Moved with motherand three brothers from Randolph County, Virginia to south of McComb, Illinois about 1837 and later to Kansas in 1867. (From the 'Girard Press'June 3, 1875 & May 27, 1875.) Mr. John DeGarmo, whose home was on Thunderbolt Creek, about six miles south-west of Girard was instantly killed by lightning, on Wednesday, evening, May 26th. From Mr. S.D.Myers we have gleaned the following particulars.  DeGarmo's boys were out on the prairie herding cattle. A thundershower came up, and it is supposed Mr. DeGarmo went to the stable,which is about 100 yards from the house, for the purpose of getting a horse to assist them in driving the cattle home; but after having reached it, bridled the animal, and taken it out, it is thought he saw them nearing home, and so took the horse back into the stable, and turned about to go to the house. When he reached the center post of the front end of the stable it was struck by lightning.The fluid passed from the post to his body, making a streak as of a severe burn from his head to his feet, and causing instantaneous death. The boys did not know anything had happened, but as Mr. DeGarmo did not make his appearance at the house for a little while after they reached it, one of them went to the stable to see what was the matter. He found Mr. DeGarmo lying on his back, near the post, a lifeless corpse. The horse which stood about four feet from the post, was unharmed. Mr. DeGarmo's funeral took place on the 28th of May 1875 by Reverend Jesiah Carter preaching the sermon from the text found in Mark,13th Chapter, and the 35th-37th verses. The funeral was largely attended. Mr. DeGarmo was a member of the United Brethren Church, and fifty-five years of age. Federal Census 1860 McDonough County, Illinois Bethel Township Shows Elizabeth (Grimes) DeGarmo living with him (John), her age was shown as 73 Page 495 Federal Census 1870 Crawford County, Kansas Sheridan Township Indicates Francis name is Francis John, and Perry Frakes living with John aged 1 year old. Sheet 412 Line 35 In the 1974 Fall issue of 'The Schuyle rite' the Schuyler County, Illinois newsletter.(Approximately 1864) 'We learn that during last week Mr. John DeGarmo and his son Allen, Mr. M. Shaw and Mrs. Shaw, left the neighborhood of Brooklyn for the Peak. They took two wagons and two yoke of oxen each.'

GIRARD PRESS, Girard, Kansas - June 3,1875