James and his two sons were killed by lightning that struck their barn where they'd taken refuge during a storm.
James was Capt. of the 112th Illinois Infantry from Toulon, Stark Co., Illinois during the Civil War.
.....
[From The Stark County Sentinel, Toulon, Illinois, Thurs., September 8, 1881, p. 4, col. 1]
THE ARMSTRONG CALAMITY!
Full Particulars of the Sad Affair,
as Given by Mr. D. Tinlin.
Heroism of Mrs. Armstrong---Noble
Conduct of the Neighbors.
A Calamity Without Parallel---A
Scene that Beggars Description.
We learn from D. Tinlin, who returned from Iowa Tuesday evening, the full particulars which has befallen his brother-in-law, Capt. James Armstrong, and family, who for many years resided her, and were highly esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances and friends. The accident,–brief mention of which was made in these columns last week,–occurred under the following circumstances.
Capt. Armstrong and his two sons were in the field last Wednesday afternoon, where the boys were plowing, when a cloud came up in the west and Mr. Armstrong started for the house. Before he reached the house the storm came on, and his sons quickly unhitched and sought refuge with their father in the barn,–a common western stable with a slough-grass roof. They had but just entered the barn and were fastening the horses, when there came a flash of lightning, which struck the barn, instantly killing Capt. Armstrong and his two sons and four horses which were in the barn. The fifth horse was knocked down by the shock but was not killed.
The only other persons on the farm were Mrs. Armstrong and daughter, Katie, and her daughter-in-law and little child. The first intimation they had of the awful affair, was when discovering the barn was on fire they ran out to it, and beheld the deadly work of the lightning's stroke. Katie at once ran for their nearest neighbor, who lived fully a half mile from them, while Mrs. Armstrong rushed into the burning building and dragged out the lifeless bodies of her loved ones. Charley, her youngest son, was nearest the door and he was first taken out. William was next, but the horse which had been stunned by the stroke was lying partly on his body, and it was only by super-human exertions that she exceeded in getting the body out. By jerking and kicking she got the animal upon its felt several time, but each time it fell back again. She finally got it up, turned it our, and carried out her oldest son, William. Her husband's body laid about 25 feet from the other, and several times while struggling frantically to get William's body from under the horse she had to run to her husband and brush from his clothes the burning coals which were falling upon him. She then plunged into the flames and smoke and carried out her husband, as the roof and sides were falling in. Neighbors soon arrived, but the barn was wholly destroyed. The remarkable heroism and presence of mind of Mrs. Armstrong and her courage and endurance through their terrible ordeal, almost exceeds belief.
The bodies were not disfigured in the least, but appeared as if fallen asleep.
Of the kindness and generosity of the neighbors, Mr. Tinlin says too much cannot be said. They came from miles around, brought provisions with them and at no time either day or night, until after the funeral, were there less than half a dozen men and women there to attend to everything. About 1,900 pounds of ice was hauled from Scranton ten miles distant, to preserved the bodies until the arrival of the only remaining son, James, who lived at Pleasantville, Kansas.
Saturday afternoon the bodies were buried side by side, in one grave, and here the neighbors showed their forethought again by leaving the grave open after the burial to give James, who had not yet arrived, a last chance to see his father and brothers in case he came on the train that afternoon. True to their hopes, he did come, having been delayed upon the way, and he was permitted to look for the last time upon their faces, now pale in death.
Mr. Trimmer, who went out with Mr. Tinlin, remained there, and James, the only remaining son, will return with his family and reside on the farm. Capt. Armstrong had a fine quarter section of land, on which he had built a good, comfortable house, and was getting along finely. His crops this year are good, and promise an abundant yield.
The news was received here with genuine sorrow and surprise, and the remaining members of the family have the sincere sympathy of their scores of friends in Stark county, in their terrible affliction.
--------------------------------
James was Capt. of the 112th Illinois Infantry from Toulon, Stark Co., Illinois during the Civil War.
.....
[From The Stark County Sentinel, Toulon, Illinois, Thurs., September 8, 1881, p. 4, col. 1]
THE ARMSTRONG CALAMITY!
Full Particulars of the Sad Affair,
as Given by Mr. D. Tinlin.
Heroism of Mrs. Armstrong---Noble
Conduct of the Neighbors.
A Calamity Without Parallel---A
Scene that Beggars Description.
We learn from D. Tinlin, who returned from Iowa Tuesday evening, the full particulars which has befallen his brother-in-law, Capt. James Armstrong, and family, who for many years resided her, and were highly esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances and friends. The accident,–brief mention of which was made in these columns last week,–occurred under the following circumstances.
Capt. Armstrong and his two sons were in the field last Wednesday afternoon, where the boys were plowing, when a cloud came up in the west and Mr. Armstrong started for the house. Before he reached the house the storm came on, and his sons quickly unhitched and sought refuge with their father in the barn,–a common western stable with a slough-grass roof. They had but just entered the barn and were fastening the horses, when there came a flash of lightning, which struck the barn, instantly killing Capt. Armstrong and his two sons and four horses which were in the barn. The fifth horse was knocked down by the shock but was not killed.
