Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1853-06-09
slrnck hr lightning.

The LOckpOrt, N. e, courier, eLNd, OF Moi
day gives the following account of an affecting
calamity in that town the day previous.
We are called upon to record an awful and
solemn visitation Of Providence one that has
thrown a gloom over the entire community,
Yesterday afternoon just after the services at
the Congregational church had commenced,
causing the death of Mr.. Luther Croker Jr,
and lniuring more or less Samuel Durfee Cy'
rus c. Northsm lad abont fourteen years OF
ave, son Of VIM Mack Mary Place, daugh-
ter Of George Place; Francis Holmes, daugh-
ter of Alfred Holmes and Miss Sarah Stew
art.
The lightning struck the steeple on the south
west corner, passing down into the gallery oc-
copied by the singers, which was directly un-
der the steepe and all the persons affected by
| the shock were members of tue choir. They
were Gbout concluding The Introductory hymn
when the shock came, carrying death sorrow
and dismay in their midst. The main streak
of electricity entered the gallery directly over
the head of Mr.. Crockcr, who was playing the
bass viol, and diverged OF either way, ulur-
! ing the persons named abode
| The Grst moment after the shock was one ol
universal CONSERVATION and dismay. Every
person in the gallery, numbering some twelve
/ or fifteen, except one or two, were prostrated
by ,he shock but those that escaped injury
/ aided hy persons from below, immediately pro
/ cceded 10 the assistau Of the unfortunate.--
Some Of he injured pcasons had their faces and
bodies badly burned, making theui present a
horrible picture. They were all removed as
quick as possible to the open air an the prop
rr remedies were applied under the direction OF
! Dr., Fas t;t aud Gould--who, pro'identlaiIy,
were in the church at the time--which were
successful in restoring 10 consciousness all ex-
cept Mr.. Crockcr,
The deceased, to all outward appearances
sustained the least injury OF any Of the suffer
ers. but he was doubtless visited with the heav'
lest shock The lightning seems 10 have pas
sed along the outside Of the vest, down to The
righlthieh, then accross, down his left leg, rip
ping open his boot IN passing oil, The Only
scar on his person is on the left foot, and thl'
is very slight, He spoke once after the shock
Mr.. Elias Clark was standing between him anl
Mr.. Durfee. and not being injured he proceed
ed 10 lift the latter up, when the deceased salC
to him: '1Ielp me, am hurt the worst! MIR
c. was Immediately taken out, but he only gasp
ed once or twice and expired. His BODY Wa'
taken to the office Of DR.. Fassett. and every
means which medical science could suggest was
fused in vain to restore him to consciousness.
The scene within the church after The shocE
is represented by an eyewitness to have beel
awful in the extreme The PASTOR rev. Mr
Gilman. whose position in the pulpit was such
as 10 enable him to see, at a glance, the terri
BILE effect of the lightning, tainted away, as did
several of the ladies, and aghas'Iy paleness
overspreal every countenanoe. The shock was
so terrific. and its effects so astounding that
j, seemed to deprive all of the power of giving
vent to their feelings in the manner usually ex-
hibited on similar, but less appalling occasions.
Not Shrek or groan was heard, save the al
most naudible ones made by some one of the
victims no hustle or confusion ensued, but
dread CONSERVATION seemed to have taken pos
session of all for the moment.