Mentor Township, Clark Co., Wis. Tragedies

The July 3, 1907 Killer Tornado

Historical Accounts

Tornado near Neillsville, Clark County, Wisconsin, July 3, 1907. This picture represents tornado while passing over farm of John Charles near city limits. The picture was taken from the residence of C. Rabenstein, on North Grand Avenue, Neillsville, Wis.

Soon after the tornado lifted, dissipating into another cloud, one of the Buddenhagen boys galloped into town on a winded horse, seeking medical aid for the John Charles family.  Buddenhagen lived on what is now the Wetzel farm.  Soon after, Zura Fricke was brought to the city by buggy, with injuries.  Calls for medical aid came from the Town of Weston, members of the Wenzel, August Beyer, Louis Quast families, and some others who were hurt.  Louis Quast, his wife and all seven children received injuries.

Also, in the town of Seif, August Voigt’s house and buildings were badly damaged. The C. H. Shepherd farm was razed; John Schwamb’s house and barn were wrecked.  August Halbreader’s farm buildings sustained damage as did August Meihack’s barn.  Slight damage was done at Fred Hrack Jr.'s building, Adolph Hemp’s barn, and John Aumann’s barn was demolished.  Sereno Wren’s buildings received damage, as well as those of John Ott, Wm. Kurth and Ludwig Dugy.  Wm. Buddenhagen’s barn and windmills were damaged; John Charles barns and house were completely destroyed.  Sol Johnson’s house was blown from its foundation, Hy. Bieneck’s barn wrecked and roof blown from residence.  Fred Goerglitz and Seward Way’s barns were damaged.

Remains of the John Charles Farm

Photos Contributed by Roger Davis

 Lower Photo Note: -- The scrap of wood above my yellow dot seemingly pointing toward a "cross" was on the original negative!

Jackson County recorded three storm-related deaths and Clark County reported four deaths, one north of Neillsville and three at Pray.

A public meeting was called on the following Saturday afternoon for the purpose of helping the storm victims.  A general committee consisting of the Messrs. B. Dangers, Dan Kennedy, Rev. Burrows, Robert Kurth, Wm. Thoma, Morely, Sniteman and Root were appointed to have charge of the work.  Clothing, shoes and contributions came in to relieve the disaster area.

Good Old Days, 22 Jun 1994 (Historical Accounts)

More 1907 Tornado Photos

Postcard of this Tornado

1924 Tornado

1958 Tornado