Bio: Shoemaker, A. (Barn Burned - 1907)

Contact: Michelle Melcher
Email: michelle@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Shoemaker

----Source: Fairchild Observer (Fairchild, Wis.) 7/11/1907

Shoemaker, A. (Barn Burned - 1907)

Barn Burned.

During the severe storm of last Sunday evening lightning struck the barn of A. Shoemaker, residing about one and a half miles southeast of town, and it was entirely consumed by fire. At the time there were four horses, a calf, a set of harness and some hay in the building and only two horses were saved. The bolt killed one of the animals instantly and stunned another so that it was impossible to get him out. The whole structure was ablaze in a moment and nothing but the heavy rain which was falling saved the house from destruction, as the wind blew the flying embers directly toward the house. The team lost was a valuable one and their loss is felt more than the destruction of the barn, which was not an expensive one, although it answered the purpose. No insurance was carried and the loss in complete. Mrs. Shoemaker and a young son were in the yard about eight rods away when the lightning struck and they were both knocked to the ground. The fire was plainly seen from town and although it lasted only a few moments, it was a hot one while it was going.