
Golnik, Ledia (15 months)
Ledia, the 1-year and 3-month-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Golnik, died after a brief illness with pneumonia.
Gorman, John (46)
John Gorman died Monday, Oct. 7, at St. Francis Hospital following an illness with pleurisy and pneumonia. Mr. Gorman was survived by his wife, who resided in Bridgeport.
Gosselin, Esther (28)
Mrs. Gosselin died the morning of Oct. 11 due to Spanish influenza. Her son, who was born the previous day, also died. At the time of her death, her husband Corad was confined to their Park St. home because he was seriously ill with Spanish influenza.
Grace, Joseph William (22)
Joseph William Grace was survived by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Grace of Matthew St., and one brother, Sergeant Edward Grace of the 8th United States regiment in California.
Gregoire, Samuel (10)
Samuel was a native of St. Ambrose, Canada, and came to Bristol around 1910. While in Bristol, he worked for The E Ingram Company. Married in 1914, he was survived by his wife and one small daughter.
Grigall, Andrew (28)
Andrew Grigall was a native of Italy who came to this country as a young man. He worked for New Departure for several years. He was survived by his wife and two children.
Grzyuminki, Henry (6)
Henry, the 6-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Grzyuminki, of Lawndale Avenue, died after suffering for six days with Spanish influenza.
Gustafson, Harry E. (2 months)
Henry Elmer Gustavsson, the 2-month-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Gustave Gustavsson Fair St., Forestville, died Thursday, Oct. 31, due to influenza and pneumonia.
Hacker, Althea (1)
Althea Hacker, the only child of Walter and Florence Hacker of Maple Ave., died at the Emergency Hospital at the Parish House at 3 o’clock Saturday, Oct. 19.
Hendry, Catherine (53)
Catherine was a prominent member of the Advent Christian Church and the housekeeper for Frank Byington’s family for several years.
Hodge, Frank (47)
Frank Hodge married Nellie Lewis in June 1893 and had a daughter Lillian, who died in 1907. He was employed at the Thompson Clock Company, where he had a responsible position. Mr. Hodge was survived by his wife, his elderly mother (Bessil Hodge), who lived with him, and one sister.
Hofsess, Isabella M. (20)
Isabella Hofsess died the morning of Oct. 10. She was employed at the Dunbar Brothers Company Inc. and was a member of the Bristol Grange and Trinity Church, where she was a singer in the choir.
Holt, Catherine (32)
Catherine was born in Bristol, the daughter of Andrew and Helen Wilson Holt. She was a stenographer at the Horton Manufacturing Company and a member of the Prospect ME Church, in which she was involved with many church activities. She had a pleasant personality and many friends.
Hurley, Mary (37)
Miss Mary Hurley died the morning of Oct. 23. Mary attended East Bristol School and was employed by the Ingram Company for nine years. Mary was known for having a large set of friends. Her brother, Patrick, died two days later.
Hurley, Patrick (30)
Patrick Hurley, son of Mrs. Margaret and the late Patrick Hurley, died at his home on King Rd. Patrick was born in Bristol and attended the East Bristol school. He ran the family farm on Kings Rd.
Johnson, Aleja (27)
Miss Johnson was born in Willimantic and came to live in Bristol with her parents in 1916. She was a member of the Community Club of the Congregational Church and had many friends. She was survived by her parents and one sister, Mildred, and two brothers, Arthur and Herman.
Kaczmarczyk, Anna (37)
The tall, blond hair and blue-eyed native of Poland spent her time cooking, cleaning, gardening and taking care of her children. She died at the Emergency Hospital on Federal Hill due to influenza and pneumonia. She survived by her husband and six children, including a baby.
Kelly, Martin E. (age unknown)
Martin E. Kelly died Monday, Dec. 30, at St. Francis Hospital due to pneumonia. A painter by trade, he was survived by his wife and four children.
