Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1890-07-17
A LAKE DISASTER.
The Terrible Work of Cyclone
In Minnesota
An Excursion steamer FiIled with Men,
Women and Children CapsIzed ON
Lake Pepin aud Nearly All
ON Board Drowned


LAKE CITY, Mimi, July 14-What
will probably prove TO be the most dis
astrous cyclone that has ever struck
this community passed over this city at
nine o'clock last evening, iniiicting the
loss of life Of perhaps 100 or 200 people
and damaging property TO an extent
that at this writing can not be esti-
mated.
The first signs OF the coming disaster
were clouds which appeared to be an
ordinary electric storm coming up from
tho west. In half an hour the whole
heavens we're converted into a complete
canopy OF lightning which was watched
with interest by the brave citizens in
the little village and with fear by the
timid women and children.
A little before dark terrific wind
struck the community and the next mo-
ment trees and houses were being de-
molished in its path.
As soon as the storm had passed 1t
was found that disaster had befallen
the place that had not been equaled
since the ST. Cloud cyclone several years
ago. People began to gather in the
Streets and in few moments the news
was scattered abroad that an excursion
boat with over 200 people on 1t was cap
sized in the middle of Lake Pepin. The
boat proved TO be the steamer Sea Wing,
which came down the lake from Dia-
mond Bluff, small place about seven
teen miles north OF here, on an
excursion TO the encampment OF
the First regiment of the Nation
al Guard OF the State of Mlnne-
sofa, which is being held a mile below
this city. The steamer started back on
the homeward trip about eight o'clock,
and although there were signs Of an APP
preaching storm 1t was not considered
in any way serious, and no danger was
anticipated
The boat was crowded TO its fullest
capacity, about 150 men, women and
children from Red Wing and Diamond
Bluff being on board, and about fifty
neopfe on barge which was attached
to the side Of the steamer. When about
opposite Lake City tho boat began TO
feel the effects OF the storm, but the Of
ficers kept on the way. The storm in
lake, and in fifteen minutes was at its
height
Nearing the contral point about two
miles above Lake City, the steamer was
at the mercy of the waves, which were
now washing over the boat and all was
confusion. The boat momentarily ran |
on to bar and the barge was cut loose |
and tho steamer again set adrift in the !
lake. A number Of those on the barge
jumped and swan ashore.
As the barge also foated again into |
deep water those on the barge saw the |
steamer as IL was carried helplessly out /
into the middle OF the lake, and as they |
were being tossed about on the raging |
waters they we're Mortified moment |
later TO see tho steamer capsize and It's |
cargo Of l5O people precipitated into the |
lake. Those on the barge remained |
there until they drifted nearer the shore |
and they were all rescued or swan
ashore.
All Of the people on board, 15O or
more, we're thrown into the water, some
being caught underneath. The boat
turned bottom upward, and only about
twenty-five people we're observed TO be
floating on the surface. These caught
hold OF the boat and climbed upon the
upturned bottom, and those first secur-
ing position assisted the others.
In ten minutes more the twenty-five
or so who had obtained momentary
safety on tho boat could observe no
others OF the boat crew or passengers
floating on the surface Of the continu-
ing high~ea Of waves.
Afterward, however as a flash OF
lighted up the surface OF the
lake the sight OF an occasional white
dress OF a drowning woman or child was
observable, but il was impossible for
those who witnessed the horrible sight
10 lend any aid.
Those remaining began calling for
help from the shore as soon as the storm
began TO abate, and in half an hour
lights were observed fitting around on
tho pier at Lake City, opposite which
point the upturned steamer had now
been driven.
Before help could reach them, how
,ver, the poor creatures who yet re-
NAMED TO tell the horrors OF the night
we're again submitted 20 another battle
With the elements, with no word Of
warming. and as they we're just begin
hing 10 hope that they would be taken
III by the cit zens OF Lake City, the boat
lgain turned over. this time on its side,
md again all Of the twenty-five remain
ng souls were hurled into the water. or
hese several we're drowned before they
,epla be brought 20 the beat by those
Who succeeded in remaining ahoat and /
gain securing hold on the boats side.
In few minutes a dozen or more row
,oats we're manned and put out from
he shore. The upturned boat was az
asst discovered. and the twenty or more [
emaining people clinging 10 the boat
gere rescued and brought 10 the shore.
most OF them being men who could
win.
Later-Up 10 this time 1880 a. m,
Ifty-nine bodies have been found and
aid out