By Danny Crownover
Back in April 1883, the worst storm ever recorded in this immediate section struck the south end of Etowah County with terrific force and how any of the people of the vicinity escaped death has always been a mystery.
Rain, accompanied by hail, lighting and wind, fell in torrents for about one hour. The wind was of cyclonic proportions and did a great deal of damage.
In the direct track of the twister, houses were literally blown to pieces, household goods were scattered beyond recovery, timber was leveled to the ground, and horses and cattle were killed and injured.
Every house and fence and most of the woodlands were blown away on some farms, and not a stick of timber left to replace them, and yet the farmers and their families escaped with nothing but bruises.
James McCartney lost his home, all outbuildings and fences and his own mule was killed. John Gore’s ginhouse was to pieces and all buildings on the place were destroyed except his residence.
Mrs. Mary Booker’s home was unroofed, all fencing scattered and all timber blown down.
William Stripling’s dwelling and furnishings were scattered and all timber was leveled. Every fowl on the place was blown away and none recovered.
Allen McDonald lost all fencing and a vast amount of fine timber. John Sheffield lost all fencing. The home and all outbuildings of Sam Lancaster and all fencing were destroyed. J.L. Massengale lost all fencing and some timber. The Rev. Mr. Cameron had a terrifying experience.
His dwelling and all household goods were blown away. Water was blown from Coosa River, a quarter of a mile from the Cameron home, and literally flooded the country for miles around. One of his little children was caught in the flood and had a narrow escape.
At J.C. Stovall’s place much fencing was blown down and one ox was killed. A.S. Griffin reported that his dwelling was unroofed, his fences blown away, a new buggy was shattered to bits and corn scattered everywhere.
William McCann on R.H. Keeling’s farm lost his house and everything in it. Jackson Boyles reported that his dwelling and all household goods were destroyed. Eight persons were in the house and they were pinned under heavy timbers in such a way as to save their lives.
George Carter in East Gadsden lost his home and he was badly bruised by flying timbers. His son, Nolen and the latter’s wife were painfully injured.
The newspaper writer happened to be in Calhoun County about ten miles away from the center of the storm, but even at that distance the wind, rain and lighting were simply terrific. The next day the south end of Etowah County was the picture of wreck and despair.
Contact The Vagabond at dkcrown@bellsouth.net.
