The Elbert County tribune., 1914-01-09

SSifC ca W WI % oiiS oetfni ~ AA>aA~J,
December %, from Ler aunt,
Mrs. w. P. Huntington, and is
an interesting account of the
Texas food:
BAY CRY, Texas, Dec. 8, 1913
Dian NEIL: The time to write the
'doings is at the happening, but when
this writing will reach you is something
to be found out later as no trains in or
out yesterday or today.
Wharton, about thirty five miles north
Of US, was under water yesterday at 10
a. M. The terse quiet Of "may be So OF
the last week or ten days gave place at
2.30 this morning to flying activity
"hyingp is the only word, as you would
agree could you see the autoes going
by. We live just where the thorough
fare ceases to be a street, next corner il
road. About four miles out is weak
place or places in the levee. Men have
been at work for two or three days on
stretch mile long, rnising the levee,
But during the past night 1t broke in at
several points, SO they are now strength
ening the irrigating canal, hoping it may
catch the food and divert part OF 1t to
the east Of Bay City.
This morning / went down to the
store, found the clerks had been called
at 2.30 a. m. and had been busy filling
orders as well as protecting stock since
that hour Also there is no school and
several families arc quartcred in the
school building. | saw several loads OF
household goods, tapped byowners, then
some on horseback with -four sacks OF
clothing. These were from the river
farms On the west side the river has
spread tc Markham and FL Campo
where the excitement first started
Tuesday, Dec. 8, 4;3O a. ny Well we
are in the grip Of the flood. Eight chill.
dren, three women and three men are
sheltered with us up to date. And there
is another family across the way waiting
for boat to bring them over here. One
of our refugees, Mr.. Arnold, is just fine
giant. He had just had boat built for
fishing; he goes out in this and picks
people up in his arms and sets them in
quite easily
have been awake pretty much all
night, getting up quarter Of one. Al.
ter little your uncle got up and brought
the horse over to higher ground near
the house, but when it is light would
not be surprised to find him drowned
Tae water is rising fast-and as far as
we can tell is everywhere. The electric
plant and water system gave out two
hours ago. We did not anticipate ms
bad flood and loss of life as now seems
inevitable. You never mind my spelling
this morning, just be thankful you are
not here.
There were a fleet of motor boats sent
up from Matagorda, but the need was 40
great at Wharton that they we're sen,
there, and guess we were the worst off
after all. 1t all came SO quickly and is
still coming. Daylight will be Oh SO
welcome!
Wednesday a. m. Il Ruess)-Up as
soon as | could see and started break
fast for twenty five. Our water supply
is just the flood. which you may guess
is contaminated with all sorts. Our
horse is still alive, also our neighbor's
COW. All during the night as the water
was still rising men have been at cork
blowing up obstructions to prevent the
backing Up and subsequent release OF
the water. As far as eye can reach in
any direction nothing but water. So far
as we know no buildings OF any size
have foated. The school house, court
house, three depots and every two story
building IN town are packed to the utter
most, also freight cars in which oil
stoves have been installed are pressed
into use.
We are very fortunate. only twenty
five, and fairly well supplied with gro
ceries. But o my tiny little cook stove!
So far it has been clear and mild but it
is looking gloomy now. Our neighbor $
COW stands against the fence, udder un.
der water. but contentedly chewing her
cud.
We have two boats in the company
and one Of tke men just told me Of row.
ing right into the store, up to the counter
forsupplies, same at the post office take
your boat with you. The bakers have
agreed to take it turn about keeping