Holland City News, August 23, 1906

While at the pump in the barn of his father, Klaas Brouwer, of New Holland, during the electrical storm last Friday evening at 5 o’clock, William Brouwer, aged 27 years, was struck by lightning and instantly killed.

The barn was set on fire by the same bolt and was burned to the ground, but the body of the young man was removed from the burning building by his mother, who rushed from the house when she saw that the barn was on fire, only to learn that her son was dead. His wife was milking near the barn at the time. The father was in Holland delivering pickles at the H. J. Heintz Co. plant, but the neighbors assisted in caring for the body of the young man. Dr. J. W. Van der Berg was called but his services were not needed as death had been instantaneous.

Deceased is survived by his wife and one child, his parents, several brothers and sisters.

The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon from the New Holland Church, Rev. J. Wesselink officiating.