Frank Stump (1931)

STUMP

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler, Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/20/2014 at 07:31:57

Earlham Echo – Earlham, Iowa
September 24, 1931

LIGHTNING KILLS VAN METER MAN

Frank Stump, 22, Found Dead Under Tree on Henry Farm Monday Morning.

Frank Stump, young farmer near Van Meter, was found dead under a tree on the Frank Henry farm Monday morning. Failure of young Stump to return home Sunday night caused a search to be made which resulted in finding of the body a few hours later.

Stump was 22 years old and resided with his parents Mr. and Mrs. Cleburg Stump. It is presumed that he was returning home late Sunday night, taking a shortcut through the Henry pasture when a storm came up. Seeking refuge under the tree he was instantly killed when it was struck by a bolt of lightning. The tree was splintered and the body of the young man was badly burned. The tragedy happened less than a mile from the Stump farmhouse.