Beckley in Raleigh County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Sudden Death from the Skies

Photographed By Becky Leach, August 3, 2023

1. Sudden Death from the Skies Marker

Inscription. On 20 August 1900, architect John Price Beckley (Age 26), grandson of county and city founder Alfred Beckley, was engaged in building a house for a prominent Beckley attorney. He and carpenter William E. George (30 y. o.), a friend, were conferring on the back porch of the house. Both men were suddenly struck down by a single lightning bolt and died instantly. Other workmen were stunned by the bolt but were not injured.

Erected 2023 by Raleigh County Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is August 20, 1900.

Location. 37° 46.512′ N, 81° 11.334′ W. Marker is in Beckley, West Virginia, in Raleigh County. Marker is on South Heber Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 218 S Heber Street, Beckley WV 25801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of First State Police Headquarters (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chris Sarandon (about 700 feet away); Spanish Influenza Hospital (about 700 feet away); Alfred Beckley (about 800 feet away); James Bird Cole (1813-1880) (about 800 feet away); Samuel Haas Bridge (23 Jan. 1884 - 27 Mar. 1965)

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Upper Big Branch Mine Explosion (approx. 0.2 miles away); We Will Never Forget. (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beckley.

Sudden Death marker on pole image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beckley Public Works, circa August 3, 2023

2. Sudden Death marker on pole

Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2023, by Merle T. Cole of Daniels, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 64 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 9, 2023, by Merle T. Cole of Daniels, West Virginia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.