Joe Ferguson

FERGUSON

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 11/30/2001 at 19:00:56

JOE FERGUSON KILLED.
Son of Supervisor Ferguson Struck
by Lightning at His Home near
Mt. Sterling.

About 2 o'clock P. M. Wednesday, May 27, people of Bonaparte noticed a small but very dense rain cloud which seemed not of an alarming nature. Very little rain fell here and the main shower went west of town.

At this time John Ferguson and two sons Dan and Joe were mowing near their home at Mt. Sterling. When the shower came they ran under trees for protection, Joe being under a different tree from his father and brother.

Suddenly there came a vivid stroke of lightning and Joe fell. He was killed instantly, the bolt having struck him near the ear and leaving a distinct mark on his head and body.

The funeral services were held Thursday at the home and the body was interred in the Purdom cemetery at Keosauqua.

Joe was thirteen years of age and was quite generally known, having attended school at Keosauqua and but recently returned from Birmingham where the family lived for several months.

He was the younger of the two children and was an exceptionally intelligent, manly boy. The parents have the sincerest sympathy of the entire county in their deepest bereavement.

[date not given but position in scrapbook would suggest 1903]

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 4, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA

I am NOT related and am posting this obit for those who may find this person in their family history.