Kennedy, Francis P. (45)
Francis P. Kennedy died at his home on Valley St. following an illness of several days with Spanish influenza and pneumonia. While at New Departure, he learned the brass molding trade and later took a position at Horton Manufacturing Company. He was survived by his mother, two sisters, and three brothers. Francis was regarded as a substantial member of the community and was involved in many interests. He was with Hose Company No. 1, a Democratic Town Committee member, and a baseball umpire.
Kennedy, Margaret (33)
Miss Margaret Kennedy attended the Southside School and worked for the Adams Express Company in New Britain. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella and the Degree of Pocahontas of the city.
Miss Kennedy was a young woman with a bright and pleasing disposition who had many friends in Bristol and New Britain. Her brother, Francis, died one week before her.
Kerr, Rueben (age unknown)
Mrs. Ruben Kerr died at her home on Brook St. following an illness with pneumonia.
Kinat, Millie (20)
Milly died at St. Francis Hospital following an illness of a week with pneumonia. She resided at 100 Oakland St.
Kinot, John (5 months)
John, the 5-month-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Kinot, died at his home Tuesday afternoon following an influenza and pneumonia illness.
Kiriluk, Annie (35)
Annie, the wife of John K, of 32 Curtis St., died last evening from Spanish influenza and pneumonia. She was survived by her husband and three young sons.
Klimkavich, Sophie (27)
Sophie, originally from Poland, died in December following a brief illness with pneumonia. She survived by her husband and four small children.
Konaski, Katie (48)
Katie died the morning of Oct. 10, at 7 a.m., following an illness of a week with influenza and pneumonia. She was survived by her husband, Julius, two daughters and one son.
Kolanek, Lawrence Age (30)
Born June 17, 1879, Lawrence, noted for his gray eyes and brown hair, worked for Bristol Brass Co. He lost his battle with pneumonia on Oct. 17 and was survived by a wife and six small children.
Kuszik, Peter (age unknown)
Peter died Friday night at the Hartford Hospital following an illness with influenza and pneumonia.
Lawley, George William (14)
George William, the 14-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. George Lawley Jr., died following an illness of two weeks with influenza and spinal meningitis. He was born in Bristol on Nov. 13, 1904, and attended Southside School. George was a favorite of his 8th-grade classmates.
LaFrance, Elphige (16)
Eliphige, the 16-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Aleibiades LaFrance of 189 Divinity St., died in his home Tuesday after an illness with influenza and pneumonia. A student at Southside School, he was very popular among his classmates. Eliphige was survived by his parents and a brother, Jerry.
Leishman, Elizabeth (28)
Elizabeth was a stenographer for nine years with the Trumbull Electric Manufacturing company of Plainville and a member of the First Congressional Church and the Oliver Chapter Order of the Eastern Star. She was survived by her mother, three brothers, and two sisters.
Litzenburger, Robert (25)
Robert Litzenburger of 150 Wolcott St., died following an illness of a week with influenza and pneumonia. An employee at Clayton Brothers, he came to Bristol via Brooklyn, N.Y, in 1917.
Maloney, John (36)
Originally from Scranton, Penn., John Maloney came to Bristol in July to work for The Bristol Brass Company. At the time of his death, he worked for New Departure.
Massack, Joseph (32)
Joseph Massack, age 32, died at his sister’s home on Oct. 7, following an illness with grippe and pneumonia. Interment is in St. Thomas Cemetery.
McLeod, John (30)
John McLeod, age 30, was a Bristol resident for several years and worked at New Departure. His remains were taken to his home in Canada for internment.
Minchuck, Anton (33)
Anton, the husband of Stephanie Minchuck, died due to Spanish influenza at their No. 14 Dwight St., home on Oct. 10.
Minchuck, Stephanie (24)
Stephanie, the wife of Anton Minchuck, died due to Spanish influenza at their No. 14 Dwight St., home on Oct. 10.
Modorski, John (age unknown)
John was a native of Poland and resided on South St. At the time of his death, he had no known family in this country.
Monson, Bengt (52)
Bengt Monson died at the Emergency Hospital at the Parish house the morning of Oct. 21 following an illness with pneumonia. She was survived by her husband, four sons and one daughter.
