The 1918-19 Spanish influenza epidemic was arguably Johnson County’s greatest health crisis. And no one ever knew exactly why it inflicted so much damage.
Until now.
According to the National Academy of Scientists, which exhaustively researched the global pandemic, the deadly influenza was caused by a group of three genes that allowed the influenza virus to invade the lungs and trigger pneumonia.
The scientists mixed the 1918-19 influenza strain with modern influenza strains to pinpoint the three genes.
According to the scientists’ report, single genes from the 1918-19 virus were substituted into the modern viruses.
“One after another,” the report said, “they acted like garden-variety flu, infecting only the upper-respiratory tract. But a complex of three genes helped to make the virus live and reproduce deep in the lungs.”
Success of the experiment, they said, may aid the development of new flu vaccines to combat the old strains, which recur.
Too late, of course, for the estimated 50 million people who died in the 1918-19 tragedy.
Pneumonia felled scores of Johnson County residents who are buried in old Cleburne Cemetery.
The scientists’ discovery could improve humans’ ability to survive the next pandemic, said retired Johnson County medical examiner Arthur L. Raines.
“You can’t figure out how to defend it if you don’t know what it is,” Raines said. “They might even be able to culture the virus. That was the beauty of having the specimens preserved in the permafrost.”
In recent years, scientists dug in the permafrost of an Eskimo village to locate bodies of humans who had died of influenza symptoms. The bodies, and the resulting specimens, were well preserved because of the cold ground.
“This must be the result of that,” Raines said.
The odds of another influenza pandemic are good, Raines said.
“The problem is that viruses mutate continuously. They’re monitored by health organizations that try to select the strains they think are going to be the most dominant. Most come out of Asia. They have to predict the strains a year ahead of time in order to make a vaccine for them. That’s why last year’s vaccine can’t be used this year.”
When health organizations guess incorrectly, more people become susceptible to the flu. The more people who catch the flu, the more chance of a pandemic.
“But we have many advantages now that they didn’t have” in 1918-19, Raines said. “We have antibiotics, anti-viral drugs.”
More than 10 times as many Americans were killed in the influenza pandemic than in battle during World War I.
Those struck by the virus experienced pain in the eyes, head, back and abdomen. The person either recovered or died after several days of fever.
Former Cleburne superintendent of schools Ernest Guinn wrote that many citizens “contracted the disease and died within a 24-hour period.”
Southwestern Telegraph and Telephone Co. announced in the Cleburne Daily Enterprise:
“The present epidemic of influenza has not only incapacitated many of the employees of this company in Cleburne, but the same condition exists elsewhere. It causes many additional calls for nurses, doctors, medicines, etc.
“It would be an easy matter for us to remedy the situation by bringing in additional help if these conditions existed only in Cleburne, but we are confronted by a similar state of affairs in practically all the other exchanges in the state.”
In the Oct. 27, 1918, Daily Enterprise, the Yale Theater bragged that it was influenza-proof. Whether that was true was another matter.
“A germ never did and never can live in The Yale,” the advertisement said. “Why? Easy. This show is ventilated — not by any fancy method but by the ‘open window’ process. That’s nature’s own way of sanitation and prevention. You can’t beat it. Doctors will tell you the same thing.
“You never breathe your neighbor’s air. He has his own individual supply provided. You never breathe ‘used air.’ Don’t forget that! Fresh air is an important element in human life, health and Yale Theater.
“During the time we’ve been closed, we’ve renovated in spite of the regular daily precautions. Every stick of furniture, the walls, the ceiling and the screen have been washed with water and soap.”
It was said that Mr. Tom Flake, manager of Cleburne Ice and Cold Storage, was seriously ill with the flu and that his wife nursed him at home while also caring for a 2-year-old daughter. He survived.
“Friends and neighbors wanted to help,” said a story in the 2000 Times-Review Millennium edition, “but were so frightened of the disease that they would leave food on the front porch and run away.”
The situation was no better in Cleburne schools.
In an Oct. 16, 1918, announcement, superintendent Emmett Brown said, “Owing to the excitement present in the public mind, it is believed best to close the schools temporarily in order that we may get all our bearings and that the majority of children may have an opportunity to re-enter school upon a basis of equality when conditions are more nearly normal.
