The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1893-04-18
S. D. Adair's
Experience.

MFR. s.. d. Adair OF Clatsop will re
member his experience of last Satur
day and the day previous as long q
he lives, having been brought almos
face to face with his death. He has
homestead at Elk Creek, and was dow
there looking after the erection Of
building. After concluding his worl
on Saturday afternoon he started TO
Seaside, intending to make Sklpanol
the following day. For several day.
previous rain had been steadily coming
down, causing the already swoller
streams to become rushing and danger
GUS torrents.
The distance from Mr.. Adalr's home.
stead to Seaside is about thirteen miles
eight Of which is almost impossible
during the greater part of the winter
The road from Elk Creek to the Ne
canicum is one great lake Of mud and
mire, requiring the utmost efforts OF
lman and beast, to travel it. Continual
rain for several days will swell the
Necanicum, so that crossing is impos
sible, even on the foot logs used by
travellers when fording becomes out
of the question.
When Mr.. Adair reached the Mccain
lcum ford near Philo Eberman's late
on Saturday afternoon he found the
river filled from bank to bank, and a
few yards further down stream where
the banks are lower the bottom land
was overfiowed in every direction.
Thinking he might be able to cross the
bridge a couple of miles down stream
near the Holiday hotel, the traveller
now tired. and hungry, started along
the edge Of the bluff keeping well
above the rapidly rising water. 1t was
not an easy task, as the underbrush
in places was 80 thick, that he vas
compelled to crawl on hands and knees
for rods at a time. Darkness was conl-
ing on fast when Mr.. Adair reached a
point about a mile below the ford and
known as Holiday Park. Here he
soon discovered that to advance FUR
Their would be impossible, as the whole
country was under water. On a slight
elevation near the river channel stood
an old vacated house and shed, and to
this Mr.. Adair made his way, some
times wading In water up to his Shout
ders. He managed to start a fire In
the shed, and by drying n garment
at a time succeeded after q few hours
In making himself comparatively COM
Portable. To sleep was not only Inn
possible but dangerous, as the water was
continually rising with each downpoui
of rain. Late in the night 1t became
plainly evident to Mr.. Adair that he
would soon be compelled to seek new
and higher quarters, as already the
water stood several inches deep over
the floor. He ~ietreated to the stable
near by, which occupied higher
grounds, but here he found the floor
also submerged. Securing an old box
he filled It with mud and on this soon
had a fire kindled, and which he kept
burning throughout the night.
Soon after daylight Philo Eberinan
who had been at Seaside for several
lays was making his way on horseback
through the flooded bottom on the Last
lde of the Necanicum, and opposite
yheie Mr.. Adair was held an unwill-
ng prisoner. Hearing a loud noise
rom the neighborhood of the buildings
cross the main body Of the river, iIr
pIberman turned his horse in that
!, irection and proceeded as far as it was
.ossible without swimming. A loud
al soon brought the half dead rancher
rfom his retreat and an exchange of
ords soon explained the situation to
ne horseman. Mr.. Eberman was not
ing In getting back to Seaside, ind
occurring cid, George Rowe, Thomas
cwett, and deputy Sheriff Merrifeld,
ogether with Mr.. Eberman, soon had
boat loaded on a wagon and driving
ack to the flooded bottom launched
he frail craft and pulled to where MI.
Adalr wa a~nxiously awaiting.
1t was a matter Of only a few minutes
10 float down the rapid current OF the
N%ecanicum to a place OF safety. where
the wagon was at hand and conveyed
the party to the hotel at Seaside.
1t is needless to say that Mr.. Adair
did ample justice to the Eastern break
fast placed before him upon his arrival,
IS he had not tasted food for twenty
four hours.