Charles Mathews (1882-1904)

MATHEWS

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 12/17/2011 at 12:34:15

From Story County Watchman May 27, 1904

Charles Mathews, a young farmer living with his father, Charles C. Mathews, six miles north of Ames, was instantly killed by lightning last evening. He, with two brothers and two others, Ernest Hunter and James Allen, were building a fence near the Ray school house. When the storm came up they all took refuge in an outbuilding neat the school house, with the exception of Allen who went home. When the bolt struck Charles was instantly killed, never regaining consciousness after being struck. His two brothers were shocked badly, both being knocked down and rendered partially unconscious, but quickly recovered.

The school children gave he alarm immediately and physicians were summoned at once. They made every effort in their power to restore heart action to the stricken young man, but without avail.