Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-08-28

A Wild Scene of DessOlation-Detaili
ofthe Terrible Destruction Wrought
in the City-No Less Than 1000
Buildings Wrecked and Property
Loss Estimated at Fully $1,000, 900
WILKEsAARRE, Pa, August 20.-
Asa consequence of the terrible devas-
followed the cyclone which travelled
through this city late yesterday after
noon, and the fact that darkness so
quickly enveloped the valley, 1t was
impossible to gather much intelligence
as to the extent of damage and loss Of
life. AS time goes on, the severity of
the cyclone is more and more demon
strated, and it is singular that so COM
parativele few lives were lost. I'M
mense buildings containing many peo-
pie We're unroofed and in many cases
almost destroyed in the twinkling of
an eye, and this at an hour when the
people were about the streets amid fly
ing timber and debris of every char
acter. The city In its most frequented
part around the depot, presents its
worst appearance and when it is re-
membered that passenger and freight
cars were lifted from the tracks upon
which they stood, and laid on their
sides, while other cars were rushed
along the track by the force of the
cyclones swirl, small conception
of its terrific velocity may be obtained.
The cyclone made its appearance so
suddenly and was accompanied by
such portentious skies that even the
sToUTEsT WERE APPALLED,.
Especially so when at high altitude
were seen tin roofs, timber and all sorts
of movable things, and the skies were
thick black mass, such as is shown
at the time of an immense conflagra-
tion.
About 81 o'clock huge black cloud,
which had been gathered southwest of
town In the direction of Plymouth, be-
gan to discharge tremendous thunder
bolts. The lightning played with re-
markable frequency, and streams of the
electric fire poured from mid-heaven.
That heavy down-pour of rain was
imminent was readily to be seen, and
all sought shelter. Later an unusual
center of activity was noticeable in the
vicinity of Lee Park. The lower clouds
began scudding in great circles at tre-
menduous speed. Their vortex SEEM
ed close in the vicinity, but to the
north of the cutlery works at South
Wilkesbarre sudden gust of wind
sprang up, and in moment had in
creased to roar. The Vulcan Iron
works, James Norris foundry and the
Keystone -four mill felt the first shock,
the wind dashing the heavy materials
about like straws. The storm swept on
UP Main street,
RAZING THE BUILDINGS
on the west side of that thoroughfare.
Everything was.touched with heavy
hand. The beautiful shade trees were
cast into the street. Then it struck the |
handsome residences, stores, green
houses, pottery works, etc., along Main
street as far as Academy street. The
western edge of the storm extended to
the lower end of franklin street and |
Dana place. Brick dwellingsIwere un-
rooted and the upper stories torn away,
and some were leveled to the ground,
South Main and Franklin streets were
completely blocked with fallen trees,
roofs, timber and wire. Veering east
ward, the storm swept out Boss and
Hazel streets, then up South Washing
ton street, extending as far east on
Ross as the Hazard wire rope works.
It followed Washington street, wreck-
ing st. Mary's church, then jumped to
the Lehigh Valley depot, the Jersey
Central depot, Stegmeier's brewery and
swept along the railroad to Five Points.
Here it turned eastward again, swept
up Pearl street, out by Baltimore shaft
No. 2, then dashed up the mountain
and spent itself in the woods.
A FRIGHTFUL SCENE.
The scene at the Hazard wire rope
works was terrible. The immense
buildings was badly injured and in the
debris lay the dead and injured, the
latter helpless until assistance came to
them. Here one of the worst phases of
the cyclones work could be realized,
the ponderous machinery being mixed
with brick, mortar and general debris
in confused mass. The number of
seriously injured men at these works
exceeded twelve, and there were two
killed.
Terrible was the scythe sweep of the
cyclone at Five Points, a portion of
this city. Mothers with their children
in their arms cried to heaven for help.
Their frail homes were falling about
them, the air outside was filled with
falling buildings and debris of all sorts.
They knew not which way to turn, and
in their extremity called to heaven for
help. Near the Delaware & Hudson
railroad, on Scott street, were houses
occupied by the families of James Nc
Ginty and James Henegan. All the
members of these two families were at |
home while
THE FEARFUL DESTRUCTION
was going on, powerless to do anything
for their safety. Both houses were
leveled to the ground and the inmates !
were held in the ruins by the debris.
Mrs. Eliza Jane McGinty, aged about
28 years, and the babe she held to her
breast were crushed to death. John |!
aged l3, was crushed to
death. Mary Jane McGinty, a little {
was so severely hurt and
crushed that but little hope is enter !
tained of her recovery. The family of !!
James Henegan could not be found in !
the ruins of their home and fears are
that they all perished.
The Barber Ashfelt company works
are blown down; s. L. Brown g. Co.'s
business block on Market .
street, containing ten wholesale stores. !
Is among the ruins, and the Murray
mol WOrEa unrn norttoIlxy