| HIST |
Death by Lightning- Mr. Editor: We have had one of the heaviest rain and thunder storms we have had this season, during which Mr. P. R. Dinkins lost his life---one of the most terrible accidents that it has ever been my misfortune to write of. I called on Mr. C. C. Myers, his brother-inlaw, who was with him at the time and who gave me the following account of the horrible incident. Messrs C. C. and Jerry Myers and Mr. Dinkins were going fishing, but just before starting Mr. Dinkins proposed that as it was rather late and that as their boat needed fixing, they should postpone going fishing until the next Monday and go on that afternoon. Into the woods and get some pine gum with which to fix the boat, to which proposition they all agreed except Mr. Jerry Myers who said he would go on to the pond. Mr. C. C. Myers and Mr. Dinkins with two of Mr. Myers’ little boys started for the woods, but before getting there, a cloud came up, and Mr. Dinkins proposed to go back and stop in a small house used by one of the tenants on the place as a fodder house. Here they proposed to stay until the cloud passed over. On reaching the house they found the door nailed up and they had to get in at the gable end which was open. Mr. Myers says that soon after getting in the house and lying down on the fodder he fell asleep, but he does not think that Mr. Dinkins went to sleep too. Awakened by a sensation as if hot water had been thrown over him, Mr. Myers immediately looked around and saw the fodder on fire, and thought that Mr. Dinkins had attempted to light his pipe and in doing that the fodder had taken fire. He looked toward Mr. Dinkins and called him, but upon receiving no reply, he then attempted to move and found that his right leg was paralyzed. He then put his children out of the building and again turned to see about Mr. Dinkins whom he found lying on his elbow with his eyes open just as he had left him before going to sleep. He found blood oozing from his nose and ear. He caught hold of Mr. Dinkins but found he was unable to move him. He then scrambled to the opening and threw himself out. By this time the building was completely enveloped in flames. Mr. Myers says that it was impossible in his condition to move Mr. DInkins, and that before help could be procured the building was burned to the gound. The head, legs, and arms of Mr. Dinkins were completely burnt off, and it was almost impossible to recognize the form as that of a human being. Coroner W. F. Rhame came out on Saturday and organized a jury of inquest with Capt. C. L. Williamson as foreman, and after examining Mr. C. C. Myers, the jury returned a verdict that Mr. Dinkins came to his death by being struck by lightning. There was a Pride of India tree growing close to the house and it is supposed that the lightening first struck that and then ran down into the house, as the tree touched the house. Mr. Dinkin’s funeral services were held at Providence on Saturday afternoon at which place he was buried. Rev. J. J. Myers officiated. The event has cast a gloom over the whole community. Mr. DInkins was cut down in the prime of manhood, being only 34 years old. I have heard it mentioned today that just about 15 years ago a sow and her pigs were killed in the same spot on which the house stood that Mr. Dinkins was killed in. The weather is very cool today, and fires and blankets are found necessary. Yours truly, Providence [4] |
1853 - 1887 (~ 34 years)
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