1887: John Phillips of Augusta, GA.

A Georgia Phenomenon.
AUGUSTA, June 17.-Rain on a small spot at the corner of Forsyth and Watkins streets has been falling for ten hours, though the day is hot and the sky clear. The Augusta Evening News, afternoon paper, gives this account: “In front of house 620 Forsyth street, occupied by Mr. John Phillips, the rain was falling in minute drops. It made an impression on the surface of the ground, and by putting down a sheet of paper the spattering of the rain could be distinctly heard. The falling rain was first discovered by Mr. Phillips’ neighbor, Mrs. Lee, about six o’clock last night. At 11 o’clock this morning the water continued falling. A large crowd witnessed the unsolved mystery, and were amazed upon viewing the spectacle. The distance within which the rain the rain fell is about two feet in diameter. At noon the rain ceased falling, which is supposed to have been caused from the heat of the sun upon the earth absorbing the water as it fell. To-night the spray is again coming down. Negroes in the locality are going wild over the phenomenon.”

Source: Columbus Enquirer-Sun, Columbus, Georgia, Tuesday Morning, June 21, 1887; Pg. 7