The only other persons on the farm were Mrs. Armstrong and daughter, Katie, and her daughter-in-law and little child. The first intimation they had of the awful affair, was when discovering the barn was on fire they ran out to it, and beheld the deadly work of the lightning's stroke. Katie at once ran for their nearest neighbor, who lived fully a half mile from them, while Mrs. Armstrong rushed into the burning building and dragged out the lifeless bodies of her loved ones. Charley, her youngest son, was nearest the door and he was first taken out. William was next, but the horse which had been stunned by the stroke was lying partly on his body, and it was only by super-human exertions that she exceeded in getting the body out. By jerking and kicking she got the animal upon its felt several time, but each time it fell back again. She finally got it up, turned it our, and carried out her oldest son, William. Her husband's body laid about 25 feet from the other, and several times while struggling frantically to get William's body from under the horse she had to run to her husband and brush from his clothes the burning coals which were falling upon him. She then plunged into the flames and smoke and carried out her husband, as the roof and sides were falling in. Neighbors soon arrived, but the barn was wholly destroyed. The remarkable heroism and presence of mind of Mrs. Armstrong and her courage and endurance through their terrible ordeal, almost exceeds belief.
The bodies were not disfigured in the least, but appeared as if fallen asleep.
Of the kindness and generosity of the neighbors, Mr. Tinlin says too much cannot be said. They came from miles around, brought provisions with them and at no time either day or night, until after the funeral, were there less than half a dozen men and women there to attend to everything. About 1,900 pounds of ice was hauled from Scranton ten miles distant, to preserved the bodies until the arrival of the only remaining son, James, who lived at Pleasantville, Kansas.
Saturday afternoon the bodies were buried side by side, in one grave, and here the neighbors showed their forethought again by leaving the grave open after the burial to give James, who had not yet arrived, a last chance to see his father and brothers in case he came on the train that afternoon. True to their hopes, he did come, having been delayed upon the way, and he was permitted to look for the last time upon their faces, now pale in death.
Mr. Trimmer, who went out with Mr. Tinlin, remained there, and James, the only remaining son, will return with his family and reside on the farm. Capt. Armstrong had a fine quarter section of land, on which he had built a good, comfortable house, and was getting along finely. His crops this year are good, and promise an abundant yield.
The news was received here with genuine sorrow and surprise, and the remaining members of the family have the sincere sympathy of their scores of friends in Stark county, in their terrible affliction.
--------------------------------
James and his two sons were killed by lightning that struck their barn where they'd taken refuge during a storm.
James was Capt. of the 112th Illinois Infantry from Toulon, Stark Co., Illinois during the Civil War.
.....
[From The Stark County Sentinel, Toulon, Illinois, Thurs., September 8, 1881, p. 4, col. 1]
THE ARMSTRONG CALAMITY!
Full Particulars of the Sad Affair,
as Given by Mr. D. Tinlin.
Heroism of Mrs. Armstrong---Noble
Conduct of the Neighbors.
A Calamity Without Parallel---A
Scene that Beggars Description.
We learn from D. Tinlin, who returned from Iowa Tuesday evening, the full particulars which has befallen his brother-in-law, Capt. James Armstrong, and family, who for many years resided her, and were highly esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances and friends. The accident,–brief mention of which was made in these columns last week,–occurred under the following circumstances.
Capt. Armstrong and his two sons were in the field last Wednesday afternoon, where the boys were plowing, when a cloud came up in the west and Mr. Armstrong started for the house. Before he reached the house the storm came on, and his sons quickly unhitched and sought refuge with their father in the barn,–a common western stable with a slough-grass roof. They had but just entered the barn and were fastening the horses, when there came a flash of lightning, which struck the barn, instantly killing Capt. Armstrong and his two sons and four horses which were in the barn. The fifth horse was knocked down by the shock but was not killed.
The only other persons on the farm were Mrs. Armstrong and daughter, Katie, and her daughter-in-law and little child. The first intimation they had of the awful affair, was when discovering the barn was on fire they ran out to it, and beheld the deadly work of the lightning's stroke. Katie at once ran for their nearest neighbor, who lived fully a half mile from them, while Mrs. Armstrong rushed into the burning building and dragged out the lifeless bodies of her loved ones. Charley, her youngest son, was nearest the door and he was first taken out. William was next, but the horse which had been stunned by the stroke was lying partly on his body, and it was only by super-human exertions that she exceeded in getting the body out. By jerking and kicking she got the animal upon its felt several time, but each time it fell back again. She finally got it up, turned it our, and carried out her oldest son, William. Her husband's body laid about 25 feet from the other, and several times while struggling frantically to get William's body from under the horse she had to run to her husband and brush from his clothes the burning coals which were falling upon him. She then plunged into the flames and smoke and carried out her husband, as the roof and sides were falling in. Neighbors soon arrived, but the barn was wholly destroyed. The remarkable heroism and presence of mind of Mrs. Armstrong and her courage and endurance through their terrible ordeal, almost exceeds belief.
