1938 — March 30, Tornado Outbreak, AR (11), IL (13), KS (11), MO (6) — 41
Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 11-8-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/
–41 Blanchard tally based upon State and locality breakouts below.
Arkansas (11)
–13 AP. “Week’s Tornado Deaths Rise To 13 Today…” Northwest [Ark.] Times.” 4-1-1938. 1.
–11 Grazulis. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991. 1993, pp. 876-877.
–7 Cleburne County, 17:30. F3. p. 876.
–1 Independence County, 18:00 F2. p. 876.
–3 Falkner County, Bono-Republican area, 02:00 March 31. Grazulis, p. 877.
–11 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
Breakout of Arkansas tornado fatalities by locality from press reporting:
–3 Cleburne County, Miller community, 7 miles west of Heber Springs.
–3 Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Dugger and daughter-in-in-law Mrs. Goldie Dugger.[1]
–1 Cleburne Co., Tumbling Shoals, 5M N of Heber Springs; Mrs. Lige Garrett.[2]
–1 Cleburne County, Tumbling Shoals. C. E. Black, 56, Apr 2 in hospital from injuries.[3]
–1 Cleburne County, Banner. Freeman Rice, on April 1, in hospital from injuries.[4]
–1 Cleburne and Faulkner counties, Quitman area. Mrs. Ada Kennedy.[5]
–1 Faulkner County, Republican. Mrs. J. Earl Lyons.[6]
–1 Independence County, Floral. Mrs. Laurie Carter, 53, died April 2 from her injuries.[7]
–2 Lawrence County, Walnut Ridge, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Baird.[8]
Illinois (13)
–13-15 Blanchard. Thirteen identified by name; two listed as unidentified (could be later named).
— 13 Grazulis. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991. 1993, p. 876.
Breakout of Illinois tornado related deaths by locality where noted.
–1 Alton area. Unidentified man in hospital from injuries.[9]
–1 Astoria. Clyde Brillhart, 35. AP. “South Pekin, Ill, is Hardest Hit with Dozen Dead.” 3-31-1938, 1.
–1 East Sepo, Fulton County. John Waggoner.[10]
–1 Morton. Mildred Schwarzentraub, 16. AP. “South Pekin, Ill, is Hardest Hit with Dozen Dead.” 3-31-1938, 1.
–1 Mount Sterling. Luther Riggs, 50. AP. “South Pekin, Ill, is Hardest Hit with Dozen Dead.” 3-31-1938, 1.
–8 South Pekin, Tazewell Co. AP. “South Pekin, Ill, is Hardest Hit with Dozen Dead.” 3-31-1938, 1.
–1 Otis L. Freed.
–1 Mrs. John Houston.
–1 Mrs. Hilco Johnson.
–1 Elmer Montgomery.
–1 Mrs. Roger Morris.
–1 Mrs. Homer Sellers.
–1 Ralph Temple.
–1 Unidentified man found in wreckage of a tavern.[11]
–2 Venice. AP. “South Pekin, Ill, is Hardest Hit with Dozen Dead.” 3-31-1938, p. 1.
–1 Val Stevens. (This could be the unidentified man noted earlier.)
–1 Unidentified man.
–1 Tazewell County, Pekin. James Albert Slabaugh, 66. Died March 31 from injuries.[12]
Kansas (11)
–10 Cherokee County, 10:45 F4. Grazulis. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991. 1993, p. 875.
–10 Columbus. AP. “Columbus Toll Boosted to 10.” Hutchinson News, KS. 4-1-1938, 1.
–1 Bert Cooley, 80. Died April 1 from injuries.[13]
–2 Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Canfield.[14]
–1 Mrs. Clara Garrison.[15]
–1 Jerry Lee Grayson, 4.[16]
–3 Mrs. Joe Grizzle and daughters, Joan, 3, and Barbara Sue, 8 months.[17]
–1 Buddy Palmer. 3.[18]
–1 John Wisdom, 80. Died April 1 from internal injuries and shock.[19]
— 1 Anderson County, 21:45 F1. Grazulis. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991. 1993, p. 876.
