Killed by Lightning

William H. Elliott of Fair Haven Struck Dead

William H. Elliott, son of Mrs. Armenia Jobes of Fair Haven, was struck and instantly killed by lightning during the severe thunder storm last Wednesday. His mother, who was in the room with him, received a shock that rendered her unconscious and she remained in that condition over two hours. Mrs. Jobes was in a precarious condition for several days but she is now improving.

Elliott was sitting against the wall, between a picture and a looking glass. The lightning first struck a mulberry tree which is situated about eight feet from the house. The branches of the tree project over the roof of the house and in this manner the current was conducted to the house. Going through the roof the electric current traversed the wire holding the picture until it struck Elliott and then went out through the floor, making a large hole. The picture was shattered and a piece of it struck Mrs. Jobes. Dr. A. A. Armstrong was summoned but Elliott's death had been instantaneous.

Elliott was nineteen years old. He was a young man of excellent character and was the main support of his mother. His funeral was held on Sunday at the house and the body was buried at Eatontown.

The neighbors contributed $25 to help Mrs. Jobes through her trouble, and she wishes through THE REGISTER to thank them for their aid. Rev. John C. Lord of Navesink, who is well acquainted with the family and with the circumstances of the case, says the case is worthy of the charity of the public, and contributions in aid of Mrs. Jobes may be forwarded to him.

Source: Red Bank Register, Wednesday, Jul 10, 1901

Some additional excellent resources for your research are:

• New Jersey Census, 1772-1890 - Ancestry.com

• Calendar of New Jersey Wills, 1670-1760 - Ancestry.com

• Interment.net - NJ ~ New Jersey Cemetery Transcriptions on the net.

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