Walter Neel’s firsthand recollection of the 1920 Peggs cyclone describes the storm’s deadly impact on Peggs, Oklahoma, and nearby families. He recounts the warning signs, the destruction of homes and businesses, the loss of friends and relatives, and the grim work of helping identify bodies and dig graves in the aftermath.
Mt. Pleasant Cemetery is located in Section 22, Wilmington Township, DeKalb County, Indiana, at the corner of County Roads 40 and 59. This cemetery is also known by the name of Ginder Cemetery and Sawdust Cemetery. This enumeration was made by Mrs. Douglas Vose and Mrs. V. O. Mathis in 1982.
The post recounts the genealogy of the Carter family in Blue Hill, Maine, beginning with James Carter, Sr., who settled there around 1770. His children, notably James Jr. and David, contributed to the family’s growth, with James Jr. marrying twice and having numerous descendants. The narrative details various branches of the family, including the offspring of James, David, and other family members, highlighting their contributions to local agriculture and community life. The post ultimately emphasizes the industrious nature and historical significance of the Carter lineage.
Pet Franks, a 92-year-old ex-slave from Aberdeen, Mississippi, reflects on his life and experiences during slavery and the Civil War. He recalls his childhood near Bartleys Ferry and the kindness of his white owners, particularly Mr. Harry Allen and Jimmy Tatum. Pet describes his active lifestyle, tending to his garden and chickens, and his disdain for current societal behaviors. He shares memories of community gatherings, religion, and life post-war, emphasizing his loyalty to his white employers. Despite challenges, he finds contentment in solitude and interactions with familiar white neighbors.
Dora Franks, an ex-slave from Aberdeen, Mississippi, recalls her life under slavery and the significant events surrounding the Civil War and her subsequent freedom. Born to a mother from Virginia and a father who was her young master, she faced discrimination due to her lighter skin. She describes the harsh realities of slave life, including punishment and limited freedom, yet also highlights moments of kindness from her white mistress. After the war, she struggled with life in the fields before marrying. Franks reflects on her faith and concerns for the younger generation’s moral decline.
John W. Franks, born July 13, 1837, in Hardin County, Tennessee, became a respected figure in his community for his integrity and hard work. Largely self-educated, he settled in Arkansas after moving from Mississippi and built a successful farming and mercantile business near Timbo. He served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War and was active in local fraternal organizations. Married to Etha Malinda Welch, he raised nine children, with several continuing his legacy in business. Franks died on November 20, 1886.
W. T. Franks passed away on February 28th in Lostine, succumbing to complications from influenza after a brief recovery. Previously a blacksmith, he had retired from the trade a year prior. He is survived by his wife and five children, who are left to grieve his loss. His obituary was published in the Wallowa County Reporter on March 4, 1920.
The Peggs Cyclone of May 2, 1920, devastated Peggs, Oklahoma, following a skipping, bouncing path that destroyed the town center and continued eastward. This detailed account reconstructs the tornado’s track, documents dozens of deaths and injuries, and recounts survivor stories, including a miraculous birth amid the storm’s destruction and the loss of Dr. Israel Hill.