Jasper County Democrat, Volume 2, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 September 1899 — The Killing of Ben Thomas. [ARTICLE]

The Killing of Ben Thomas.

A Wanatah special to the Valparaiso Messenger, under date of Sept. 8, has the following to say of the killing of Ben Thomas ana Frank Simpson, by lightning, recently: “A sad accident occurred near this place yesterday afternoon about 4 o’clock in which Ben Thomas, a farmer, and Frank Simpson, a laborer, were killed by being struck by lightning. Thomas and Simpson, together with William Richman, of this place, and William Miller, of Michigan City, took shelter in Thomas’ bam during the heavy storm. All were standing in the doorway, when the barn was struck, the bolt running down a studding and striking Thomas and Simpson killing them both instantly. Miller and Richman were both knocked down by the bolt and burned considerably. Thomas was about 50 years old and leaves a family. Simpson is is a single man. The barn was slightly damaged. Six horses were in the barn at the time but were uninjured.” Mr. Thomas formerly conducted a meat market at this place some time ago, and also resided in northwest Carpenter for several years, being well known to the people of this locality. The remains were brought to Foresman for burial.