Democratic Sentinel, Volume 11, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 July 1887 — TEE SOUTHERN STATES. [ARTICLE]

TEE SOUTHERN STATES.

A Nashville dispatch says a most remarkable occurrence followed a negro funeral at Mount Pleasant, Tenn., nine negroes being killed by a single stroke of lightning. A large party followed the remains of Harriet Terry to the grave, singing and shouting. The usual ceremonies at the grave were performed, and just as tho final prayer had been said an ominous cloud came up from the east, Tho party had scarcely left the grave when one of tho most severe thunder and ram storms ever known to that section burst on thenn All immediately made a break for the various trees scattered around the graveyard. Scarcely had those who were killed reached the shelter of an immense oak when the tree was struck by lightning. The whole party of nine tumb'ed down together and died instantly. Three others who were sheltered under a tree saw the party killed, but were themselves uninjured. It was noticed that the part of each body nearest the tree was scarred and their clothes torn. The most intense excitement prevailed, and the wailing and mourning of the frightened negroes was heartrending. The production of Dig-iron in the South this year will fall below the output of last year.