Lynden, Illinois Tornado
June 3, 1860
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
Transcribed by Rosemarie Thank you,
Rosemarie!
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