The Flagstaff sun-democrat., 1897-04-08
TERRIBLE CYCLONE.
Chandler, Ok, Overwhelmed by an
 Awful Storm,
But Two Buildings Were Left standInu. Nineteen Bodies Taken from the Ruins and Many Moro Killcd-FIro Aids
 in the Work of Ruin.

GUTHRIE, Ok, March 31.-A tornado that struck Chandler, 40 miles east of here, about six o'clock last night, all but wiped that thriving little city of 1,5O0 souls off the face of the earth. Fire completed the ruin begun by the wind, and the sun this morning rose on scene of devastation the like of which was never seen in the west be- fore. Nineteen bodies have already been taken from the ruins, and there are probably score or more still lying under the wrecked buildings. At least 16O persons are injured severely. A dozen of these are lying. Scarcely a per son in town escaped injury of min or character. Many of the injured met death by fire while pinned under the debris. In one building five injured people were burned to death and at another place the incinerated bodies of three unknown children have been taken out. All the physicians in Chan dler have been killed or injured with one exception. It is reported that ex- Mayor McHenry, of this city, and one member of his family were killed and the other injured.
 But two buildings are left standing in the town of Chandler, the Mitchell hotel and the Rock Island store. Fully three-fourths of the buildings in town are practically destroyed. The prop erty loss can only be guessed at, but it is enormous, running into the hum dreds of thousands. The tornado struck the courthouse while court was in session, twisted the building around and hurled it tinto the street complete wreck. Fifteen or 20 people in tho building were badly hurt and several are still missing. Darkness at once came on and the work of rescue was carried on under greatest difficulties. Chandler is built on hill in thick timber, and the mass of torn trees and wrecked houses made it impossible to reach all of the people in the dark. On every side were heard groans and cries for help, and the scene was inde- scribable.
 A large number of physicians and other citizens left here at once for the scene with surgical instruments, drugs and other supplies. A later message stated that large number of people known to have been in business build ings were missing, and it is feared they are dead under the ruins.
 At one o'clock a. m.. Chandler sent for more help, and rescue parties went from all towns in the vicinity. The entire business portion burned after being wrecked. There are now thought to be 25 or 90 more dead bodies in the burned ruins James Woodward and wife, of Eldorado, Kan, visiting there, were instantly killed, and little daugh- ter fatally crushed and son badly hurt The scene Is simply awful. Several of the injured are raving crazy. The main street of the town is mass of dead and injured people and teams, wagons, buggies, trees and debris from the buildings Chief Justice Dale, who was holding court there, ran with his wife to a hollow and held her behind a large powder and both were unhurt. Every building but one on the main street is wrecked and burned, includ. ing the courthouse, post office, News and Democrat offices. Lincoln county bank and several hotels.