1935 – Jan 21-31, flooding/heavy rain, esp. Coldwater Riv., esp. AR, NW MS, west TN–27-29

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 12-23-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–29  AP. “Tallahatchie Waits Flood.” The Daily Herald, Biloxi and Gulfport, MS. 1-30-1935, 1.

–27  AP. “Rescue Work Pushes As Flood Deaths…Mount.” Hattiesburg American, MS. 1-26-1935, p. 1.

–27  O’Daniel. Memphis and the Super Flood of 1937 — High Water Blues. 2010.

–23  AP. (AR, TN, MS). “Water Recedes.” Hattiesburg American, MS. 1-29-1935, p. 8.

Arkansas        (  1)

–1  Drowning.[1]

Mississippi      (24)

–10  North Mississippi, according to Red Cross as of Jan 24.[2]

–1  Between Dublin and Tunica. Drowning; Millia Graves.

–1  Darling area. Drowning; Freeman Hemphill.

–1  Dundee, west of. Drowning; Elmer Jones.

–2  Between Savage and Dundee. Drownings; Ed and Field Wood.

–1  Sledge area. Drowning; Ed Smith, 35, farmer.

–1  Sledge, 2M west of. Drowning; man named Goodwin.

–1  Sledge area. Unidentified Black.[3]

–1  Tate-Quitman county line area. Drowning; A. Tate.

–2  No information provided.

—  3  Senatobia area, northern MS. Car trapped on flooded highway.[4]

–10  Sledge section drownings post Jan 24 reporting of 10 additional deaths.[5]

—  2  Darling area. Blacks “reported drowned while trying to save mules near Darling.”

—  5  Sledge area. Black family. (As reported to the Red Cross.)[6]

—  1  Sledge area, Jan 29. Complications from frozen legs and arms in Coldwater River water.[7]

Tennessee       (  4)

–4  Hattiesburg American, MS. “Here’s More About Flood (cont. from p.1).” 1-24-1935, p. 9.

–2  Bells area. Drowned in overflow waters of Forked Deer river trying to get boat; Harwell.[8]

–1  Maryville. Auto swept into icy ditch; male.[9]

–1  Memphis. Drowning. Hattiesburg American, MS. “Flood…Drownings (cont. from p.1).” 1-24-1935, p. 9.

Narrative information

O’Daniel: “A flood struck west Tennessee and north Mississippi in January 1935 and, like an ominous warning, it gave mid-southerners a taste of what awaited. Like a miniature tidal wave, floodwater from a levee break at Marks, Mississippi, on the Coldwater River covered an area forth miles by fifteen to thirty miles and drove thousands from their homes. Bitter, freezing cold brought misery piled on misery for locals and caked the flood’s backwash with a two-inch crust of ice. Hundreds of shivering refugees trudged into the towns of Sledge, Dundee, Sarah and Savage. Volunteers in motorboats rushed n to pluck shouting and praying flood victims off rooftops and out of trees. The same rains that swelled the Coldwater River flooded nearby streams in Tennessee and Arkansas. By the end of the week, floodwater marooned an estimated twenty-five thousand mid-southerners and killed another twenty-seven.” (Chapter “Setting the Stage.”)

Newspapers

Jan 21, Hattiesburg American: “Memphis, Tenn., Jan. 21. Fed by torrential rains, minor streams overran their banks in many parts of the mid-south today and three deaths were attributed to the high waters. Highways were inundated in many parts of the area and rail and air traffic was either off schedule or at a standstill. A cold wave was in prospect today and flood warnings were issued for two St. Francis river points. In north Mississippi, three…lost their lives when the automobile in which they were riding was trapped on the flooded highway near Senatobia. State police and deputy sheriffs patrolled the highways to warn motorists of danger and direct them over detours made necessary by bridge washouts and water to a depth of more than three feet in some cases.

“The official forecaster at Memphis said the St. Francis at Fisk, Mo., would reach 28 feet tomorrow, three feet above floor stage. A rise of two feet to 20 feet was predicted at St. Francis, Ark., where the flood stage is 18 feet. The Mississippi at Memphis was well within its banks with a reading of around 17 feet.

