Frankfort, KY Flood, Jul 1896

NINE PEOPLE DROWNED.

Serious Floods and Washouts Reported From Kentucky.

VERY HEAVY LOSS OF PROPERTY.

Damage Estimated at $100,000 In Franklin County--Traffic on the Railroads Is
Suspended--Seven Children Among the Dead--Access to Flooded District Cut Off.
Information Hard to Obtain.

Frankfort, Ky., July 22. - Nine lives were lost as the result of last night's flood, so far as heard from. The dead:
JAMES BRADLEY, WIFE AND FOUR CHILDREN.
MRS. BRYANT, a widow and TWO CHILDREN.

The Bryant family lived on a flat at Benson creek, which rose so rapidly that the house was washed away before the occupants knew of their danger.

Traffic on both the Louisville, Cincinati (sic) and Lexington, and Short Line divisions of the Louisville and Nashville is suspended. A half dozen or more country bridges have been washed away. The most valuable was the one recently constructed over Benson creek at a cost of $10,000.

Hundred of acres of crops are totally ruined and it is impossible to even approximate the damage.

Many people living in Benson valley left their houses and waded out through the mad waters, only escaping a few minutes before the buildings were swept away. The destruction to property in many parts of Franklin county is complete. The damage is estimated at $100,000 at the lowest figure and is probably a great deal more. A tramp who was refused lodging by James Hewlett, saved the lives of his family. He stopped in the barn and afterward came to the door and awoke the family just in time for them to get out safely.

The Evening News, Lincoln, NE 22 Jul 1896
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Transcribed by Connie Anderson. Thank you, Connie!