The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1821-09-26
THE TORNADO.

Franklin. is communicated to us by gentle
man in Warwick and although it only pre-.
sents more distinct view of the picture
which has already been given, it is well
worth preserving.
WARWICK, (MAss.) SEPT. IS, 1921.
On Sunday, the 9th inst. about G o'clock.
P. NJ. we were visited by the most de-
structive tempest that was ever witness
sed in this part of the country since its
first settlement. 1t very much resem-
bled, if it did not equal, both in its fury
and effects, those Tornadoes which are
peculiar to tropical climates. None
but those who were involved in the ca
lamity, or have visited the field of de-
struction, can form any just idea of its
power. About half an hour before its
commencement, gentle shower, of
rain, attended with moderate thunder
and lightning, passed over the north
part OF this town-about the time the
rain ceased, small black cloud was
discovered in the west, in great COM
motion, lying about 10 degrees above
the horizon, to which point numerous
small scuds moved in rapid succession,
and were involved in the general mass.
From this cloud very dense vapouI of
a cylindrical form extended to the earth.
which appeared to take whirlihg mo-
ton, raising every thing from the ground
with powerful suction. 1t commenced
on the high land east of Connecticut
River, 10 the town of Mortified, taking
an eastern direction through this town,
about one mile south of the centre. Its
course was not invariably in straight
line, which was undoubtedly owing to
two currents of air, (from S. w. and
N. W.. not maintaining an equal BAL
ance. Its march was grand and awful
sweeping in its course, which was from
go to 1870 rods wide, every thing before
it. 1t sounded like heavy distant thun-
der, shaking the earth to the distance
of 2 or 3 miles, and speaking terror to
every beholder Indeed, ats wings
were destruction, its bosom death -
Trees, buildings, fences and stone-walls
were Unfortunately hurled like feath-
eIs into the air. Trees stript of their
branches, were found considerable
distance from their former standing
Large stones of many hundred weight
were removed from their beds, and in
many places, deep burrows were made
in the earth.
In Mortified, a Westinghouse and
barn, occupied by a Mr.. CARING. was
entirely demolished, Mr.. G. severe
ly injured, but it is expected he will
recover. Mrs. G. was carried near
ly 90 rods, and taken up not much
injured. A barn belonging to Mr..
Reuben Wright, was wholly swept a.
way, with IFS contents; it was raised
from its foundation, and carried about so
feet before it struck the ground, when
the roof separated and was taken up
beyond the reach Of sight. The dwell
ing-house and barn of Mr.. Chaplin Ho-
den was destroyed, and himself very
much bruised, being several times
knocked down in his retreat to the cell
lar; but there are hopes of his recovery.
In Warvick, two barns, owed by Mr..
Jonas Leonard and Mr.. Elijah Miller,
were destroyed, and considerable part
of their contents blown away. A DWELL
ing-house, barn and out-building, belong
ing to MIR. Jonathan Wilson and son,
were entirely swept away-these build
ings standing near the centre of the
wind, were shivered to atoms in an
instant, and the greatest part of the con-
tents carried away. There were six
persons in the house at the time-two
boys escaped unhurt. MIR. Wilson,
his son AMI their wives were taken from
the ruins much bruised and wounded,
except Mrs. Wilson the elder, who was
not materially injured. A COW standing
in the yard, was driven by the current
a number of rods and killed-a dog and
all the fowls were found dead. From
this scene of desolation we trace the
Tornado TO large pond, where it was
observed to take up a large quantity of
water, in form of water-spout from
thence to the house of Mr.. Elisha
Brown, in which was himself, his wife,
and nine children-the house was I'M
rooted and the walls much damaged
several of the family were involved
in the ruins of the fallen chimney, sc.
but were soon released, by the exertions
of Mr. B. and were not materially in
jured, except daughter Jagged thirteen
years, who was taken out lifeless, af-
tor cnnSiAa 20 la snnrch hn hnI tue