Garden Plain, IL Tornado, May 1875

On Tuesday afternoon, May 11, 1875, quite a severe tornado swept through Garden Plain, destroying considerable property, but fortunately without doing any personal injury. The storm came from the southwest, originating as near as can be ascertained in that portion of the township, and gathering strength as it progressed destroyed trees, fences, and some out-buildings, and killed hogs, cattle and poultry, until it reached the barn of Jacob Parker, part of which it completely demolished, and unroofed the balance, so that Mr. Parker was obliged to build almost entirely anew. Passing on toward the northwest it lifted the windmill on John Hudson’s farm from its foundation, carried it over the fence a few yards, and then let it fall, breaking it into fragments. Mr. Parker and Mr. Hudson were also sufferers to a considerable extent in hogs, poultry, fruit and shade trees, fences, etc. Keeping its course to the northwest it carried away more trees and fences, and cut up various other pranks, until it reached Union Grove township, where it did considerable damage. Then, as if satisfied with its work, it ceased further destruction.

History of Whiteside County, Illinois - from its first settlement to the present time, with numerous biographical and family sketches, 1887, pages 94-95 & 212. Use this Free trial to search for your ancestors.
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