INDIANA TORNADOS



1882

The Indianapolis Sentinel
1882-07-17
TORNADOES

According to statements made by the signal Service Office, six hundred destructive tornadoes have occurred in various portions of the United States;
of these 316 have occurred in eight states since 1814, a period of sixty-seven years, as follows

States Time Frame Tornado
Georgia 1854 to 1881 35
Illinois 1854 to 1881 54
Indiana 1852 to 1880 27
Iowa 1854 to 1881 31
Kansas 1850 to1881 62
Missouri 1814 to 1881 44
New York 1831 to 1881 35
Ohio 1823 to 1881 28

Just now people are taking a lively interest in the tornado question, and the record for 1882, when fully made up, will probably be the most startling the Signal Service Office has ever made. There were many severe storms during the month of May, but the tornado season did not begin in earnest until in June. So far, exact accounts are not published, but enough is known to show that the tornadoes of the month killed about 150 people, more or less severely wounded 400 others, and destroyed property to the amount of at least $5,000,000. It is said that June is the month peculiarly suited for the development of tornadoes, that they are more frequent in April than in July, and are oftener seen in May and September than in August. the reason why of tornadoes has attracted the attention of scientific men whose theories have been published, but it is not infrequently the case that tornadoes occur when the reasons why, as laid down in the books, do not explain their appearance. It is said by sacred writers that "the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet" But we do not care to believe that tornadoes "are the immediate instruments of the divine indignation," though, is such conclusions must be accepted, a whirlwind, tornado, cyclone, or by whatever name such atmospheric disturbances are known can be made as illustrative of infinite wrath as earthquakes or storms of fire and brimstone. We are informed that " the average width of the path of tornadoes is 1,085 feet, and that the clouds travel at velocities varying from twelve to sixty miles per hour. Near the vortex of the storm, where the whirling motion of the air is swiftest, it has never been possible to obtain the rate of motion. But it certainly attains an enormous speed, reaching sometimes 800 miles per hour. The average velocity is set down at 392 miles per hour. In the official report of the Iowa tornado of June 17, it is stated that a stone fifteen inches cube was carried 200 feet in the air. The pressure necessary to accomplish this would require a velocity of 201 miles per hour if the force of the wind were exerted at right angles to the line of resistance. The pressure necessary to overturn a loaded freight car implies a minimum velocity of 147 miles per hour." Of the states named, Kansas seems to be the favorite field for the display of tornado forces, through Iowa, during the past six months, leads all other States in statistics of destruction. Since 1852 Indiana has experienced twenty seven tornadoes, not  including those that have visited the state so far during the current year, and if prayer can influence atmospheric tumults, it is safe to say we shall have more of them within the state.


1912


4-22-1912

LIST TORNADO VICTIMS GROW
Storm Which Swept Across Northern Illinois and Indiana Took Heavy Toll of Human Lives
By United Press St. Louis, April 22


The list of dead in the tornado which swept across northern Illinois and Indiana is increasing hourly as communication with the affected districts is restored. Forty one persons are known to have lost their lives outside of Bush, Illinois and when direct communication is restored with that town it is expected that it alone will add twenty or thirty to the death roll. It is believed that about 300 were injured. More than a hundred were injured at Bush, some of whom will die. There are six dead at Murphysboro and others dying. Seven are reported dead at Willisville and eight dead between Bush and West Frankfort.
Trainmen reported twenty or thirty dead at Bush. The injured there were taken by special train to Murphysboro where there is a hospital.
In Northern Illinois, where the storm crossed into Newton county, Indiana, there are three dead at Rennick, three at Campus, one at Lorenze and one at Coal City and 12 in and around Morrocco
(By United Press Morrocco, Indiana April 22)
Nine killed and twenty hurt, one fatally, is the result of the tornado which swept across northern Indiana yesterday. The property loss is placed at more than half a million dollars.
Chicago April 22
Twelve were killed at Bush Illinois, 10 dead, half a score were so severely injured they may die and 150 others were hurt in two tornadoes, one of which swept over Southern Illinois and the other across Northern Illinois into Indiana just before Sunset Sunday night.
Twelve will killed at Bush Illinois five at Willisville, names not obtainable; three at Reddick, Illinois; three near Murphysboro, Illinois and nine at Monocco, Indiana.
A hundred other persons were injured, at least eight of them so severely they may die. Damage done to property will amount to thousands of dollars.
The storm swept through the northern part of Murphysboro, Ill., seriously injuring Mrs. George King and two daughters and Mr. and Mrs. William Wilderback. No deaths were reported there. Ten houses were demolished at Murphysboro.

