Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1874-06-03
Fearful Storm in Richland County
Wis.

Sunday, May Oath, 1874, was day
that will be long remembered by the
inhabitants Of this place aud surround
ing country. The day opened up clear
and bril- ht and by L o'clock it was
extremely warm and sultry and every
thing was ominous of storm but
none dreamed of the fearful hurricane
which swept over us about 5 o'clock
in the afternoon and the distant roll
of thunder was plainly heard. They
were eagerly watched by many people
who earnestly wished they might
bring much needed rain to moisten
the earth, which had not had good
soaking rain in many months. Near
er and nearer came the clouds, gaining
.ip velocity and blackness as they ad-
vanced, until the storm suddenly burst
with terrific vehemence and swept
through our town like besom Of de-
struction, tearing down and unroofing
houses and barns, uprooting ond strip
ping trees and leveling fences in its
course. The wind storm lasted but
few moments and was accompanied
with rain and hail. Some cf the hail
stones were as large as hens eggs.
When the storm subsided a sorry
picture of desolation was presented.
Scarcely whole fence or gate was
left standing, and large and beautiful
shade trees were lying prone on the
ground or standing bare and limbless
the storm having stripped them Of
limbs as though they were cornstalks,
and, worst of all, numbers Of buildings
were badly damaged.
The front of the lower story of the
Odd Fellows building was blown in
and the building was badly wrecked
anc twisted out Of shape. Damage
not less than $500.
The roof of the Center House barn
was blown in. A number of horses
were in the barn at the time, but none
were hurt.
The stable of S. B. Pennel was
blown down and two COWS killed. A
span of horses were in the barn. but
were gotten out without being much
hurt.
The roof was blown off Of Fred.
Barfrey' house also roof was blown
from house in the upper part of town
and several of the inmates injured.
Several large lights of glass were
broken out Of the front of McCarty Il
Hyatt's store, and windows were blown
in and more or less lights broken in
every house IN town.
OTIS slaughter house was blown to
atoms.
The house and barn Of Mr.. Kel-
per near Boaz was blown down, but
no lives Of persons or animals were lost.
Mr.. and Mrs A. G.. Eastland were
coming from Sex,onville, and were
out in the entire storm. They were
compelled to get out of the buggy and
hold on the brush to keep from being
blown away.
Mr.. August Hoskins was also out
during the entire storm. We under
stand that while be was running his
team to get to a shelter, he passed a
team lying dead in the road.
Miss Mary Hill, a young lady Of this
place, who is teaching school near Boaz
started for her school on horse back
and alone about Two hours before the
STERN tomuiencea. Her father, fear
ful that she had been caught by the
storm, started after her, but found
that she had got to Boaz safe before
the storm commenced.
S. ST. John and G. B. Walworth
were on the road, and had just time
to reach a house before the storm
burst forth. They informed us that
the road was completely filled with
rails aud fallen trees.
At this writing we have no news
from other parts Of the countv.-Rlch.
land Co. RepbLHcon.