Storms & Tornadoes 1910–1920 — Willisville, Perry County, Illinois

I don't have much information regarding these specific photographs — all are listed as 1910–1920 Tornado/Storm near Willisville. A couple of the photos have 1910 written on them. Two newspaper accounts have been located and are reproduced below.

April 23, 1912

Devastating Tornado Sweeps Illinois and Indiana

Full reports from districts in the path of the devastating tornado that swept over Illinois and Indiana Sunday place the dead at 53 and the injured at 200. The death toll may be increased from 15 to 20, as many of the injured are in serious condition.

Southern Illinois was the heaviest sufferer from the wind. Wires are still down and communication is meager. Bush, Willisville, IL and Morocco, Ind. were almost completely destroyed.

Deaths by Location Bush 18 · Willisville 3 · Murphysboro 3 · Freeman 3
Sheldon 2 · West Frankfort 8 · Hamilton County 1
Campus 3 · Lowell, Ind. 3 · Morocco, Ind. 9

Monday, May 28, 1917

Tornado Demolishes Willisville, Wrecks Entire Business District

The tornado which seemed to originate near Willisville, Perry County, IL late yesterday virtually demolished that village, then rose and whirled rapidly southward, dipping to the earth at intervals to tear roofs from houses or wreck flimsy structures.

Information today from Willisville was that 15 houses were demolished there, that five persons were injured and two missing. The entire business district at Willisville was wrecked.

✦ Photographs of the Damage ✦