Loraine, IL Tornado, Apr 1880

WIND AND WATER

Destructive Cyclone at Adams County Illinois

Special Dispatch to THE HAWKEYE

Loraine Illinois April 24 – This vicinity was visited by one of the most destructive cyclones last evening that ever passed through these parts doing no serious damage to the town but causing a great shaking up to farm property It struck the east side of Lima at 7 00 p m and at about 7 30 o clock taking a northeasterly direction through Keene township into the western part of Houston township Eye witnesses of the approaching storm say it was a frightful looking black cloud lined with fleecy white funnel shaped clouds and moved in the manner of a screw propeller It moved with wonderful velocity, literally destroying and blowing away everything in its path which was about half a mile wide Large sized trees were twisted off and the bark literally peeled from small trees Houses were blown from their foundations Horses, cattle hogs sheep and poultry were whirled into the air and carried a great distance The noise of the storm crash of the falling houses and the cries of terrified people made the scene one of horror that beggars description Seven houses are reported leveled to the ground besides barns sheds and outbuildings blown off No one was killed but several were severely injured namely Darley Wilson and wife Mr Jones William McCormick and Mrs Solon Stevens

The Burlington Weekly Hawkeye, Burlington IA 29 Apr 1880
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Transcribed by Jenni Lanham.