In these modern times, we have cutting edge technology that allows us to predict the weather days and even weeks in advance. In the not-so-distant past, weather was unpredictable and much more deadly. North Louisiana is known for being a hotspot for Spring storms which bring tornadoes.

On April 21, 1883, the day had turned dark. The citizens of Farmerville had no way of knowing that a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico was about to push some bad weather their way. As the rain began to fall, five men sought refuge in the Glasson Saloon, to play cards and wait out the storm.

Among the men present that day: Hugh Chessley “Dink” Glasson (owner of the bar), William Darby, Marion Schultz, Thomas Dawson and another man identified only as F. Jones. The saloon was situated on Main Street in Farmerville and was next to a business which had burned down in previous years. All that was left of the burned building was a unsupported brick wall. Many citizens of Farmerville had commented on the danger of leaving the wall standing but no one had taken the time to pull it down. Their ominous prediction of a tragedy was about to occur…

As the winds violently whipped through the town, F. Jones noticed that the wall was about to collapse. He yelled to the other men and scooted out the door as fast as he could go. And he was the only one to escape unharmed.

Thomas Dawson was also only slightly injured as he went out the door after Jones. Marion Schultz dove under the table and was fortunate that the oak table managed to hold most of the debris off of him! He was rescued hours later with minor injuries.

Glasson and Darby (who were also Brothers-in-law) were crushed by the rubble. Glasson was pulled from beneath the bricks and was found to be breathing despite having severe skull injuries. He and Darby were carried to Julius Arent’s store to be treated by the local doctors. Three doctors labored over Glasson but his breathing slowed and he died a short time after arriving at the store. Darby lived a few more hours in excruciating pain with a crushed leg and internal injuries that caused him to bleed to death internally. He was brought to his home and laid in his own bed until he passed away.

Dink Glasson is buried in Farmerville City Cemetery in an unmarked grave. According to history that has been passed down through the years, he is buried next to his brother-in-law and dear friend William Darby whose fine monument is visible to this day.

F. Jones was probably Francis Marion Jones who age aligns with the reports. He is buried at Farmerville City Cemetery.

There are several Dawson’s who are buried at Farmerville City Cemetery who ages would be appropriate with the man called “Thomas Dawson” in news reports of the day, but none have the name of Thomas. Perhaps the reporter misquoted the name.

And Julius Arent, whose store the injured individuals were dragged to to make a temporary hospital? He is buried in Farmerville City Cemetery as well. By 1899 he was selling insurance and specialized in cyclone damages!