In 1912, the
Livingston County, Kentucky Board of Health consisted of Dr. J.V. Hayden,
Salem; Dr. A.A. Casper, Carrsville; Dr. T.M. Ratcliffe, Tilline and the Hon.
W.I. Clark, County Judge, Smithland.
The
following letter detailing the state of health of Livingston County was sent by
F.G. LaRue to the State Board of Health. It can be found in Bulletin of the State Board of Health of Kentucky, Vol. II, No. II, March 1912, Biennial Report 1910 and 1911, digitized by Google and located in Google Books, accessed 2019.
“Smithland,
Ky., January 10, 1912 To the State
Board of Health:
Gentlemen: -
Within the last two years, we have had three outbreaks of smallpox, in all eight cases, five at Ledbetter, with
137 exposures, all vaccinated, no deaths.
Three cases near Newbern with five exposures, all vaccinated, no deaths.
One case at Bayou, with twenty-three exposures, all vaccinated, no deaths. All
treated by the writer.
“We have had
three cases of diphtheria in the last twelve months, one near Grand Rivers, one
at Vicksburg, and one at Smithland, with one death. Four thousand units of
antitoxin used every six hours, with one thousand units used as immunizing doses,
to all exposed. One case at Salem,
reported today; Dr. J.V. Hayden in
charge. We are having the hearty co-operation of the entire corps of fiscal and
county officers, the laity acquiescing in same, which adds greatly in the
efficiency and satisfaction of the work.
“I have been
health officer of Livingston County for a period of eight years and at present
draw an annual salary of $250.00.
“All of
which is respectfully submitted.
F.G. LaRue, County Health Officer.”
Published 26 March 2020, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/
