San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1878-06-22
THE RICHMOND CYCLONE.

A Local Papers Account Of tho Disaster.
The following particulars regarding
the recent terrible disaster at Richmond,
Ray County, Mo-, is from an extra edi-
ton of the Conservator of that city:
A cyclone struck our city yesterday,
at 4 :05 p. M, and in the short space of
five minutes totally destroyed one-third
of the place, its path being nearly three
squares wide and extending for over a
mile in the city limits. 1t originated on
the farm of VIM. H. Fitch, 81 miles
south of the city, and Frustrated fences
and crops in its path, and injured the
premises of John G. Laforge, where it
lifted, and struck again at Col. Warren
sta9's, destroying his stable, fences,
etc. then lifted again, passing over the
residences of Capt. j. L. Farris and
James Hughes, and struck with full
force the residence of William jackson,
and then continued with undated fury,
LEvELING EVERY THING IN ITS PATH.
We noticed its approach from our
Office balcony, our attention being at
tracted by its peculiar shape, that of a
funnel, the small end down, the color of
steam. At times it would break, emit
ting volumes Of what appeared to be
black smoke, then gather together again
and assume its funnel-like proportions,
the wind all the while being attracted
toward it. 1t came on slowly-Aot
much faster than man could walk
destroying every thing by its Internal
whirl, producing sound like the roar
of Niagara, creating panic, and many
sought shelter in cellars and rushed out
into their yards and gardens. Where it
struck with its most terrific force it
peeled off the bark of trees, leveled the
grass and shrubbery as if it had been
rolled by large roller, or been swept
by torrent. Trees and outhouses were
carried bodily away, and the debris of
the city fell miles from the city.
TAE FIRST VICTIMS.
George Hughes and G. j. Hughes,
Jr., and their families, were on their
way to Camden, when the cyclone
struck them, and completely destroyed
their vehicle; their trunks were instant
ly carried out of sight, and George
Hughes swept over hundred yards
and thrown under tree. G. j. Hughes,
Jr., had his leg broken, and his wife
and child caught under one Of the
mules, but escaped with a number OF
severe bruises; Miss Mary Hughes had
her collar-bone broken, ard Miss Belle
Hughes was severely injured.
Those in the city were not so for
tunate, as many were struck down by
the flying debris and caught by the fall
ing buildings, killing many outright,
and manning others so severely that
number died, and others are now linger-
ing on the verge of eternity. No city
was ever more totally wrecked. or sus-
tanned more fearful loss; filling our
dwellings, with injured and homeless
people and causing much physical and
mental suffering. Physicians were tel
egraphed for, and Lexington sent Drs.
J. B. Alexander, P. S. Fulkerson, L.
Watson, G. Watson, W. A. Gordon, j.
G. Russell, T. S. Smith and j. F. At
kinson, who proceeded at once to assist
our city physicians with their skill.
Drs. Gordon, Palmer and others came
from Vibbard and Lawson, accom-
panied by a number of citizens, and all
went to work to aid and assist. For a
time
A PERFECT PANIC PREVAILED,
but soon all turned out and assisted in
removing the killed and wounded, which
was done amidst the wailings of women
and children, the groans of the dying;
strong men shed tears to witness the de-
struction of their houses and the death
and manning of their relatives and
friends. At first the most exaggerated
rumors prevailed, but after time Or
der prevailed, and as it was found that
many were buried beneath the falling
walls, willing hands went to work and
several bodies were found.
So great was the power of the wind
that James Duncan was
BLOWN OVER THREE HOUSES
and instantly killed. Miss Couch, who
had just came into the city on a visit,
stopping at the residence of William
Marshall, was badly torn and instantly
killed. Mr.. Donaldson was on his way
home when he was struck down within