Killed in Mine — Frank Schlotman Meets a Violent Death
Frank Schlotman, a well known Sheldon young man, was killed in a mine at Leadville, Colorado, early Tuesday morning. His body was found some hours later. It lay partially concealed by five tons of dirt which had fallen upon him.
No one knows just how or when the accident occured. When removed from beneath the pile of dirt it was discovered that his watch had stopped at 2 o’clock. As he was later found later in the morning it is presumed that he met his death about that time. Evidently he was on a night shift. According to the meager information received from Leadville, his body was discovered in the morning, presumably the first work hours of the morning.
It is surmised that the accident happened while Mr. Schlotman was hauling ore from a chute. The car became clogged and he crawled up and removed the impediments, which loosened the dirt that fell on him and crushed him.
The body was brought home last night and this afternoon at 2’oclock the funeral will be held from the residence, Rev. Orton to officiate, interment to take place in the Fleming cemetery.
It is about three years ago since Frank Schlotman left home for Colorado where he became a miner in the New Leadville Gold Mine & Milling Co., a mine practically owned by Sheldon stockholders, and under the management of Will Deaner, a former Sheldon man. His remains home were accompanied by Arch Deaner, also employed in the mine.
Frank Schlotman is the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Schlotman, who reside about three miles south-east of Sheldon. He is 26 years of age and was born on the place where the family now resides. He was a good man, a faithful loving, son in whom the fond parents rejoiced. His death is a severe blow to the family. Besides the heartbroken parents he leaves three brothers and one sister. The brothers are Charles, Oscar and Robert, the sister is Isea.
The death of Frank Schlotman is greatly deplored throughout the neighborhood and the Times Democrat joins with the friends of the bereaved family in extending to them heartfelt sympathy.
Source
Iroquois County Genealogical Society, Obituary File, Iroquois County Times Democrat, 19 Feb 1904
The remains of Frank Schlotman, whose death occurred in the Deaner mine at Leadville, Colo., last Monday, arrived in Sheldon Thursday night, accompanied by Archie Deaner, another of our Sheldon boys, who is working in the mines. Frank was working days and was engaged in drawing ore from the chute. The ore became clogged and he crawled up on the table to start it and the ore started immediately, striking him with full force, killing him instantly. Frank was about twenty-five years old and had been employed in the mine for some time. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Schlotman of this place, and who have the sympathy of the community in this sad hour. The funeral was held at the home of his parents Friday afternoon at two o’clock, Rev. Orton conducting the services. Interment was made in the Fleming cemetery.
Source
Iroquois County Genealogical Society, Obituary File, Watseka Republican, 24 Feb 1904