“Twenty-five negro families living in the vicinity of the Memphis airport were left homeless by the rising waters. Red Cross workers sheltered them in tourist cabins and gave them food and blankets….

“Railroad officials reported nearly all trains running behind schedule and in some cases traffic was tied up and passengers forced to spend the night in nearby towns….

“Near Moscow, Tenn., a Southern passenger train was delayed by a washout and after encountering two washouts at Amory and Potts Camp, Miss., the Frisco’s Kansas City Florida special was halted at midnight at Miller. Railroad men reported the track under eight feet of water….The Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis line was out at Mercer, Tenn., and traffic was being re-routed by way of McKenzie.

“Arkansas, like other parts of the south, was looking for a severe cold wave with the possibility of snow in some sections. The weather bureau at Little Rock reported the Ouachita river at Camden would be a foot above flood stage by tomorrow and said the river at Arkadelphia already was six inches above flood stage.

“While the rain fell in torrents and idle planes stood in their hangars, ground crews at the Memphis airport telephoned a newspaper office for highway information. They were just as effectively grounded as were the planes for the flood waters had cut off the airport from Memphis. A bridge on the main roadway leading to the field also was washed out. Relief shifts from Memphis were unable to reach their stations and the stranded crews remained on duty all night. At the Shelby county penal farm, county officials faced the task of caring for 25 employees unable to reach their homes and wondered how the 36 workers due to report for duty today would reach the institution on the outskirts of Memphis.

“CCC workers at Jackson, Tenn., offered their services in efforts to prevent bridge washouts where the south fork of the forked Deer river had spread over an area of two miles.

“The Dixit-Greyhound bus line agent at Henderson, Tenn. reported the Chattanooga to Memphis buses were being rerouted from Selma to Jackson. No serious damage was reported in Arkansas and last night officials reported their buses ‘still coming through’.” (Hattiesburg American, MS. “Streams Roar As Rains Fall.” 1-19-1935, p. 13.)

Jan 23, AP: “By Associated Press….Along the Coldwater river in Tate, Tunica and Quitman counties in Mississippi flood waters which reached a depth of from 15 to 20 feet in some spots, had driven hundreds of persons from the delta homes. Property damage was heavy and fears were expressed that there had been loss of life. Mississippi national guardsmen aided in rescue work….” (Associated Press. “North Mississippi Swept By Floods; Damage Is Heavy.” Hattiesburg American, MS. 1-23-1935, p. 1.)

Jan 23, AP: “By Associated Press. Memphis, Jan 23. – The Coldwater river roared down to the Tallahatchie basin today leaving hundreds of north Mississippi families marooned on housetops, in box cars and on railroad dumps in Quitman and Panola counties in sub-freezing weather.

“The town of Sledge [Quitman County, MS] was flooded. Mayor H. G. Prysock, standing in water up to his hips, used the only telephone left in town to advise Memphis, ‘we must have help today. We have 250 persons housed in our depot,’ Mayor Prysock said. ‘There must be 1,000 families marooned in the Sledge area, and we can’t reach them. The ice is about two inches thick in the backwater area, and the Coldwater is eight miles wide and 30 miles long in places. We have to break a lane through the ice to get our little boats through. We need big boats with motors.’ As Mayor Prysock revealed the plight of Sledge, Red Cross workers were already en route to the aid of the marooned, with big boats, blankets, food and fuel.

“Hungry and scantily clad, hundreds of Mississippians in the Coldwater river basin surged into a half dozen north Delta towns to obtain what shelter, food and clothing was available immediately and to await the coming of trans from Memphis with further supplies. Some of their number – a close estimate could not be made – either had drowned, died of exposure or were missing. Lack of motorboats was a serious handicap in bringing the refugees to safety.

“In Tennessee, flood refugees were quartered at Dyersburg, Jackson and Memphis as the Forked Deer river inundated farm lands and went into several towns. Relief workers were fearful of a repetition of the bitter cold that has added to suffering the last two days….

“As motorboats were rushed into the Coldwater basin last night the Yazoo and Mississippi Valley railroad made freight cars available as temporary homes for the unfortunate.

“Crippled traffic was moving a bit more certain as railroads repaired washouts and highway bridges were being mended as rapidly as possible. Much of Memphis’ milk supply from north Mississippi came several miles yesterday by motorboat to available highways and railroads.