Morse Kenneth (5 months)
Kenneth, the 5-month-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Morse of Lincoln Pl., lost his struggle with pneumonia the night of Oct. 28.
Mueller, Carl August (54)
Carl August Mueller was a native of Germany and came to Bristol to work for New Departure. As far as was known, he had no relatives.
Nadeau, Ernest (29)
Ernest died at his home on Seymour St. following an illness of influenza and pneumonia. Employed as a driver with Quinon and Norton, he was survived by his wife and two children.
Neski, Ernestina (39)
Ernestine Neski, the wife of Adolf Neski of 50 West St., died Wednesday, Oct/ 2, due to pneumonia. She was survived by her husband and several children.
Nichols, Howard (15 months)
Howard, the 15-month-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Walters Nichols of 122 Pond St., died due to pneumonia.
Nichols, John G. (52)
John G. Nichols of Park St/, a well-known resident, and a painter/contractor, died Oct. 17, following an illness of a short time with influenza and pneumonia. His wife, Mini, survived him.
Ouellette, Jeannette (24)
Miss Jeannette Ouellette was born in Bristol and attended Bristol schools. At the time of her death, she was employed at the Bristol Manufacturing Company. Her sister (Louisa Bacon) and nephew (Donald) also died as well.
Parsons, Anna (32)
Originally from Sweden, Anna was a Bristol resident for about a year and was survived by her husband, who was confined to their home with bronchial pneumonia at the time of her death.
Pelenski, Constanti (25)
The 25-year-old died due to pneumonia.
Pelletier, Corinne (39)
Mrs. Charles Pelletier of 30 Mill St., died at her home on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 12, after a few days of illness with Spanish influenza. Corinne was survived by her husband and five children: Jeanette, Blanche, Yvonne, Charles and Albert.
Pennino, Antoinette (25)
Antoinette died at St. Francis Hospital the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 18, due to pneumonia. Besides her husband, Mrs. Pennino was survived by four small children.
Pompei, Nicholas (33)
Nicolas Pompei died in his Barnes St. home following an illness of influenza and pneumonia. A wife and three children survived him.
Pywar, Emily (28)
Mrs. Emily Pywar, the wife of Jacob, solicitor for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, died at her home on Kenney St., after an illness of a week with influenza and pneumonia. She was 28 years of age, and besides her husband, she was survived by several small children.
Radke, Edward (27)
Edward lived in Bristol most of his life was survived by his wife and two children along with his mother, father, several brothers and sisters.
Rawiszer, Bessie (26)
Bessie Rawiszer was born in New York on March 15, 1892, and came to Bristol about 1912 with her husband, Albert. She is interned at Ozone Park, Queens, N.Y.
Reiche, Anna Emelie (31)
Anna had been sick but a few days, and her sudden death was a surprise to family and friends. She was born in Southington in 1887 and married Carl Reiche in June 1912. In 1913, they came to Bristol and developed many friendships. Carl and one son survived her.
Reynolds, Harry (49)
Harry A. Reynolds was the Freight Traffic Manager for the Bristol Brass Company. Mr. Reynolds was survived by his wife and two children, Sylvia and Norma. He had many friends and was held in high esteem by those that knew him.
Rindfleisch, Amelia (25)
Amelia, wife of Gustaf, and an infant daughter died at their home at 74 Locust St., following an illness with pneumonia. Her husband survived her.
Roberts, George (32)
George Roberts, a well-known young resident of Forestville, died following an illness with influenza and pneumonia. For a time, George worked for the Sessions Clock Company and the last year of his life the Welch Fire Company House.
Ronzella, Francisca (28)
Francisca Ronzella, the wife of Joseph Ronzella of Sylvester St., died following an illness with Spanish influenza and pneumonia. She was survived by her husband and several small children.
Ronzello, Congetta (31)
Congetta Ronzello was a native of Italy and was survived by her husband and seven small children.
Ryder Edith (10)
Edith, the 10-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Ryder of Pleasant Ave. in Forestville, died after a brief illness with influenza.
