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- from "The Bedford Free Press", 4 Jul 1901 (posted on findagrave.com)
Death By Lightning Stroke
Robert M. Woods Is Instantly Killed. During the Electrical and Rain Storm Monday Afternoon, a Life Was Snuffed Out as a Candle Light.
The record-breaking weather of the past few days was followed by one of the severest storms that we have ever had. About six o?clock Monday evening, the wind, which had been swinging from the south and west, veered around to the north and east, and for a few minutes east Main Street presented the appearance of a Kansas sandstorm. Clouds of dust were swiftly born along, enveloping everything in their path. Lightning flashes cut through the gloom and added to the excitement. During one of the heaviest crashes the angel of death entered the home of R. M. woods west of town and took away the father and husband. Mr. Woods had been mowing in the field, in company with Joe Huss [?], and having just come to the house, was standing by a trough watering his team when the crash came. Mrs. Woods, who is a daughter of Wm. Fox, heard the crash and running to the door, looked out to where the lightning struck. The watering-trough was about 6 feet from the house and in full view of the door. The first thing that met Mrs. Woods? gaze was one of the horses struggling on the ground, and running down towards the trough saw her husband lying on the ground. He was perfectly still, and seemed not to have moved a muscle. His hat was torn, as was also his clothing and shoes, and on the right side of his head was an abrasion showing where the electricity had entered his body. It seemed to have passed down his right side, as his watch, which he carried in a small watch-pocket in his pants showed signs of having encountered the shock. Along one side of the crystal was a raised place where the glass had been melted, and on the edge of the case the silver had been melted and run together. Dr. Archer, of this place, was called and drove at once to the home of the deceased, which is but three miles west of town, but his trip was of no avail, as Mr. Woods had been killed instantly. The accident was as peculiar as it was terrible, and in its sudden agitation snuffed out the candle of life, depriving a happy home of a loving father and husband. Mr. R. [obert] M. [orton] Woods was born April 22, 1863, being 38 years old at the time of his death. He leaves a wife and three children---two girls and one boy. The oldest girl is around twelve, the second four, and the boy two. Deceased was a member of the Baptist church and was a conscientious Christian, as well as a straightforward, honorable citizen. The community in which he lived deeply mourns his death, and the bereaved ones have the heartfelt sympathy of all. The funeral services were held at the Baptist church Wednesday morning 10 o?clock, conducted by Rev. D. W. Griffith. Interment took place at Fairview Cemetery. Mr. Wood[s] was insured in the Des Moines Life Insurance Company for $1000, which amount will be paid to Mrs. Wood[s].
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1865 - 1901 (36 years)