–1 Garnett. Mrs. Charles Southerland, 42. Died April 1 at hospital from injuries.[20]
Missouri ( 6)
–6 Blanchard tally from named deaths below.
–1 Boone, Callaway, Audrain. 11:36. Grazulis. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991. 1993, p. 875.
–3 Butler County, 19:50 F4. Grazulis. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991. 1993, p. 876.
–4 Neeleyville. AP. “The Midwest’s Death List.” The Hutchinson News, KS. 3-31-1938, p. 1.
–1 Virdetta Cornelius, 13.
–1 Mrs. John McCormick, 80
–1 Daughter, 7-months, of Mr. and Mrs. Ollie Maze.
–1 Ed Stewart, 53.
–1 Lebanon, Laclede County. Mrs. Lola Coleman.[21]
–1 Stephens, Callaway County. John W. Allen, 81.[22]
Narrative Information
Grazulis: “OK-KS Mar 30, 1938 10:45 10k [killed] 200inj 300y 45m F4 Craig, OK / Labette, Cherokee, KS.” [All deaths in KS] (p. 875.)
Grazulis: “MO Mar 30, 1938 11:36 1k 18inj 400y f 30m F2 Boone/Callaway/Adrian [counties].”
Grazulis: “IL Mar 30, 1938 15:00 13k [killed] 73inj 800 y f115m F3 Adams/Brown/ Schuyler/Fulton/Mason/Tazewell/Woodford [counties],” (p. 876.)
Grazulis: “AR Mar 30, 1938 18:00 1k 30inj 200y 25m F2 Independence [county].”
Grazulis: “MO Mar 30, 1938 19:50 4k 25inj 600y 20m F4 Butler [county].”
Grazulis: “KS Mar 30, 1938 21:45 1k 0inj 100y 1m F1 Anderson [county].”
Grazulis: “AR Mar 31, 1938 02:00 3k 10inj 200y f50m F2 Conway/Faulkner/Cleburne [counties].”
Newspapers
March 31, AP: “By the Associated Press. “Splintered homes in the wake of tornadoes that struck five Midwestern states yielded more bodies Thursday and raised the death total to 34 persons. Nearly 250 were injured, hundreds were homeless, and unofficial estimates place the damage at more than one million dollars. Twisters struck hardest in central Illinois, where at least 12 were known to be dead. Nest hardest hit was southeastern Kansas, where eight were killed. The Kansas storm started in Oklahoma. Arkansas also counted eight dead, and Missouri seven. Arkansas’ eighth victim was Mrs. Ada Kennedy of near Quitman.” (Associated Press. “State Is Stricken. Rural Sections Swept by Storms in Northern Part of Arkansas.” Hope Star. 3-31-1938, p. 1.)
“Little Rock – (AP) Arkansas’ death toll from a series of tornadoes during the last 24 hours mounted to seven Thursday as new reports of destruction in rural area trickled in over crippled communication lines. A tornado Wednesday night smashed through rural sections south of Walnut Ridge, killing Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Baird. At least five houses were wrecked in the vicinity of Pocahontas. Twelve were injured, four seriously, by a tornado which struck three Whie county communities. Two were injured and a number of homes were destroyed by a tornado which swept through Greene county. Four persons were brought to a Batesville hospital for treatment after a wind-storm struck scattered sections of Independence county….” (Associated Press. “7 Killed in Storms.” Hope Star, AR. 3-31-1938, p. 1.)
Little Rock – Five persons were killed, more than 100 others injured, several perhaps fatally, and scores of homes were destroyed by tornadoes which struck more than a dozen communities in central and north central Arkansas Wednesday. Most serious damage was reported near Hebner Springs where four persons were killed and 75 injured by a tornado which struck about 6 p.m. only 15 hours after one which injured four persons and destroyed much property in the state.
