Beckham County, OK - Deaths: J. E. and Charley Jones, 1905
17 April 2008
Submitted by: delma25@pldi.net (Delma Tindell)

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JONES, CHARLEY
JONES, J. E.
(23 Mar 1905, Erick Enterprise, Erick, Beckham Co, OK)
Hobart, Okla., March 20: - At 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon, a cyclone
struck Poarch, a little town twenty-four miles northwest of here and
practically wiped it off the map, killing one man out right, and injuring
eighteen others, four of whom it is thought will die.
During the rain, wind and hail storm that was raging, a dark ominous
funnel-shaped cloud appeared southwest of the town.  The long wriggling
trunk in which could be seen trees and debris, swooped suddenly down on
the little town, and when it rose and disappeared only a few seconds
later.  Poarch presented a scene of death and devastation.  Sixteen houses
were demolished and pieces of timber and furniture were found today
several miles from town.  One body has been recovered, but at last reports
had not been identified.  J. E. Jones and Charley Jones were fatally
injured, the latter being badly crushed.  Sixteen others were seriously
hurt.
The path of the cyclone was narrow, but the force of the wind was
terrific, twisting buildings from their foundations, and shattering them
almost like egg-shells, and uprooting large trees.
It is feared that the cyclone may have struck other places, especially in
the country, from which reports would of necessity come in slowly.
Steps are being taken here to aid the unfortunate people at Poarch.

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