Kass, Anthony 1856-1879

KASS, CASS

Posted By: Ethel Cunningham (email)
Date: 3/17/2023 at 20:16:14

Big Storm.—A tornado or cyclone visit­ed the western and northern portions of this county last Wednesday evening, carrying death, and destruction in its wake. The tornado-cloud was seen from town, and its appearance is said to have been like that of an inverted cone. Houses, barns, fences, trees, machinery, and everything else movable was taken up and carried incredible distances, and the amount of damage done cannot yet be computed.

In Fredonia Township, two young men, named Cass, seeing the storm approach, went out to the barn to see that their cattle were well-protected, but before they reach the building, the storm burst upon them, demolishing the building, the flying timbers striking them. One of the brothers was killed outright, while the younger one lingered two days, when death eased him out of his sufferings.

Our Portlandville corresponded graphically describes the storm in his vicinity. Leaving Plymouth County, the cyclone travel northeast, and its track throughout is marked with death, devastation and gloom. The oldest inhabitant says it was the severest gale that is ever struck this region.

(The Iowa Liberal, Le Mars, Iowa, Wednesday, July 9, 1879)