River

Captain Abraham Smith

Captain Abraham Smith was born in 1831 at Quaker Bottom, near Proctorville, Ohio, and is of English parentage. Up to the age of 17 he assisted his father on his farm, but the quiet life of the old town ill suited the restless temperament of the boy, and he eagerly embraced the offer of a captain o a merchant vessel to go to sea.

1890 Photo of Ohio River

hio River as seen during a dry spell in the 1890’s. This picture is an upriver view from the top of the hill) Seven Hills Farm_ opposite Huntington, WV, across from the former 26th st ferry landing.

Death in Deluge 1884 Ironton, Ohio Flood

Three-fourths of the town is underwater, including the entire business portion. The water is seven feet higher than in 1883. Though it has fallen considerably, it is still above any known high water mark. Soup houses are open but inadequate. There are thousands of homeless and needy people. Every door is open, but there is not enough room. Frame houses were swept from their foundations and brick buildings were —–bled into the waters. The strong current is sweeping through the streets.

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