The mourners were on their way to the cemetery when the storm broke over Hanston, Kansas.
Inside the metallic coffin was the 5-year-old daughter of Samuel McPrease, believed to have died the day before. Funeral services had already been held, and the family was making the final journey to bury her.
Then lightning struck.
The bolt hit the coffin, burst it open, and, according to the account, the little girl sat up and called for her mother.
Life Restored By Lightning
HANSTON, Kansas. — A supposed corpse brought to life by a bolt of lightning is the story that comes from Hanston, Kansas.
The 5-year-old daughter of Samuel McPrease apparently died and funeral services were held the following day.
On the way to the cemetery lightning struck the metallic coffin and opened it, whereupon the child sat up and called for her mother.
The horses were knocked down, but no other damage was done.
The little girl is in a fair way to recovery. It is believed she was in a cataleptic state from which the lightning shock aroused her.
Source: Wausau Pilot. Wausau, Wis. August 20, 1901.
