Rawlins History Project

Ruth – A Chosen Daughter

leroyb — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:58:20 +0000

Written by Neil Rawlins, MD

Haskell County Kansas is an unusual starting place for something popularly called the “Spanish flu”. The Influenza outbreak occurred at a time when most of the world was at war and under stringent media censorship. Spain was a not involved in WW1 and reported in the papers about the flu. That reporting made people think that it started there. The flu actually was taken from Haskell County in Kansas to Camp Funston by a soldier named Dean Nilson and others at the end of February in 1918. Within 3 weeks 1100 people at camp Funston had been hospitalized. Twenty four of the largest Army camps had outbreaks with the next 2 months. Most people recovered from these initial infections. For the most part, the people that died were the same people that usually die in regular flu outbreaks, i.e. the elderly, chronically ill, babies and the pregnant. The infection traveled to Europe with the soldiers for the summer then returned with a vengeance. It was a major factor in halting the German advance in the summer of 1918.

The Influenza may well have been stopped in Kansas had the commander of the Camp Funston listened to the doctors who had recommended quarantining the soldiers rather than sending them off to war. The commander took his life when he began to realize how his decision had affected the world.

When the infection found its way back to the United States through Philadelphia in early September, the virus had altered such that it now caused an intense immune response in the healthy. It caused fluid to build up in their lungs and they drowned from it. Medical advances from the 1960’s and 1970’s would dictate using a ventilator to treat the problem. Ventilators weren’t available at that time and even in the year 2009 there would be a dramatic shortage of ventilators even if it were a much milder pandemic.

In Philadelphia, the flu met a very crowded city and a corrupt government that ignored health officials’ recommendations. As the infection spread like wildfire through Philadelphia the fabric of society was stretched to the breaking point. There were reports of nurses being kidnapped and being forced to take care of family members that were sick.

The flu then marched across America leaving many deaths in its wake. In the end, one in 76 soldiers died from the flu, but the civilian toll was estimated to be 15 times higher. The hospitalized pregnant women died at a rate ranging from 23-71%. Of the surviving women 26% lost the child. The total estimates for the world is was about 5-10% of the total population.

The infection reached Salt Lake and marched up and down the state. The LDS church as an organization helped maintain social order. Cora May Burbank Rawlins was the relief society president of the Lewiston 1st Ward about this time. Her son, Lindsay described that Cora was one who rendered care to those in need. One of the duties of the relief society president at the turn of the century was to prepare the bodies for burial within their ward boundaries. We didn’t have the mortuary services we have today. Cora would perform that service and help arrange for taking care of the families with illnesses. While we do not know if she was performing this service or just rendering aid as a member of that organization, Lindsay described how because of her concern about bringing the flu home to her family, she would come in on the back porch, where she would change her clothes and wash up to decrease the chance of bringing the infection into the home. She must have been very distressed when her 8 month old baby contracted the flu and quickly died.

(From Lindsay Rawlins History)

My Sister Ruth

I never did know much about Ruth. She died before I was born. She died in November of 1918, and I was born in January of 1920. I always thought I took her place. I don’t know if I’ve done her justice or not. I asked Dad about her one time and he said that burying that little girl was the toughest thing he ever did. Then he began to cry, and that’s all I ever got out of him. At another time, I asked Mother. I said, “Mother, I don’t want to bother you but if you felt like you could tell me a little about Ruth, I’d like to know. (She didn’t live very many months.)

Mother said, “Well, she took sick and died so fast, and Dr. Parkinson was a good doctor but just couldn’t seem to do anything about it. I just grieved and grieved and grieved over the loss of that little girl and I just couldn’t quit. One night, I don’t know if it was a dream or whether it was a reality but Mother came back to me and said, ‘Cora, I am taking care of Ruth and I will do it till you come to get her. Now, cut it out.”‘ Mother said, “After that, I quit grieving. I knew my mother would take care of her.”

(continued from Neil Rawlins narrative)

This was a very difficult time. In “The Great Influenza” by John M. Barry, (P 461) he warned that “society cannot function if it is every man for himself.” By definition, society cannot survive that. He also quotes Victor Vaughn who was noted for not overstating to make a point warned “Civilization could have disappeared within a few more weeks.”

Ruth live just a short time but we know through the atonement and plan of salvation she is with her heavenly and earthly parents. Cora showed great courage and faith as she dealt with a loss of a loved one. Her story helps reassure us of the eternal nature of the family.

There are many disasters and pestilences that occur in this life. The gospel of Jesus Christ helps us endure heartache and sorrow. Knowing that in the end the Lord will take care of it.

