The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1883-05-21
IN 1LLINOis AND WISCONSIN,.
The Ruin and DesoIntion Wrought by
Fridays Storm.

CLINTON, ILL.,, May l9.-About 0 O'Clock
a brisk rain commenced pouring down in
this county, and shortly afterwards the
sky suddenly became darkened with vii
lainous looking clouds, interspersed with q
low rumbling sound, similar to train
running over bridge, when it was noticed
that a fnnnelshaped cloud, revolving with
lightning rapidity followed the course ol
Salt Greek from thesouthwest to the north
east. It first struck north Of Kinney, in
this county, where 1t tore down ten houses,
iniuring several people. From there Il
raised, and came in contact with
Joe Blues farm, in Texas township, where
it demolished two large barns, killing one
hundred sheep; thence to house north
west, occupied by man named McPher.
son, which was picked up and carried
around in circle and dropped to the
ground one hundred feet distant, the six
inmates miraculously escaping sudden
death. They were sitting at the table eat
ing supper. From there it'winded up It's
course quarter Of mile, when It struck
the residence OF George Clifton, shattering
the house as II 1t were only bunch OF
feathers, carrying portions OF heavy
timbers three,quarters Of mile and
wrenching of large hickory trees as II they
were corn stalks, From there 1t went
to the residence OF Mr.. Bennison, where It
took the house broadside, whirling 1t
lightly around, and carrying 1t sleek and
clear from the place where II formerly rest.
ed into an adjoining field, shattering 1t to
little fragments. Keeping on its course,
two miles to the northeast, 1t struck Geo.
Hortsock's firm buildings, laying them
low, with the exception OF his house.
Passing from there, II tore down lumber
and everything in It's line, when It reached
the house Of George Shaw, tearing out one
end OF large brick building and the roof
besides, and leveling his out buildings.
Here the storm seems to have spent It's
force, and was lost sight Of.
A number OF people were killed. The
extent Of the storm Is not fully known, but
enough has been learned to make 1t per.
fectly horrible. One little baby was carried
one hundred and seventy feet. A piece Of
heavy timber, eighteen feet long, was car
ried eight rods, and piece OF the barn Of
Mr.. Blues was carried three.quarters OF a
mile, while various fragments Of the wreck
could be seen in all directions. The scene
beggars description.
AT RACINE.
RACINE, Wis, May l9.-Racine has been
thronged to-day with people from abroad,
drawn here by curiosity, and desire, to
render assistance. Work 1.-THE scene oi
the demolished houses has been going on
by such Of the sufferers as were able to be
about, in hopes OF recovering some Of theil
property from the debris so widely scatter
ed. Both official and popular action has
been taken with view to render aid to
those TO whom aid can be given. Mayor
Fish called special meeting OF Council
this evening and q relief committee was ap.
pointed. A citizens meeting is called, tc
be held at the Opera House tonight, and
bids fair to be very largely attended
The scene along the course OF the
cyclone is painful and hearrendipg in the
extreme. News OF the disaster was moi
generally known until this morning, threat
ening weather which foreboded another
storm, keeping most Of the people dwelling
on the south side in the vicinity Of theil
homes. Few Of those who witnessed tht
phenomenon comprehended Its terrible
significance, supposing 1t merely wind
storm, like those which are Of common
occurrence in summer. Asa consequence
| 1t was not generally known until thi
morning that Rscine bad suffered 1
calamity without parallel In its bis
tory. Nearly the entire population
Of the north and west side Of th,
| river visited during lasteyeniug and nigh
the ruins, where the acepe among H.
dead, wounded, aud dying was one pslniu
beyond description. In many instance
the surviving relatives had lost all sem
hlanoe Of resson. Physicians were no
numerous enough to give prompt assist
ance, and numeions bleeding victim
were rolled up in blanket, while an1iOu