Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-07-10
PETERSBURG.
A srrAaxAsIE THUNDERSTORM
BRILLIANT ELECTRICAL DISPLAY.
Many People shoekea-Narrow Escape
irem Death-A Chapter Of
Accidents, &C.
,co,reponasncs or.as a,cnmond Dispatch.

fcorespondsnce ofthe Richmond Dispatch.
PETERSBURG, July 8, 1886.
A severe thunderstorm, accompanied
by heavy rain and continuing for over
an hour. visited this city and section
last night. The electric discharges
were very brilliant and at times very
startling. a number Of persons in the
southern portion OF the city we're sensi-
bly, shocked by the discharges, while a
a number Of citizens declare that they
we're witnesses to balls Of fire rolling
through the streets. Three youths
were severely stunned near the market,
and one or two Of them knocked
TO the pavement. One Of the
discharges struck near the engine
house on Halifax street, doing
no damage, but causing considerable
CONSERVATION among the people OF the
vicinity. Immediately following this
fash was seen what appeared to be q
ball of FIRE playing for n moment along
the street. Several gentlemen were
standing in the drugstore OF DR.. Z. ):
Schank & Co., corner Of Market and
halifax streets, when they were mo-
mentarily blinded by a fash Of light
ming which struck in the neighborhoos
and shook the houses to their founda-
ton. They were all slightly stunned.
They oil declare that small ball OF
FIRE, following this discharge, rolled from
the street In upon the floor OF the store
and out sgain.
The most serious accident, resulting
from the lightning, however, occurred
at the residence Of r. L. Wilson, Esq,
in Dina iddie county, about two miles
west of the city. Mr.. j. Powell Gar
land, son Of Rev. j. Powell Garland,
and junior member Of the Law firm OF
Wilson 4 Garland, in this city, was
stunned to insensibility, from which
he could not be aroused for some time,
and only after most careful attention.
Mr.. Garland was sitting in an office in
the ward at the time talking to a
friend. A few feet in front of the
Office stands large shade-tree,
which received the stroke Of the
fuid. Mr.. Garland fell to the floor
simultaneously with the flash of light
ming. His friend was but slightly
shocked. and at once called for assist
ance for Mr.. Garland. 1t was thought
for some time that the latter was dead;
but be finally revived, and this morn
ing is we'll enough to be out. He says
that when the flash Of lightning oc-
Cured be felt his fingers and arms
drawn up as though by an electric
shock, saw what appeared to be bril-
liant spark Of fire moving along his
arm, and he remembered nothing more.
The electrical display during the
storm was the most brilliant witnessed
here in many years.
Mr.. William McSwsin, the engineer
on the Atlantic Coast Line, who by his
GOODNESS and bravery under the most
irving circumstances saved his train
from probable wreck yesterday morn
ing, was taken to his home, 10 Will
miugton, this morning carefully at
tended.
Charles Smith, worthy old cOlored
nan, for many years an employee in
Messrs. Watson & McGill's factory,
lost an eye yesterday by the breaking
of nail which he was engaged in
driving into box Of tobacco.
William Thomas, white man en-
ployed in the Norfolk and Western
warehouse here, received very severe
cash on the head by accidentally falling
across a truck load Of tobacco which he
was handling. The wound is CHASTITY
one, but it is hoped may have no Sc
rious results, although Mr.. Thomas is
now confined to his bed from its effects.
ROBIN ADAIR.