Note

Information for the historical context was obtained from “the Great Influenza” by John M. Barry. Neil Rawlins obtained some of this information when he studied influenza in Medical School. I would discuss the historical aspects with my father as he would describe it from his persective. It is unclear if Cora was Relief society president at that time or if she was just one of the members that helped in this trying time.

Addendum (not to necessarily be put in the book.)

At the time of writing this story of Ruth, I was preparing an influenza preparedness plan for Kadlec Clinic, Richland, WA where I am employed. The looming influenza we are facing in 2009 is the same H1N1 type that caused the loss of 5% of the world’s population around 1918. The last week in July was the deadliest for this season in the US. This is unusual for the summer.

Much like the preparation for Y2000 computer problem there are those that felt the preparation was not sufficient and those that thought it was way overblown. There were a number of seminars for lawyers on how to sue when things went bad from Y2K. In the end, it was not a big event and those lawyers were disappointed. Some said it was because of the preparation and some felt it was mostly overblown. Like Y2K, the preparation for a major pandemic or any medical disaster has to take place way ahead of time. When the disaster occurs the time for preparation is past. We cannot prepare for every eventual outcome so reliance on the Lord to help us know what we should prepare for is essential. I have included a few thoughts on preparation that some may find useful. If a pandemic occurs I will be working. That is my profession. I have some grandsons that have enough health problems the survival would be difficult if the contracted this flu. I also have two daughter-in-Laws that are pregnant. In Aug 2009 H1N1 influenza is hitting the pregnant women the hardest of any subgroup. Our family plan is reverse isolation for the women and the babies. Try to work from home for my sons and daughter if they are allowed. As a Physician, I will need to live elsewhere in order not to bring home the illness. Not everyone needs to prepare in such a manner but in our situation we feel inspired to do so.

There are several important lessons about pandemic infections that I took away from this history.

The people who did strict reverse isolation did well. It requires preparations well before the infection. You need to be able to be isolated for weeks to months.
The infection will travel much faster now than it did then and it will be difficult to predict when to go to reverse isolation. Preparation with food, duct tape, rolls of plastic, 100 rolls toilet paper/ person, paper towels, garbage bags and kitty litter will all have to be done ahead of time.
The organization of the church will help to keep the fabric of society together. The Ward bishops and priesthood quorums will have a critical role in keeping the society together.
The number of ventilators in the country will come under strict rationing without a good way to decide whom to use them on.

New Research Site Up & Running!

admin — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:41:06 +0000

Thanks to Mark’s vision on how to help move this history book project forward; we now have a new web site with a way to collaborate with those who want to help contribute and edit. You don’t have to be a registered user to use this site. However, if you register you will be able to see additional useful information such as LDS ordinances and full names of living persons.

We now have a way to upload any type of media and associate it with people and families. As we’re able, we will try to provide some training on using this new site. Until then, if you have questions feel free to email Leroy Ball or Kenny Rawlins. Thanks!

Contributors, Writers, and Editors Welcome!

admin — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:31:00 +0000

Last week at the Lindsay Rawlins homestead, Judy reports having had a great session organizing papers and scanning documents and images.

It looks like we can use some help in the research area. Anyone able to help, please contact Judy B. @ 801-443-4720 for instructions. In talking with Neil Rawlins last night, one of the ideas was to assemble a check list of what can be researched in Salt Lake Family History center, or just online via Ancestry.com or Google searches. Here’s a brief bullet point check list to start with.

Family and Personal Records (Family Bibles, Relatives, Personal Written Records such as journals, diaries, etc.)
Vital Records (Birth, Marriage, Death, Divorce, Adoption)
Church Records (Christening/Baptism, Marriage, Death, Minister’s Record)
Census (England’s and Canada’s end in 1 – i.e., 1881) United States Census (1930, 1920, 1910, 1900, 1890 [most of it was burned], 1880, 1870, 1860, 1850, 1840, 1830, 1820, 1810, 1800, 1790, State Census)
Cemetery/Mortuary Records (Biographical Records, Tombstones)
Computer Databases (rootsweb.com, familysearch.com, gencircles.com, [Remember: pedigree databases are only as accurate as the person who submitted them - check your sources by contacting the person who submitted the database entry.])
Court Records (Court Minutes, Dockets, Case Files, Public Service Record)
Employment (Social Security Death Index, Place of Employment)
Histories (County Histories, Biographies)
Immigration/Emigration (Passenger Lists, Emigration/Immigration Records, Naturalization Records, Citizenship Records)
Land Records (Deeds, Estate)
Local Libraries
Military Records (Military Service, Pension, Daughters of the American Revolution [DAR])
Newspapers (Obituaries, Other Events [Birth, Marriage, Anniversary, Service, Achievements, etc.])
Periodicals (PERSI – Periodical Source Index)
Probate (Wills, Intestate Records, Guardianship Records)
Societies (Historical, Genealogical)
Tax Records

Thanks in advance for anyone willing and able to help with this phase of the project.

