Fame (Bark), U9213, lightning, 8 Jun 1856

BARQUE "FAME" STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. - TEN PERSONS INJURED.- The barque FAME, Capt. Barse, bound for Chicago with a cargo of lumber, while off Grand River, on Sunday night, was struck by lightning, and almost her entire crew disabled. She
returned to port yesterday morning.
      Buffalo Daily Courier
      Tuesday, June 10, 1856

      . . . . .

      BARK FAME STRUCK BY LIGHTNING---TEN PERSONS INJURED. - The bark FAME, Capt. Barse, bound for Chicago with a cargo of lumber, while off Grand River last night was struck by lightning, and almost her entire crew disabled. She returned to port this morning. At the time of the disaster, the crew were gathered about the mainmast engaged in hoisting the mainsail, which they had just reefed. With the exception of the cook and the man at the wheel, they were all prostrated by the bolt, and three of them severely injured, some of them it is feared fatally, as follows; James Scott, of Kingston, C. E., struck in the thigh, and the flesh burned to the bone; Peter Johnson, body and arms badly burnt; Henry Horner, left arm paralyzed, injured severely; John Welch, right shoulder and left arm badly injured; Geo. Bronson, left hand severely burned; Wm. Kimball, right thigh and leg severely scorched; Rufas Berby, 2nd. mate, both arms badly burned; Mr. Levity, 1st. mate, right leg above the knee slightly burned; Capt. Barse was knocked about and stunned, but escaped material injury. All these, except the 1st. mate, were taken to hospital this morning. The most singular circumstance about the whole affair, is that not a mark was made by the fluid upon the vessel or any of her spars, to show by what means the injury was inflicted.
      Buffalo Daily Republic
      June 9, 1856


Bark FAME. U. S. No. 9213. Of 281.50 tons. Home port, Detroit, Mich.
      Merchant Vessel List, U. S., 1869