THREE DEAD IN KANSAS

Kansas City, April 22
Three persons are known to have lost their lives in the four tornadoes that late Saturday visited Southern and Central Kansas.
A Broyles were killed in the wreck of his home near Waldron, Harper County, and Prockop Kottal and his four year old granddaughter were killed in the storm at Bison, Rush County.
A total of nearly 30 persons are known to have been injured in Kansas and property damage will aggregate $2000,000.
At Copan, an oil town in Oklahoma, one girl was killed and 25 persons injured.

TWO CHILDREN KILLED

Perry Oklahoma April 22
Two children were killed by the tornado which swept over this place late yesterday. The dead are John Gerdes, age 12 and Mary Gerdes, aged 3.
More than one hundred wooden houses were blown over and fourteen persons slightly injured. The Perry Country Clud  building was picked up  and carried a quarter mile to the opposite side of the club lake. Frank Pearson, a boy, was playing in a barn when the wind picked it up and carried in two hundred yards.

SEVENTEEN ARE DEAD

Chicago Ill., April 21
Seventeen persons are believed to have been killed in a series of tornadoes which swept parts of Illinois and Indiana just before nightfall today. Twelve reports od deaths have been confirmed. The other reports come on good authority
Dispatches from Kentland, Ind. are to the effect that nine persons were killed and six others are severely injured that they are expected to die, half a hundred others bruised by flying debris and thousands of dollars worth of property destroyed in and around Morrocco, Newton County when a tornado swept out of the west this evening
The dead are
Mrs. Charles Rice, Morocco, Ind.
Four young children of Mrs., Rice
Frank Rice, a son
Mrs. Frank Rice, his wife
Miss Cassie Smart Morocco
Infant sister of Miss Smart
Those who may die are:
Chas, Smart
Chas. Rice
Bruce Hangar
Medde Hammel
Miss Conn
Others were less severely hurt.
At Reddick, Illinois many buildings were destroyed and Nelson Hulse, his wife and daughter were killed and two other children probably fatality injured when their house fell in on them, several others  were hurt.
Of those killed at Bush Illinois, eleven have been identified. They are:
Mrs. Wm. Valentine
Farmer J. Campbell, wife and six children
Joe Wood.
J.W. Campbell was section forman at Bush. With his wife and six children he was sitting in the section house when the storm demolished it killing the occupants instantly.
Three dead in Illinois
The dead are:
Nelson Hulse, Reddick, Illinois crushed under a house when it was blown down
Mrs. Nelson Hulse and daughter Erma, two other children in the Hulse family were injured so severely they may die.
Blooming Illinois
A report from Campus in the north-east corner of Livingston county says that Mrs. Nelson Hulz was killed and two children were probably fatally injured.
Oklahoma  lists their dead as
At Lugert, Mrs. Lee Stanaland and Miss Eva Stanaland
At Butler, William McKenzie, three Smith children, five others names unknown
At Hinton, Van Valkenburg, small boy
At Calumet, P.B. Thompson, Mrs. P.B. Thompson, ___Griffith, Infant
At Cordell, Mrs. Frank Parman
At Sentinel, Mrs. ___ Ash, widow , 5 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lee and grandson of Mrs, Ash
Up to an early hour Sunday no word had come from the towns of El Dorado, Warren, Martha and Blair all four of which were Saturday reported to have suffered severely.


4/22/1912
The Macon Daily Telegraph
Tornado Leaves Path of Dead and Injured Thirty two know to have perished yesterday
Indiana and Illinois Thousands of Dollars Damage Reported, Half a Score May Die, and 150 ar Hurt, Two Tornadoes, Came Just Before Sunset Sunday.

