***** THE SUMMER OF 1816 *****

The summer of 1816 was a most unusual one and should be kept in mind when researching your ancestors in this time period.

Mt. Tambour Volcano in Java erupted in 1815. 12,000 islanders lost their lives in this eruption. This event caused a most unusual weather pattern the following year in North America. This resulted in mass migrations of people trying to get away from the drastic climatic changes.

The summer of 1816 was very cold. Killing frosts and snowfall destroyed crops throughout the United States. June and July were the coldest months. 19 states had SNOWFALL IN JUNE! there were no fall harvests. Animals and people starved. Wild animals ravaged the frontier.

The people, not knowledgeable of meteorological causes, blamed the wrath of  God for these hardships. Some who were destitute and despondent, committed suicide.

By 1817, the climate returned to normal, however many had already moved to warmer parts of the country and some farmers gave up farming for industrial work in the cities.

If you have ancestors who disappeared from sight ca 1815-1820, keep these events in mind. They may have migrated looking for a warmer and more hospitable place to live.