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Newspaper
Indiana Progress
Location
Indiana, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Date
Jun 12, 1889
Page
6
A historic disaster reports horrific violence and massive infrastructure loss as railways and bridges are swept away. Fatal casualties mount in what is described as the most terrible calamity ever known in the United States.
The great flood from Conemaugh lake breached its wall and sent a wall of water down the Conemaugh river, sweeping Johnstown and nearby towns. Officials estimate thousands dead or missing, with millions in property loss. Bridges, buildings, and factories were overwhelmed as residents fled to higher ground or were engulfed by the torrent. The disaster, described as a “deluge,” overwhelmed the iron city and surrounding communities, with wreckage piling up, fires breaking out, and rescue efforts hampered by the scale of destruction. The devastation halted business and left survivors destitute, facing a long recovery.
Henry Suginess offers a vivid account of the great flood detailing rising waters, affected communities, and the human impact. An eyewitness narrative describes streets submerged, damage to homes, and efforts by local responders to aid residents.
A witness recalls a deadly flood above Conemaugh where a train thunders around a curve as a 50 foot high wall of water surges after it. Passengers race to high ground while several locomotives and cars are swept away. the village of Conemaugh is destroyed leaving only scattered wreckage.
A deranged flood along the Conemaugh River near Bolivar halts a special rescue train from Derry. Sixteen people, including a boy named Edward Houston, are seen clinging to debris as rescuers struggle. A child is saved by a improvised rope lasso, while the survivor recounts his father and uncle were swept away. The waters rise through the night, with many others missing or presumed drowned as the Conemaugh floods.
The text chronicles extensive ruin in Johnstown after the flood, noting virtually every building in the business district destroyed, major hotels and warehouses swept away, and streets and rail yards washed clean. It cites 2,000 presumed dead, with debris piles forming a massive cremation-like mass when fires ignited with the flood.
Eyewitness account describes the Conemaugh Lake dam failure with water rushing out in one hour. The 70 foot high dam breached at 8 pm after pressure and undermining, causing a mud and debris lake and a fatal impact on nearby residents. Park and Van Buren workers rushed to ease the flood but failed.
Report describes a catastrophic flood scene from the Pennsylvan ia Railroad to Main Street with only the stone church and Morrell Block remaining. The Mansion House is gone and over 100 people are feared dead. Debris fill streets and search for bodies has just begun with death toll estimates ranging widely.
Frank McDonald, B&O conductor on the Somerset line, witnessed the Johnstown flood surge. He recalls water rising from two to at least four feet, crowds fleeing to higher ground, and a bridge collapse that sent hundreds to their deaths amid roaring flames and wreckage.
The Susquehanna peaked at 27 feet 1 inch above low water, surpassing the prior record by 26 inches. Some 50 families fled their homes in Harrisburg and Steelton. Mrs Holston and her child drowned when a boat was struck by a boom. William Strange also drowned near Steelton while attempting to save belongings.
Eyewitness reports describe a failed warning from South Fork village as flood waters rise. Richard Davis rushes to Prospect II, while Mrs. James Davis and two daughters are missing after the wall of water collapses brick row houses and porchfronts along the river.
A deranged account describes brutal robberies and lynchings along the Conemaugh river near Ernville and Kernville. A mob, armed with revolvers and ropes, captured robbers, executed two, and dumped bodies. cruelty and mob justice dominate this graphic tale amid widespread depredations by thieves.
Narration describes Coopersdale Minersville and Cambria City ravaged by a river flood. Coopersdale three miles below Johnstown near the river flooded. six houses moved, four bodies recovered. Morrellville and Cambria City largely washed away. Minersville escaped major damage, Cambria City reduced to debris with bodies and clothing swept along riverbanks.
Heavy rains across Coburg district last week spawned a waterspout that struck in a northwest direction, washing away Lake Ontario shore, destroying railway embankments, bridges, and dams. Homes flooded, crops ruined, and residents rescued from flooded basements as losses head toward half a million dollars.
Capan Jones of the Carnegie interests led 8X men to the ruined city to register survivors and care for the dead. They set up a long camp with a 200 foot long pile and used fires to burn debris. Captain Jack opposed fire and preferred methodical examination before burning. Two days into work 16 voices were found. many more bodies expected as debris clears. Superintendent Patton estimates 8000 to 10000 dead and 16000 buried animals. two months to clear the valley.
A mysterious rider atop a grand bay horse warned Conemanzh and rode down a rampaging Hood as it swept through streets and a railroad bridge. Dozens fled to the hills while the horse and rider perished with the bridge, as Pennsylvania Railroad cars were buried in the cauldron of ruin.
A registration effort directed by H. G. Meomanshy at D. Buchanan surveys Johnstown and nearby boroughs for catastrophe losses. Twenty eight agencies with sixty men have registered 8,090 survivors by Tuesday night. 29,500 residents previously lived in the district. The work proceeds thoroughly, aiming to detail missing persons and families.
Widespread homelessness follows a massive disaster in Willmsapoc Pennsylvania after a blaze and flood sweeping stores bridges and homes. Mayor Foseman reports 7009 dollars raised by telegrams to Governor Beavr while fear of an epidemic looms. The surrounding area suffers heavy losses with thousands displaced and vital infrastructure damaged.
In a brisk report the county pursues vigorous projects raising expenses and stirring debates over fiscal restraint. Officials pledge efficiency while residents express concern about long term costs and potential taxes.
Mrs Ogle, longtime manager at Western Union, died at her post while sending warnings during the Johnstown flood. She and three messengers perished attempting to relay pleas for help as the valley faced rising waters. John Stitt, a West Penn Railroad brakeman, saved many lives on the Coketowa bridge before perishing amid the disaster.
Eyewitness accounts describe a deadly surge at Huribet Hour as water roared through a mountain hollow, trapping 57 people and causing multiple drownings. George Hartley of the Huiler Insurance Company recalls survivors clinging to stairs and wreckage, while rescue attempts unfolded with grim, desperate effort.
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