“The first tornado struck 11 communities about 2 a.m. Wednesday in Conway, Faulkner, Cleburne and Van Buren counties, killing one persons and injuring 16 others, including the four near Heber Springs….” (Associated Press. “Tornado at Heber Springs.” Hope Star, AR. 3-31-1938, p. 1.)
March 31, AP: “Pekin, Ill., March 31 – (AP) – Sheriff Ralph Goar telegraphed Adjutant Gen. Carlos E. Black today asking that a wide area stricken late yesterday by twin tornadoes be placed under martial law. He requested Black to rush troops here for the ‘protection of life and property….
“Meanwhile the death toll was feared to be going higher. There were reports of new deaths – ranging from one to four – in the nearby Green Valley, which could not be confirmed immediately. Communication lines to the town were down. Four persons remained critically injured in a hospital here, and one, John Houston, husband of a woman who lost her life in the storm, was believed by physicians to be dying. An 80-year-old woman, Mrs. Emma Taylor, was reported near death in a Rushville hospital.
“Pekin, Ill., March 31 – (AP) – State and Red Cross officials joined local authorities today in starting rehabilitation of an area more than 100 miles long which was struck yesterday by twin tornadoes, leaving at least 12 persons dead, 100 injured and property damage unofficially estimated at $500,000….
April 1, AP on AR: “Little Rock, Ark., April 1. – (AP)….The week’s tornado deaths rose to 13 with the death in a Batesville hospital this morning of 11-year-old Freeman Rice of Banner, Ark., injured when one of the Wednesday wind-storms blew down his home. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Meredith Rice, and several other relatives, were hurt, but not seriously.” (AP. “Week’s Tornado Deaths Rise To 13 Today As Banner Youth Dies.” Northwest Arkansas Times.” 4-1-1938, p. 1.)
April 1, AP on IL: “(By Associated Press) Pekin, Ill., April 1 – A preliminary survey by the Red Cross showed today at least 2500 persons were made homeless by the tornado that ripped across central Illinois Wednesday, killing 12, injuring more than 100 and doing $1,000,000 propery damage. J. M. Power of St. Louis, director of Red Cross relief activities in Illinois, said registration disclosed 460 families without homes and declared a further check probably would disclose others. About 50 persons still were in hospitals. Three companies of National Guardsmen from Peoria patrolled the devastated South Peking area. Sixty state highway officers and 35 deputy sheriffs aided in rehabilitation work. The resolute community – only a half dozen houses in the village of 1200 population escaped destruction – received water and food by truck from nearby cities.” (Associated Press. “Million Dollar Tornado Damage.” Carbondale Free Press, IL. 4-1-1938, p.1.)
Sources
Associated Press. “7 Killed in Storms.” Hope Star, AR. 3-31-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-7-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hope-star-mar-31-1938-p-1/
Associated Press. “Columbus Toll Boosted to 10.” The Hutchinson News, KS. 4-1-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-8-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hutchinson-news-apr-01-1938-p-1/
Associated Press. “Million Dollar Tornado Damage.” Carbondale Free Press, IL. 4-1-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-8-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/carbondale-free-press-apr-01-1938-p-1/
Associated Press. “Relief and Rehabilitation Progresses In Storm Wrecked Areas of Five States.” Daily Capital News, Jefferson City, MO. 4-1-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-8-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/daily-capital-news-apr-01-1938-p-1/
Associated Press. “South Pekin, Ill, is Hardest Hit with Dozen Dead.” 3-31-1938, 1. Accessed 11-8-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/dixon-evening-telegraph-mar-31-1938-p-1/
Associated Press. “State Is Stricken. Rural Sections Swept by Storms in Northern Part of Arkansas.” Hope Star, AR. 3-31-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-7-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hope-star-mar-31-1938-p-1/
Associated Press. “The Midwest’s Death List.” The Hutchinson News, KS. 3-31-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-8-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hutchinson-news-mar-31-1938-p-1/
Associated Press. “Tornado at Heber Springs.” Hope Star, AR. 3-31-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-8-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hope-star-mar-31-1938-p-1/
Associated Press. “Week’s Tornado Deaths Rise To 13 Today As Banner Youth Dies.” Northwest Arkansas Times.” 4-1-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-8-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/northwest-arkansas-times-apr-01-1938-p-1/
Find a Grave. “James Albert Slabaugh.” Posted 1-16-2022. Accessed 11-8-2024 at: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/235965088/james-albert-slabaugh
Grazulis, Thomas P. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events. St. Johnsbury, VE: Environmental Films, 1993, 1,326 pages.