Thirty  two persons are known to be dead, half a score were so severely injured that they may die and a hundred  and fifty others were hurt in two tornadoes, one of which swept over southern Illinois and the other across Illinois into Indiana just before sunset Sunday night.
Twelve were killed at Bush, Ill. five at Willisville, three at Reddick, Illinois three near Murphysboro, Illinois, and nine at Morocco, Indiana.
CHICAGO- April 12 Seventeen persons are believed to have been killed in a series of tornadoes which swept across part of Illinois and Indiana just before nightfall today.
Twelve deaths have been confirmed and five are reported on authority which appears reliable, A hundred other persons were injured, at least eight of them severely they may die. Damage done to property will amount to thousands of dollars.
The storm swept through the northern part of Murphysboro, Illinois seriously injuring Mrs. George King and two daughters and Mr. and Mrs.  William Wilderback. No deaths were reported there.
Ten houses were demolished at Murphysboro.
 In Reddick, Ill. many buildings were destroyed and Nelson Hulse, his wife and daughter were killed and two other children probably fatally injured when their house fell on them.
Several others were hurt.
Scores of town buildings and farm houses were razed in the vicinities of Coal City, Aileen, Dwight, Odell and Mason City and a number of people injured.
Twelve dead were found in Bush, Illinois and it is expected that more will be found when the debris is cleared away. Five persons were killed at Willisville and sixteen houses were demolished. Two sections reported tornadoes at the same time. Most damage apparently was done  by that which appeared from Coal City, Ill. and swept eastward, the other being active in and near Murphysboro.
NINE DEATHS IN KENTUCKY
Kentland Ind. April 21 Nine persons were killed, six others so severely injured they are expected to die half a hundred others bruised by flying debris and thousands of dollars worth of property destroyed in and around Morocco, Newton County, when a tornado swept of the west this evening
FIVE DEAD NEAR GRANT PARK
CHICAGO, April 21 Telephone linemen sent to do repair work near Grant Park Ill. tonight reported to the main offices here that in and around Grant Park, Ill. five persons had been killed and fifty injured. Between fifty and a hundred houses, said the linemen, had been demolished. He was unable to give  the names of the dead.
COMPLETE LIST IN KANSAS
KANSAS CITY, April 21 Three persons are known to have lost their lives in four tornadoes that late Saturday visited southern and central Kansas.
A Broyles was killed in the wreck of his home near Waldron, Harper County and Prockop Cottal and his 4 year old grand daughter were killed in the storm at Bison, Rush County.
A total of nearly thirty persons are known to have been injured in Kansas and property damage will aggregate $200,000.
At Capon, an oil town in Oklahoma one girl was killed and twenty five persons injured.


1913


TORNADO SWEEPS FOUR STATES
Omaha Wrecked by Wind's Fury—Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana Suffer Life Loss from Gale.
Omaha, Neb,, March 24.—More than, two hundred persons were killed and four hundred were injured in a wind-storm that demolished 450 homes, damaged hundreds of other buildings and caused a monetary loss of $5,000,000, according to reports available up to a late hour tonight from the main path of the tornado,
Most of the casualties were in Omaha. Nearby towns in Nebraska and across the Missouri river in Iowa, also suffered severely. .Wires were snapped in all directions and it took many hours together news of the disaster.
Fire broke out in many of the wrecked buildings in, Omaha, and these were menaces for some time, as the tire companies were hindered by fallen walls and blocked Streets. Heavy rain followed the wind, however, and drenched the hundreds of homeless persons, but also put out the flames.
Of 202 known dead within the area covered by the storm, 152 were residents of Omaha, The remaining dead are scattered over considerable territory with Council Bluffs reporting 12; Yutan, Neb., 16; Glenwood, Ia„ 5; Berlin, Neb., 7; Neola, Ia., 2, and Bartlett, Iowa, 3, The same cities and towns report an aggregate of 400 injured and 450 homes demolished.
Perhaps 1,500 persons are homeless. Aside from this, 3,000 buildings were more or less damaged, some of these being churches and school buildings. Eight of Omaha's public schools were wrecked.
All forms of communication were at most annihilated, and daylight relieved a night of high tension, when soldiers, state and national troops, poured into the city to aid in bringing order out of what had been chaos for twenty-four hours. The guardians of the peace are patrolling the streets, aiding the police to maintain order and relieve such cases of suffering as come to there notice.
Estimates of the value of property demolished in Omaha by the storm vary between $5,000,000 and $12,000,000. Some of the more substantial houses can be rebuilt. Other's have been so twisted that even the material is useless for rebuilding.
The city commissioners met early and appropriated $25,000 for relief work. Citizens, present at the meeting organized and raised 825,000 more. A citizens' relief committee was organized and an executive committee named.

Indianapolis, March 24—
The worst rainstorm in years last night- and Monday followed in the wake of the tornado that carried death and destruction into southern Indiana. Four persons were drowned Monday in swollen streams and tonight practically every river and creek in Indiana is out of its banks.
Rain in torrents has fallen for twelve hours from South Bend on the north to Ohio river on the south. Lafayette reports the rising and the lowlands inundated.

