Hephner, Jay C.

Other Events:

• Obituary: 4 Jul 1903; Chilton Times

Notes:

Obituary:
KILLED BY A BOLT
The community was shocked on Friday morning when it was learned that Jay C. Hephner, a popular and prominent young farmer of the town of Charlestown, who resides 2 ½ miles northeast of this city, was killed on Thursday evening by a bolt of lightning.
Mr. Hephner, after the evening meal, had gone to the barn to do his chores. He had completed his work at the barn and at about 7:15 o'clock picked up an axe to use in splitting some kindling wood. When under a maple tree about two rods from his house he was struck by a bolt of lightning and his death was instantaneous. The bolt came down through the branches of the tree without injuring it.
Mrs. H. was startled by the report of the bolt, stepped to the door, and not seeing her husband called to him. Not receiving a response she became alarmed and started for the bar, and when she reached the maple tree found him dead. Frantic with grief she returned to the house and had her sister Lizzie Seipel, go to the home of a neighbor, Chas Peik and informed him of the calamity. Mr. Peik returned with the young lady and carried the lifeless body into the house and then came to this city for a physician and notified relatives.
Jay C. Hephner, who was 31 years, 6 months and 18 days of age, was the youngest son of N. M. Hephner, of this city. The young man was born Dec. 19, 1871 on the farm on which he resided at the time of his untimely death. Some three years ago he was married to Emma Seipel, of Meeme, Manitowoc County and purchased his father's farm. He was an industrious young man and he and his wife had just started life with good prospects of a successful career. He was well liked by the entire community, both as a neighbor and citizen.
The funeral will take place on Monday morning from St. Augustine's Catholic Church of which he was an active member. Besides the heart broken widow, an infant child, aged parents and a number of other relatives survive him.

Jay married Seipel, Emma Bef 1903. Emma was born Abt Jul 1878; died Abt 1958, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA. [Group Sheet]