The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1853-06-11
UNEn
Terrible Disaster!

Terrible Disaster!
Congregational Church struck 6y LIGHTNING
One person Killed and Sir others Serious
ly injured.
We take the following account from an extra
issued by the Lockport Courier, Monday morn
ing. The CONSERVATION produced in the church
by this awful visitation, was, as we are inform
ed by gentleman who was present. indescri-
bable -
LocKPoRT, Monday, MAY 23
We are called upon to record an awful and
solemn visitation of Providence; one that has
thrown gloom over the entire community
Yesterday afternoon, Just after the services at
the Congregational Church had commenced,
that house was struck lightning, causing the
death Of Mr.. Luther Crocker, Jr, and injuring
more or less Samuel Durfee, CyrusC Northam
lad about IA years of age, son of Wm Mack
Mary Place, daughter of George Place, Frances
Holmes, daughter of Alfred Holmes, and Miss
Sarah Stewart. The lightning struck the church
steeple on the southwest corner, passing down
into the gallery occupied by the singers, which
was directly under the stceple, and all the per-
sons affected by the shock, were members of the
choir. They were about concluding the intro
ductory hymn when the shock came, carrying
death, sorrow and dismay into their midst
The main streak of electricity entered the gal
lery directly over the head of Mr.. CrOcker, who
was playing the bass viOl, and diverged off
each way, injuring the persons named above.
The first moment after the shock was one of
universal CONSERVATION and dismay. Every
person in the gallery, numbering some twelve
or fifteen, except one or two, were Frustrated
by the shock but those that escaped injury, al
dcd by persons from below, Immediately pro-
ceeded to the assistance of the unfortunate
Some OF the injured persons had their faces and
bodies burned, making them present horrible
picture. They were all removed as quick as
possible to the open air, and the proper rene
dies were applied, under the direction of Doc
tors Fassett and Gould-who, PrOyidentially.
were in the Church at the tfme-which were
successful i'll restoring to consciousness all eX-
cept Mr.. Crocker. The deceased, to all cut
ward appearances, sustained the least injury of
any of the of the sufferers, but he was doubt
less visited with the heaviest shock. The light
ming seems to have p.sied along the outside of
his vest, down to the right thigh, then across,
down his left leg, ripping open his boot in pass
ing off. The only scar on his person is on the
left foot, and this very slight. He spoke once
after the shock. Mr.. Elias Clark was standing
between him and Mr.. Durfee, and not being in
jured, he proceeded to lift the latter up, when
the deceased said to him -" Help me, am
hurt the worst!' Mr.. G. was Immediately ta-
hSh Oue1 bos hS Ohiy SooptN ohCt W tWfCc aHN
expired. His body was then taken to the office
of DR.. Fassett, and every means which medical
science could suggest was used in vain to res
tore him to consciousness.
The scene within the Church immediately af-
ter the shock is represented by an eye witness
to have been awful in the extreme. The pas
tor, MIR. Gilman, whose position in the pulpit
was such as to enable him to see at glance the
terrible effect of the lightning, tainted away,
as did several of the ladies, and CHASTITY pale
ness Overspread every countenance The shock
was SO terrific, and its effects so astounding.
that it seemed to deprive all of the power of
giving vent to their feelings in the manner usu-
ally exhibited on similar, but less appalling oc-
casiOns. Not a shrek or grOan was heard
save the almost inaudible ones made by some
one of the victims; no hustle or confusion en-
sued, but dread CONSERVATION seemed to have
taken possession of all for moment.
AS the bodies were removed out in front of
the Church, a crowd gathered, and as the dread
intelligence spread, hundreds came to offer
their sympathy. There has never been an oc-
currence in our midst which has seemed to
spread such universal gloom and sadness
Groups of persons discussing the sorrowful af-
fair were seen every few rods in the principal
streets, and the Church was surrounded by a
large concourse of people until late hour last
night To add to the general detection, nature
herself wore the most sombre aspect-the hea-
vens were overspread with dark and drear
clouds, and the rain fell profusely the greater
part of the afternoon.
The lightning was seen to strike the church
by several persons outside, those near by being
stunned by its effects. A piece of the cornice
of the steeple was thrown across the road on
the east of the church and several long slits
from the wood work were lodged in the middle
of the road on the south. The lightning seems
to have gone in and out of the building several
times before reaching the ground, and it appears
to have finally divided, one portion of it reach
ing the ground by the portico and the other by
passing from the gallery to the basement.
The course of the electricity in the house was
very singular; it appears to have gone from
object to object in an unsual manner and some
persons think it to have divided into numerous
parts, but this is all conjecture. The gallery
is much shattered from its effects, but no dam
age is done to the walls or timbers of the
church.