THE FLOOD OF 1843. 45 



of machinery in immense quantities. The trunks of some of 

 the largest trees lodged at this place, measured two feet six 

 inches in diameter. 



We are informed by Professor Frazer, that at Flower's 

 mill, the flood attained its greatest height at eight o'clock 

 and forty minutes, a point ascertained with some accuracy, 

 while watching with serious anxiety an opportunity of rescu- 

 ing Mr. William G. Flower. Mr. F. was rescued at half past 

 nine o'clock, at which time the flood had fallen ten feet. 



The flour mill and saw-mill belonging to the estate of 

 Richard Flower, deceased, were both considerably injured — 

 the latter removed from its former location. The lattice 

 bridge near these mills, built but a few years since at a heavy 

 expense to the county, was carried away, and both of the 

 abutments injured. The railroad bridge at Chester, was 

 carried ofi", together with an extensive portion of the embank- 

 ment, on the western side of the creek. This bridge bent 

 sidewise, nearly its whole width, before the ends were carried 

 from the abutments. The chain suspension bridge at Chester, 

 was also carried away. It did not yield, however, until it 

 had resisted the force of the current, and the battering of 

 drifting trees and timber, for a long time. The western abut- 

 ment was razed to its foundation, and swept away, and the 

 earth was torn up several feet below the foundations of the 

 wing-walls. The eastern abutment was also injured. 



The damage done to private property by the flood in the 

 borough of Chester, was also very considerable. Samuel 

 Lytle had a fine row of basket willows uprooted and carried 

 away, also his crane for loading large stone from his quarries. 

 Captain Pierson's wharf was partly carried away, as was also 

 that belonging to the estate of Captain John Hart. J. P. & 

 W. Eyre had their storehouse injured, their crane carried 

 away, and about two hundred tons of coal swept from their 

 wharf. William Eyre, Jr. had his stock of lumber floated 

 off", and his new wharf greatly injured. The store of Jesse 

 M. Eyre was badly flooded. 



