Deaths in Skipton in 1840 - was there an epidemic?

[eltelf]

Dear all,

At least three members of the Lofthouse family I am researching died in Skipton area in 1840: James Henry Lofthouse, aged 12, Sarah Ann Lofthouse, aged 6, and Richard Petty Moon Lofthouse, aged 3. 

I do not have death certificates, but they all appear to have died in the June quarter of that year.  I wonder if anyone knows if there was an empidemic of some sort at that time that may have killed them all?  Smallpox?  or Measles? 

The children were all from same family, children of James Lofthouse and Sarah Moon.

Best wishes,

Lesley

[CME]

I think in the 1830s-1840s theres was quite a few Cholera Epedemics, Due to poor sanitation,

[Calverley Lad]

Lesley just had a look at the family records of your Lofthouse family, looks like something infectious took them.
(Quite a few died in the March - May period of 1840)
http://wharfegen.org.uk/tng
If you haven't already had a look, the above link takes you to the Warfedale site.
 Brian

[eltelf]

Huge thanks Brian - I had not seen the Warfedale site before.  It is fascinating and full of information, esp about my family.  I have also now found Wharfedale Family History Group, and ordered their MIs for Gargrave.

I suspect the Lofthouse children must all have died of the same illness, but may need to get death certs to be sure.

Best wishes,

Lesley