Sterling, Ill., June 4. – A terrible tornado passed about three miles south of this city last night, unoroofing [sic] some houses and entirely demolishing others, killing several persons, and breaking the limbs and otherwise maiming a great many more. We also learn that at Lynden, twelve miles south of here, the tornado was even more destructive. The physicians and people generally from this city have turned out to aid the sufferers.

The reporter of the Republican and Gazette has just returned from the scene of the destruction. The following particulars we take from his report. The tornado came from the southwest. The first house struck in this vicinity was a large brick one belonging to David Scott. The upper story was taken entirely off; next Alonzo Golder’s tearing it completely in pieces and seriously injuring his son.

James Wood’s house was taken entirely from its foundation and carried some distance; the family escaped by taking refuge in the cellar. Next, Wm. Goodrich’s house, whose family escaped by taking refuge in the cellar; house entirely demolished. A house belonging to E.D. Cook, and occupied by a family named PIKE, was also torn down; Mr. Pike’s wife was so seriously injured that she will live but a few hours; his son’s leg and daughter’s arm were broken.

Mr. McComber’s house was moved from its foundation and the gable end torn off. Next, the house of Captain Doty, where everything was torn to pieces; his son and a hired man, Wm. Yeoward, were up stairs at the time, and carried by the force of the tornado upwards of 100 feet and badly injured; the remainder of the family escaped uninjured in the cellar. Wm. KIMBALL house down, his wife badly hurt and child killed. Opposite corner, house and barn of Cyrus Scott were blown down, and also the house of Jesse E. Scott, whose family were all dangerously injured. S. Russell’s house blown down; Mr. JENNINGS and his mother both killed.

On the whole line of the tornado scarcely a piece of furniture can be found. Cattle were killed and the feathers blown from turkeys, chickens, &c.

The tornado was in the form of a whirlwind, funnel-shaped, and carried pieces of furniture upwards of 2 miles.

It is impossible as yet to estimate the loss of life and damage, which is immense.

At Lynden the following were killed: the wife of D. RICHMOND, wife of GEORGE DIGBY, GEORGE DARR and wife, and a son of ALFRED PAUMEN, aged six years. Some fifteen are badly bruised, limbs broken, &c.

Chicago Tribune, Chicago, IL 5 Jun 1860
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Transcribed by Rosemarie. Thank you, Rosemarie!