Z. J. Forsythe Killed at Federal Mine No. 11

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MINER AND TWO MULES KILLED
WHEN ORE CAR BREAKS LOOSE

    Z. J. Forsythe who was employed underground at Eleven Federal and boarding at the Martin residence in Flat River, was instantly killed in an accident, early Friday morning while at work, when he was hit by a loaded run-away ore car and knocked 50 or 60 feet, his skull having been crushed and his chest caved in.  At the time of the accident, Forsythe was "roping."

     At the point where the accident occurred, the men work on two levels, one reached from the other by an incline of 186 feet, with a 33 degrees grade.  The cars are pulled from one level to the other, by means of a "dinkey [donkey?] hoist."  Forsythe was standing at the lower level.  The loaded car, which he was hoisting, had almost reached the upper end of the incline, when a u-bolt pulled out, letting the car come back down the incline in a flash.  There being no light at the upper level, men at the lower level, did not see the approach of the car.

     Near the foot of the incline the car jumped the track, hitting Forsythe squarely.  It went on, killing two mules, one of them instantly, the other dying a few minutes later.  Rufus Reeves, a mule driver, was an eye witness of the tragedy.  he testified at the inquest that he was not aware of the approach of the cars until it was squarely on its victims.

     Joe Diemer, Elvins undertaker, took charge of the remains, preparing them for burial.  They were taken to the W. T. Cozean residence in Elvins.  Mrs. Cozean is a sister to the unfortunate man.

     The funeral was held, Saturday afternoon at the Cozean residence, and was conducted by Rev. E. D. Owen, pastor of the Elvins Baptist Church.  Interment was made in Woodlawn Cemetery.

     Forsythe and his wife have been separated for a number of years.  He is survived by five children, Mrs. Thelma Long, Misses Vera and Juanita Forsythe, and Harold Forsythe of Tamoroa, Ill., and Leo Forsythe who is serving in the United States Navy and stationed at San Francisco.All except Leo were here for the funeral.

Additional Information:  According to Woodlawn Cemetery Listing, his full name is Zechariah Jesse Forsythe, born Aug. 14, 1871, died Aug. 3, 1922.


Note: I believe the newspaper had the first name of the miner wrong in the following article.

HARRY FORSYTHE

    Harry Forsythe, 51 years of age, was killed instantly at No. 11 Federal mine on last Thursday night about 11 o'clock, when a loaded mine ore car broke loose from an inclining hoisting rope and went back down the track to where the unfortunate man was at work.

    He leaves five children, all of whom live in Illinois, to mourn his loss.

    Funeral services were conducted at the home of his sister, Mrs. W. COZEAN, in Elvins Saturday afternoon by Rev. E.D. OWENS. Interment was made in Woodlawn Cemetery

THE LEAD BELT NEWS, Friday, August 11, 1922

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