1884 Flood in Milton

Madison – Ind., February 18 - The river is falling an inch an hour.  The receding waters disclose wreck and ruin for beyond what was expected here.  Among the towns of the Ohio River, none has suffered more severely than the little town of Milton, Ky., which has a population of about three hundred and fifty people, composed of seventy families, not one of which escaped the dreadful calamity.  Many houses were totally destroyed, and others are so badly wrecked that they can not be repaired.  One large store, a large warehouse, one livery stable, with several smaller buildings, were carried entirely away by flood.  Under the auspices of the ladies of Milton two neat and comfortable churches and one elegant parsonage had been built, all of which are under water and badly damaged.   Four-fifths of the populations are poor, and dependent on their daily labor for the support of their families.  Great suffering must follow unless relief from abroad comes to the rescue.  Temporary aid has come fro the kind-hearted citizens of Indianapolis through the exertions of Captain Joseph C. Abbott, who has been kept busy caring for the needy with his ferry-boat, distributing what supplies he can get.  Any aid in the way of provisions, clothing or money sent to his address, as Chairman of the Milton Relief Committee will be thankfully received and distributed.  

Cincinnati Enquirer, February 19, 1884.