The Morning herald., 1876-07-14

THESTORM.

AESTOKM.
Dtssserows EHscs-Hosssss sssd Trees ths
Sport Of the Elemsnts-A Nan Killed
BY Lightning, and Three ettsrs Nasrosc-
" Esoape Death.
The heated term which has almost been
fatal in its effects in this, a. well as
other parts Of the country, eliminated yes
terday In one of the most severe and - fatal
thunder storms that has ever visited this
city. Shortly after one o'clock the sky pre-
sented hazy look, and 1t was not long sf-
terwards before the clouds began to rise
and thicken in the west, and about half-psst
. O'Clock the rain began to fall, at first gen
tly, but 1t soon increased to Q torrent, and
was followed by terrific peals of thunder
and flashes of sharp lightning. For over
two hours the rain continued to pour inces-
sanity; flooding the streets in many places
until they were almost impossible. The
lightning was the sharpest, and the thun-
der at times was almost deAfening. While
the rain was much wished for and sadly
needed, It's advent was accompanied by ~
rious and sad results.
Near Pennsgrove, on the Jersey shore,
nearly opposite this city, barn was struck
WAUn uVuuAY 0uO COu6uuONS uOKOVuOl WAVA
its contents consisting of the crops, farming
utensils, and one horse.
In the city the storm seems to have vented
most of its fury. A house at Spring alley
and French street, occupied by Mr.. Taggart,
was struck in the southeast corner, and q
portion of the cornice torn away. Meme OF
the family were hurt, and none In fact knew
of the occurrence until the neighbors told
them. The chimney of house at Harrison
and Shallcross avenue, occupied by Mr..
Hayns, was knocked off by bolt of the
the lightning. A flag pole on the brass
foundry of Hustler & Mcbride, Second street
between King and French, was struck and
shivered TO atoms. After striking the flag
staff, the current Of electricity passed down
an iron rod to the second floor, where it tore
six inch joist from the hstchway from
whence it passed to large plate of copper
lying upon the first floor, striking it with
y terrific report, and making a deep inden-
tion. Mr.. Joseph Mcbride was standing
alongside of the copper at the time, and di-
rectly under the hatchway. The report and
the binding fash whic ! followed, and the
splinters falling about his head, all had the
effect to almost deprive him of the power to
move. Fortunately and miraculously he
escaped without injury, which was doubt
less owing to the fact of the copper plate
lying near him, it evidently attracting the
lightning. As soon as he could collect his
thoughts he ran out into the street expect
ing to see the building in ruins 1t however
was not injured. Mr.. Mcbride was not
hurt in the least, but gentleman who was
standing few feet from him was severely
stunned, and Is quite sick from the shock
he received.
On Eighth street near the Basin tree
was struck and shattered to pieces. A tree
on Fourth street near King had several OF
its limbs blown off by the wind.
The saddest event is yet to chronicle, and
one which has cast pail over the commu-
| nifty. 1t is that OF a young man, named
George Morris, residing at No. 1928 Chest
nut street, who was struck and instantly
killed. The circumstances attending his
death are ss follows: He, in company of a
fellow workman, named Mr.. Moore, left
home about o'clock in the morning, for
the purpose Of gathering blackberries just
before the storm came up they started for
home, but did not get very far before the
rain caught them. Instead of taking shell
ter they walked on through the storm.
They had got as far as Tatum's hill,
about one hundred yards this side of the
toll gate, when Morris quickensd his steps
and got nearly twenty PAGES in advance OF
his companion, when there came what Mr..
Moore says was the sharpest report of the
evening, and upon looking up he saw Nor
! ris completely enveloped in sheet of blue
fame, and the next instant fall to the
ground.
NJ MNoun -,
bcwildered, but as soon as he could, he ran
up to Morris and found him cold and dead
The ground about him was not torn in the
least, nor were his clothes. Mr.. Moore
came at once to the city and noti-
fed Coroner Groves, who in company
with L. W. Palmer and Moore, went
for the body and brought to the
decease.ps residence. Upon examination
the body was found covered with black and
blue bruises. His forehead was slightly
cut, probably done in falling upon the stones
in the pike. Mr.. Morris never uttered u
word or groan and was without doubt killed
instantly, and almost before he could realize
what was the matter. He leaves mother
and family to mourn his loss. He was
about 30 years Of age. The Coroner will
hold an inquest this morning at 9 O'Clock.
Mr.. Morris was highly respected citizen OF
his neighborhood. He was an employee Of
the jackson & Sharp Car Works.
Minor Locals.
Chester is to have Holly Tree Inn.
Yesterday was thought by many to have
been the hottest of the season.
The prospect for fine fruit crop this
wear throughout the State ia verv fatter,
ing, and all kinds will be very plenty.
The rains of the past few days have
cleaned off the sidewalks and streets, giving
them bright looking appearance.
The farmers are all jubilant over the com
ing corn crop, and If reports are true, it
will exceed ANYTHING seen for wears.