Oakdale, Tenn., March 29.--The Emory river here rose seven feet higher than ever before known, sweeping away twelve houses, rendering twenty families entirely destitute.

The Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln, NE 30 Mar 1902

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The town of Oakdale was visited last night by the worst calamity to its history. Owing to the severe rains in this section, the Emory river rose 7 feet higher than ever before known, sweeping away twelve houses, also rendering twenty families entirely destitute, the majority of them being employees of the Cincinnati Southern railroad. The town is a small one and while the citizens are doing all they can, they need assistance badly. None of them hardly saved a change of clothing. The water rose so rapidly there were several narrow escapes from drowning. The damage is estimated to reach at least $20,000.

The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, GA 30 Mar 1902

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Thirty-five families at Oakdale are destitute and twenty-five other families are in need of assistance. Mayor Claude Hendricks, of Harriman, has been formally authorized to receive money, food, clothing, or household goods for these sufferers. Mayor Hendricks states Harriman is not in need of help and will not call on the outside world for it. How ever, he urged that assistance be sent him for Oakdale sufferers. Oakdale is one mile from Harriman.

The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, GA 1 Apr 1902
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Transcribed by Audrey. Thank you, Audrey!