“Crenshaw, on a knoll, was the chief gathering place for refugees as the Coldwater river overrode its levees yesterday. Water spread out south and west of the town….Throughout the Coldwater basin farmers could be seen sitting on roofs of their barns and homes hoping that rescue boats might spot them…

“At Savage about 100 persons  crowded into the Y. and M. V. depot on the railroad’s levee as three to six feet of water covered their property.” (AP. “Flood Relief  Work Pushed by Red Cross.” Hattiesburg American, MS. 1-23-1935, p. 1.)

Jan 24, Hattiesburg American, MS: “….In Sledge, Miss., trapped by the swollen Coldwater, the Red Cross and volunteers broke through by motorboat, truck, train and houseback to take what meager help they could to the imperiled and homeless families, estimated in excess of 600. From 400 to 1,000 persons were believed still climbing trees and roof tops in the Sledge flood area, which is eight miles wide and 30 miles long. With the Coldwater plowing southward, residents of Falcon, Darling, Essex and the Lost Lake communities were advised to evacuate immediately, water having already backed over the levees and roads in all those towns.” (Hattiesburg American, MS. “Here’s More About Flood (continued from p.1).” 1-24-1935, p. 9.)

Jan 25, AP: “By The Associated Press. Marks, Miss., Jan. 25. – The raging, roaring Coldwater river basin flood which is reported to have taken at least 25 lives and temporarily marooned 18,000 other persons, receded from Marks this morning after a levee went out along its banks southeast of the Quitman county seat. The tidal wave of wat4r coursing down the Coldwater valley from the rampaging flood waters last night entered Marks, covering the streets and inundating houses to a depth of three feet or more. But after the levee break this water receded from the town and poured back into its channel below Marks, sending the lower Coldwater into a new flood stage there which was threatening to repeat its toll of destruction exactly in the upper reaches of the river.

“Red Cross agencies which have been directing the rescue of the marooned and relief for many thousands of flood refugees clustered on railroad tracks, and in the towns and hill top camps, today set their goal for relief at $50,000.

“The river was reported falling in its upper reaches from Coldwater and Tunica to Sledge, a distance of 20 or more miles while the crest of the flood coursed southward with its destructive force, toward the Tallahatchie river basin.

“It was anticipated today that approximately 7,000 refugees in the upper reaches would be able to return to their homes by Sunday [27^th].

“”The Illinois Central railroad today operated a series of special trains through the stricken delta area carrying food, clothing and medical supplies to the refugee camps clustered along the railroad right-of-way.

“Refugees who fled from the flood into Senatobia, Coldwater and Tunica are being taken care of by the Red Cross.

“There was intense suffering in Tate, Tunica, Panola and Quitman counties as shivering refugees trekked into the little ‘cotton country’ towns by the hundreds and sought any available sort of shelter.

“Water throughout a wide section rose to the tops of houses and trees, clutching icily at retreating refugees. Rescue boats had to send convoys ahead to break channels through the surface-frozen waters. Relief camps were established at all high points. Thousands of persons were sheltered in railroad freight cars or crowded in private homes and public buildings.

“Dozens of persons were brought in with their hands and feet frozen. Others were unconscious. Others, still perched in trees and housetops, developed pneumonia and influenza and an epidemic was feared. Women gave birth to babies on housetops. Agonized cries for rescue echoed over the countryside as guns boomed from flooded farm houses, guiding rescuers. Frozen fingers loosed their hold on trees or housetops and near frigid bodies plunged into waters covering what were cotton fields a few days ago. There were no hospitals to care for the sick. Country physicians were overworked and shelter for the ailing was inadequate. Food became scarce as grocery stores were almost depleted.

“The Red Cross and other relief agencies rushed in supplies and soup kitchens were set up, but many went hungry.

“Fear was expressed by Mayor C. P. Smith of Marks, for some 5,000 inhabitants in the path of the overflow in the Quitman-Panola basis south of here. Many in that section have already come here or gone to Crowder.

The water started rising in the Tallahatchie three days ago after torrential rains which preceded s spell of near zero weather. The flooded area now extends from the eastern edge of Tunica and the western edge of Panola county for a distance of about 40 miles. The overflow section varies in width from five to 15 miles.

