Alton, IL Tornado, May 1885

DAMAGE BY FIERCE STORM.

HOUSES WRECKED, CROPS INJURED, AND LIVES LOST.

Alton, Ill., May 25. -- This city was struck last night by a tornado, which burst from the southwest, sweeping across the river with terrific fury. Several large buildings on the river front were damaged, some of them seriously. Among them were the National Mills, the Roller Mills, J. A. RYERIE'S grocery store, HAWLEY'S warehouse, the DRURY - WADE Company's hardware store, the DRUMMOND - RANDALL, tobacco facctory, and the Illinois Glass Works. The most serious damage was to RYERIE'S store, the third story being wrecked and half the roof taken off. Wooden awnings, fences, and shade trees were blown down in all directions. Three freight cars on the Chicago and Alton siding were blown off, blocking the main track. The minor losses throughout the city aggregate a large amount, and it is feared the damage in the lowlands across the river was serious. Large planks and timbers were carried a long distance. Several pieces of stone coping on the fire wall of the Roller Mill, each weighing 400 or 500 pounds, were carried over on the roof. In the city during the storm there was consternation nearly amounting to a panic.

The New York Times New York 1885-05-26
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!