Columbia (SC) State, March 24, 1917, p. 1.
STORM DEVASTATES TOWN BRINGING DEATH TO MANY
New Albany, Ind., Swept by tornado-At Least 25, Perhaps 50, Killed and Great
Property Damage Done by High Wind
New Albany, Ind., Mar. 23-Between 25 and 50 persons were killed and probably
100 or more were injured in a storm that late today swept over New Albany
demolishing scores of residences and several industrial plants.
Twenty-five bodies are known to have been recovered, and it is expected this
number will be materially increased when debris of wrecked buildings is
cleared away.
The lighting system for the residence section was put out of commission and
the work of rescue is proceeding with difficulty.
In addition to the bodies taken to undertaking establishments, there were
reports of others that were taken to private homes.
A baby, about six months old, was found floating in a small stream into
which it had been borne by the wind. The child was alive and clinging to a
dog that apparently had been killed by the storm. It died in the arms of
its rescuer. Later an aunt identified the baby and reported that both the
father and mother had been killed.
The streets in the path of the storm were a mass of wreckage, and it was
quickly found that outside assistance was needed. An appeal was made to the
city authorities of Louisville who sent policemen to the scene.
In addition, all available officers from Indiana State Reformatory at
Jeffersonville and from the Jeffersonville police force were hurried to the
stricken district. A call was made on the governor for State troops and it
was reported tonight they were on the way.
Numbers of citizens from nearby towns hastened to New Albany and offered
such aid as they were able to render.
Early in the night plans were under way for relieving those whose homes had
been destroyed. At a mass meeting a large sum was subscribed and committees
were appointed to direct the work of relief.
St. Edward's hospital, the only public institution of the sort in the city,
soon was filled and the hospitals of Louisville placed their facilities at
the disposal of the inured.
The known dead are: Baby, _____ _____ Deering; Charles McCaffferey,
Clarence Moss, Edward Johns, Mrs. Charles Daily, Mrs. William Huff, Miss
Elsie Lopp, Miss May Lopp, Mrs. _____ _____ Dunch, Mr. __________ Heyton,
Mrs. John Didelot, a daughter, Cecilia, 14; a son of six, a baby of 2; Rose
Huff, 5 years old; _____ _____ Zurschnide, a boy, 15 years; nine
unidentified persons.
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