“As the flood subsides in the upper section it covers new territory below and the Tallahatchie and Yazoo rivers further south have already begun to roar with the waters, although no serious condition is expected as far south as Greenwood.

“There were hundreds of refugees in the flooded towns of Crenshaw, Sledge, Darling and other small communities, as well as Marks….

“Governor Sennett Conner designated the Red Cross as the official relief agency and urged that contributions be made. It was estimated $25,000 would be needed.

“Most of the towns were without any sort of land communication after railroad washouts and could be reached only by boat. An expedition headed by Constable Frank Hamilton of Clarksdale, discovered an hitherto unreported colony of approximately 500 people northeast of Sledge which had camped on a rise. A miniature city had been set up, but food was needed.

“Mrs. C. York, Marks Red Cross worker, said she received reports that five negroes drowned in one house near Sledge and three other negroes had also drowned there. Two negroes, she said, were reported drowned while trying to save mules near Darling. Ten other drownings were previously reported in this section, four in Tennessee and one in Arkansas.

“Major T. B. Birdsong of Clarksdale, of the Mississippi national guard, made an inspection of the area yesterday at the request of Governor Conner and reported there appeared to be no immediate need for calling out the militia. He said that rumors of violence in the refugee camps had been exaggerated.

“Governor Conner said he would make steps to provide food and clothing and additional motorboats. ‘A big flood is in prospect,’ said H. H. Johnson of Clarksdale, Coahoma county Red Cross chairman who is at Marks. ‘The outlying districts will suffer terribly, as the flood will be sufficiently deep to wash over hundreds of houses in some of the lowland areas.

“Directly in the path of the rush are Crowder, Lambert, Vance, Tutwiler, Sumner and Webb, where citizens are making frantic efforts to protect their lives and property. ‘The flood,’ a resident of Marks said, ‘is going like a tidal wave. People go to bed with their homes dry and wake up with waters pouring into their bedrooms, and find themselves trapped. We don’t know how many may have frozen to death. You can hear the cries of the marooned from here.’” (AP. “25 Die, 18,000 Are Marooned in Floods.” Hattiesburg American, MS. 1-25-1935, p. 1.)

Jan 26, AP: “(by The Associated Press). Marks, Miss., Jan. 26. – The flood beleaguered section of Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas, centered near here, counted its known death toll at 27 and property damage at more than $3,000,000 today as the icy waters of the Coldwater river ploughed a new path to destruction southward. Relief workers estimated that 25,000 persons were suffering. Rescuers scurried by boat and train up and down the 40-mile overflow sector rescuing persons from flooded homes, supplying food and clothing and attempting to check outbreaks of influenza and pneumonia among shivering refugees.

Marks An Island

“This little town of 1,200 inhabitants was a virtual island, with lower sections under several feet of water, but it set up relief stations in public buildings to house its own distressed and those from surrounding sections. The Quitman county courthouse here presented a pathetic picture. Refugees were everywhere. They filled the jury box. They slept on the judge’s bench. They slumped over the witness stand.

“Boats brought in 57 more refugees last night, adding to the almost 500 already being cared for here. The story was the same in the suffering communities of Sledge and Darling and others in the section to the north.

“Practically every hill was dotted with families. Many houses contained scores of persons. They lacked clothing. Food was scarce in some places. Ice still coated the flood waters and boats had to chop their way through.

“Red Cross workers were rushing in supplies as fast as they could be secured. Private agencies were co-operating. The Red Cross is making a drive for a total of $30,000 to be used in the stricken area. Several thousand dollars have already been contributed.

“The flooded area extended from lakes near the Tennessee-Arkansas line, a distance of approximately 40 miles, to the section south of here. It was approximately 15 miles wide in spots.

Break Levees

“The waters, breaking through private levees and protection dykes roared southward toward the rich Tallahatchie river basin, menacing 5,000 residents of the low section. It was believed possible the same flood conditions would prevail there, although some observers thought the water would subside.

“Snow still on the hillsides of the upper section presented another menace. As temperatures began to moderate the snow melted, and it was feared the fresh water would start a new overflow.

