Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-02-20
SECOND DIsPATCH.
One Hundred Persons Reported Killed

A dispatch from Evansville, Ind, saws
one hundred persons were killed at Mt. Yer
non, Ill. Telegrams were received this even
ing at Evansville from Mt. Vernon, asking
for help. A train with two engines was at
once sent, having ON board a surgeon and
such other assistance as could hastily be
gathered.
A Centralia special says two-thirds of Mt.
Vernon is wiped out. In response to calls
for aid 20 members of the Centralia fire de-
partment, four physicians and number of
leading citizens left for the scene.
A special to the Daily News from Evans
Vile, ind, says A cyclone struck Mt. Yer
non, H., at .45 today from the northwest
sweeping around in a half circle, levelling
half the town. The remainder of the place
caught fire. There was strong wind, and
the flames were soon beyond control. Above
the roar of the wind could be heard the
shrieks and groans of the dying. Bodies
half buried in the debris were seen on every
hand. A Times, Centralia, Ill. special says that
a high southwesterly wind has been blowing
at Centralia all this evening. 1t is feared
that damage has been done at other places
besides Mt. Vernon. The latter place is
twenty miles southeast of Centrala and had
a population of 1000.
As far as learned there has been 81 dead
taken from the ruins and over 200 injured.
The town is on fire. The places damaged
are principally in the northern part and on
court house square. The mayor telegraphcd
here for aid and fire engine and two hose
reels were sent with firemen. Also nine
ply sicians and % citizens.
A destructive storm is reported also at
Nortonville, Ky, but no particulars have
been received
The cyclone struck Mt. Vernon, Ill
about ) 7. NJ, and left it in ruins. About Is or
20 were killed and it is feared that many
more bodies will be found beneath the ruins.
Fire broke out all over the city amid the
ruins, and spread rapidly owing to the
damage done to the engines by the wind.
The storm came from the southwest with
a rotary motion and swept along with fearful
fury. 1t struck just south of the city hall,
then carried away the third and fourth stor-
les of he Mt. Vernon mill, and swept over
path 800 feet wide. The Methodist church
fell few minutes after $50 people had
just left the Sunday school room. The
Commercial Hotel lost its second story.
The next wind pulverized the county court
house and levelled the Crew block. UndOr
tile latter was found the body of John Crew
the owner, formerly of Chicago.
The roof and second story of l.. Stratton
& Co.'S hardware store was blown away, and
the large two story frame house of George
Ward was picked up and carried twenty feet
and left unhurt. Two brick buildings one
hundred feet away, were completely demol-
ished.
Not less than $500 900 worth of property
was destroyed.
Reports coming in from the country state
that the storm swept everything for miles.
Incalcuable loss of life and great suffering
will follow unless outside aid is given.
The business men held a meeting and ap-
pointed committees to care for the dead and
wounded and protect property. Many peo-
pie barely escaped with their lives and have
nothing besides.
The dead and dying were scattered
throughout the city. All the doors of the
houses standing were thrown open to the less
fortunate populace. The business portion
of the city is financially ruined. The public
square in the center of the town, the cour,
house in the centre of the square, the school
house in the northeast corner of the city and
all dwellings in that portion were destroyed.
800 buildings were destroyed. The dead
and wounded are being gathered at the Su-
pEtUlt court HDust uiCu has uttD tOnhe1ltu
into a hospital.
Later reports show 81 to be dead and about
100 injured some of whom will die before
morning. Mrs. Col. Cooper and Eddie Max
cy by have just died.
The storm was preceded by hail and lasted
but a few minutes.
THIRD DIsPATCH.
The following is the list, so far as known
of the killed and seriously wounded by the
cyclone at Mt. Vernon, ILL.,, today Killed
Mrs. Russell Dewey Mrs. John Water and
baby, Henry Waterson, David +. Yearwood
and wife, John c. Murray. Mr.. Cummings
engineer, May Westbrook, James Bearson
Mrs. Hacomb, DIR. John Yearwood and wife
Samuel Yearwood, George Purcell, Mrs
VIM. Jones and child. John Dodson Mis-
Josie Qatton, John Shaw, and blacksmith
name unknown Fatally injured Lawler +
Legg, Mrs Henry Waters, Laura Liscaby
Chas. Ellis, Mr.. and Mrs. c. Galbrouth
Chas. Weir, Mr.. and Mrs. Westbrook
Amanda Beardon, W. II. Heiman, Lizzi,
Bennett. J. c. Hanbrick, Chas Poole, Mis-.
Corrinne Hanbrick, Branlow Hawkins, Mrs
Albright, Henry Ellis, Mr.. Milicropt, Joe
| Howard.