Omaha, Neb,, March 24.—
More than, two hundred persons were killed and four hundred were injured in a wind-storm that demolished 450 homes, damaged hundreds of other buildings and caused a monetary loss of $5,000,000, according to reports available up to a late hour tonight from the main path of the tornado,

Council Bluffs, Iowa, March 24—
Reports late Monday indicate that the life and property loss in Iowa will be far greater than at first indicated . Meager reports from Mills county say deaths are reported from every town in the county reported by telephone. Five deaths occurred at Glenwood and thirteen at Council Bluffs.

Chicago. March 24—
Five persons were killed, fifty Injured,'thirty-two buildings were wrecked and scores of structures damaged by a storm which swept over this city and its suburbs early Monday morning.

Brazil, Ind., March 24-
Perth, a town of 400 inhabitants in Clay county, was practically wiped off the map by a tornado Sunday night, but only one person was injured.
(News Article) Date: 1913-03-25; Paper: Hobart Republican

1917


3/12/1917 tornado story,

TORNADO SWEEPS PART OF INDIANA WITH HEAVY LOSS

 
 More Than Thirty Persons Are Dead , 200 Injured, Many Fatally, And Property Loss Will Run Far     Beyond Million Dollars.

TOWN OF NEWCASTLE  WRECKED, 300 RESIDENCES DESTROYED.


 Indianapolis, A tornado swept over central Eastern Indiana late Sunday, killing more than a score of persons at New castle and 2 children in Wayne County.
 The total number of injured will run over 200, some of whom are probably fatally hurt. The damage will total well over a million dollars at Newcastle and several thousand dollars at Wayne County.
 Wire communication was crippled by the storm and reports were meager and hard to obtain.
 Adjutant General Harry B. Smith of Indiana National Guard was at his office late Sunday night directing measures of relief. He said his reports were that 26 were dead and 150 injured at Newcastle.

 Two companies of militia were ordered to Newcastle to police the city. Physicians, nurses, undertakers and ambulances were sent from nearby towns.
Two special interurban cars carrying 30 physicians and 50 nurses were sent from here early in the evening.
 George Dyer, general superintendent of the Lake Erie & Western railroad said late Sunday night that he had received word from railroad officials at Newcastle that 42 bodies had been removed from the wreckage in the storm-swept district and that at least 25 persons in the hospital would probably die. He said the report came from a division superintendent who in an automobile had made a trip though the devastated district.
                                           _____________

HEAVIEST LOSS OF LIFE AND PROPERTY IS AT NEWCASTLE

 Newcastle, IN. more than a score of persons were killed and 150 were injured, some fatally, in a tornado which wrecked 300 residences in this city late Sunday. The property damage was roughly estimated Sunday night at $1,000,000.
 The storm swept over the city in a southeasterly direction, demolishing practically everything in a path almost 2 blocks wide and more than 10 blocks long. For several hours the city was entirely cut off from communications.

NUMBER DEAD UNKNOWN

 The exact number of dead may not be known for a day or two, as practically all the bodies thus far found have been dug out of the wreckage of their homes. The search Sunday night was hampered by darkness but with the coming of day light it is believed more bodies will be found.
Late Sunday night 23 bodies had been recovered and 5 persons were missing. It was believed other bodies still were buried in the wreckage which had not been searched. 

A revised list of the dead follows:
Everett Dunlap
Bernice Davis
 Orris Davis
James Neiles
Gray Davis
Mrs. John Davis
Orville Davis age 6 son of Gray Davis
Mrs. Archie Fletcher
_____Haler, young daughter of John Haler
William lowery age 71
____Razer, 12 year son of W.T. Razer
Mrs, Archie Williamson
Miss Opal Williamson, daughter of Mrs. Williamson
_____Newton
Bernice Day
June Day
Ethel Day age 16
Mrs. Vera Higgins, daughter of Mrs. Williams
Ernest Waterman aged 6
2 men and 1 boy unidentified.
Among the missing are:
J.W. McLane and 2 sons
Mrs. W. Newton
 Confusion and disorder followed in the path of the storm. Those who escaped injury and death ran wildly about the streets, women and children crying and wringing their hands, and men shouting and cursing. The men finally settled down and began the work of rescue, digging in the ruins of their homes for missing members of their families.
 Only 2 or 3 bodies were found in the streets.
 Several fires broke out in the wreckage on the south side but a heavy rain kept them from spreading. While many substantial residences were damaged, the greatest destruction was in the factory district.