Saccocio, Fred (Ferdinando) (25)
Fred died at the Emergency Hospital at the Parish House due to pneumonia. He was 25-years old and was survived by his wife, Marjorie, and several children.
Sample, Nellie (33)
Nelly Sample, age 33, wife of William T. Sample of Kenney St. in Forestville, died following an influenza and pneumonia illness.
Schinmann, Michael (36)
Michael died in his home at 74 Williams Ave., due to Spanish influenza and pneumonia. He was 36 years of age and married Mary Wiske at the German Lutheran Church two weeks before his death.
Schnauzer, Olga (34)
Mrs. Schnauzer was a native of Poland and was survived by her husband and five children.
Scoville, Olivine (23)
Mrs. Oscar Scoville died from pneumonia on Wednesday, Dec. 18. She was born in Prospect and married Oscar on Aug. 27, 1914, and later moved to Bristol in 1917. Besides her husband, she was survived by a 2-year-old son Ken and Virginia, a year-old daughter.
Smith, Louise Talcott (18)
The 18-year-old daughter of Edward and Mary Smith died Monday, Oct. 7, following an illness with pneumonia.
Snyder, Mrs. R.J. (22)
Mrs. R.J. Snyder died at the Emergency Hospital at the Parish House the evening of Oct. 18, following an illness with pneumonia. She was survived by her husband, father, and one sister.
Snyder, Alvina (Evelina) (22)
Mrs. Snyder, who made her home with her sister, Mrs. John Stump of William St., died at the Emergency Hospital at the Parish House following an illness with pneumonia.
Spooner, Mrs. Albert (29)
Mrs. Spooner of No. 29 Sherman St., died at her home on Oct. 11, following a brief illness with influenza and pneumonia.
Stapleton, Thomas (60)
Thomas was a resident of the city for several years and worked at various times for the F. Ingram Company, The Bristol Brass Company, and the city.
Stickup, Stephen (22)
Stephen died following a brief illness with influenza and pneumonia.
Stofko, Margaret (16 months)
Margaret, the 16-month-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Stofko of Forestville, died the morning of Oct. 20 due to pneumonia. The funeral was held at the family home on Pine St., and the interment was in St. Thomas Cemetery.
Swingle, Sylvester (55)
Sylvester was born in Russia and came to this country via Lithuania in 1888, and settled in Bristol. He was employed at the factories of JH Sessions and Son and the Wallace Barnes Company. He was survived by his wife Annie, and three sons, and a daughter.
Thomas, Emmetette Alderman (36)
The wife of Leon Thomas of 41 Burlington Ave., died the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 8, in their home after a brief illness with pneumonia. She was survived by her husband and three sisters.
Toscano, Mrs. Alfonzo (Age unknown)
Mrs. Toscano of 17 Summer St., died early Friday, Oct. 25, following an illness of several days with influenza and pneumonia. She was survived by her husband and several children.
Wanda, Norman (28)
Norman died at the Emergency Hospital at the Parish house following an illness with pneumonia. He was a native of Syria.
White, Thomas (25)
Thomas was born in New Britain on July 18, 1893, and came to Bristol to work for New Departure. His wife survived him.
Wisinieski, Mary (30 )
Mary Wisnieski, the wife of Frank Wisnieski of Laurel St., died at St. Francis Hospital after an illness with influenza and pneumonia. She was survived by her husband and four children.
Yale, Catherine (48)
Catherine A. Yale, the wife of Frank Yale of Matthews St., died suddenly at her home on Oct. 10, after an illness of only a few hours. Mrs. Yale was 48 years of age. She was survived by her husband, one son Sergeant Walter A. Yale of Company D1 102nd US infantry in France, her mother, and two sisters.
Zacher, Helen (35)
Miss Helen E. Zacher was born in Waterbury and moved to Forestville as a child. Helen was employed by the Wallace Barnes Company, where she worked for several years. Helen was known as a young woman with a pleasant personality with many friends.
