West, Mary E. Gough

Passed: 1894-07-18

Age: 54

Source: Jackson County Newspapers

Death Notice: 1894-07-18

Obituary Date:

Information: FORMER JACKSON COUNTY LADY KILLED IN THE FAR WEST - Mary E. (Gough) West was born in Gilmore county, West Virginia, May 16th, 1840.  She was united in marriage to J. W. West, March 26th, 1863 in Jackson County, W. Va.  Joined the M. E. Church in 1868.  Came with her family to Buffalo county, Nebraska in 1886, removing to Logan county after a short residence there.  Killed in an electric storm about 9 p.m., July 18th, 1894.  She and her husband had been gathering fruit on the Dismal river.  They had started home about noon, but were delayed on the road by the storm.  Knowing that their children would feel anxious about them, they determined to go home that evening.  About eight miles from home, they were compelled to stop on account of the intense darkness, the storm having broken in all it's fury upon them.  Mr. West asked her if she was afraid.  She said:  ""No, I cannot say that I am afraid.  I know that the Lord will take care of us.""  These were her last words.  A blinding, burning sheet of flame descended upon them and that Christian wife and mother lay dead.  Considering her modest Christian life and those last words, can we doubt her acceptance with God?  After several hours of unconsciousness, Mr. West revived sufficiently to realize what had happened; to lay the dear form down in the bottom of the wagon, cover it as best he could, for the clothing was nearly burned from the upper part of the body, unhitched and mounted the one remaining horse, it's mate having been killed, and arrived home about 5 o'clock in the morning, where he yet lies in a critical condition caused by the shock and severe burns.  On Friday a short discourse was given from Luke 17:34-37: ""One shall be taken and the other left"". after which the remains were buried in the family cemetery beside a daughter and a ............ [From the scrapbook of Mary Kouns]