Peter Schaefer

SCHAEFER

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 5/23/2021 at 17:43:29

17 May 1916 - The Clinton Advertiser
page 6

PETE SCHAEFER OF LYONS DIES ON THE TRACKS

Tuesday evening about 8 o'clock Peter Schaefer of this city lost his life when he was struck by a Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul extra freight train which left the local deport at 7:13 bound north.

Just how the accident happened is not known only from the story of the train crew as they were the only ones seeing it, but the local agent saw Mr. Schaefer get on the freight leaving here at six o'clock. It is presumed that he intended to get off near his home above the Gabriel Ice House, but that the train went over the cross tracks too fast for him to dismount and he rode to Elk River. Then he tried to get on the passenger coming south, but could not do so and started to walk back.

He must have walked about a half mile south of Elk River and then sat down on the ties. It was in this position that he was struck, the train hitting him in the head. The train crew stopped and picked him up, taking him to Elk River and from there he was brought here on an extra freight, arriving here at 9:30.

The remains were taken to the Bormann undertaking parlors and were there all night without being identified until this morning when local persons said that they were those of Mr. Schaefer. Positive identification was made when Mrs. Schaefer viewed the body this morning.

Coroner Kellogg declared death due to a fracture of the cranium and it is known that he was dead when picked up by the train crew. No inquest will be held.

The first clew to the identity of the dead man was the contents of his pockets among which were some lag screws. Upon investigation it was found that Mr. Sanger had sold these in the afternoon to Mr. Schaefer.

Mr. Schaefer was about 45 years of age and was well known in this city having been employed by Fred Wilke and also by George Hurlburt on the latter's dray line. He is survived by his wife and family of seven children, the eldest of whom is about 14 years, and the youngest four weeks.

During the past winter he has been living near the old stone quarry and was employed by N. A. Gaarde.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. Relatives are awaiting the arrival of Mrs. Schaefer's father from the south, who is expected to reach here tonight.

18 May 1916 - The Clinton Advertiser page 6

The funeral of the late Peter M. Schaefer will be held Friday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the Bormann Undertaking parlors and interment will be in Oakland cemetery.

Rev. R. C. Keagy will officiate.