The Storm That Killed Jesse Berry, Andrew Morgan & More
During
the summer, of 1859, a great storm visited this county, causing much
destruction and even loss of life, which is best told by eyewitnesses.
It was between the hours of six and seven, on May 24, 1859, when one of
the most remarkable and destructive storms on record passed through
this county. It was described as a "Whirlwind and waterspout, and of
tornado violence." The day was not more than ordinary until toward
evening; heavy clouds then appeared upon the western and southwestern
horizon, what appeared to be an ordinary thunderstorm. Nothing unusual
seemed to be threatening until it was a few miles distant, when three
sharp flashes of lightning followed by heavy thunder warned the
onlooker of something unusual. At about this time a black cloud was
pointed out, jagged and broken, from which was suspended like an
inverted cone or funnel, a smaller cloud. Not many minutes later it
became longer and came in contact with the earth. This was very gradual
and actual contact was delayed for sometime or until it was southwest
of the city proper. The noise from this cloud resembled that of heavy
wagons on a plant road, a rumbling and continuous roar, distinctly
heard by all listeners. Many remarked concerning this phenomenon, but
did not realize the destructive nature of it.
The first
observation of its effects came from a man who was overtaken while on
horseback and his experience was vivid enough. He had great difficulty
in keeping the saddle and his horse could scarcely make his way. The
sensation after the storm had passed was that of complete exhaustion as
if the struggle had been for hours. The storm fell upon the house of
General Morris, and the destruction was terrific. It crossed the river
about two miles below Iowa City, near the house of Mr. Foster. Here his
house was unroofed and a fine orchard ruined. Then passing nearly due
east it caused great destruction and even death at the house of Andrew
Morgan. He, his son, and grandson were killed and the remainder of the
family injured. Some remarkable incidents are related as occurring near
this point. A wagon was carried away and from this, one of the tires
was found doubled and flattened, as two pieces of iron fastened at the
ends; a plow lying in the furrow had all the wood s tripped from the
iron.
Mr. McCoy, who lived with Mr. Harris, but worked on Mr.
Berry's farm, had a stake driven in just back of the shoulder from
which wound he died the next morning. Mr. Dyer, the tenant of the farm
had his arm broken and when he recovered consciousness he found himself
three-fourths of a mile from the house near the railroad track.
At
the home of Jesse Berry, the storm seemed most violent and a minute
description would be necessary to make an understanding of the form of
the storm possible. On this farm at the time there was a number of
people who found temporary refuge in some shelter. Mr. Berry and a
teamster were in the barn and when the barn was destroyed, the former,
well known citizen, was instantly killed by a falling timber.
(Source:
Leading Events in Johnson County, Iowa, History by Clarence Ray, Cedar
Rapids, Iowa, Western Historical Press, 1912; pgs. 647-8) |
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