LITTLE WARNING OF STORM

 There was little warning of the approaching storm. A huge funnel-shaped cloud suddenly appeared in the west, hanging low and sweeping toward the city with lightning-like speed. Groups of persons on the streets began seeking shelter, men and women running wildly through the streets.
The tornado lasted only about 5 minutes and was followed by a hard rain which also stopped a in a few minutes.
One witness of the storm, who was deriving with his family in an automobile, reached the courthouse square when the tornado struck. Deserting his car, the man and his family sought shelter in an excavation for a new building. Crouching in mud and water knee deep against the protecting wall of the basement, they remained there until the storm had subsided.
The storm spent its force just south of Hagerstown, where 2 children of Ernest Graves were killed when a brick house was demolished. Ora Smith, a farmer, was picked up by the storm and carried 100 feet and dropped into a pond. His back was broken and he probably will die.

STORM HITS ON TWO SIDES

 The storm passed through the longest way of the city, striking the south and west sides. The south side school building was destroyed as were the rolling mills and shovel plant. The residence district was not damaged as severely as in the neighborhood of the Maxwell automobile factory.
Newcastle has a population of 15,000.
 All the hospitals in the city are crowded with the injured.
 The storm came from the west, striking the city in the northwestern section, and traveled in a southeasterly direction, missing the business section of the town. Several men were at work in the Indiana Rolling mill, which was destroyed, but no one was hurt.
 Word has been dispatched to Governor Goodrich, to send troops to police the city. The destruction of the interurban power house threw the city in darkness.

TWO CHILDREN KILLED NEAR RICHMOND, IN.

 Richmond, IN. two children were killed and a man probably fatally inured in a tornado near here late Sunday.

TORNADO SWEEPS PART OF INDIANA WITH HEAVY LOSS
More Than Thirty Persons Are Dead, 200 Injured, Many Fatally, and Property Loss Will Run Far Beyond Million Dollars

INDIANAPOLIS—A tornado swept over central eastern Indiana late Sunday, killing more than a score of persons at Newcastle and two children in Wayne county.

The total number of injured will run over 200, some of whom are probably fatally hurt. The damage will total well over a million dollars at Newcastle and several thousand dollars in Wayne county.

Wire communication was crippled by the storm and reports were meager and hard to obtain.

Adjutant General Harry B. Smith of the Indiana national,guard was at his office late Sunday night directing measures of relief. He said his reports were that 26 were dead and 150 injured at Newcastle.

Two companies of militia were ordered to Newcastle to police the city. Physicians, nurses, undertakers and ambulances were sent from nearby towns.

Two special Interurban cars carrying 30 physicians nnd 50 nurses were sent from here early in the evening.

George Dyer, general superintendent of the Lake Erie & Western railroad said late Sunday night that he had received word from railroad officials at Newcastle that 42 bodies had been removed from the wreckage In the storm-swept district and that at least 25 persons In the hospitals probably would die.  He said the report came from a division superintendent who in an automobile, had made a trip through the devastated district.

HEAVIEST LOSS OF LIFE AND PROPERTY IS AT NEWCASTLE, NEWCASTLE, Ind.
More than a score of persons were killed and 150 were injured, some fatally, in a tornado which wrecked 300 residences In this city late Sunday. The property damage was roughly estimated Sunday night at $1,000,000.
The storm swept over the city in a southeasterly direction, demolishing practically everything in a path almost two blocks wide and more than 10 blocks long. For several hours the city was entirely cut off from communication.
Governor Goodrich was asked to send troops to police the city, which Is in darkness, owing to the demolition of the power plant.

Number of Dead Unknown.

The exact number of dead may not be known for a day or two, sls practically all the bodies thus far found have been dug out of the wreckage of their homes. The search Sunday night was hampered by darkness but with the coming of daylight it is believed more bodies will be found.

Late Sunday night 23 bodies had been recovered and five persons were missing. It was believed other bodies still were buried in the wreckage which had not been searched. A revised list of the dead follows;

EVERETT DUNLAP.
DERNICE DAVIS.
ORRIS DAVIS.
JAMES NEILIS.
GRAY DAVIS.
MRS. JOHN DAVIS.
ORVILLE DAVIS, aged G, son of Gray Davis.
MRS. ARCHIE FLETCHER.
- HALER, young daughter of John Haler.
WILLIAM LOWERY, aged 71.
- RAZER,   12-year-old  son of W. T. Razer.
MRS. ARCHIE WILLIAMSON.
MISS OPAL WILLIAMSON, daughter of Mrs. Williamson.
-NEWTON.
BERNICE DAT.
JUNE DAY.
ETHEL DAY, aged 16.
MRS. MARY E. WILLIAMS.
MRS.  VERA   HIGOINS, daughter of Mrs. Williams.
ERNEST WATERMAN, aged 6.
Two men and one boy unidentified.