“The exact time for which the schools are to be closed is indefinite, but a majority of the physicians of the city expressed the belief today that within two or three days, in all probability, with proper precautions, there would be practically no illness among the younger life in the community. The papers will announce the re-opening of the schools.”
Local News
Research reveals cause of flu epidemic
- Cleburne
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Front, from left, are Grandview’s Caleb Hollingsworth, Cleburne’s Zach Haler, Joshua’s Jordan Garrett, Alvarado’s A.J. Castillo, Xavier Holbert, Kenny Adams and Marcus McNeil, Cleburne’s Conner Martyniuk and Godley’s Drew Benge. Standing, from left, are Alvarado’s Ronald Thomas, C.J. Johnson and Alex Gentrey, Grandview’s Austin Wylie and Caleb Armstrong. Not pictured is Alvarado’s Marcus Villarreal.
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
The first-team offense included Alvarado quarterback Kenny West and Burleson quarterback Barrett Cain. -
Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
The second-team offense was led by Cleburne’s Quade Coward and Godley’s Rhett Brawner as the second-team quarterbacks. -
Cleburne pulls away from Burleson, 62-48
The Cleburne Yellow Jackets beat Burleson, 62-48, on Friday night at Yellow Jacket Gym to move to 2-7 in District 7-A play. Burleson fell to 2-7 in league play with the loss.
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Lady Jackets pick up first District 7-4A win
On Friday night at Yellow Jacket Stadium, Cleburne picked up its first win of the District 7-4A season, 66-60, over Burleson, which fell to 3-8.
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Up-and-down Yellow Jackets split Friday’s matches at Little Elm Tourney
Both Cleburne soccer teams had mixed results on Friday in their respective tournaments.
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Johnson County
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Stage 2 drought plan still in place
Johnson County Special Utility District will keep its Stage 2 drought plan in place despite this week’s rain.
- Tuesday marks property tax payment deadline
- Drought no more
- Number of sex offenders increases
- Council approves trash truck purchases
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Stage 2 drought plan still in place
- Alvarado
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Standing, from left, are Grandview’s Ryan Breton (offensive most valuable player) and Austin Martinez (Ironman award winner), Alvarado’s Wayne Onderdonck (county MVP) and Brazos Fuller (co-newcomer of the year), Burleson’s Ayinde Alaajiy (co-newcomer of the year), Godley’s Blake Washinton (co-linemen of the year), Alvarado’s Tyler Bates (defensive MVP), Alvarado Head Coach Jeff Dixon (coach of the year) and Grandview’s Davis Scarbrough (co-linemen of the year).
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Indians on top of selections
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
Four of Johnson County’s eight football teams qualified for the postseason in 2011 with Alvarado making it all the way to the Class 3A Division I state championship game at Cowboys Stadium against Tyler Chapel Hill. - Dixon repeats as AJC coach of the year
- First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
- Upcoming sports schedule
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Indians on top of selections
- Burleson
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Standing, from left, are Grandview’s Ryan Breton (offensive most valuable player) and Austin Martinez (Ironman award winner), Alvarado’s Wayne Onderdonck (county MVP) and Brazos Fuller (co-newcomer of the year), Burleson’s Ayinde Alaajiy (co-newcomer of the year), Godley’s Blake Washinton (co-linemen of the year), Alvarado’s Tyler Bates (defensive MVP), Alvarado Head Coach Jeff Dixon (coach of the year) and Grandview’s Davis Scarbrough (co-linemen of the year).
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Indians on top of selections
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
Four of Johnson County’s eight football teams qualified for the postseason in 2011 with Alvarado making it all the way to the Class 3A Division I state championship game at Cowboys Stadium against Tyler Chapel Hill. - First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
- Cleburne pulls away from Burleson, 62-48
- Lady Jackets pick up first District 7-4A win
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Indians on top of selections
- Godley
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Standing, from left, are Grandview’s Ryan Breton (offensive most valuable player) and Austin Martinez (Ironman award winner), Alvarado’s Wayne Onderdonck (county MVP) and Brazos Fuller (co-newcomer of the year), Burleson’s Ayinde Alaajiy (co-newcomer of the year), Godley’s Blake Washinton (co-linemen of the year), Alvarado’s Tyler Bates (defensive MVP), Alvarado Head Coach Jeff Dixon (coach of the year) and Grandview’s Davis Scarbrough (co-linemen of the year).
