Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1892-05-28
SOUTH OF THE TERMINALS.

SLOW 10 ESCAPE.
The territory around the oatmeal
mill was thought to be perfectly safe
until about 10 o'clock when a party of
gentlemen who saw the rush of waters
above went around and notified every
occupant of all dwellings TO move
as soon as possible. Under
circumstances like these the stubborn
ness of some of the people in danger is
remarkable. The majority of the resi-
dents did get out, and in n hurry, too.
After the water reached the Sioux City
and Pacific it was not long before it was
running over the track and filling all
the low places, and was soon running
tover the streets and up TO the first floor
of most of the dwellings. A great
many wagons, drays, etc gave assist
ance and wagon load after wagon
load of household goods were seen
coming west to higher ground. Many
people would not leave their homes
thinking hat they were safe enough
but their experiences in getting to
land were thrilling in the extreme
Just south and east of the Western
Transfer and Implement company's
warehouse was n little cottage, APP
parently deserted. The water was up
to the beds and covered the bedding
On one was found lying with its head
on n pillow and it's face just out
of the water a little 49,
months'-old babe. Willing hands
hurried it away. Ten minutes longer
and the babe would have been
drowned.
Over on Steuben street near the
tracks, a mar was seen on n houset p,
and further south on Steuben street in
an upper window two women were
waving their handkerchiefs. The water
was running over the tracks in torrents,
but I'VE boats were sent to rescue
them. They had to turn back. Finally
another boat vas Sent from above.
This one was successful and was COM
ing back all right when some floating
ties struck the boat and capsized it.
All managed to get to a place Of safety
until other boats could get out to them.
On south Wall, Iowa and Court streets
and the cross streets all the women
and children were taken care Of A
great many took refuge in the Wor-
cester school building. The homes in
many places presented u sad sight.
Everything vas torn up and scattered
about as the occupants had left, TAX
ing only a few things with them.
Many houses were of their founda-
tions, outhouses floating about, railroad
ties, lumber and refuse everywhere.
About 1890 it was reported that
an old gentleman and his sick wife
were at 207 Court street and were un-
able to get out. Boats were sent down
and helped them out Everything was
done that could be done to assist, and
at 2 p. III. it was understood that every
body had been taken care of.
Many of the rescuing parties had
narrow escapes from drowning by fall
by the water end from loose paving
blocks. On all the paved streets that
the water reached the paving was
raised up in a mass, but when an at.
tempt was made to walk on it
the stuff separated and let the
pedestrian go through. This caused
the death of many horses.
One of the first families to suffer was
that of Louis Homer, at east Four
teenth street, across from Springdale.
The husband loaded his family on a
hay-rack and started his team for the
higher ground, but the horses soon
lost their footing In the strong cur
rent and before the wagon could be
reached the woman and children had
been washed off and drowned.
The Illinois Central road attempted
to run q train N to Leeds, but had to
abandon the attempt. The Chicago.
st. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha en-
gines that were rescued from the
roundhouse last night had again to be
moved further up the yard.
One of the sufferers from the food of
1881 was seen and he said hat this
flood discounted that one. The bottom
is now thickly settled and this makes
the damage very much greater than
that at hat time.