On this day in 1938: John Early, referred to in newspapers as “the nation’s most famous leper,” dies at the federal leprosarium in Carville, La. Early, 64, was born near Weaverville. He contracted leprosy (later known as Hansen’s disease) while serving in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War. On his return he was captured and […]
Posts Tagged ‘federal leprosarium’
‘Nation’s most famous leper’ sought refuge in Tryon
Posted in History, On This Day, tagged carville louisiana, federal leprosarium, john early, leprosy, tryon nc, weaverville nc on February 28, 2012 | Leave a Comment »