Obituary printed in the Monday, Sept. 22, 1902 Pilot, Blair, Nebraska

The nine year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Claus Smith of this city died Saturday morning from rheumatic fever and was buried yesterday. The funeral was held in the church at 4:30 p.m., Rev. Tingley officiating.

Note: Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of inadequately treated strep throat or scarlet fever. Strep throat and scarlet fever are caused by an infection with group A streptococcus bacteria. Rheumatic fever is most common in 5- to 15-year-old children, though it can develop in younger children and adults. Although strep throat is common, rheumatic fever is rare in the United States and other developed countries. However, rheumatic fever remains common in many developing nations. Rheumatic fever can cause permanent damage to the heart, including damaged heart valves and heart failure. Treatments can reduce tissue damage from inflammation, lessen pain and other symptoms, and prevent the recurrence of rheumatic fever.--Source: Mayo Clinic website 2016

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska ~~~

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