Howard Burton ZIRKLE

The Topeka Daily Capital, 27 Dec 1917, Thursday: TWO MENINGITIS CASES DISCOVERED IN SHAWNEE COUNTY Howard Zirkle, of Richland, Succumbs to Dread Malady. Unconscious Man, Believed to Be from North Topeka, is Isolated in Local Hospital. Spinal meningitis has invaded Shawnee county. Howard Zirkle, 38, of Richland, died yesterday a victim of the disease, and F. M. Beckley, 1315 North Polk street, is at a local hospital suffering from an attack. Beckley was found unconscious in a prairie schooner near Silver Lake Sunday night. It was stated last night that he is still unconscious and there is very little hope for his recovery. Zirkle was a railroad man running out of Kansas City and it is believed that he caught the disease while on his run, as he passes thru Camp Funston. After being taken sick he walked thru the streets of Kansas City before returning to Richland. Physicians stated that he had the epidemic form of meningitis that has been prevalent at Camp Funston. Last Monday, Dr. William Tibbets, of Richland, was called, and Christmas day Dr. H. M. Conner, of Topeka, was called in consultation. Following the consultation it was announced that Zirkle had spinal meningitis. Zirkle's home and family were placed under quarantine. Mystery attaches to the man at the local hospital, who is believed, however, to be F. M. Beckley, 1315 North Polk street, inasmuch as a hunting license issued to Beckley was found in his pocket. The hunting license gave Beckley's age as 33 years and Doctor O'Connor, county physician, who is treating him, stated that he appeared to be about 30 years old. Another hunting license, dated last year, and issued to Forrest Beckley, was also found in his pocket, and in that the age is given as 24. Beckley has been isolated at the hospital, it was stated last night, with no one on the floor with him but his nurse. Doctor O'Connor stated last night that diagnoses showed that Beckley has emeumococus meningitis, a much lighter form than at Camp Funston. There is little hope for his recover, Doctor O'Connor said. "I wish you would state that there is very much less danger of contracting this disease than other contagious diseases," said Doctor O'Connor. "However, it is more serious when one does contract it. Topekans need not be afraid of an epidemic."

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