Among the missing are:

J. W. McLane and two sons.
Mrs. W. Newton.

Confusion and disorder followed in the path of the storm. Those who escaped injury and death ran wildly about the streets, women and children crying and wringing their hands, and men shouting and cursing. The men finally settled down and began the work of rescue, digging in the ruins of their homes for missing members of their families.

Only two or three bodies were found in the streets.

Several fires broke out in the wreckage on the south side but a heavy rain kept them from spreading. While many substantial residences were damaged, the greatest destruction was in the factory district.

Little Warning: of Storm.

There was little warning of the approaching storm. A huge funnel-shaped cloud suddenly appeared In the west, hanging low and sweeping toward the city with lightning-like speed. Groups of persons on the streets began seeking shelter, men and women running wildly through the streets.

The tornado lasted only about five minutes and was followed by a hard rain which also stopped in a few minutes.

One witness of the storm, who was driving with his family In an automobile, reached the courthouse square when the tornado struck. Deserting his car, the man and his family sought shelter in an excavation for a new building. Crouching In mud and water knee deep against the protecting wall of the basement, they remained there until the storm had subsided.

The storm spent Its force just south of Hagerstnwn, where two children of Ernest Graves were killed when a brick house was. demolished. Ora Smith, a farmer, was picked up by the storm and carried 100 feet and dropped   into   a   pond.   His   back was broken and he probably will die.

Storm Hits on Two Sides.

The storm passed through the longest way of the city, striking the. south  and west sides.   The south side school building was destroyed as were the rolling mills and shovel plant. The residence district was not damaged as severely as in the neighborhood of the Maxwell automobile factory.

Newcastle has a population of 15,000.

All the hospitals in the city are crowded with the injured.

The storm came from the west, striking the city in the northwestern section, and traveled in a southeasterly direction, missing the business section of the town. Several men were at work in the Indiana Rolling mill, which was destroyed, but no one was hurt.

Word has been dispatched to Governor Goodrich to send troops to police the city.   The destruction of the interurban power house threw the city In darkness.

