Mahaffie Farmstead Impression

Chicken Pox, Small Pox, Measles and Mumps

In addition to the stock battle wounds I will do COMMON ILLNESSES of the VOLUNTEER.

Common childhood diseases, such as mumps, measles and chicken pox would become endemic in the ranks of the volunteers, due to the fact that few of these young men had never been exposed to any of these common ailments. In fact, there were times when training of the new recruits would be halted till the measles or mumps would run their course.

Historical medical records of the 7th Missouri also indicated that a form of smallpox claimed the life of one of the men. During the war, small pox would occur from time to time. The picture is of a small pox victim. One can see from the photo why 'the pox' would cause severe scaring, if the victim survived. The pustules were not only on the skin, but would occur internally as well.