Elixir Sulfanilamide Deaths of 1937

Alabama (10 confirmed, 2 possible)

"Baby" (Syble G.?) Singleton, of Eufaula died sometime in September. Was given 2-ounce salesman's sample by local physician.

John (Johney) C. Holloway, age unknown, of Clayton died September 24. Two prescriptions (for 6 and 4 ounces each) dispensed. Consumed unknown amount.

Anderson Crews (aka Cruce), possibly 63 years, of Headland died September 25. Three ounces dispensed on prescription.

Ewell Daughtrey (or Daughtry), possibly 32 years, of Clio died September 26 in Waycross, Georgia, hospital. Two ounces dispensed on prescription.

Ethel (or Ether or Ester) Colston, "adult," of Ariton died sometime in October after drinking about 8 tablespoons of elixir. In this case, the FDA reported the "complication of possible cerebral hemorrhage."

Edward Walker, "boy" (son of Charles Walker), died October 3 of Bright's disease in Dothan hospital. Was sold two 4-ounce prescriptions from Enterprise druggist, who attempted to conceal identity of purchaser from FDA.

Fannie Zeanah, age unknown, of Eufaula died October 13. Consumed some portion of 6-ounce prescription.

Ed (or Edd) Scott, age unknown, of Demopolis died October 14. Three-ounce prescription dispensed. FDA did not recover remaining elixir, because prescription bottle placed in casket.

Betty Joe Story, 2, of Arab died October 16 after drinking 1.5 ounces of 6-ounce prescription.

Alfred "Alf" McDade, age unknown, of Eufaula died October 17. Consumed some portion of 3.5-ounce prescription.

Possible

Martin Smith, age unknown, of Pisgah died sometime in October. Consumed some or all of 3-ounce prescription.

Rita Glendyne Mallon, "baby," of Mobile died October 10. Consumed some portion of 3-ounce prescription.

Arkansas (1 confirmed)

Ruth Jeanell Long, 7, of McCaskill died October 24 after consuming some or all of 2-ounce prescription. Treating physician probably attempted to deceive FDA inspectors about patient's identity. Post-exhumation autopsy findings consistent with diethylene glycol poisoning.

California (1 confirmed)

Orvin Kutz, Jr, 5 (son of Orvin, Sr, and Celia), of Fresno died of anuria and uremic encephalopathy October 20. Consumed 1 ounce of 2-ounce prescription, which was given for streptococcal sore throat and high fever.

Florida (2 confirmed, 1 possible)

Fred L. Williams, age unknown, of Jacksonville died October 12 after consuming probably all of 6-ounce prescription.

Emanuel Cauley, possibly 34, of Jacksonville died October 16 after consuming total of 5 ounces from 2 sequential 4-ounce prescriptions.

Possible

J. C. Donaldson, age and sex unknown, of Quincy died October 16 after consuming some portion of 2-ounce prescription. The FDA reported, "There is some question as to whether or not this patient died as a result of elixir poisoning."

Georgia (10 confirmed, 2 possible)

Jewell Fitts (male), 36, of Dahlonega died October 5 after receiving unknown amount (but probably 4 ounces) of elixir on prescription from the "extremely irascible" Dr. Samuel A. West.

Betty Louise Satterfield, age unknown, of Greensboro died October 6 after receiving 4-ounce prescription.

Luther N. Gillham (or Gilham), 29, of Porterdale died October 8 after received 4-ounce prescription. Prescribing physician initially tried to mislead investigating authorities by removing Gillham's prescription from dispensing druggist's records.

Herman Bolton, possibly 34, of Wadley died October 16 in Millen hospital. Bolton likely received 6 ounces of elixir over the counter from local druggist, who denied dispensing the medication.

Robert L. Fields, 68, of Aaron died October 17. Consumed some portion of 8-ounce prescription that was shared with neighbor and victim Lilly (or Lillie) Lyons. Prescription discovered after incomplete amount returned to Bristol by Metter pharmacist.

Leonard J. Dees, probably 22, of Milner died October 18 after consuming some portion of 6-ounce prescription; dispensed by Griffin pharmacist. 

Lilly (or Lillie) Lyons, 41, of Aaron died October 19. Shared prescription with fellow victim Robert L. Fields.

Robert L. Parks, 19, of Dahlonega died October 19. Received 4-ounce prescription from the "extremely irascible" Dr. Samuel A. West.

