The Forgotten: Hidden Heroes: Dayton 1913 Flood - Softcover

HEROES ABOVE THE FLOOD WATERSAs the flood water was rising, and the citizens of Dayton felt helpless in stopping its destruction, the officials of the City of Dayton went into action, along with the entire nation. The City of Dayton reached out to various surrounding counties and states for assistance. The Dayton churches were especially ready to assist those in need as they organized committees and searched for food and supplies. Several Daytonians stepped up to save lives while risking their own. Among these unsung heroes were several African Americans, who at the time, were not treated equally in their hometown. Despite this prejudicial philosophy, they saved anyone in need regardless of race or wealth. These acts of courage by these African Americans during the Dayton 1913 flood was lost in the pages of Dayton newspapers published in the early 1900s. We were introduced to new heroes like William Abernathy and Frank Reisinger. I want to reintroduce you to the most famous African American who assisted with saving over 300 lives – W.G. Sloan. The book discusses how this hero did not receive the Carnegie Medal, contrary to what was originally thought. After reading his story, you will agree that although this hero may not have received the Carnegie Medal, he had a heart of gold.This book will take you back to that terrible year of 1913, which changed Dayton history forever. It discusses some Daytonian leaders who you thought you knew (including McCurdy Huffman, John H. Patterson, Harry Talbot and E.T. Banks). It relates that Mr. Patterson was a person who seemed to be generous; however, his stance on equality was not fair-minded. Bishop Milton Wright (Father of the Wright Brothers) was also caught by the grip of this flood. His family not only assisted the flood effort monetarily but provided other assistance. There were some leaders and citizens who seemed to welcome the assistance provided by the mud-shovelers (as they were named). However, there were some who were more than happy to send them back to their hometown. It is revealed how 500 African American men (forgotten) from Chicago assisted in the flood by enlisting as laborers. Their connection to Dayton was not only recorded in newspapers, but several photos were taken that forever showed their service provided during the flood recovery efforts in Dayton, Ohio. Although, in this reading, you will see that mistreatment of some of them resulted in an abrupt return trip to Chicago. This also introduces us to Attorney Ferdinand Lee Barnett, who was the husband of Ida B. Wells. Ms. Wells was an early leader of the Civil Rights Movement and founding member of NAACP. Mr. Barnett was retained as counselor for 200 men from Chicago who were laborers in the flood relief but were sent back home to Chicago without adequate compensation.There were racial obstacles that this flood seemed to wash away from western Dayton. During the flood, there was a sense of togetherness, respect, and unselfishness of the citizens and those willing to help in the recovery process. There are stories of people not only saving lives but providing shelter, and in some cases, free coffins for those families who lost loved ones. As the flood receded, it left a newer and better Dayton, which resulted in a larger workforce and new beginnings for old and new citizens. The flood was a formidable force of nature that couldn’t be stopped; however, as you will see in these pages, the human heart is also a force that can’t be hindered. Flood waters rise and fall, but a heroic heart never stops.