“Water last night broke over the highway between Marks and Tutwiler, cutting off road traffic and moved towards Glendora and Webb. Private levees between Lambert, three miles south of here, and Crowder, were levelled and refugees came out by the hundreds. Many residents still remained in the area northwest of Marks.

“The United States engineers at Memphis rushed ten huge flatbottom yawls to a temporary base at Clarksdale by truck to be used in rescue work. A crew of expert mechanics went along as well as a cargo of boats, blankets and torches.

“Menacing streams in Tennessee meanwhile were receding.

“Convicts worked long into the night at Lambert throwing up a protection levee across the town back of the courthouse, diverting back into the Coldwater river the stream which was pouring over the levee into town. Patrols guarded the levees.

“There were pathetic scenes all over the countryside. Chickens roosted in trees and on housetops which families occupied a few days ago. Livestock, drowned, floated in the water. Many families were still in farm homes in which two, three, four and more feet of water stood. They crouched on beds, chairs and other furniture.

“Relief workers reported that in some instances the refugees refused to leave and had to be carried to safety by force.

“The fingers of one little boy, which had been frozen after he was exposed to near zero weather for several days, dropped off….” (Associated Press. “Rescue Work Pushes As Flood Deaths, Damage Mount.” Hattiesburg American, MS. 1-26-1935, p. 1.)

Jan 28, AP: “Marks, Miss., Jan. 28 – (AP) – The north Mississippi flood zone shifted today to the east where the towns of Crowder and Curtis were surrounded by overflow waters and to the south where the Coldwater River basin’s spread had reached Lambert. As the situation around Marks and to the north showed steady improvement with the recession of the waters, Red Cross officials became more optimistic over the general situation. George E. Myer, special representative of the Red Cross from Washington, came back into north Mississippi today for a complete survey of the situation. He estimated that about 25,000 persons have been affected by the flood. ‘There are now enough boats and supplies in the various counties to meet the emergency,’ he said, ‘but there is an immediate need for funds to pay for the necessities of life in the area. I feel greatly encouraged about the situation as a whole, although there will be the continued problem for at least two weeks of providing for the thousands who have lost everything.’

“The lowlands around Crowder, Sumner and Webb likely will continue to fill with water for several days. Even if clear weather continues, families in these areas may find their lands inundated. The water was heading for the farms.

“Myer estimated that at least 20 and probably more are dead in the area. He said the men who manned the boats which ploughed through the waters in search of the marooned, left the dead in their homes to give all their time to those alive.

“There is no water in Crowder, or in Lambert today. The earth soaked up much of the surplus water as the ice melted. Trains along the Y. & M. V. were moving through.

“With Myer on the survey today was Dr. William De Kleine, Red Cross medical director. The party is making a close check on what has been done in each locality. They will make provisions for rehabilitation work.” (Associated Press. “Flood Moves To New Area.” The Daily Herald, Gulfport and Biloxi, MS. 1-28-1935, p. 3.)

Jan 29, AP: “Marks, Miss., Jan. 29 – The worst of north Mississippi’s flood believed at an end, American Red Cross officials today regarded their future work as one principally of rehabilitation. Early estimates of 25,000 rendered homeless and possibly penniless no doubt will be increased, George Myer, national assistant director of disaster relief for the Red Cross, said today.

“Hospitalization of refugees was the immediate object of medical authorities. Yesterday the first of the flood victims were sent to Memphis hospitals. Miss Birdie Welch of Sledge, suffering an infected foot, and Mrs. Will O. Goodwin of near Sledge, mother of a five-day-old baby, were under treatment in the Tennessee city.

“Meanwhile, the toll of known deaths from floods in Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee had been increased to 23 today. W. E. Sawyer, 36, a Mississippi county (Ark.) tenant farmer, was drowned in Ills [unclear] Bayou near Blytheville, Ark. late yesterday when a truck in which he was riding crashed through a bridge railing.[10]

“Overflow waters of the Coldwater and Tallahatchie rivers, which caused untold damage, suffering and death in north Mississippi, moved southward, losing momentum as the hours passed. The Tallahatchie was expected to crest within the next 24 hours and residents of town as far south as Glendora expected to get their feet wet, but nothing more.