Seth L. Durden, age unknown, of Wadley died October 21. Eight ounces of elixir purchased over the counter from druggist in Swainsboro.

Will (William L.) Portwood, 34, of Swainsboro died October 26. Four ounces of elixir purchased over the counter from druggist in Swainsboro.

Possible

Arnette (or Anett) Lewis, sex and age unknown, of McDonough died October 6. Two-ounce prescription received directly from physician. FDA suspected that diethylene glycol poisoning was not cause of death in this case.

Mrs. Mark (Morning Catherine) Reynolds, 77, of Dublin died October 12. FDA suspected that diethylene glycol poisoning was not cause of death in this case.

Illinois (7 confirmed, 1 possible)

Hazel Mildred Fea, 23, of Granite City died October 10 at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Consumed probably 2 ounces of 4-ounce prescription dispensed directly by hometown physician Philip M. Dale. 

J. D. Kimbrough (Jee D. Kimbrew), age unknown, of East St. Louis died October 15. Consumed about 2.5 ounces of 4-ounce prescription written by Dr. Henry H. Weathers. Elixir dispensed by Walter J. Daut Pharmacy.

Maurice (Edwin M.) Slaughter, 4 (son of Edwin and Helen), of East St. Louis died October 16 at St. Mary's Hospital (East St. Louis). Consumed probably "all but two doses" of 1-ounce prescription written by Dr. Henry H. Weathers for "inguinal adenitis." Elixir dispensed by Lincoln Pharmacy. 

George W. Nixon, 5 (son of Joseph and Mary), of East St. Louis died October 18 at St. Mary's Infirmary (St. Louis). Consumed about 0.6 ounces of 1.5-ounce prescription written by Dr. Henry H. Weathers for treatment of streptococcal sore throat. Elixir dispensed by Lincoln Pharmacy.

Joseph L. Henry, 60, of East St. Louis died October 18 at St. Mary's Hospital (St. Louis). Consumed all but 3 or 4 doses 4-ounce prescription written by Dr. Henry H. Weathers. Elixir dispensed by Lincoln Pharmacy.

Alexander A. Brooks, 70, of East St. Louis died October 21 at St. Mary's Hospital (East St. Louis). Took "about 5 doses" of 4-ounce prescription written by Dr. Henry H. Weathers. Elixir dispensed by Lincoln Pharmacy.

Gertrude Lee (Mrs. Ellis Z.) Black, 38, of East St. Louis died October 24 at Homer G. Phillips Hospital. Consumed 2 ounces of 4-ounce prescription written by Dr. Henry H. Weathers. Elixir dispensed by Walter J. Daut Pharmacy.

Possible

Bessie Lee Bosley, 53, of East St. Louis died October 8 at St. Mary's Hospital (East St. Louis) of streptococcal infection of the jaw and teeth. Consumed some portion of 4-ounce prescription written by Dr. Henry H. Weathers and dispensed by Walter J. Daut Pharmacy.

Mississippi (27 confirmed, 1 possible)

Elnora (Mrs. Robert) Perkins, age unknown, of Itta Bena died October 1. Consumed some portion of 4-ounce prescription.

Joe Hewitt, possibly 31, of Deasonville died October 4 after consuming an unknown portion of 2-ounce prescription dispensed by Dr. Homer E. Frizell.

Claiborne L. Anderson, 37, of Laurel died October 4 after taking 2.75 ounces of 6-ounce prescription written by physician Joe Green. Remainder of elixir held by widow for "possible legal use."

Albert Cole, 19, of Laurel died October 5 after consuming unknown amount of 6-ounce prescription written by physician Joe Green.

Hettie Young, 18, of Magee died October 5 after consuming unknown amount of 3-ounce prescription obtained at Magee General Hospital.

John W. Gibbons, 71, of Mt. Olive died October 9. Consumed about 2.5 ounces of 4-ounce prescription written by Mt. Olive physician Archie Calhoun and dispensed by Calhoun Drug Company.

Robert A. Boutwell, 27, of Ellisville died October 10. Consumed unknown amount of prescription written by Laurel physician Joe Green. Elixir bottle held by decedent's father for legal use.

Walter Bell, age unknown, of Benton died October 11 after consuming unknown amount dispensed by Dr. Homer E. Frizell.

William Cornell Howell ("negro"), possibly 36, of New Albany died October 14. Consumed 3 ounces of 4-ounce over-the-counter sale.

