Tuberculosis

You have not been feeling well. You have a persistent cough, sometimes bringing up blood from your lungs. Some mornings you are too weak to get out of bed. You have missed work several days recently. Finally your friends persuade you to go to the Corporation Hospital. The doctors tell you that you have the consumption (tuberculosis) and that the only cure is lots of fresh air and rest. You write home to see if one of your sisters could come and nurse you. They write back to say that they are truly sorry, but that no one can be spared from the farm just now. They send money so you can buy a train ticket home. By the time it arrives, you are too weak to travel. On the first of February, 1846, you ask the minister to come and pray with you. He is with you when you die. He writes to your parents immediately. They send a cousin to collect your belongings and to arrange for your burial in the Lowell Cemetery.

Copyright ©2003 Tsongas Industrial History Center, 400 Foot of John St., Lowell, MA 01852. E-Contact: Ellen_Anstey@uml.edu.