Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-08-22
The Tornado Yesterday After
noon.

The Tornado Yesterday After
Our city was visited yesterday afier
noon, by tornado, as disastrous in ito
consequences, we believe, as any one Of
the many which have prevailed recent,
in various parts Of the country. The
injury 10 property was extensive, and
the loss TO individuals will prove proper
lionally severe.
The forenoon, and early part Of the
afternoon had been clear and oppressive.
ly suliry. AT quarter to five o'clock,
however, the skies became suddenly
cionded, and we were visited simulane-
os,sly by a heavy shower Of rain, and a
severe wind storm. In The southern
part oil the city, 10 start from Biddle
street, the blow was hard and the show
er copious, bat unattended by any mis-
chicvous consequences. The tornado
passed north Of Biddle street, 10 Bremen
and above. In The lille time that was
leit lbs for inquiry, between Its subsistence
aud nightfali, we could of course form a
limited idea Of the full extern, Of dam.
age done. We give, however, such par
ticulars as we succeeded in obtaining.
Along the Levee, and at the shore a
hove, the conmoiion among the boats
was indeed alarming. The steamers
Planter, Aleck Scott, and western World
were broken from their moorings. and
carried to various points below.
The Planter lay near Mr.. Childs'
mill above the dock. She had been
thoroughly overhauled; and the carpen.
iers. we understand, had almost quite
| finished their repairs. She frunied the
storm, and had the larboard side Of her
cabin, as also both of her chmneys,
blown away. The portion of the cabin
lost, lodged on large raft, which had
diilted from The shore. and was floating
| past at the time. So violently was the
Planter struck by the storm that her boil
ers, even, were thrown little out oil
place. She broke her moorings and float
ed in this dismantled condition pas, the
city. The Kate Kearney, which boat
fortunately happened 10 have steam up,
started after her and towed her back To
the foot Of Plum street.
The Aleck Scott, was blown to Bloc
dy Island. near the Dixie, where she was
safely moored bv her hands, and the
Western World driited to Cahokia Bend.
The Mounlaineer, which lay near the
foot Of Blddle street. had both chimnies
aud her pilo: house carried off.
A number Of timber RATS also, broke
their moorings at the upper end of the
city, and floated various distances down
the river. MIR. Fulsnm lost one for
which, we learn, he had paid $4,000 the
day previous. Two or three saw log
Rats belonging to Mr.. Thos. III. WesI,
were also carried down. He had. it is
said, purchased one oil the number lew
days since, for $4,000. Several men
were seen ON every raft as they passed
The city. Several broke completely up
! in the stream, and the timber will oI
course prove almost total loss TO the
owners. Others, however, remained to-
gelher, and were lowed To various land
ings by the steamer Or. Franklin No 2.
In Bremen, where the storm ragged in
its fullest force, its effect we learn. was
sill more disastrous. We give such
items as have been reported 10 us:
Yer, many light buildings, sheds. &c,
were levelled To the ground. Trees were
shi,ered, fences prns.raled and chimneys
blown down. The lightning struck
Messrs. Parker a. Ludlow's saw mill,
and passing down The water conductor.
collapsed il completely. Mr.. Buckmas-
ler's ferry boat lost her chimney, and
was otherwise damaged. We have heard
of no one that was killed during the
storm, but we cannot reasonably believe
that amid the general commo,ion, many
lives were moi sacrificed.
Leaving the Missouri side, the lorna
do hurst on the Illinois shore at Horse
shoe Bend. just above The head of Bloc
dy Island. There the destruction OF
the trees was as fearful as extensive
Wherever it passed il leyelled trees,
shrubbery, fences. &C., as it might have
levelled wheat.feld. or person who
Witnessed the ravages from favorable
point near Bremen. we learn that lis
course there is marked by perfect Rad
several hundred yards in width and fill
ed with the ruins il brought about No.
Republican, 18Th inst.