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Newspaper
Wheeling Sunday Register
Location
Wheeling, West Virginia, United States of America
Date
Jun 02, 1889
Page
1
Reports describe a devastating flood at Johnstown with thousands dead or missing, homes wrecked, and a vast wave sweeping through the valley. Rescue efforts surge as hospitals, trains, and telegraphs struggle, while survivors recount harrowing scenes and identify the dead amid ongoing relief drives and inquiries.
A massive flood devastates the Jalna region with deaths projected into the thousands. Two passenger trains on the Penney railroad were wrecked as the swollen river swept through the narrow valley, drowning travelers and destroying villages south of Conemaugh, Sakata, and Jobra towns.
Frantic efforts to reach Johnstown failed as floodwaters rise. A New Florence telegram notes 1175 branches recovered and locals fear massive loss of life. Mayor orders coffins paid for after receiving aiding telegrams. relief train loaded with clothing and supplies.
A correspondent recalls the Penmayl line disaster near Sung Hollow. Survivors tell of a brave tower operator guiding a frightened girl to shore as floodwaters surge. Dozens perish, including children, as reports describe river perils, drowning, and broken hope amid the rising torrent.
At Florenco Pennsylvania on June 1 crowds gather as river vigilantes withdraw bodies after last night’s flood. Squire Benno oversees the dead and they are prepared for burial. Reports say up to a thousand may be lost with hundreds found across towns along the river.
Floodwaters in New Franence Pennsylvania receded leaving mangled remains along the banks. Within the borough limits since daylight nine bodies have been recovered and none yet identified. Five of the victims are women, with one lady among the dead awaiting recognition.
Pittsburg and Allegheny residents crowd bulletin boards seeking news of missing loved ones as relief funds surge from 60 000 to 100 000 with committees forming and a special train carrying provisions and medical aid to Harrisburg and Johnstown.
Nineveh bears its toll as over 100 unidentified corpses lie in the tittle town while Johnstown reports 200 damaged homes and Main street flooded to 30 feet. Coroner Hummer travels by morning train for an inquest if needed as distressed citizens seek loved ones and aid amid the disaster. In Wichita Catherine Schmidt is convicted for selling beer and gets three months in jail plus a $300 fine.
The Piedmont flood subsided but rail traffic remains paralyzed as Cumberland endures severe inundation. Drownings from the Kanawha region are reported including Alonzo Hainet, Frank Fisher, and Graham at Lock No 2. Log shipments and railroad damage loom, with trains stranded and tracks submerged along key lines. Charleston and Cumberland report rising waters and widespread disruption as communities grapple with the disaster.
Special Telegram from Prebaont West Virginia June 1. The river has fallen and the West Virginia Central road bed lies above flood, Ex Senator Henry G Davis and General Manager Grete spending part of the day there. Trains will run to Davis and Parsons by Monday and to Westernport by Wednesday. Repairs may wash away twenty trestles and several roadbeds along the Cumberland and Pennsylvania line.
West Virginia students graduated from Peabody Normal College in Nashville on May 29, 1889. Six scholarships worth 200 dollars for four years were awarded on competitive examination by State Superintendent Morgan. Tuition and board were free for entrants, with the chance to pursue higher professions.
The President telegraphed Johnstown mayor expressing sympathy for the recent calamity and noting the War Secretary is seeking relief measures. He also contributed to the relief fund amid the disaster. The rest of the text reports various brief items including a murder at a Minnesota asylum, pension actions in West Virginia, a severe Northeast storm in Michigan, and local church and social notices.
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