“Water was receding rapidly in the vicinity of Marks and many refugees were returning to their homes. Fear of a mid-winter flood of the Mississippi river was passed, temporarily at least, with the cresting of the main stream at 29 feet at Memphis yesterday. Flood stage there is 34 feet.”

(Associated Press. “Water Recedes.” Hattiesburg American, MS. 1-29-1935, p. 8.)

Jan 30, AP: “By J. B. Crossley (Associated Press staff writer). Glendora, Jan. 30 – (AP) – Inhabitants of the Tallahatchie River basin fastened anxious eyes on the steadily rising waters of the Coldwater River today as the north Mississippi Delta flood shifted southward. While anxiety increased in the area around Sumner, Webb and Glendora, all victims of the devastating 1932 overflow, their neighbors to the north in the upper Coldwater area received further relief from the long siege of flood, snow, ice and biting temperatures. A few refugees in the 40 mile strip between Marks and Crenshaw, who were routed by the turbulent waters of the Coldwater, returned to their homes yesterday and others were expected to follow today. Flood waters in the upper reaches of the Coldwater basin continued to recede today as the crest of the flood spread to the South, enveloping the Tallahatchie basin.

“The known death toll stood at 29 today as another victim was added to the list, Ed Smith, a 45-year-old tenant farmer died late yesterday in an emergency hospital at Marks from exposure. His legs and arms froze as he waited rescue in sub-freezing weather at his home near Sledge.

“Remarkably healthy conditions prevail in the flood-stricken area, Dr. William de Kleine, American Red Cross medical authority, reported last night following a survey of the Coldwater and Tallahatchie Basins. ‘Only about 50 of the estimated 25,000 who were rendered homeless in the flood area are in need of hospitalization,’ he said. Those in hospitals, he said, are being treated for colds and pneumonia….

“The flood waters today lapped at the outskirts of Sumner and Webb. Several streets in the two towns were reported under water, but as yet none had been forced to evacuate their homes. Highways connecting Glendora, Sumner and Webb were under water at many points and were expected to be impassable by nightfall.

“At Swan Lake, a small settlement north of Glendora, the river level struck 33.5 feet, just 18 inches below the record stage set in the 1932 flood. Citizens, however, expressed belief that the high mark of three years ago would not be reached.

“Throughout the Tallahatchie basin farmers hurried preparations to cope with the flood waters, a familiar task. Hogs, cattle and chickens were placed on scaffolds. Furniture and personal belongings were being crated and placed above the reach of the swirling waters.

“As a health safety measure arrangements had been made to burn the carcasses of dead stock. They will be piled outside of Sledge and fired some time today, Charles W. Carr, Red Cross disaster relief director announced last night.” (Associated Press. “Tallahatchie Waits Flood.” The Daily Herald, Biloxi and Gulfport, MS. 1-30-1935, pp.1-2.)

Jan 31, AP: “Glendora, Jan. 31 – (AP) – Levees in the Tallahatchie Basin today bristled with guns as guards shouldered arms to prevent dynamiting by panic-stricken dwellers of flooded lands. Fighting against the oncoming flood that was turned loose by the Coldwater River in the North Mississippi Delta ten days ago inundating a score of towns and communities in its rampage southward, the towns of Glendora, Webb and Sumner battled desperately to keep dry.

“Gigantic sandbagging efforts were being made by a half dozen emergency crews of hundreds of men along the levees here and at Black Bayou and along the entire east bank of the Tallahatchie river into which the Coldwater empties below Marks. Forth thousands sandbags sent here from Greenville and other cities were being piled high along the levees as the waters lapped the edge of town and had already made their way into some streets of Sumner and Webb. Four to five feet of water covered the three towns during the 1932 flood of the Tallahatchie river, but observers anticipate no such height from the present water and predict a flood crest without serious damages in this vicinity Friday or Saturday.

“Meanwhile, dwell4rs in plantation homes in the outlying regions were being moved to higher ground or into the towns, bringing their livestock and belongings with them. Boats rushed here after the evacuation of marooned families in areas north of here had been completed were pressed into service and box cars were moved here for housing refugee families.” (Associated Press. “Guard Levees From Blasts.” Daily Herald, Biloxi and Gulfport, MS. 1-31-1935, p. 3.)