Joplin Globe, MO. “Month Required To Rehabilitate Tornado Victims.” 4-1-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-8-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/joplin-globe-apr-01-1938-p-1/
United Press. “Merchant Dies.” Blytheville Courier News, AR. 4-2-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-8-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/blytheville-courier-news-apr-02-1938-p-7/
United Press. “Tornado Injuries Are Fatal To Two Arkansans.” Blytheville Courier News, AR. 4-2-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-8-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/blytheville-courier-news-apr-02-1938-p-7/
[1] AP. “Up 3 Feet to 27 (continued from p.1.).” Hope Star. 3-31-1938, p. 3.
[2] AP. “Up 3 Feet to 27 (continued from p.1.).” Hope Star. 3-31-1938, p. 3.
[3] United Press. “Merchant Dies.” Blytheville Courier News, AR. 4-2-1938, p. 1.
[4] AP. “Week’s Tornado Deaths Rise To 13 Today As Banner Youth Dies.” Northwest Arkansas Times.” 4-1-1938, 1.
[5] AP. “State Is Stricken. Rural Sections Swept by Storms in Northern Part of Arkansas.” Hope Star. 3-31-1938, p. 1.
[6] AP. “Up 3 Feet to 27 (continued from p.1.).” Hope Star. 3-31-1938, p. 3.
[7] United Press. “Tornado Injuries Are Fatal To Two Arkansans.” Blytheville Courier News, AR. 4-2-1938, p. 1.
[8] Associated Press. “7 Killed in Storms.” Hope Star, AR. 3-31-1938, p. 1.
[9] Associated Press. “South Pekin, Ill, is Hardest Hit with Dozen Dead.” 3-31-1938, 1.
[10] Associated Press. “The Midwest’s Death List.” The Hutchinson News, KS. 3-31-1938, p. 1.
[11] Associated Press. “South Pekin, Ill, is Hardest Hit with Dozen Dead.” 3-31-1938, p.1.
[12] Find a Grave. “James Albert Slabaugh.” Accessed 11-8-2024; also AP. “Relief and Rehabilitation Progresses In Storm Wrecked Areas of Five States.” Daily Capital News, Jefferson City, MO. 4-1-1938, p. 1.
[13] Associated Press. “Columbus Toll Boosted to 10.” Hutchinson News, KS. 4-1-1938, p. 1.
[14] Associated Press. “The Midwest’s Death List.” Hutchinson News, KS. 3-31-1938, p.1.
[15] Associated Press. “The Midwest’s Death List.” Hutchinson News, KS. 3-31-1938, p.1.
[16] Associated Press. “The Midwest’s Death List.” Hutchinson News, KS. 3-31-1938, p.1.
[17] Associated Press. “The Midwest’s Death List.” Hutchinson News, KS. 3-31-1938, p.1.
[18] Associated Press. “The Midwest’s Death List.” Hutchinson News, KS. 3-31-1938, p.1.
[19] Joplin Globe, MO. “Month Required To Rehabilitate Tornado Victims.” 4-1-1938, p. 1.
[20] Associated Press. “Columbus Toll Boosted to 10.” Hutchinson News, KS. 4-1-1938, p. 1.
[21] Associated Press. “The Midwest’s Death List.” The Hutchinson News, KS. 3-31-1938, p. 1.
[22] Associated Press. “The Midwest’s Death List.” The Hutchinson News, KS. 3-31-1938, p. 1.