Corporal Jacob Berlin from Claremont died today in Memphis. He was assigned to Company H.
There was much sickness and many deaths in Memphis this winter. All of the regiments were affected, not just the 130th Illinois Infantry.
The most fatal disease was measles. A large percentage of the newly enlisted men had never had measles. Given the close quarters, the winter weather, and the lack of immunity, the disease spread quickly and easily. Many young, strong, healthy soldiers were brought down by the disease.
Some died, and others became permanently disabled and were discharged. A few lost their voices or suffered damaged eyesight or hearing.
