JESSE STAMMERS

Born: 1877, Sibton, Suffolk.

Died: 5th July 1900; age: 23; Died of Enteric Fever at Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.

ENTERIC FEVER   Enteric Fever (eneterica serotype bacteria) was a rampant bacterial infection during the South Africa Boer War – 1899 – 1902.

This systemic disease, now known as Typhoid Fever, from the bacterium Salmonella typhi, is characterised by fever and abdominal pain. The disease is spread via the lymphatic system and can affect other parts of the body, or even the whole body. The symptoms usually develop a week or two after a person has become infected bringing on a high temperature, headaches, coughs, lethargy, aches and pains, loss of appetite, sickness and diarrhoea. After 2 – 3 weeks intestinal bleeding.

Enteric Fever was originally thought to be spread via dust storms and flies.

Human carriers with acute illness can contaminate the surrounding water supply through their faeces, which contain a high concentration of the bacteria. The polluted water supply can, in turn, taint the food supply. Enteric (Typhoid) Fever is then contracted by drinking or eating contaminated food or water. This bacteria can survive for weeks in water or dried sewage.

In 1897, an effective vaccine was developed by Almroth Wright and William Leisman, at the Army Medical School, Netley. At the time of the Boer War, the new inoculation had many side effects, and soldiers refused voluntary immunisation. The inoculation was still voluntary in August 1914, when Great Britain entered the First World War. 

Residence: Meadow Cottages, Peasenhall, Suffolk.

Occupation: Farm Labourer.

Enlistment Date: 14th March 1899.

Rank: Private; Service Number: 7980.

Regiment: Grenadier Guards, 3rd Battalion.

Clasps Awarded: Johannesburg, Diamond Hill & Transvaal.

CENSUS

1881   Halesworth Road, Sibton, Suffolk.

Jesse was 3 years old and living with his parents, siblings & stepbrothers.

William Stammers, 49, a Shepherd, born Wetheringsett, Suffolk.

Mary Ann Stammers (nee Thorndike), 36, born Athelington, Suffolk.

George Stammers, 17, an Agricultural Labourer, born Wetheringsett.

Thomas Stammers, 15, an Agricultural Labourer, born Wetheringsett.

Annie Stammers, 12, born Wetheringsett.

Betsy Elizabeth Stammers, 9, born Wetheringsett.

Herbert Stammers, 6, born Wetheringsett.

Alice Kate Stammers, 4,  born Wetheringsett.

1891   Halesworth Road, Sibton, Suffolk.

Jesse was 13 years old, a Farm Labourer. He was living with his parents & siblings.

William, 57, a Farm Labourer.

Mary Ann, 45.

Herbert, 16, a Farm Labourer.

Alice, 14.

Soldiers’ Effects to William Stammers – father.

The Boer War.