Flood of 1909
February 1909 saw one of the most devastating floods in the history of
Taylorsville. Water was eight feet, eight inches deep in the Public Square. Headlines of the next
issue of the Spencer Courier were: "Story of the Greatest Flood--Graphic Description
of
the Worst and Most Destructive High Waters That Ever Visited the Little City of Taylorsville.
People
Flee for Their Lives From the Rushing Waters That Poured Into the Town with unprecedented
Fury Carrying Ruin, Distress and Desolation in Their Path. Total loss was estimated at $200,000.
Over 100 horses and cattle drowned. Three thousand acres of land were under water to a depth of
from
2 to 18 feet. The entire plant of the Spencer Courier was under water 5 feet, 1 inch deep.
Water came into town at the rate of three feet an hour. Over 200 refugees stayed at the Graded
School building for 20 hours."
Wood MILLER is credited with saving the life of Jack EGGEN, for which
he received a Carnegie Award, and $1,000 in cash. This rescue occurred in front of the hotel
operated by Eggen's father. The hotel, located on Main Cross Street, later was operated by
the
family of Louis LUKE. Mention is also made in this issue that Salt River Tom (Van Buren resident
remembered for his dairies) had called at the office and extended sympathy. "In addition he
gave the Editor two handsome twist of fine old long green tobacco, grown by him. It was highly
appreciated and much enjoyed."
Taken from Spencer County History by Mary Francis Brown
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