Melrose, TX Destruction Of Life And Property, Apr 1854

AWFUL TORNADO AT MELROSE -- DESTRUCTION OF LIFE AND PROPERTY.

From the Nacegdoches (Texas) Chronicle, April 18.
The town of Melrose, in this county, and the country in its vicinity, was visited, during the storm on Thursday evening, by an awful tornado, which devastated a great portion of country, and destroyed a great portion of the town. From the particulars we have been able to gather, it was by far the most furious hurricane that has ever visited this section of country, and has left destruction in its path not soon to be repaired. Fortunately, but one life was lost -- a little fellow of few years, the only child of MR. BARRON, of Melrose, who was killed in attempting to escape from the falling schoolhouse.
We give below the particulars we have been able to gain. The first appearance of the storm was from the west side of Melrose, at a distance of about a quarter of a mile, when the indications were that the wind was pursuing a southwest direction. Reaching the town, it appeared to spend its full force on all objects within its reach. The brick chimneys attached to the dwelling house of MR. STALLINGS were the first blown down. The wind then made a turn, leaving the house of MR. BATCH, in the second story of which there was a Masonic hall, almost untouched. After passing this house the rooms of the dwelling and out-houses of HON. B. W. BROWN were swept from their places, and sent flying; hence to COLONEL McDANIELS, where its housetop was taken off; thence to the premises of MR. STEVENS, where much damage was done. The tornado then took another turn, in the direction of the house of MR. HARDEMAN, which met all its fury. Almost at the same moment, the roof of the store of MR. K. B. STALLINGS and the house of MR. HARDEMAN were thrown from their foundations. The roof of the store was carried to a considerable distance, leaving the goods out at the top of the house, over the country around, in every direction.
The house of MR. HARDEMAN was entirely destroyed. It was torn apart, and the second story sent tumbling into the yard. By some miraculous chance, that portion of the house in which MR. H. and his family was staying, was left standing, with its occupants crowded into a small space, surrounded by the ruins. MR. H. was hurt to some extent, but we believe not seriously. Simultaneously with this was destroyed the Union meeting house in which a school of about twenty pupils was in session, under the charge of HON. B. W. BROWN. MR. B., with a forethought truly commendable, seeing the storm approaching, tore up the floor, and placed the children under the house, with the exception of two, who ran out. One of these was killed; a heavy plate falling across his body, and the other was carried a considerable distance by the storm, but escaped unhurt. When the building fell, MR. BROWN was standing between the sleepers, and narrowly escaped destruction, as the plate of the house fell within a few inches of him. To his presence of mind, the parents in that section are indebted for the preservation of the lives of their children.
The tornado in its course swept before it fences, sheds, out-buildings and timber. Goods and chattels filled the air; the cotton balls gave the appearance of a snow storm, while the rain added to the horror of the scene.
The cotton-gin of MR. HARDEMAN was blown to pieces, scattering its contents in every direction. The roof went from the rafters in an instant, and a general destruction followed. The course of the tornado, from the town, was in a northeast direction, and varied in its range from one hundred yards to a mile. The timber and fences were destroyed, and everything that was met in its mad career suffered to a greater or less extent. At Spanish town, where resides a number of emigrants who have lately come into the country, the destruction of property was very great. Their houses and out-buildings were felled to the ground, and hardly a rod of fence left standing.
What the extent of the damage done to the population in the County is, we are unable to say, nor can we give any correct estimate of the loss sustained at Melrose. MR. HARDEMAN has lost between $3,000 and $5,000. MR. STALLINGS about $1,000, and others in proportion.

The New York Times New York 1854-05-08
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!