Cholera Epidemic Deaths, 1849, Willenhall

[1will]

Hi

Does anyone know if there exists a list of the deaths caused by the 1849 cholera epidemic centred in Willenhall?

I have enquired with Staffordshire Archives and, while they could point me to a list for the 1832 cholera epidemic, they were not aware that a list of deaths existed for the 1849 epidemic.

My particular interest stems from a note in the records of the Willenhall Council meeting, at the time, refering to compensation being paid to a landlord (Charles Foster) for having to destroy 2 blankets used by his deceased tenants, namely Thomas Banks and his wife (possible ancestors of mine).
 
Separately, the Death Index for 1849 shows death entries for Thomas Banks & Emma Banks in 1849, July Quater, vol.17, pages 330 and 329 respectively.

I would like to know whether these two were the cholera victims referred to in the Willenhall council minutes.

Bill

[CaroleW]

Only copies of their death certs will give you the cause of their deaths

[1will]

Thanks again CaroleW.

I am nevertheless interested in this episode, more generally.  The 1849 cholera outbreak was a very significant event in social history of Willenhall, resulting in the sudden deaths of 292 people.  If a list of those who died does exist, I'd be interested to look through it.  If no such list exists, then it would be useful to know so that it can be ruled out as a possible line of enquiry.

Regards

Bill

[helenw123]

There is a small cemetery dedicated to the Cholera victims but I'm not sure if there is a list of names in there.

[1will]

Many thanks for this information.  Do you know the name and address of the cemetery?

Regards

Bill

[helenw123]

I think it's just known as the Cholera cemetery and it's on Doctor's Piece, just off Walsall Road, in Willenhall.  I doubt if it's kept in good condition so I've no idea if you would find anything there, but if you want any more information I can have a look for you next weekend?

[nigelp]

The following link may be helpful:

http://www.shercliff.demon.co.uk/whs2008/cholerabook.htm

Bearing in mind there is conflicting information about the number of individuals who died in 1849 in Willenhall of cholera it is unliklely that you will find a complete list of names.

Nigel

[1will]

Dear Nigelp

Thanks for supplying the link.  It makes very interesting reading.  I suspect you might well be right about there not being a complete list of names.

Regards

Bill

The following link may be helpful:

http://www.shercliff.demon.co.uk/whs2008/cholerabook.htm

Bearing in mind there is conflicting information about the number of individuals who died in 1849 in Willenhall of cholera it is unliklely that you will find a complete list of names.

Nigel

[1will]

Dear HelenW123

Thank you for the information and for your very kind offer.

I'm reluctant to ask you to go out of your way, especially in the current bad weather.  There is no urgency on my part but if, in the future, you do pass by the Cholera burial ground and have some time to spare, I would be interested to know whether or not the names of those interred are inscribed there (and if they include Thomas and Emma Banks).

Kind regards

Bill

I think it's just known as the Cholera cemetery and it's on Doctor's Piece, just off Walsall Road, in Willenhall.  I doubt if it's kept in good condition so I've no idea if you would find anything there, but if you want any more information I can have a look for you next weekend?