The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1859-06-02

most terrible and destructive whirl-
winds that was ever witnessed in this
section. The whirlwind seemed to be
about five or six miles in length, and
some 80 rods wide, and destroyed every
thing in its path, uprooting trees, un-
roofing barns, sheds, and scattering the
fences in every direction. The dwell
lings of Messrs. De Witt and A. Robin
son, which stood directly in its path
were shivered into atoms, scarcely
leaving two pieces of timbers or sticks
together. The families in both bull
dings were in bed at the time, and
barely escaped with their lives, although
all were injured more or less, and it is
believed that son of Mr.. De Witt,
some 10 years of age cannot survive.
Mr.. De Wits house was lifted from
the ground, carried some rods, and
then whirled over and over, until it was
completely smashed into atoms.
A little girl of Mr.. De Wits about
six years of age, was carried some
fifteen rods, and thrown with great
force to the ground, butitis thought that
she is not fatally injured. 1t is GER
tainly miraculous how any of the people
in either house escaped, as it was they
saved nothing but the night clothes
they had on at the time.
We believe that none of Mr.. Robin
sons family were seriously injured.
We gather the above particulars
from Mr.. Munger, of this village, who
visited the scene of this calamity on
Saturday last, and of course they are
not very full, but we think the essential
facts stated will be found entirely cor
rect. 1t is thought that the tornado's
force became expended at or near the
village of Pipestone, still it may have
gone beyond.
Mr.. NJ, states that no one, without
visiting the scene of this dire disaster
can form any adequate idea of its
power and devastation. The earth
isself is torn up in places, houses, barns,
sheds and fences are scattered as chaff,
and lie about the fields in wild and
awful ruin.
The sufferers are receiving every
attention which the citizens of Pipestone
can bestow, but we understand that
any assistance which may be rendered
from this section will be thankfully re.
ceived, and we are certain that aid
could not be more worthily bestowed,
as by this calamity these families are
left without shelter or clothing, every
thing in both houses having been
entirely destroyed.
Since the above was in type we find
in the Chicago Press Dc Tribune, the
following further particulars: The
course Of the tornado was from south
west to northeast, and it lasted but a
few minutes. 1t was so severe that
hens in the trees were entirely stripped
of their feathers, and hurled to the
gound with such force that when
picked up they were entirely dead.
Mr.. De Wits family consisted of him
self, wife and three children. Mr.
De Witt is very badly injured on his
head and side, and one leg is nearly
stripped of its flesh. 1t is feared, also
that some of his ribs are broken. His
recovery is. doubtful. Mrs. De Witt
was also badly bruised on her head and
limbs, but not seriously. The youngest
boy, six years of age, is badly cut on
the head, and his brain is very much
injured. The eldest boy has since died
| In the dwelling of Mr.. Robinson
were Mr.. Worth, wife and two chill
dren. The children were both thrown
out of doors, and lodged at the end OF
the house. The girl had an arm badly
broken above the elbow, and shoulder
put out of joint. Her head and side
were also badly bruised. The boy was
only slightly injured.
THE STORM ELSEWHERE.
In Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota the
storm was equally severe. In Iowa
city gentleman named Morgan was
. Instantly killed, together with his son
and grandson, and many others very
seriously injuree.
In Jacksonville, ILL.,, the storm was
unusually severe. A large number Of
persons were killed, and much valuable
property destroyed. The farm of Mr.
Jos. Fry was swept clean of everything
house, barn, furniture, fences scat
tered in all directions. Fifteen horses
seventy hogs, several head of cattle
and all his fowls were killed. The
persons killed in Jacksonville were
badly mangled; in some cases the cloth
ing was entirely stripped off the bodies
oud In poct ipcfapooc tho ho1ioc COR