L e t t e r s

"The great cholera epidemic was raging in Bishop Hill in the summer of 1849 and from July 22 through September it was at its worst. Many colonists were moved to the Foster tract to escape the ravages of the disease but it followed them there, causing a death the day after their arrival. Others were soon stricken and one woman who had cooked a meal at noon was dead at four o'clock in the afternoon. As many as sixteen were buried in one day by Eric Linden without coffins, in trenches dug by Nils Hellblom. In all seventy died and the few survivors returned to Bishop Hill. In 1882, a monument was erected over the burial ground of these people by Bishop Hill residents. In later years the monument was moved to a spot on the highway in Section 36. The monument is inscribed in Swedish on one side and in English on the other. The English version states: 'Hereabouts rest seventy members of B.H. Colony who died of cholera, 1849. This monument was erected by remaining members of B.H.C. 1882."'

From Western Township History, Orion, Illinois.

Editor's note: Readers interested in cholera in Illinois should see "Plague on the Prairie," printed in the Jan/Feb 2002 issue of Illinois Heritage. Back issues are available for $3.50, plus $1.50 shipping.

4 |ILLINOIS HERITAGE