Date: 1917-03-12; Paper: Idaho Statesman

INDIANA TOWNS HIT BY TORNADO
Path Two Blocks Wide Is Cut Through Newcastle,
DEATH LIST MAY BE LARGE
More Than Score Killed, 200 Injured and 300 Residences Are Demolished.
$1,000,000 DAMAGE DONE
Storm Comes Almost Without Warning, Deals Destruction, Is Over in Five Minutes.
INDIANAPOLIS, March 11.
A Tornado swept over Central Eastern Indiana late today, killing more than a score of persons at Newcastle and two children in Wayne County.
The total number of injured will run over 200, some of whom are probably fatally hurt. The damage will total well over a million dollars at Newcastle and several thousand dollars in Wayne County.
Wire communication was crippled by the storm and reports were meager.
Militia Ordered to Scene.
Adjutant-General Harry B. Smith, of the Indiana National Guard, was at his office late tonight directing measures of relief. He said his reports were that 26 were dead and 150 injured at Newcastle; Two companies of militia were ordered to Newcastle to police the city. Physicians, nurses, undertakers and ambulances were sent from nearby towns.
Twenty special interurban cars carrying 30 physicians and 50 nurses were sent from here early in the evening.
42 Bodies Reported Found
George Dyer, general superintendent of the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, said late tonight that he had received word from railroad officials at Newcastle that 42 bodies had been removed from the wreckage in the storm-swept district and that at least 25 persons in the hospitals probably would die.
He said the report came from a division superintendent, who, in an automobile, had made a trip through the devastated district.
NEWCASTLE, Ind., March 11.
More than a score of persons were killed and 150 were injured, some fatally, in a tornado which wrecked 300 residences in this city late today. The property damage was estimated tonight at $1,000,000.
Path Is Two Blocks Wide.
The storm swept over the city in a southeasterly direction, demolishing practically everything in a path almost two blocks wide and more than 10 blocks long. For several hours the city was entirely cut off from communication.
The exact number of dead may not be known for a day or two, as practically all the bodies thus far found have been dug out of the wreckage of their homes. The search tonight was hampered by darkness, but with the coming of daylight tomorrow it is believed more bodies will be found.
Revised List of Dead.
Late tonight, 23 bodies had been recovered and six persons were missing. It was believed other bodies still were buried in the wreckage which had not been searched. A revised list of the dead follows:
Everett Dunlap.
Bernice Davis.
Orris Davis.
James Neilis.
Gray Davis.
Mrs. John Davis.
Orville Davis, son of Gray Davis.
Mrs. Archie Fletcher.
____Haler, young daughter of John Haler.
____Razer, 12-year-old son of W. T, Razer.
Mrs. Archie Williamson.
Miss Opal Williamson, daughter of
Mrs. Williamson.
______Newton.
Bernice Day.
June Day.
Mrs. Mary E. Williams.
Mrs. Vera Higgins, daughter of Mrs. Williams.
Earnest Waterman, aged 6.
William Lowery.
Ethel Day, aged 16.
Two men and one boy. unidentified.
Six Still Missing
Among the missing: are: William Davis, J. W. McLane and two sons, Mrs. W. Newton and William Lowery.
Early tonight the list of identified dead stood at 10 and there were seven other bodies in the morgue, but it was said several others had been found in various sections of the wrecked district.
Confusion and disorder followed in the path of the storm. Those who escaped Injury and death ran wildly about the streets, women and children crying and wringing their hands and men shouting and cursing. The men finally settled down and began the work of rescue, digging in the ruins of their homes for missing members of their families.
Only two or three bodies were found in the streets.
Several fires broke out in the wreckage on the South Side, but a heavy rain kept them from spreading. While many substantial residences were damaged, the greatest destruction was in the factory district.
There was little warning of the approaching storm. A huge funnel-shaped cloud suddenly appeared in the west, hanging low and sweeping toward the city with lightning-like speed. Groups of persons on the streets began seeking shelter, men and women running wildly through the streets.
The tornado lasted only about five minutes and was followed by a hard rain, which also stopped in a few minutes.
One witness of the storm, who was driving with his family in an automobile, reached the Courthouse square when the tornado struck.
Deserting the car, the man and his family sought shelter in an excavation for a new building. Crouching in mud and water knee deep against the protecting walls of the basement, they remained there until the storm had subsided.
Looting in the ruins was reported late tonight to Mayor Watkins and additional citizens were sworn in as deputies to guard the wrecked homes.
Major P. A. Davis, quartermaster-general of the Indiana National Guard, arrived here early in the evening to take charge of troops ordered by the Governor to police the city.
Reports reaching here early today from surrounding towns were that three persons had been killed at New Lisbon, three at Moreland and three at Mont Summit by the tornado which yesterday caused the death of 23 persons here.
CINCINNATI SUBURB IS SWEPT
Thirty Hyde Park Houses Wrecked and Three Persons Killed.
CINCINNATI, March 11.
Three persons axe known to have lost their lives, four others are probably fatally injured, and a score or more less seriously hurt as the result of a tornado which tonight wrecked 30 houses in the residential district of Hyde Park in the eastern section of this city.
The known dead:
Matthew McCarthy. Jr., aged 3 years.
Omer Glenn, 81.
___Nelson, 40.
Grace and Griest avenues suffered the heaviest, only a few residences being undamaged. The wind reached a velocity estimated at from 65 to 70 miles an hour.
In all six squares felt the full force of the storm. Telephone and telegraph poles, trees and wreckage of houses made the streets almost impassable. To add to the confusion, fire broke out in several of the wrecked houses, making rescue work difficult.
It Is believed there are other persons buried in the ruins, and late tonight police and firemen were still at work searching for possible victims.
CHILDREN DEAD AT RICHMOND
Farmer Picked Up, Carried 100
Feet, Dropped Into Pond.
RICHMOND, Ind., March 11.—Two children were killed and a man probably fatally injured in a tornado near here late today.
The storm spent its force just south of Hagerstown, where two children of Harvey Gray were killed when a brick house was demolished. Ora Smith, a farmer, was picked up by the storm and carried 100 feet and dropped into a pond. His back was broken and he probably will die.
ONE MAN KILLED NEAR DAYTON
Panic Is Caused in Moving Picture Theater.
DAYTON. O., March 11.
One man was reported died at Brookville, 15 miles from Dayton, a score of houses were uprooted in Dayton, and 50 homes reported demolished without loss of life at Trotwood, near here.
In Dayton the storm passed quickly. A part of the roof of a moving-picture theater was blown off, causing a panic among the women and children in the theater. None was hurt.
(News Article) Date: 1917-03-12; Paper: Oregonian

