Birth of George Jr. and Walter Sanger

Childbirth has never been an easy event. However now imagine the year is 1875. The Pullman family consisting of George, Harriet, 7-year-old Florence and 6-year-old Hattie are all living in the Palmer House Hotel. In April 1875 they move into rooms at the new Gardner Hotel. Their palatial new home on Prairie Avenue was being built and would not be ready for another year.

Mrs. George Mortimer Pullman, better known as Harriet Sanger Pullman, was pregnant for the 3rd time. She was 33 years old and had previously given birth to two daughters, Florence in 1868 and Hattie in 1869.

Harriet’s diary of 1875, beginning in January up to June 25th does not directly mention her pregnancy. She mentions feeling ill and that Dr. Miller was called to check on her. She goes out to dinner at close friends, Mrs. Stone and Mrs. Kimball’s homes. She mentions attending church services as late as April. Her diary entry for April 21st mentions thinking the “great event might occur, this morning” but it does not until June 24th when she mentions feeling sick at 11pm and Dr. Miller being called.

Her diary entry of June 25th:

“Doctor Miller here all night and at half past 11 o’clock am little George M. Jr. was born – at 12:30 little Walter Sanger made his appearance. The former weighed 8 ¼ the later 9 ¼.”

Photograph of Harriet Pullman with infant twin sons, George Jr. and Walter Sanger.

In 1875, 33 years old, giving birth to twins weighing a total of 17 ½ pounds in a hotel room with only a doctor is miraculous even by today’s standards. Especially when we think of today; this type of birth would have been in a hospital and highly monitored.

If we are wondering how George M. Pullman was feeling the Chicago Times sums it up perfectly:

“George M. Senior is happier than if he had patented a new sleeping car.”