Edie (or Eddie) Sullivan, 49, of Magee died October 17. Consumed some portion of 4-ounce prescription obtained at Magee General Hospital.

Columbus Bryant, 34, died October 17 at John Gaston Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Prescription obtained directly from physician in Cary, Mississippi. Consumed some portion of 6-ounce prescription.

Otis Coulter, age unknown, of Mt. Olive died October 19. Received 4-ounce prescription and 4-ounce refill, both written by Mt. Olive physician Archive Calhoun and dispensed by Calhoun Drug Company.

James Monroe Vick, 53, of Ellisville died October 20 of "carcinoma of gallbladder and stomach," according to death certificate. Consumed unknown amount of prescription written by Laurel physician Joe Green.

Mrs. J. Edmond (Vala?) Penn, age unknown, of Mt. Olive died October 20 after consuming unknown amount of elixir. Prescription written by Mt. Olive physician Archie Calhoun and dispensed by Calhoun Drug Company.

Lorene (or Lorece or Lorenzo) Lewis, sex and age unknown, of Philadelphia died October 20. Consumed portion of 4-ounce prescription.

Reverend James Edward Byrd, 65, of Mt. Olive died October 21 in a Knoxville, Tennessee, hospital. Consumed unknown amount of 3-ounce prescription written by Mt. Olive physician Archie Calhoun and dispensed by Calhoun Drug Company.

Jerry Strickland, 3, of Burnsville died October 22. Consumed 1.75 ounces of 4-ounce prescription dispensed directly by physician on October 11.

Gussie Mae (or Jessie May) Grubbs ("negress"), age unknown, of Mt. Olive died between October 20 and 22. Consumed 3 ounces of 4-ounce prescription written by Mt. Olive physician Archie Calhoun and dispensed by Calhoun Drug Company.

Leffie Easterling ("negress"), age unknown, of Collins died between October 20 and 22. Consumed all of 4-ounce prescription written by Mt. Olive physician Archie Calhoun and dispensed by Calhoun Drug Company. 

Sallie Louise Brown ("negro"), age unknown, of Benton died October 24. Consumed about one third of 2-ounce prescription dispensed in Yazoo City for "severe strep sore throat" on October 13.

Emmett (or Eva or Era) Pickens, sex and age unknown, of Laurel died October 24 or 25. Consumed 1 ounce of 6-ounce prescription. Remainder was held by the prescribing physician, Joe Green, for "possible legal use."

Katie (or Katy) Stuckey (nee Meadows), about 38, of Collins died on an unknown date. Consumed 2.5 ounces of 4-ounce prescription, which was written by Mt. Olive physician Archie Calhoun and dispensed by Calhoun Drug Company. Empty elixir bottle left with husband.

Essie Davis, about 42, of Bentonia died on an unknown date. Consumed unknown amount of prescription written by Dr. James.

Henry G. Taylor, age unknown, of Bentonia died on an unknown date. Consumed 4.75 ounces of 6-ounce prescription written by Dr. James.

Franklin Jones, age unknown, of Bentonia died on an unknown date. Consumed 2.75 ounces of 4-ounce prescription written by Dr. James.

"Little" Martin Shelby, age unknown, of Bentonia died on an unknown date. Consumed 2.75 ounces of 8-ounce prescription written by Dr. James.

Steve Demus, about 27, of Bentonia died on an unknown date. Consumed unknown amount of prescription.

Possible

Julia Brown, age unknown, of Weathersby died on an unknown date. Consumed unknown amount from 2 prescriptions (3 and 6 ounces).

Missouri (1 confirmed)

William M. Schroeder, 50, of St. Louis died October 24 at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. Consumed about 5 ounces of 6-ounce prescription dispensed directly by physician. Three days before death, Schroeder refused to release remaining elixir to FDA. Bottle retained by widow.

North Carolina (2 confirmed, 1 possible)

Charles "Charlie" Richardson, 24, of Nashville died October 17 at Rocky Mount Sanitarium. Consumed about 4 ounces of 8-ounce prescription dispensed directly by Dr. John H. Martin of Red Oak.

John Thomas Tanner, 59, of Rocky Mount died October 31 at Parkview Hospital. Consumed all of 4-ounce prescription dispensed directly by Dr. John H. Martin of Red Oak. 

Possible

Master Billy Lee Lindsey, 3, of Rocky Mount died October 12 at Parkview Hospital of "acute nephritis" and "acute streptococcic tonsillitis." One-ounce prescription dispensed. According to FDA, "There is some doubt that this death was due solely to Elixir Sulphanilamide."