1922


Unknown Death Toll and Hundreds Hurt in Western Tornado Indiana, Illinois and Arkansas Raked By
Wind Blast, While Floods, Snow and Hail Hit Others Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri and Iowa Gripped, in Icy Blasts; Crops Suffer Heavily
CHICAGO, April 17.—
An unknown death list, more than a hundred injured and thousands made homeless was the toll of tornadoes and floods which swept over the Ceutral West today.
Tornadoes were reported in a score of Illinois, Indiana and Arkansas towns. Homes were demolished, wire service crippled and livestock killed.
The storm was believed to hare been the east, to Kansas and Nebraska on west, heavy downpours swelled flood waters of streams already out of their banks, and inundated thousands of acres of rich farm land in addition to the vast tracts already under water.
While snow and fleet covered Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri and Iowa were pelted with heavy hail storms which smashed windows and caused much damage to crops. Several inches of snow were reported from Denver.
Death List May Swell
The storm was believed to have been the same which lashed several towns in Northeastern Kansas Sunday night, killing several persons, then jumped over Missouri, only to reappear early today in Southern Illinois. In the vicinity of Irvington the twister swept a path twenty-three mites long and 150 yards wide, killing several persons. More than half of the homes in the town were destroyed. Plainfield, Illinois, was reported almost obliterated.
Tornado Came Back
After visiting many Illinois towns the tornado jumped into Indiana, striking Hedrick, a small village, in the western part of the State, early in the afternoon. Two hours later, before the residents had time to recover, it returned, causing several deaths and heavy property damage,
Hedrick, III., Reports Six Dead
DANVILLE, Ill, April 17.—
Seven dead and many persons injured was the toll of a tornado that swept across Vermillion county. Illinois, and Warren county, Indiana, late today. Property damage is reported heavy at Hedrick, 2nd., and vicinity, where six persons were killed, according to local reports,
They are: Grover Johnson. William Grady. Miss Mildred Grady, Mrs, Philip High, Nellie Kurtz and a woman named Morrissey. The last two named lived on farms near Hedrick.
All stores, on elevator, a school-house and several residences in Hedrick were reported destroyed.
Mrs. Albert Anderson was killed and her husband seriously injured when their home was destroyed near Fithian. Illinois At Bismarck, III, many small buildings were blown down.
Plainfield, III., Almost Obliterated
NEWTON, III. April 17.—One man was killed and damage estimated at $250,000 was caused by a tornado which passed through this section early today. The storm was accompanied by a driving rain.
Plainfield, a village near here, was almost obliterated. doctors nurses and a searching party have been rushed to the devastated area.
High water in the vicinity of the storm also caused great damage.
FORT SMITH, Ark., April 17.—According to belated messages received tonight a tornado struck several towns in Western Arkansas Saturday night, entailing property damage estimated at $1000,000 to $150,000. Wire communication has been hampered and reports are meager.
LAFAYETTE, lnd., April 17.—Two women were killed and an unidentified man was probably fatally injured in a tornado which struck Newton county late today.
Swarth 25 Miles Long
IRVINGTON, Ill April 17.—Relief workers from Centralia and surrounding towns were here tonight caring for homeless and injured persons following the tornado which early today caused four deaths and injured about forty others.
Property damage is estimated at approximately $200,000 in this town of about 100 homes and business houses.The tornado cut a path through three counties.
The scene here tonight was one of desolation. Half of the homes have been demolished. Members of families were separated and much confusion resulted in the frantic search for loved ones.
Transportation by road is practically at a standstill, due to the heavy rains which followed the tornado.
The greater suffering was experienced in the farming communities.
The storm swept clean a path 25 miles long and 150 yards wide. Several families have not been heard from.
At Least Two Dead at Alexandria
ALEXANDRIA, lnd.. April 17.—Two persons are known to have been killed north of here this evening, when a cyclone swept the northern part of Madison county.
The storm struck Alexandria, Drestes and Summitville and was a part of the tornado that cut a wide path across Indiana late today.
Later reports placed the death toll in Madison county at six. The known dead are Charles Ludlow and David Hughes, farmers living north of Alexandria.
(News Article) Date: 1922-04-18; Paper: Philadelphia Inquirer