The Saline County journal. [volume] (Salina, Kan.) 1871-1893, 1880-04-22
MISSOURI'S TORNADO.

Special Dispatch TO the Globe-Democrat.
Lebanon, Mo-, April l9.-Sunday
afternoon at o'clock Springfield was
visited by heavy rain storm, with
hail and wind, but luckily escaped the
heavier part of the storm, which pass
ed six miles south of there, and SO far
as yet heard from had its origin in the
western part Of Greene county, six
miles south of Springfield. The storm
was i'm the form of a violent tornado,
leaving in its path complete wreck
of all buildings, and where there was
timber, leveled everything to the
ground. The largest trees were torn
out by their roots and stripped Oflimbs
and bark, and often shivered into
splinters by the violence of the wind.
The tornado passed along the James
River, through Greene county, strik-
ing the st Louis and Ran Francisco
Railway near NorthyieW, in Webster
county. 1t followed the road for about
four miles, leaving the track at bend
i'm the railroad, and
STRIKING IT AGAIN
two miles further east, near the town
of Marshfield. 1t passed through
Marshfield, almost totally destroying
the town. At Mansfield il left the
railroad to the south, and passing near
the town Of Niangur, crossed the
road at nearly right angle ten miles
east of Marshfield. Nothing more j.
known of the tornado until il reached
Franks Station, on the GaseOnade
River, ten miles east Of Springfield,
where II crossed the railroad again. de
mOlishing the section fOreman's house
and tearing down the telegraph lines.
At this point ii seems to have exhaust
ed itself or passed 40 far north Of the
road that no reports have been re-
ceived up TO this time. South of
Springfield and along the James River.
the last reports that came to Spring
field, at daylight, says there are fifty
persons killed in that neighborhood,
besides many wounded. The night
was very dark and stormy after the
tornado, and
NOT UNTIL MIDNIGHT
did the messenger sent for help reach
Springfield. On their arrival there
many of the physicians in Springfield
went to the country to attend those
who were injured. The telegraph
lines east of Springfield were down
after p. m. and all night. A special
engine was sent east to look for the
trouble. 1t returned at a. m. bring
ing from Marshfield the news Of the
disastrous storm at that place and ask
ing for aid to take care ofthe wounded.
The news spread rapidly in Spring
field, and IT 5o'clock .. m. car load
Of physicians, nurses and such articles
rs were needed were ready and were
dispatched by special trains, reaching
Marshfield At O'Clock this morning.
The report Al this time was that 100
people were killed and 80 injured. II
Is hoped now that thee figures will
prove incorrect, but nj the time Of
writing this IL Is known that
FoRrY-sIx PERSONS ARE DEAD
and over 100 are wounded. The tor
nado was followed by disastrous con-
fiagration, which burned the ruins Of
the Court House and many other
buildings. adding additional terror to
the disastrous effects Of the tornado.
The town presents . most dismal APP
pearance, there being not more than
twelve or fifteen houses in the place
that arr not damaged or totally DE
stroyed BY the tornado or IRE. Etny
physicians and nurses were seut fhom
Lebanon with provisions, clothing and
medicines, and all nesghboEing towns
are prompt and are offering assistance
In every way poaible. The railroad
company have taken al nuFses. ply
sicians and supplies free Of change,
running special trains when necessary