ROSCOE WILSON

Killed By Lightning

Roscoe Wilson, a Young Farmer of Woodland Township, Was Instantly Killed Tuesday Afternoon While Working in a Field Near Marbletown.

DECEASED LEAVES A WIFE AND FAMILY OF FIVE SMALL CHILDREN

Roscoe Wilson, a young farmer residing in Woodland township at McKinleyville, was struck by lightning Tuesday afternoon at about 4 o’clock, while working in a field near Marbletown, and instantly killed.

R. H. Wilson, a brother of the unfortunate man, was working in the same field and was perhaps 80 rods from his brother when he was killed. He stated at the inquest that a small cloud came up and that it began to rain. There were several sharp claps of thunder and for fear his horses would get tangled up in the harness, he unhitched them and was standing looking in an opposite direction from where his brother was working. His first attention was attracted towards his brother, when he noticed that his team was running away. He did not see his brother with the horses and suspicioning that he had met with a serious accident, ran in the direction he was working, and when within a short distance, saw him lying on the plowed ground. He found him lying on his back, his shirt near the collar and his trousers near the right knee were on fire. He wore a straw hat, the top of which was torn out and blackened from being scorched. His right shoe was completely torn off. Life was extinct when he reached his side. He immediately called to Grover Freeman, who was working in an adjoining field. Shortly, other men who were working near, came, and the body was taken to the home of R. H. Wilson, at Marbletown. Later the body was taken to the deceased’s home. Dr. Onion of Summum was called and advised the family to call the coroner. Undertaker J. B. Harris of Astoria was called and took charge of the body.

Inquest Held.

Wednesday at about 10 o’clock, Coroner Ray of Cuba arrived at the home and held an inquest. The following jurymen were selected. A. N. Price, J. B. Harris, W. T. Onion, Harvey Tippy, Frank Brillhart and Oscar Blue. The jurymen viewed the remains and after taking the testimony of two witnesses, namely, R. H. Wilson and Grover Freeman, returned a verdict to the effect that Roscoe Wilson, of Woodland township, Fulton county, came to his death, about 4 o’clock Tuesday afternoon while harrowing in a field, by being struck by a bolt of lightning.

On examination it was found that the lightning had struck his head at the right temple. The skin was burned off in many places, beginning at the right temple, and extending down the right side of his body, almost to the right knee. His right ear was also badly burned. The right foot from which the shoe was torn off, was not injured in the least.

It was a very sad affair, indeed. The deceased was a young man 28 years old and leaves a wife and five small children, namely, Violet, aged 9, Ruby, aged 7, Bonnie, aged 5, Viva, aged 3, and Rossie aged one year.

Mr. Wilson was a hard-working, industrious young man and had many friends who speak very highly of him. His wife who is the daughter of Thos. Edlin, is heart broken over the sad affair. Being left with no means of support to speak of and with five small children to provide for, the burden of their support falls heavily upon her. She has the sympathy of the entire community in her sad affliction.

Published in the Argus-Search Light on 5/6/1914

Obituary of Roscoe Wilson.

Roscoe Wilson, who was killed by lightning last Tuesday afternoon while riding on a harrow in a corn field, in Kerton township, was the son of Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Wilson, and was born in Kerton township Nov. 1st, 1886. He was the youngest of a family of eighteen children. Roscoe was married May 15, 1904 to Miss Carrie Edlin and to them five children were born, namely, Violet, aged 9, Ruby aged 7, Bonnie aged 5, Viva aged 3, and Rossie aged one year. He leaves besides his wife and children, to mourn his untimely death, his aged father, eight brothers: W. of Summum, B. L., Summum; T. J., Summum; R. H., Marbletown; C. S., Macomb; E. C., Prescott, Kans.; L. E., Hume, Mo.; A. L., Oklahoma City, Okla.; three sisters: Mrs. Pauline Beaty, Pleastantan, Kans.; Mrs. Mattie Schank, Rushville and Mrs. Ella Horton, Colchester. His mother died 23 years ago. The deceased united with the Christian church at Kerton Valley, when about 18 years old and has lived a good christian life since.

The funeral services were held Thursday at 2 o’clock conducted by Rev. Cooper of Ipava. Interment in the Hickory cemetery.

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A Very Generous Act.

Last Saturday there were five teams plowing for corn for Mrs. Roscoe Wilson, in the field in which her husband met death by being struck by lightning, last week.

It was, indeed, a very kind and generous act, one that displayed the true, benevolent spirit of loyal, steadfast neighbors. We are told that neighboring farmers will also see that the field, which contains twenty acres, will be planted to corn in due time.

The jurymen, who were selected by the Coroner to hold the inquest, and who were allowed the usual fee of $1.00 each for their services donated the amount, $6.00 to Mrs. Wilson.

Published in the Argus-Search Light on 5/13/1914