The morning call., 1893-05-18
STRUCK THE STEEPLE.
Incident ,)f the Heavy Storm at
Redding.
Lightning DemoIishes the Spire OF
the Presbyterian Church : The
Downpour Pretty General.
Special to THE MORNING CALL.

REDDING, May 1Z-To-day we were
storm, with lightning. the latter striking
the pine tree on which the Ruggles broth
ers were hanged and the steeple of the
Presbyterian church. About II O'Clock
the steeple was struck and completely shat
tered, nothing but two or three timbers re-
naming. Only heavy rain prevented the
church from catching fire.
The lightning then seemed to follow the
electric wires to DR.. MilleT's yard adjoin-
ing, where great light appeared to run
over the ground. No further damage WAS
done to the church.
The pine tree was struck about thirty
feet from the ground. The lightning
wound around the tree, peeling the bark
and making crotch large enough to put a
hand in, then leaped along chain con-
nected with the block to which the Rug
giles brothers were hanged, splitting the
woodwork all to pieces. 1t rained and
hailed hard all day, and this will destroy
much fruit in localities.
SANTA Rosa. May 17.-This section of
Sonoma County was visited by very
severe electrical storm about II o'clock
mated by lightning and peal after peal of
heavy thunder was heard. This was fol-
lowed by rain. which continued falling un-
til near morning. The benefit crops have
derived from the rainstnrm in Souoma
County recently can hardly be estimated.
A week ago yineyardists and farmers were
complaining in very discouraging way.
They said the grain crop would almost be
a failure and that the vineyards were in
bad shape. Now all has changed and
frowns have given way to smiles.
SoNoMA, May ia heavy haistorm
visited this valley at an early hDur this
morning and also between IL and o'clock
this afternoon. A peculiar feature about
the visitation was the fact tilat.it,mas pre-
.eeded and followed by very warm rain
which lasted several hours, thoroughly
soaking the ground. Over half an iach OF
rain fell. The precipitation, while it may
have done some harm to hay already cut
will be great benefit to farmers.
1t mnlence1 raining early yesterday
morning and heavy showers have been
falling at intervals since. Farmers and
dairymen are delighted, for the crop pros
poets were beginning to look very dubious
ficient TO iniure cherries or other fruits. i
is still CLOUDY and the prospects are gooC
for more rain.
SAN RAFAEL. May 1.-THE weaihel
here for several days past has beer
threatening. with occasional intermitten
showers. Last evening heavy gale arose
from the southeast, accompanied by rail-
and lightning, which prevailed through
out the night. To-day the weather is still
stormy, with no indications of abatemen
The farmers in and around the county
are pleased at the outlook. as the drought
that has prevailed here for several months
| past has materially damaged the grair
crop. The grain will not be ieady to har
vest in most localities for several month
yet.
NEWCASTLE. May 17.-Thers have beel
light hailstorm and several showers sine
yesterday. Early cherries are possbl,
| slightly affected and the ripening of ber
res is retarded. Generally there is fa
outlook for fruit and hay crops. The com
munity is prosperous. and there are man,
! inquiries for fruit lands and frequent real
estate transfers.