Sources

Associated Press. “25 Die, 18,000 Are Marooned in Floods.” Hattiesburg American, MS. 1-25-1935, pp. 1 and 4. Accessed 12-22-2024: https://newspaperarchive.com/hattiesburg-american-jan-25-1935-p-1/

Associated Press. “Flood Moves To New Area.” The Daily Herald, Gulfport and Biloxi, MS. 1-28-1935, p. 3. Accessed 12-23-2024: https://newspaperarchive.com/biloxi-daily-herald-jan-28-1935-p-3/

Associated Press. “Flood Relief  Work Pushed by Red Cross.” Hattiesburg American, MS. 1-23-1935, p.1. Accessed 12-22-2024: https://newspaperarchive.com/hattiesburg-american-jan-23-1935-p-1/

Associated Press. “Guard Levees From Blasts.” Daily Herald, Biloxi and Gulfport, MS. 1-31-1935, p. 3. Accessed 12-23-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/biloxi-daily-herald-jan-31-1935-p-3/

Associated Press. “North Mississippi Swept By Floods; Damage Is Heavy.” Hattiesburg American, MS. 1-23-1935, p. 1. Accessed 12-22-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hattiesburg-american-jan-23-1935-p-1/

Associated Press. “ Refugee Dies After His Limbs Freeze.” The Daily Herald, Biloxi and Gulfport, MS. 1-29-1935, p. 8. Accessed 12-23-2024 at:

https://newspaperarchive.com/biloxi-daily-herald-jan-29-1935-p-8/

Associated Press. “Rescue Work Pushes As Flood Deaths, Damage Mount.” Hattiesburg American, MS. 1-26-1935, pp. 1 and 6. Accessed 12-22-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hattiesburg-american-jan-26-1935-p-1/

Associated Press. “Tallahatchie Waits Flood.” The Daily Herald, Biloxi and Gulfport, MS. 1-30-1935, p.1. Accessed 12-23-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/biloxi-daily-herald-jan-30-1935-p-1/

Associated Press. “Water Recedes.” Hattiesburg American, MS. 1-29-1935, p. 8. Accessed 12-23-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hattiesburg-american-jan-29-1935-p-8/

Hattiesburg American, MS. “Flood…Drownings Reported (continued from p.1).” 1-24-1935, p. 9. Accessed 12-22-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hattiesburg-american-jan-24-1935-p-9/

Hattiesburg American, MS. “Here’s More About Flood (continued from p.1).” 1-24-1935, p. 9. Accessed 12-22-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hattiesburg-american-jan-24-1935-p-9/

O’Daniel, Patrick. Memphis and the Super Flood of 1937 — High Water Blues. Charleston, SC: The History Press, 2010. Google digital preview accessed 12-9-2016 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=NXx0CQAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

[1] Hattiesburg American, MS. “Here’s More About Flood (continued from p.1).” 1-24-1935, p. 9.

[2] Hattiesburg American, MS. “Flood…Drownings Reported (continued from p.1).” 1-24-1935, p. 9.

[3] Hattiesburg American, MS. “Here’s More About Flood (continued from p.1).” 1-24-1935, p. 9.

[4] Hattiesburg American, MS. “Streams Roar As Rains Fall.” 1-19-1935, p. 13.

[5] Hattiesburg American, MS. “Here’s More About Flood (continued from p.1).” 1-24-1935, p. 9.

[6] Hattiesburg American, MS. “Here’s More About Flood (continued from p.1).” 1-24-1935, p. 9.

[7] Victim identified as tenant farmer Ed. Smith, 45, who died at an emergency hospital established for flood refugees. Left wife and four children. (AP. “ Refugee Dies After His Limbs Freeze.” The Daily Herald, Biloxi and Gulfport, MS. 1-29-1935, p. 8.)

[8] Victims identified as Mrs. D. S. Harwell and 18-year-old son. (Hattiesburg American, MS. “Flood…Drownings Reported (continued from p.1).” 1-24-1935, p. 9.)

[9] Hattiesburg American, MS. “Flood…Drownings Reported (continued from p.1).” 1-24-1935, p. 9.

[10] We have not included this death in our death tally at the top in that there is no explanation of how the truck going through a bridge railing was flood related, even though the death was by drowning.