The 1899 Blizzard of Butts County

Georgia has had this week the coldest spell of weather perhaps in her history.

Snow began falling Saturday night and continued most of the day Sunday with high winds from the Northwest.  The mercury fell gradually until Monday when the lowest point was reached bout 8 o’clock a.m.  Dr. R. G. Bryans says the thermometer in his North veranda registered 11 degrees below zero.  Others who have thermometers report as follows:  F. M. Allen, 5; Charlie Beauchamp, 6; H. B. Tullis, 6; and others report a temperature of 5 to 7 below zero.  It was a revelation in cold weather to our people.    There was comparatively little suffering and when a case was reported, supplies were promptly furnished.  Business was benumbbed and practically at a standstill on Monday.  The temperature began to rise somewhat on Tuesday and sleigh riding was a favorite pastime.

If the snow and the exceeding cold weather have damaged this section it is very little so far as known and the compensating benefits will be great.  Disease germs will be killed and the insects which destroy the useful products of the soil will also be largely exterminated.

Really we are under renewed obligations to offer thanks to the benefit Giver of every good and perfect gift.

(Jackson Argus - Butts County - Week of February 17, 1899)

Submitted by Don Bankston