A Man, His Wife and Three Children Found Dead at Richmond, Va.
A family of five persons were killed by lightning a few nights ago at Richmond, Va. They were asleep in their two-story residence, just beyond the eastern corporate limits of the city, when struck. The bedroom was in the upper story. The building was isolated and the windows were raised. The house was set on fire, and the tragedy was discovered by fire issuing from the roof.
The persons killed were DALE EMMETT, thirty-one; ALICE EMMETT, thirty-two; LILIE EMMETT, six; NORMAN EMMETT, three, and a seven months old infant. The father was a carpenter, who, with his friends were there from Westmoreland County, Penna., about a year ago.
When the rescuers reached the room by ladders, MR. EMMETT, his wife and baby, lay in bed, while near by were smouldering[sic] the remains of his six and three year old children. The family were buried next day, three hearses carrying the bodies to the grave.
The Cranbury Press New Jersey 1892-07-29
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Today we would say they died of smoke inhalation and probably not comment on the state of the bodies after they were pulled from the house. Does this mean our modern media actually has some journalistic standards?
Wowwwww
Couldn’t help but notice that the baby has no name. Is that typical on older graves like this?
The family had a history and the tales are very long and complicated with them. I have been doing a bit of research on “husband and wife” and the fraternal organization that “Dale Emmett” belonged to during his short time in Richmond.
From what I understand, they didn’t often name infants until they reached a certain age due to the high rate of infant death.
This family and the story about the lightning strike that set their house ablaze was prominent in the paranormal tv series called “The Haunting Of” featuring medium Kim Russo. This episode is about actor Brett Cullen who once lived on the exact property as this family did. He and his wife and daughter experienced departed spirits of people who lived in this house once and had died in one way or another on the property. Very creepy but amazing revelation.