Ohio (1 confirmed)

Jo Anne Cramer, 6, received 2-ounce sample from Copley physician for "mild case" of scarlet fever. Consumed some portion and died of "uremic poisoning" on October 17 at children's hospital in Akron.

Oklahoma (11 confirmed)

Robert "Bobbie" Sumner (or Summer), 2 (son of J. M. Sumner/Summer) of Leonard, died September 30 at his aunt's home in Tulsa. Consumed unknown quantity of 4-ounce prescription dispensed by Getman Drug Store for possible treatment of strep throat.

Mary Earline Watters, 11 months (daughter of Earl F. and Fern), died October 1 at St. John's Hospital in Tulsa. Consumed unknown quantity of 4-ounce prescription dispensed by Getman Drug Store for possible treatment of strep throat.

John "Jack" King, Jr, 8 (son of John and Katherine/Kathryn), died October 1 at St. John's Hospital (or 1207 E. 21st St.) in Tulsa. Consumed an unknown quantity of 3-ounce prescription dispensed by Lincoln Drug Store (originally obtained from Getman Drug Store) for treatment of possible strep throat. 

Millard Wesley Wakeford, 5 (son of Millard O. and Natalie), died October 4 at St. John's Hospital in Tulsa. Consumed unknown quantity of 4-ounce prescription dispensed by Getman Drug Store for treatment of strep throat.

Joan Marler, 6 (daughter of R. R. Marlar and Maise Nidiffer), died October 6 at Morningside Hospital in Tulsa. Consumed unknown quantity of 3-ounce prescription dispensed by Getman Drug Store for treatment of strep throat. 

Michael S. Sheehan, 6 (son of George and Helen), died October 6 at St. John's Hospital in Tulsa. Consumed unknown quantity of 4-ounce prescription dispensed by Getman Drug Store for treatment of strep throat. 

Kathleen E. Hobson, 8 (daughter of Thomas Marshall and Pearl), died October 9 at Morningside Hospital in Tulsa. Consumed 1.5 ounces of 4-ounce prescription. Balance "thrown out in the trash and burned by deceased's mother."

Glen F. Entler, 19 (son of Alfred B.), of Tuscola, Illinois, died October 9 in Tulsa while visiting his aunt and uncle. Consumed most of 6-ounce prescription. Remainder sent October 11 by prescribing Tulsa physician, Dr. Darwin B. Childs, to AMA in Chicago for analysis.

Charlene Mardell Canady, 4 (daughter of Charles K.), died October 12 at St. John's Hospital in Tulsa. Consumed 2 ounces of 3-ounce prescription dispensed for treatment of strep throat. Father retained portion in original bottle as evidence.

Earl L. Beard, 25, died October 16 in a Tulsa hospital. Consumed unknown quantity of 8-ounce prescription dispensed by Getman Drug Store.

Wilmer Morris, 18, of Osage, died October 27 at St. John's Hospital in Tulsa. Consumed about half of 4-ounce prescription dispensed by Cleveland drug vendor. In an attempt to conceal patient's identity, treating physician changed prescription records filed at drug store. 

South Carolina (9 confirmed)

Oscar Chisholm, 2, of Charleston died September 30 at Roper Hospital of "uremia from acute nephritis." Consumed unknown amount of 2-ounce prescription; dispensed September 24 for treatment of "sore throat."

Ella Blanche Washington, 3, of Charleston died September 30 at Roper Hospital of "uremia" and "acute nephritis." Consumed unknown quantity of 3-ounce prescription.

Pearl Locklair, 37, of Charleston died October 4 at Roper Hospital of "uremia." Consumed unknown quantity of 6-ounce prescription; dispensed September 24 for "retropharyngeal abscess."

Susie Mae DeLoach, 16, of Fairfax died October 7 in Brunson of "kidney suppression." Consumed unknown quantity of 2-3-ounce prescription for treatment of "streptococcus infection of leg." Prescribing doctor, Johnston Peeples of Estill, evasive about patient's identity with FDA.

James Stewart, 10, of Charleston died October 12 at Roper Hospital of "uremia from acute nephritis." Consumed unknown amount of 4-ounce prescription; dispensed October 2.

Ward St. John O'Brien, 39, of Charleston died October 13 at the Hospital & Training School. Consumed all of 4-ounce prescription between October 6 and 8.

