When lightning strikes twice… or three or four times
Here is the strange tale of William Yeldell Cosper, born 1844 and died 1919. His grave lies in Childersburg, Talladega County, Alabama, but it has not been a peaceful rest.
In 1919, Cosper was standing on his front porch during a storm and was struck by lightning. Miraculously he survived, even though he was pushing 75. He was convalescing some time after the incident when lightning struck him again, inside the house! The second strike was fatal.
He was mourned and buried in the Childersburg Cemetery and left to rest in peace. However, several years later his headstone was struck by lightning and destroyed.
The family had the stone replaced. Then, sometime later, the stone was struck, yet again, and destroyed a second time. At this point the family was no longer able to bear the expense of another stone replacement, so the grave remains in its shattered state.
Is there any reason for lightning to be so persistently attracted to William Yeldell Cosper? Is it simply a remarkable coincidence?
You can find details about William’s grave on his find-a-grave page, posted and maintained by David Cahoon.
6 Comments
Joe
His age of “75” can’t be correct going by his birth date and death date.
ravencraft
There was a typo in the birth date which has been corrected. Thanks for pointing it out.
Dominique Smith
What did he do to attract the series of events?
Thank you
Magdalene Wegner
Dearest,
At 64yrs, Native American, a Long-Time Spiritualist …
I would like to know some details on Mr. Cosper’s
living personality??
Thank You ,
Maggie ✝
ravencraft
Regrettably, I have little historical information beyond was was shared in the story. I’ve not been to the property and have never tried a spirit connection. I wonder if a group of us could connect. It would be exciting to try.
Elizabeth Marie Thomas
Evidence of a magnetic personality surviving beyond death. 😉