The bodies were not disfigured in the least, but appeared as if fallen asleep.
Of the kindness and generosity of the neighbors, Mr. Tinlin says too much cannot be said. They came from miles around, brought provisions with them and at no time either day or night, until after the funeral, were there less than half a dozen men and women there to attend to everything. About 1,900 pounds of ice was hauled from Scranton ten miles distant, to preserved the bodies until the arrival of the only remaining son, James, who lived at Pleasantville, Kansas.
Saturday afternoon the bodies were buried side by side, in one grave, and here the neighbors showed their forethought again by leaving the grave open after the burial to give James, who had not yet arrived, a last chance to see his father and brothers in case he came on the train that afternoon. True to their hopes, he did come, having been delayed upon the way, and he was permitted to look for the last time upon their faces, now pale in death.
Mr. Trimmer, who went out with Mr. Tinlin, remained there, and James, the only remaining son, will return with his family and reside on the farm. Capt. Armstrong had a fine quarter section of land, on which he had built a good, comfortable house, and was getting along finely. His crops this year are good, and promise an abundant yield.
The news was received here with genuine sorrow and surprise, and the remaining members of the family have the sincere sympathy of their scores of friends in Stark county, in their terrible affliction.
--------------------------------
James was Capt. of the 112th Illinois Infantry from Toulon, Stark Co., Illinois during the Civil War.
.....
[From The Stark County Sentinel, Toulon, Illinois, Thurs., September 8, 1881, p. 4, col. 1]
THE ARMSTRONG CALAMITY!
Full Particulars of the Sad Affair,
as Given by Mr. D. Tinlin.
Heroism of Mrs. Armstrong---Noble
Conduct of the Neighbors.
A Calamity Without Parallel---A
Scene that Beggars Description.
We learn from D. Tinlin, who returned from Iowa Tuesday evening, the full particulars which has befallen his brother-in-law, Capt. James Armstrong, and family, who for many years resided her, and were highly esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances and friends. The accident,–brief mention of which was made in these columns last week,–occurred under the following circumstances.
Capt. Armstrong and his two sons were in the field last Wednesday afternoon, where the boys were plowing, when a cloud came up in the west and Mr. Armstrong started for the house. Before he reached the house the storm came on, and his sons quickly unhitched and sought refuge with their father in the barn,–a common western stable with a slough-grass roof. They had but just entered the barn and were fastening the horses, when there came a flash of lightning, which struck the barn, instantly killing Capt. Armstrong and his two sons and four horses which were in the barn. The fifth horse was knocked down by the shock but was not killed.
The only other persons on the farm were Mrs. Armstrong and daughter, Katie, and her daughter-in-law and little child. The first intimation they had of the awful affair, was when discovering the barn was on fire they ran out to it, and beheld the deadly work of the lightning's stroke. Katie at once ran for their nearest neighbor, who lived fully a half mile from them, while Mrs. Armstrong rushed into the burning building and dragged out the lifeless bodies of her loved ones. Charley, her youngest son, was nearest the door and he was first taken out. William was next, but the horse which had been stunned by the stroke was lying partly on his body, and it was only by super-human exertions that she exceeded in getting the body out. By jerking and kicking she got the animal upon its felt several time, but each time it fell back again. She finally got it up, turned it our, and carried out her oldest son, William. Her husband's body laid about 25 feet from the other, and several times while struggling frantically to get William's body from under the horse she had to run to her husband and brush from his clothes the burning coals which were falling upon him. She then plunged into the flames and smoke and carried out her husband, as the roof and sides were falling in. Neighbors soon arrived, but the barn was wholly destroyed. The remarkable heroism and presence of mind of Mrs. Armstrong and her courage and endurance through their terrible ordeal, almost exceeds belief.
The bodies were not disfigured in the least, but appeared as if fallen asleep.
Of the kindness and generosity of the neighbors, Mr. Tinlin says too much cannot be said. They came from miles around, brought provisions with them and at no time either day or night, until after the funeral, were there less than half a dozen men and women there to attend to everything. About 1,900 pounds of ice was hauled from Scranton ten miles distant, to preserved the bodies until the arrival of the only remaining son, James, who lived at Pleasantville, Kansas.
Saturday afternoon the bodies were buried side by side, in one grave, and here the neighbors showed their forethought again by leaving the grave open after the burial to give James, who had not yet arrived, a last chance to see his father and brothers in case he came on the train that afternoon. True to their hopes, he did come, having been delayed upon the way, and he was permitted to look for the last time upon their faces, now pale in death.
Mr. Trimmer, who went out with Mr. Tinlin, remained there, and James, the only remaining son, will return with his family and reside on the farm. Capt. Armstrong had a fine quarter section of land, on which he had built a good, comfortable house, and was getting along finely. His crops this year are good, and promise an abundant yield.
The news was received here with genuine sorrow and surprise, and the remaining members of the family have the sincere sympathy of their scores of friends in Stark county, in their terrible affliction.
--------------------------------
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Records on Ancestry
Advertisement
