Rensselaer Journal, Volume 12, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 June 1902 — Cyclone Near Virgie. [ARTICLE]

Cyclone Near Virgie.

A good sized cyclone visited Jasper county in the vicinity of Virgie last Friday. The country through which it passed is thinly settled, however, and only one family suffered from its visitation. The sufferers were Alex Leach and family. They saw the funnel shaped cloud coming and thinking the barn would be the safest place, ran there, but changed their mind and again started for the house. Just as they reached the rear of the house the storm struck them. The barn and other out buildings were at once lifted from the ground and the air was full of flying timbers. Mr. Leach was struck on the head by a flying board which cut a deep gash. Mrs. Leach received a number of bruises and their little sou was hurt on the leg. A fence board was blown through the roof of the house, and this is about the only damage the building suffered. Mr. Leach’s loss was considerable and his Sympathizing neighbors partly made up a purse to reimburse him.