Halstead, KS Tornado, May 1895 - Several People Killed

CYCLONE IN KANSAS.

SEVERAL PEOPLE KILLED IN A TRACT SIXTEEN MILES LONG.

Halstead, Kan., May 2. -- About 4:30 yesterday afternoon a fearful cyclone devastated a strip of country several hundred yards wide and at least 16 miles in length, killing six persons outright and seriously injuring several others, some of whom may die, while many have received slight injuries. About 20 residences were destroyed, nearly all of them large ones. Everybody in the track of the storm lost everything, and outside aid will probably have to be called for. The property loss is about $200,000.

The Mansfield News Ohio 1895-05-02

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THE HALSTEAD TORNADO.

SOME ADDITIONAL DETAILS OF THE STORM AND ACCOUNTS OF THE FORMATION OF THE "FUNNEL"

Wichita, Kas., May 2. -- A special to the Eagle says:
The tornado which passed through the western part of Harvey County, killing seven persons near Halstead, and seriously injuring several others, was one of the most destructive that has ever visited Kansas, with the exception of such as may have taken large towns in their sweep.
A line beginning in Sedgwick County at the Mount Hope bridge, within a gunshot of the old Carlisle ranch, and drawn straight in a northeasterly direction to a point a little to the southeast of Mound Ridge in McPherson County, is not far from twenty-five miles in length. By careful count there is, or was, upon this line on an average of one home to the mile, every one of which was either totally demolished or so nearly so that in most cases it might as well have been. Mr. Hall is able to give an exact account of the beginning of this terrible catastrophe. He resides five miles east of Mount Hope and was returning with his wife from Mount Hope. Just after crossing the Mount Hope bridge over the Arkansas River, they observed some tall ends of clouds suddenly thrown into violent commotion and after a few moments assume the regulation funnel shape and descend rapidly to the earth a few hundred yards in front and to the north of them. From their theoretical knowledge of the ordinary course of the tornado they recognized they were in the presence of one, but, owing to their position, were in no danger, so Mr. Hall stopped his team and waited for the twister to get out of his way.
The funerals of the JOSEPH WEIR family took place at Halstead today, and also the funeral of MISS DAISY NEFF. The city was in deep mourning and the funeral was attended by people for miles about. The funeral of WILLIAM ARMSTRONG and Grandma CHAPIN took place at Burton and there was also a large crowd and general mourning.
Crowds of people visited the scene from Hutchinson, Newton, Wichita and other places. The list of the dead and wounded does not exceed that published through the Associated Press last night except in the case of Farmer BACHMAN, whose name was not given. He will not live. The doctors say that MRS. COATES and MRS. ARMSTRONG, whose husband was killed, cannot recover. MR. WEIR, who was reported fatally injured, was able to attend the funeral of his wife and children today, MRS. JOSEPH WEIR; GRACE WEIR, aged 11; HERMAN WEIR, aged 5; and a 5-weeks old baby.
The neighboring farmers and citizens of Halstead held a public meeting tonight to devise means for relief for the sufferers. One curious incident occurred at the home of CYRUS HICKSON. The family went in the cellar and a house was picked up somewhere and thrown in among them, after which the house was torn away without injuring any of them.

Kansas City Daily Journal Missouri 1895-05-03
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!