The Disasterous Cyclone of March 27, 1890

This once historic storm made havoc of Southern Illinois, and many location in  Western Kentucky on that Thursday of March 27, 1890. 

There are scatchered pieces of information in different newspapers about the destruction and death that was left in the path of this storm.  Some called it a aerial monster.

From Southern Illinois it came across the Ohio River at Carsville, it took up Deer Creek, and passed on through Kentucky, felling timber and demoishing homes, barns, anything in it's path.  

Dutch Sullenger living near Tolu, was killed and his house blown to fragments.  John Robinson's daughter was killed also, and many injured in this area.  

Much destruction and people injured in the town of Marion.  The storm continued on its path through the countryside and touched down on the Mt. Zion Church and completely destroyed it.

Not only did it destroy the church and the neighborhood, it picked up Dr. Moreland's wife, Susan and their daughter, Gladys, whom she had clutched tightly in her arm,s and carried them to a neighboring community called Tradewater about seven miles from Mt. Zion.  When they were found, Susan was still holding her little girl.

They are buried together in the old part of the cemetery.

Engraved on the stone are the words "Killed In Cyclone" right after the death date of Susan.

This announcement appeared in the Crittenden Press soon after the storm.

A CRY FOR HELP! To the People of Crittenden County:
At a meeting of the citizens of Crittenden County, at Marion, on March 29th, the following resolutions were adopted.

• Whereas a destructive tornado swept across the county on the 27th, killing a number of our fellow citizens, wounding and disabling others, destroying the homes of  many, leaving men, women and children, without food or raiments and in a suffering, needy condition, therefore
• Resolved that those of the county who escaped this great calamity, be appealed to go for relief for the distressed and suffering in this their great time of need, by making immediate contributions of money, food, clothing, bedding or other articles of household necessity and comforts.
• Resolved that the people be requested to hold public meeting in their respective neighborhoods for the purpose of facilitating this great work of charity, as the cry for help is urgent and relief most be speedily given.
• Resolved that J. A. Moore and Geo. C. Gray be and they were chosen to appointed a committee to receive at Marion, the donation of those who may live a distance from the field of want, and to forward the same to the suffers.

The people of every neighborhood are earnestly requested to give this important matter  their immediate attention, the immediate wants of our friends and neighbors are pressing.  Let us heed their cry for help with open hearts.

J. A. Moore Chairman,
T. J. Nunn Secretary