Jasper Republican, Volume 1, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 December 1874 — Destructive Wind-Storm at Tuscumbia Ala.—Appeal for Aid. [ARTICLE]

Destructive Wind-Storm at Tuscumbia Ala.—Appeal for Aid.

Tuscumbia, Ala., Nov. 24. A tornado struck Tuscumbia about seven o’clock last Sunday evening. It extended over about two-thirds of the town, doing its greatest damage in the western and northern portions. Bleven lives were lost. Miss Bettie Sherod, daughter of John Sherod, living four miles southwest from here, was killed, their house being blown down. Mrs. Ella Moore, wife of State Benator J. B. Moore, and two children were killed. T. D. HodgXns, editor of the Tuscumbia Chronicle , his wife, and four children, were killed instantly, and their house was entirely destroyed. Mrs. Judith Winston was killed by the falling in of the roof and uppor walls of her house. Mr. Martin D. Patterson was dangerously injured, his house being blown away. Mrs. Thomas Gibbs was badly hurt, and her house blown away. She was blown across the street. The railroad bridge was blown away, and the eastern-bound train from Memphis, which was due at about 7:80 o’clock, was wrecked at the bridge, hut no lives were lost. An appeal for aid has been made, as follows:

At a meeting of the citizens of Tuscumbia, Ala., at the Court House, on Monday, Nov. 23, the undersigned were appointed a committee to publish an address and,to make an appeal to the public with reference to the terrible calamity which has befallen our com munity. On Sunday evening, Nov. 22, a fearful tornado passed over our city, destroying many houses, and putting to instant death a number of our citizens. Over one-third of onr town is laid in ruins. The Deshlar Female Institute, jußt completed at a cost of some $15,000, the Catholic Church, several large and elegant brick mansions, and a large number of frame buildings were totally destroyed. Many buildings are also more or less injured. The fair-ground buildings and two mills were also destroyed. In one house the parents and four children, composing the entire family, were instantly killed. The wile and four children of J. Bums Moore were buried beneath the ruins of his fallen house. But two of the number, children, were taken •ut alive. The amount of property destroyed is estimated at SIOO,OOO to $150,000. This calamity has necessarily brought grief, great distress, and destitution upon our community. More than fifty houses being wrecked, many families are homeless and penniless, and need immediate aid. The citizens will do all in their Sower to relieve the suffering and needy, but elp is earnestly solicited from abroad, as the town is so impoverished it cannot, possibly supply the needed help. God has brought this desolation upon us, and we confidently appeal to aU persons throughout the country to aid us in this our hour of calamity. Donations from any source will be thankfully received, and may be forwarded to Joseph Hillman, Tuscumbia, Ala. Signed, in behalf of the citizens: Joseph Hillman, Horace P. Smith, T. H. Davenport, John D. Inman, Lewis B. Thornton.