Harry Terry, 34, of Estill died October 14 of "acute uremia" and "acute nephritis." Consumed 3 ounces of 4-ounce prescription; elixir originally obtained from Dr. Johnston Peeples.

John McDaniel (or J. J. McDanie), 35, of Luray died October 14. Consumed about 3 ounces of 4-ounce prescription. Treating doctor, Johnston Peeples of Estill, evasive about patient's identity with FDA. Elixir bottle found on top of patient's grave.

Willie Badger, age unknown, of Scotia died October 18. Consumed about 1.5 ounces of 4-ounce prescription. Treating doctor, Johnston Peeples of Estill, evasive about patient's identity with FDA. Prescription bottle found in weeds behind Badger's home. 

Tennessee (4 confirmed, 1 unlikely)

Horace Williams, age unknown, of Sevierville died October 12 after receiving 3-ounce prescription from local physician.

William E. Kyte ("colored"), 38, of Knoxville died October 17 at Knoxville General Hospital. Consumed unknown quantity of 4-ounce prescription.

Charles William Miller, 25, of Memphis died October 20 at Methodist Hospital. Consumed unknown quantity of 8-ounce over-the-counter purchase.

Charles Merideth, age unknown, of Cleveland died October 24. Consumed 2 ounces of 4-ounce prescription.

Unlikely

"Baby" Thompson, age unknown, of Jacksboro died October 17. Consumed unknown amount of 2-ounce prescription. According to FDA, "All evidence indicates that this patient did not die as a result of Elixir Sulphanilamide."

Texas (7 confirmed, 2 possible)

Johnie Fay Kay (girl), 12, of Hemphill died October 4 of "uremia" and "lobar pneumonia." Consumed about 6 tablespoons of elixir prescription.

William Taft Parker, 27, of Wichita Falls died October 10 of "uremia due to acute nephritis" at Bethania Hospital. Consumed 3.5 ounces of 6-ounce prescription.

Robert Montgomery Goode, 29, of Texas City died October 10 at John Sealy Hospital in Galveston of "acute toxic hemorrhagic nephritis" and "toxic hepatitis." Consumed 4 ounces of 6-ounce prescription.

Levi Kelly ("colored"), 19, of Highbank died October 12. Consumed all of 4-ounce prescription obtained in nearby Marlin from "negro" physician Allan L. Hunter. 

Alberta Yvonne Howell, 2 (daughter of Lee and Irene), of Ballinger died October 13 of "acute nephritis." Prescribed 2 ounces for "streptococcic sore throat."

Lois Jean Wilkins, 4, of Leona died October 16. Consumed about half of 4-ounce prescription obtained in Madisonville.

Mollie May Schmitton, 20, a student in Commerce, died October 20. Consumed little over half of 4-ounce prescription.

Possible

Lillie Maurye Howard, 5, of Goree died October 6 of "Vincent's angina" (trench mouth). Consumed about 2 ounces of 4-ounce prescription, which was also taken by 2-year-old sister without consequence.

"Baby" Rosas (possibly Margrita), age unknown, daughter of migrant cotton picker living in Tahoka box car. Died October 7 of pneumonia at Mercy Hospital in Slaton. Consumed about half of 1-ounce prescription. FDA concluded that elixir-induced death was questionable.

Virginia (2 confirmed)

Mrs. D. T. (Martha Agnes) Cairns, age unknown, of Petersburg died October 7. Consumed about 4 ounces of 6-ounce prescription dispensed by Dr. D. C. Mayes (of Church Road) on September 25.

Robert Harrison Mayes, age unknown (son of J. H. Mayes), of Church Road died October 17. Consumed 3 ounces; dispensed on prescription by Dr. D. C. Mayes on October 4.

West Virginia (2 confirmed)

William Irvin, 17, died at Beckley Hospital on October 11. Consumed probably 2 ounces of 3-ounce prescription dispensed by Dr. R. J. Howard.

Jonathan Walter Lyons, 35, died at Beckley Hospital on October 18. Consumed unknown quantity of prescription dispensed by Dr. R. J. Howard.

Primary sources:

FDA correspondence. Report from J. O. Clarke to P. B. Dunbar. November 17, 1937.

FDA correspondence. Report from J. O. Clarke to P. B. Dunbar. November 20, 1937.

Individual state death certificates, when available.

For any corrections, clarifications, or additions, please e-mail barbara dot martin at bmartinmd dot com.