The Russellville Democrat., 1889-07-18
The Red River Overflow.

Through information received from Msssrs. Will Puckett and M. P. Kelly who recently visited the scene of the late Red River overflow in Van Buren county, we are enabled to give some particulars not heretofore published of the drowning of eight members of H. c. Emerson's family and the losses sustained in that locality from the flood.
 Mir. Emerson lived in comfortable two story building near the bank of the river. On the fateful night of June 18th he retired with his family about g o'clock. It had been raining since 6 o'clock and the river was very high, though he had no thought of an over- flow. Soon after retiring, by the aid
 of flash of lightning, Mrs. Emerson first discovered water rushing through
 the yard. The family arose and hastily prepared to quit the house and ny to
 house and the hill was slough through
 which the water was rushing rapidly.
 This had to be crossed to reach place
 of safety. And here the terrible loss
 of life occurred. It was dark and rain-
 ing in torrents. With a child in his arm and lighted lantern in hand Mir. Emerson started to lead his family
 across the slough to the hill beyond.
 He had proceeded but a short distance
 when he heard cry from his oldest
 daughter and instantly a wall of water several feet high swept down upon
 them and engulfed them in it's death
 dealing embrace. Mir. K. was dashed against the bank with terrific force and
 managed to gain footing. Not sound could be heard save the rushing wat CTS. He called to his family and was answered by two sons who had saved
 themselves by climbing trees. The
 water run dow n in 30 minutes and with
 his two boys Mir. E. returned te the
 house and found that the water had
 covered the floor several feet in depth.
 and had carried off many articles of
 value. The lamp was still burning on the mantel. Although the night was
 unusually dark the survivors set about notifying the neighbors of the great
 calamity. Next morning at day light the work of recovering the dead began. The first body found was James, aged 16, in drift l50 yards from the house. The next was Mrs. Emerson, 3S, seyen- ty-fivs yards from the house, the baby was found about 20 feet above her. The balance of the family was found as follows: Hamilton, 20, one-fourth of mile away; Hardie, 2, one and half miles away; Matte, IS, thrse-quarters of mile away; Tennie, II, one mile away, Caleb, 4. one mile away. The eight bodies were buried the following day 150 yards above the scene of the disaster. Out of the once happy and prosperous home but three remain: The father, Willie, Is, and Robbie IA. IT 4f drnr n Al had retui ned from school the afternoon of the 10th, bearing . prize obtained over 200 students for scholarship. The which broke forth but . few miles above MT. Emerson's house and laid waste everything in its track as it rush. ed through the valley.
 The following Is a summary Of losses so far as has been learned: Jesse Brock, farm and crop. $20O; !; Thomas Franklin, residence, farm and crop, $500; Henry Stubblefield, farm and crop, $800; H. c. Emerson, out buildings, stock. farm and crop, $l5O0; Henry Emerson, $700; Marion Coon, $500; Sam Henly, $500; Frank Henly, $4OO; Tom Stubblefleld, $300; Logan and John Millsaps, $750; Sam Kilpat- rick, $500; Archie James. $500; the following were losers, but the amounts not known: Orlando McClusky, Tom Bone, R. M. Emerson, Jsdie Emerson, Messrs. Ironhart.
 The losses, although heavy, are brave- | ly borne by the sufferers, most of whom say they will not ask assistance from | the public. There are a few families, however, in great need, and assistance
 sent them now would be timely and serviceable act of charity,