“The Unfavored Few” – Joseph L. Rawlins

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:52:17 +0000

This auto-bigoraphy of Joseph L. Rawlins is very interesting. He talks about his life, his feelings towards the LDS church, and his public service for Utah and the people who lived there. He is certainly a distinguished ancestor to have in our family tree. We hope that you will all find this book as a useful resource and insight into the lives of our ancestors.

-Chris Rawlins, son of Mark L. Rawlins, son of Lindsay M. Rawlins, son of Jasper A. Rawlins, son of Harvey M. Rawlins, son of James Rawlins.

The Auto-biography of Joseph L. Rawlins
Delegate to the U. S. Congress from the Territory of Utah, 1892.
U. S. Senator from the State of Utah, 1897

FOREWORD

This auto-biography (which I have merely rearranged, amplified where advisable and labeled “THE UNFAVORED FEW”) should be of interest to the historian and an inspiration to any young reader.

The historian will find presented in these pages new facets of community life and also of the prominent people both in Utah and in Washington, D.C., with whom my father had intimate association

during the troublesome and tempestuous years from 1850 to 1902.

The young student will be inspired to new efforts, I believe likewise, as he reads of difficulties which this young boy and man encountered and surmounted throughout those years; difficulties in getting an adequate education, in wrestling out a career at the law as a non-Mormon among Mormons, in securing political freedom and statehood for Utah.

His success in these endeavors won him this tribute from the Salt Lake Tribune at the time of his death, May 24, 1926:

“Another giant has fallen in the front rank of Utah’s Old Guard. In the legal and political battles of the past, no native son wore brighter armor, wielded a keener sword or fought more valiantly

than did Joseph L. Rawlins.

With a courage which overcame many obstacles, including an almost painful reticence, he became a party leader at home and a leader in the highest legislative assembly in the nation.

As a representative in congress he drafted the Enabling Act by virtue of which Utah was admitted to statehood. When the motives and good faith of his constituents were assailed and questioned, he stood as their champion and broke lances with all comers. When doubts perplexed the president, he brushed them aside with his logic and candor, and the necessary signature was

thus obtained.

His place in the esteem and gratitude of the people of this commonwealth is secure. Men may boast of what they have accomplished, but the record speaks for Joseph L. Rawlins. If it did not tell the story few would know it, for he was singularly reluctant to claim credit or seek applause.

In the character and achievements of Joseph L. Rawlins Utah will ever take the keenest pride, and with the passing of time will recall his name with appreciation and affection.” The following pages will exemplify the reasons for the above remarks.

ALTA RAWLINS JENSEN

Today’s Update

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:53:13 +0000

Yesterday, many of the cousins got together for a kick-off session on this project. Chris Rawlins was also there scanning documents. We’re all excited about moving forward with this.

Lewiston 2009 Horse Pull

admin — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:38:23 +0000

Lindsay Marcus Rawlins frequently spoke of the horse pulling competitions in Lewiston. His descendants documented this years horse pulling events. Hope you enjoy the highlights.

Tribute to Julia Whitney Rawlins

admin — Sun, 10 May 2009 21:30:35 +0000

From Rita’s slide show she put together a few years ago, we simply converted one of those presentations into a movie. Enjoy.

On Mother’s Day (May 10, 2009) at 6:30 pm we will be broadcasting a WebMeeting where anyone can connect to a conference call and join in paying tribute to Mom. This will be archived and available for anyone who wishes to listen later.

Stories Told at Kenny Rawlins’ Mission Homecoming

admin — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 22:37:28 +0000

This is part one and two. These were misc stories told by Mark, Judy, Glen, Nada, Nancy, Gary, and Julia. During Kenny Rawlins' mission homecoming.

Gary Barn Stories

admin — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 13:31:38 +0000

These stories are from Gary Rawlins, son of Lindsay M. Rawlins, son of Jasper A. Rawlins, son of Harvey M. Rawlins, son of James Rawlins.

Lindsay Rawlins Life Story – CD Vol 1

admin — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:32:25 +0000

The following is an MP3 audio file of Lindsay Rawlins’ life history. This is Vol 1 of 11.