Troy Times

August 2, 1866

JONES, JEREMIAH - On Saturday morning last, between nine and ten o'clock, Jeremiah Jones, landlord of the City Hotel, his little son Frank, and Jacob Bowers, who lived on Mr. Jones' farm, about two miles Northwest of this city, were killed by lightning while standing under a beech tree, during a shower of rain. Mr. Jones left the hotel on Saturday morning, taking with him his only son, who was about eleven years old to go to his farm for the purpose of repairing or rebuilding some fence. He had three hired men working with him. Soon after they commenced work, they saw a thunder shower approaching, when it was agreed to quit work and go to the house.--The storm came on so quickly that Mr. Jones with little Frankie and Mr. Bowers stopped under the first tree for protection, but the other two men passed on to the barn. After the shower, the men returning from the barn to work, discovered the three lying dead under the tree. The alarm was immediately given, the neighborhood gathered in, and everything was done that could be to restore life, but without effect. The news too was brought to the city immediately, and spread as if by magic, and produced the greatest excitement. Many of our leading citizens repaired to the scene of the terrible disaster, and brought in the bodies of Mr. Jones and little Frankie. When they arrived at the Hotel, the streets were filled with a dense mass of excited and anxious people.--The bodies were placed in position in the family sitting room at the Hotel and the vast crowd were permitted to pass through and view them.-- Piqua Democrat.