The Great Galveston Disaster: Containing a Full and Thrilling Account of the Most Appalling Calamity of Modern Times Including Vivid Descriptions of the Hurricane and Terrible Rush of Waters; Immense Destruction of Dwellings, Business Houses, Churches, and Loss of Thousands of Human Lives; Thrilling Tales of Heroic Deeds; Panic-Stricken Multitudes and Heart-Rending Scenes of Agony; Frantic Efforts to Escape a Horrible Fate; Separation of Loved Ones, etc., etc.; Narrow Escapes from the Jaws of De
John Stuart Mill · en
Will Love, a printer of the “Houston Post,” who formerly lived in
Galveston, swam the bay Monday to reach his family, whom he found to be
alive in Galveston. He swam from pier to pier on the railroad bridges
and at each he rested.
AWFUL NIGHT IN THE LIGHTHOUSE.
In the Bolivar lighthouse, which stands 130 feet high on Bolivar Point,
across the bay from Galveston, some one hundred and twenty-five people
sought refuge from the storm on Saturday evening. Many of the
unfortunates had deserted their homes, which were swept by the
hurricane, and other residents of Galveston, who had come to the bay
shore in their frantic endeavors to reach Galveston and their families.
Among the latter was County Road and Bridge Superintendent Kelso. Mr.
Kelso stated to a “News” reporter, when he reached Galveston on Monday
afternoon, after having been carried across the bay in a small skiff by
Mr. T. C. Moore, that the hundred and more refugees spent an awful night
in the lighthouse Saturday night during the life of the hurricane.
The supply of fresh water was soon exhausted and an effort was made to
secure drinking water by catching rain water in buckets suspended from
the top of the lighthouse. The experiment was a success in a way, but it
demonstrated a remarkable incident to show the force of the wind. The
bucket was soon filled with water, but it was salty and could not be
used. Several attempts finally resulted in a fresh water supply to
quench the thirst of the feverishly excited refugees.
The salt water was shot skyward over 130 feet and mingled with the rain
water that fell in the buckets. From the top of the light tower several
of the more venturesome storm-sufferers viewed the destructive work of
the wind on Galveston Island. Twelve dead bodies were recovered near the
lighthouse.
Mr. A. Mutti, a storekeeper, lost his life after a display of heroism
that won for him the honors of a martyr. When the storm struck the city
he hitched up a one-horse cart and started out to rescue his neighbors.
Cartload after cartload he carried in safety to fire company house No.
5. On three occasions his cartload of human beings, some half dead,
others crazed with fright, was carried for blocks by the raging
currents, but he landed all the unfortunates in the fire house, even to
his last load, when he met his death. As he attempted to pass into the
building on his last trip the firehouse succumbed to the wind and
collapsed. Some of the wreckage struck poor Mutti and he was mortally
injured. He lingered for several hours.
GENEROUS OFFER OF HELP.