100 years ago: Tragedy strikes at St. Ellen Mine when runaway mule kicks over prop

Looking back at stories that appeared in the O’Fallon Progress 100, 75, and 50 years ago:

100 years ago, March 13, 1924

“A sad accident occurred in St. Ellen mine last Friday afternoon in which George Sturman, 66 years old, a well-known coal miner, lost his life, meeting almost instant death when a prop gave way and buried the unfortunate man under a mass of coal and clod.

“The accident was witnessed by Carl Sturman, a son, who was within a few feet from his father when he was struck.

“A runaway pit car, which jumped the track as it passed through the room in which the Sturmans were at work, struck a prop supporting the roof, causing a piece of coal and clod, about four feet wide and eight feet long to fall.

“One end of the slab struck the elder Sturman, the other hitting the box. Sturman was thrown violently to the ground. His neck was broken and he was injured internally, passing away about five minutes later in the arms of his son, who had gone to his rescue.

“The son asked his father where he was hurt and he replied, “It all over.” He gave a few gasps and expired.

“The accident was a peculiar one and was caused by a fractious mule, which was being driven by Richard Reeble.

“The animal was hitched to a pit car and in going down a grade became unmanageable and started to kick against the coal car. Reeble was unable to control the obstreperous animal and jumped to one side. The mule started to run away and entered the room of the Sturman’s where the car jumped the track and struck a prop. The prop was knocked over, permitting a section of the roof to cave in.

“Had the car continued on the track, upon which it was wont to make its regular trips, it would not have occurred, but the mule jerked it off and veered to the post with the fatal result.

“The lifeless form was taken to the Schwarz (funeral) chapel where deputy coroner Gaerdner conducted an inquest, a jury returning a verdict that the man came to his death from injuries received by a fall of coal and clod.

“Richard Reeble testified at the inquest that while he was driving downgrade the mule became fractious and started to kick and run. Realizing the danger he jumped off the car, then followed the mule and car which were gaining momentum.

“He yelled to miners to look out for the runaway mule which by that time had entered room No. 5, occupied by Sturman and his son.

“Geroge Wirth, a miner who occupied an adjoining room, was in the room of the Sturman’s when the runaway mule entered. He was standing to one side talking to young Sturman while the father was at work and witnessed the fatal accident.

“They heard Reeble’s call of warning and jumped to one side, at the same time warning the elder Sturman, who attempted to get out of the way, but the slab struck him when he was within a few feet from clearing the falling mass.

“The deceased was born in Cleveland, Ohio, October 10, 1857, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Sturman. He was united in marriage to Miss Julia Cole, at Topeka, Kans., October 29, 1885.

“For a time the family resided at De Soto, Ill. Fifteen years ago the family came to O’Fallon, where they lived since.

“Besides his widow he leaves two sons, Carl Thomas and Melvin E. Sturman; his mother, who is 96 years old and resides at Matherville, Ill.; three sisters, Mrs. Annie Watson, of Los Angeles, Calif.; Mrs. Jane Coltman, of Matherville; Mrs. Maggie Perkins of Pocatello, Idaho; one brother, Thomas Sturman, of Matherville, and one grandchild.

“The deceased was a member of Local No. 705, U. M. W. of A. (United Mine Workers of America), Eagles, and Owls.

“The funeral was held Monday afternoon from the residence where services were conducted at 1:30 o’clock by Rev. Frank E. Harris, pastor of the Methodist church. Internment was in Shiloh cemetery.”

75 years ago, March 17, 1949

“O’Fallon was snowbound last Wednesday night and most of Thursday for the first time in years by one of the worst blizzards in years.

“A fine rain which fell Wednesday afternoon turned suddenly about 7 p.m. into large snowflakes which covered the ground within an hour in spite of the wet surface. Before long the white flakes covered the ground to a depth of four inches.

“The sudden snow, which continued far into the night, was whipped by a strong northern wind, piling up on highways to a depth of five feet in places.

“Covering wires and trees it froze, electric power being interrupted from 8:05 until 8:40. Without streetlights or illumination in homes, added to the discomfort to pedestrians who ventured out into the storm as well as the stay-at-homes.

“By the next morning, most of the town was snowbound, resulting in many workers not being able to get to their places of employment, either here or in other cities.

“Many automobiles became marooned on highways, some occupants remaining in their cars all night while others braved the storm to seek shelter in nearby places.

“One of the worst traffic snarls in years was on U. S. Highway 50, one mile west of this city, where more than 50 automobiles were stalled in several drifts from two to five deep. Here abandoned cars formed a line all the way from the Glenn property to Carbon Hill.

“Adjacent Tornado Inn was packed with marooned people, including young and old alike who were unable to leave until midmorning the next day. Some braved the deep snow and walked the one and a half miles to this city.

“Another bad spot was near the junction of St. Ellen Lane Road where some 100 automobiles and trucks were mired in the deep snow. With no nearby shelter, many were forced to remain in their cars and trucks all night.

“Traffic did not start to move until almost Thursday noon and then the highway remained treacherous as the snow froze on the pavement in addition to a narrow lane through the deep drifts. One-way traffic was maintained until Friday when cars again began moving, at some points by one-way lanes.

“The storm caused the telephone exchange to become overtaxed to such a degree that only “emergency” long-distance calls were accepted.

“Another three-inch snow fell late Saturday night, but with an above-freezing temperature and bright sunshine, most of it disappeared by Sunday night.

“Monday there were more snow flurries and a drop in temperature to 16 above.”

50 years ago, March 14, 1974

“As fast as the whole thing began, streaking has just about had its run of being a national fad.

“Streaking, moving swiftly through a certain area in the nude, was hitting just about every college campus and some high school campuses in the country.

“There was an unconfirmed report of a streaker in the O’Fallon Community Park.

“A male streaker was apprehended at the Belleville Township High School East campus last week.

“Two males streaked the Belleville Area College campus last week as did numerous males at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.

“Reports on streaking incidents have died down during the last couple of days. It seems as though they’re no longer nudes-worthy.”