Flood of 1899

Menard News and Messenger--June 18, 1936

DAMAGE ESTIMATED AT $75,000 FROM DISASTROUS FLOOD IN 1899

(Account from early Messenger files)
"It was not wholly unlooked for, nor were observant people taken by surprise. All afternoon Sunday, a heavy cloud hung over the whole section of the country, drained by the various heads and draws of the river. As night came on the cloud extended down stream, and in a few hours the rain was falling heavily all along the stream from its source downward.

"It was rather a surprise that Monday's dawn did not witness a freshet in the stream at Menardville, but we did not have long to wait. By eight o'clock the rise began, and in less than four hours the waters were out of bank and flooding crops in the valley. It soon began falling, however, and fell as rapidly as it rose, and many supposed the danger was past. Still heavy clouds hung over the head waters and occasional showers continued to fall along the valley. Some crops were badly damaged even then. It was still early in the afternoon, when the river began to rise again, and the thoughtful people commenced preparing for a speedy evacuation of the valley. By six o'clock the big rise was coming through the town but the upward movement was so slow that it was still hoped that the danger would pass and many even retired to sleep, and were rudely awakened by the cries of the more cautious and watchful that the town was flooded and the waters still rising.

"Then followed a scene of confusion, which may be understood by those who have experienced the effect on similar occasions. Every man and boy in town turned out to the rescue of the helpless, and although they saw their own property swept away and destroyed, nothing was attempted to save it, until every woman, child and old man in the town was removed to a point of safety. There were deeds of heroism and self-sacrifice that will long be remembered and mentioned after this generation has passed away--but this is not the time to speak of them.

"Several, after seeing the helpless out of danger returned to see after their own interest, only to find their business houses gone, and learn that they were financially ruined.

"The guests at the hotel were awakened by Prof. Cook calling out that the hall was full of water and the first sight they beheld, when running to the balcony, was Dr. McKnight's office, John Callan's Drug store and the Frisco beer saloon floating down the avenue. The drug store and saloon stranded and wrecked opposite the hotel, but the Doctor's office, after colliding with Lee Russell's yard fence, sheared and passed on down the current. J. N. Maddox's residence was wrecked and everything he had went with it. Crowell's residence changed front and remained within a few feet of the foundation. Oliver store was swept nearly destroyed or badly injured.

Lee Russell's late dwelling was badly injured; but the fact is, but few houses, either resident or business, escaped serious damage. All the bridges on the main irrigation ditch were swept away early, and in this lay danger to life. Every family must be removed across that ditch to insure safety, and it is all but incredible, but most gratifying indeed, to be able to record that this was accomplished without serious accident.

"The loss is heavy, but it may well be borne since no precious life perished. Few are yet able to give full or accurate account of their loss, but it is known that all are losers, while the merchants suffered more severely. Rough estimates put the losses in town all the way from $50,000 to $75,000; but the losses in the valley above and below town as far as Peg Leg, will not fall sort of $150,000. Seventy-five per cent of the finest crop for the season ever grown in the valley is destroyed, while some are a total loss.

NOTE:  While I strive for accuracy in all transcriptions, please be advised that typing errors may be present.  I would suggest you always verify my online information with a copy of the actual record.

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