Hartford, Connecticut, USA
1884 - A SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE Felt Over a Large Region – A Vibratory Motion from Washington to Maine

...Probably Hartford, Conn., was the most shaken of any point heard from. At twenty-one minutes to three o’clock p. m., three long and convulsive shocks were felt throughout the city and vicinity, and particularly felt in houses occupying high ground. Many people were thrown down and in some cases badly bruised. At the second shock bells were rung, houses rocked like cradles and crockery and glassware fell with a resounding crash. For some time the greatest confusion reigned in the lower wards of the city. One man was thrown from his wagon when the second shock was felt, his horses running away madly, and barely missing trampling him underfoot in their flight.

At the county jail which is crowded with prisoners, the greatest terror prevailed, and for some time it was feared that the panic stricken men would try to burst the doors to effect their escape. After the first convulsion their dismal howlings and screams to be let out were heard within three blocks of the building. A dissipated man by the name of Doyle, who had been incarcerated temporarily to await his trial became perfectly crazy when the first shock came, and raved like a maniac. When he found he could not escape he retreated to a corner of the room and shivering with terror hid himself beneath the coverings of his bed. After a while his moans ceased, and when they found him he was dead from fright. At the State prison, at Weathersfield, the same confusion prevailed, and the available force of prison officials were mustered to prevent an outbreak. It was some time before order could be restored...

The Landmark
Statesville, North Carolina
August 15, 1884

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