The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-04-05
WATERS OF RIVER
ARE HARNESSED
Citizen of Dale County Has Ac-
complished Great Work
SWAMP LAND Is USED
hafchie River Ii Fcat of Engineer
ing Done by W. F. Monk
With Great Results

E.df;,ula, April 4.-(Special) IA unique
conception on the part of W. F. Monk, a
prominent citizen of Dale county, four
teen miles east of Ozark, has been con-
sGmraated in a splendid achievement, the
result OF which will no doubt lead to
greater developments along the same line.
Mr.. Monk has succeeded in Harvesting
the waters of the Choctawhatchie river
at point where the work was deemed
infrracticable, and is operating a magnifi-
cent plant that promises to prove pay
ing and profitable industry. The difficulty
that had to be overcome was the matter
OF confirming the waters of the stream,
which, during rainy period and owing
to the fiatness of the swamps which in
that locality are more frequently a mile
or roore wide, would cover every area
of it,
MI. Monk, at a heavy expense, made
an excavation in the heart of the swamp
about an acre square strongly fortifying
the walls with heavy timbers, and which
he sank to about the depth of ten feet.
The stream was then turned into this
enclosure with a strong tumbling dam
to flow over at the lower extremity, This
confinement gives the water great force
at all seasons, and studlously avoids any
overflow in extreme wet weather 1t fur
ther thoroughly dries the land In close
proximity to his plant, giving him ample
room for operations and an inlet and out
let that is easily accessible at all times.
By the use of an immense turbine water
wheel, three large and well equipped in
dustries can be operated at the same
these is plant especially adapted for
saving the hard woods that abound along
the swamps. The second Is a we'll regu-
lated corn crushing and grst milling
plant. and the third a ginnery, all of
which can be operated at the same time
By means of shafts that connect them
with the motive power which Mr.. Monk
thinks is amply sufficient for another OF
like proportions.
Aside from the danger of fire, and the
expense of steam, Mr.. Monk enjoys trans
portatioi facilities that are unique and
unusual. AS fast as the giant white oaks
and various gum trees are made to sub
serve his interest, the lumber is launched
upon the waters fastened in RATS and
flcatcd to Newton. where 1t is easily put
in touch for any part of the country An
other feature too. is the absence of any
accuinulations in the way of sawdust or
other refuse which is similarly treated,
making more sure the absolute safety
of his buildings in the event of fire, and
the great saving in insurance.
EIr. Monks saw milling plant has a
capacity of 5000 feet per day, and, not
withstanding it has only been in opera
ton about three months. he has orders
awaiting him for 100000 feet of his prod
ucts. The plans were conceived by Mr.
Monk number of years ago while his
father was operating the plantation, but
on account of a lack of sufficient funds
the project was abandoned
For several years Mr.. Monk has been
engaged in the work of teaching, and
YVES president of the first district con-
gressioEal school at jackson for several
terms, but determined in his efforts. he
returned to the farm and has never
been so contented with his prospects as
now. II is strange but true that the
enterprise is the only one that adorns
the stream anywhere throughout this Sec
tion and clearly indicates what properly
applied energy and brains can accomplish
in this part of the state. Mr.. Monk does
not hesitate to relate that he is surprised
that SO many are deserving the farms and
rural districts to haunt the crowded out
investments of the cities. when such op-
portunities lie at their doors. He values
his output at $4,000. and feels confident
that il will yield him handsomer divi-
dends in proportion that any investment
he could have found in the city