From the Skidmore New Era of Skidmore, Missouri, February 4, 1909, page 1:
The Worst Wind Storm in Years.
The most severe wind storm which has visited this part of the country for years was experienced here last week. The storm was preceded by a warm rain, when suddenly the wind changed Thursday evening to the northwest and before midnight was blowing a perfect gale, which lasted for twenty-four hours. Some snow fell in the fore part of the night which was drifted into the lanes and railroad cuts, seriously impeding all travel by wagon or rail.
The morning trains Friday were several hours late and came plowing through the snow by the help of two engines. Our brave rural mail carriers had hard work to complete their routes for the day. Business was almost at a standstill, as only those who had the most urgent business ventured out in such a piercing blizzard.
The wind did considerable damage to glass fronts, chimneys, roofs and sign boards. C. Hoblitzell’s glass front was blown in, sing boards in front of the Skidmore Meat Market and the E. M. Stokes confectionery were blown away, the Stokes sign falling against the front glass, breaking it in.
The chimney to the public school was damaged, necessitating the dismissal of school for Friday. James Parrish’s shop roof was blown off and the building otherwise damaged. One of the flues of the M. E. Church, South, was blown down, and more or less other damage was done about town.
We have not heard of any serious damage to buildings in the surrounding country, but quite a few windmill towers succumbed to the fierce gale.
Among those whose windmills were damaged are:
J. F. Brown
A. F. Howden
John S. Mitchell
Ed Dawson
Charles Pfeiffer
John Barrett
James Smith
D. F. Mitchell
J. T. Linville
John Williams.