Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1871-02-20
Thirty-Three Buildings Injured or
DssuOysd-Thirteen UnTOOfed.
A Tin Roof CarrIsd Across the
Riyer-BOats UnmOOrsd and
Blown Out Into the Stream.
The Steamer Cheek Rides Out the
Gale, and Goes 10 tbs Re cue Of
the Sufferers in the RivsF.


Geo. w. Cheek, we learn some partlc-
ulars Of the damage done by the tor
nado which passed over and through
Helena. Arkansas, on Friday last.
The wind came from the northwest
about a quarter-past two O'Clock
pm, and lasted thirty minutes
with great fury, expending Its
force in about an hour, by
which time it passed acress the
river, turning up toward the north
east. The damage done is almost in
calculable, and coming as it does after
the recent disastrous fire, by which
one of the best blocks of buildings in
the town was burned down, must
prove a serious drawback to the pro-
gress and business interests of one Of
the most stirring and busy towns on
the Mississippi river. Thirty three
dwellings and stOre-hOuses were either
blown down or unrOOfed, and
one one-stOry frame dwelling was
taken up and turned. upside down,
and the family occupying it, number
ing four persons, were killed. Coming,
"a we have stated, from the north
west, the wind blew with great force
and fury diagonalIy across the town,
taking in its sweep the best blocks
and finest business houses, and level
ing or unroofing everyone in its way.
The stern chains by which the wharf
boat of J. II. Penny * Co. was mOOred
parted as if they were mere threa is,
and the huge unwieldy vessel was only
prevented from being blown out into
the S stream by the head chains, which
held her well into the bank. The
widest CONSERVATION prevailed, not
only at the landing and in the boats
on the river, but up in the town,
where the people, paralyzed by reason
Of their inability TO cope with the
mysterious element, could but fold
their hands and wait with what pa
tience they could muster, the result.
The little steamer Matte Bell was
blown from her mO0rings clear across
the river; so were two coal barges,
containing, perhaps, half loads; also,
a fiat containing a load OF lumberj
one empty and a trading boat contain
ing household goods aud a watChman,
who very fortunately escaped any in
Jury. The steamer Cheek, which was
about seven miles below Helena when
the wind came up, met this trading
boat lashed to a fiat about three
miles below the town and took it in
tow, landing the two safely at the
levee. The tin roof OF che Of the
blocks was carried clean across the
river and landed two hundred yards
from ths bank among the trees which
had been EpFOOted and blown down
as so many straWs. Nothing escaped
in the path OF the wild winds. The
waters Of the mighty river, too, were
as wild; the waves leaped high, a
heavy curtain Of mist enveloped the
prospect end a darkness as Of coming
night, hung over al. It was wild
scene; one never to be forgotten hy
those who were sufferers or spectators.
Shingles and limbs Of trees went hurt
ling through the air, and for at least
half an hour the storm played havoc
with a mad fury far beyond any fe2lie
zatiOn by those who were not In or
near the il-fated town. Quitea a num-
Der Of persons were injured, but the
only person killed was the son of Mr..
Stuart, whose house was completely
upset, Mrs. Stuart was severely
wounded, but will, we are glad to say,
recover. Mr.. DOWd'R house was
blown of the foundation on which
it rested. The safety OF the steamer
Cheek was a matter Of grave concern
to the people Of Helena, and Rev.
Mr.. BarlLsdaie, in tkeiF behalf ex-
pressed his gratif alton upon her safe
delivery from the fury of the winds
and waves. Helena could not well
get along without the Cheek, nor the
Cheek without Helena. We are glad
the latter is not completely wrecked
and that the former is all right and
ready for freight and passengers.
ANOTHER ACCOUNT.
We make room for the following
note by a passenger on the Uheekg
Editors AppeaL-I give you few out
lines of the storm. 1 was q passenger on
the steamer Geo. W. Cheek. She was in
the storm q few miles below Helena, and
! think that but few boats could have
weaJhersd il ss she did. IS trees on the
bank two feet in diameter were twisted
on We could not get TO shore, ss we we're
between two bars. On arriving at Helena
We found the storm had destroyed a
large amount Of property. There were
twelve buildings blown down, and
thirteen unrOofed. % give you q sort of a
list: The Bsptist church blown down;
Stuart's house blown down and himself
killed bis son and wife badly injured; ten
or more we're blown down, but no lives
we're lost; some'Were hurt but not Sc
riOusIy.
Thirteen business houses were unrOOfed.
The damage to goods, heaYyt some psO-
pie think themselves safe on shore, but
20 see the destruction, I viii hereafter
take my chances on the steamer Cheek.
l will recommend persons that want to
travel on safe boat to travel on the
Cheek, as they have steam boatmsn on
her and they are accommodating, and
they know their business.
A PASSENGER.