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Indians on top of selections
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
Four of Johnson County’s eight football teams qualified for the postseason in 2011 with Alvarado making it all the way to the Class 3A Division I state championship game at Cowboys Stadium against Tyler Chapel Hill. - First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
- Upcoming sports schedule
- Lady Cats win, Wildcats fall to Peaster
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Indians on top of selections
- Grandview
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Standing, from left, are Grandview’s Ryan Breton (offensive most valuable player) and Austin Martinez (Ironman award winner), Alvarado’s Wayne Onderdonck (county MVP) and Brazos Fuller (co-newcomer of the year), Burleson’s Ayinde Alaajiy (co-newcomer of the year), Godley’s Blake Washinton (co-linemen of the year), Alvarado’s Tyler Bates (defensive MVP), Alvarado Head Coach Jeff Dixon (coach of the year) and Grandview’s Davis Scarbrough (co-linemen of the year).
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Indians on top of selections
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
Four of Johnson County’s eight football teams qualified for the postseason in 2011 with Alvarado making it all the way to the Class 3A Division I state championship game at Cowboys Stadium against Tyler Chapel Hill. - First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
- Upcoming sports schedule
- Tuesday basketball roundup
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Indians on top of selections
- Joshua
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Front, from left, are Grandview’s Caleb Hollingsworth, Cleburne’s Zach Haler, Joshua’s Jordan Garrett, Alvarado’s A.J. Castillo, Xavier Holbert, Kenny Adams and Marcus McNeil, Cleburne’s Conner Martyniuk and Godley’s Drew Benge. Standing, from left, are Alvarado’s Ronald Thomas, C.J. Johnson and Alex Gentrey, Grandview’s Austin Wylie and Caleb Armstrong. Not pictured is Alvarado’s Marcus Villarreal.
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
The first-team offense included Alvarado quarterback Kenny West and Burleson quarterback Barrett Cain. - Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
- Upcoming sports schedule
- Tuesday basketball roundup
- Kicking into high gear
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Keene
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Upcoming sports schedule
A look at the sports schedule for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
- Tuesday basketball roundup
- Burleson leads AJC superlatives
- Grandview, Burleson, Cleburne lead first team selections
- Centennial places two on second team; Alvarado lands three players
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Upcoming sports schedule
- Rio Vista
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Front, from left, are Grandview’s Caleb Hollingsworth, Cleburne’s Zach Haler, Joshua’s Jordan Garrett, Alvarado’s A.J. Castillo, Xavier Holbert, Kenny Adams and Marcus McNeil, Cleburne’s Conner Martyniuk and Godley’s Drew Benge. Standing, from left, are Alvarado’s Ronald Thomas, C.J. Johnson and Alex Gentrey, Grandview’s Austin Wylie and Caleb Armstrong. Not pictured is Alvarado’s Marcus Villarreal.
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
The first-team offense included Alvarado quarterback Kenny West and Burleson quarterback Barrett Cain. - Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
- Upcoming sports schedule
- Tuesday basketball roundup
- Burleson leads AJC superlatives
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Venus
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Fallen deputy Clifton Taylor’s sister, Megan Davis, takes a picture of a painting of her brother on Monday during a dedication to the deputy. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office renamed its building to the Clifton Taylor Law Enforcement Center in honor of the deputy who lost his life during a disturbance call in April. The picture was painted by Fort Worth artist Gary Crouch. Three pictures were made and one will hang in the Clifton Taylor Law Enforcement Center. The other two paintings were presented as gifts to Taylor’s parents and his fiancee.
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Never forgotten
The eyes of fallen deputy Clifton Taylor’s family began to swell with tears during a dedication hosted by Johnson County Sheriff Bob Alford and the sheriff’s office.
- Man defends himself against two suspects
- Venus registers minor quake
- USGS registers minor county quake
- Trained rescue dogs look to be adopted and loved
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Never forgotten
