Branstetter, Charles

Picher Oklahoma, Sep 15.--Charles Branstetter, 35 years old, was instantly killed at the Hawkeye Mine last night about 7 when struck by a loaded can which dropped down the shaft. The accident was said to be due to the breaking of a friction band of the hoisting machinery.

Branstetter, according to statements made by fellow workers, had just hooked the loaded can and stooped over to take hold of the empty can, which had been let down, when he was struck on the head by the heavy can of dirt. His skull was badly crushed.

Branstetter was working as a tub hooker at the time of the accident. He was regularly employed at the mine as a machine man, but had taken the regular hooker's work last night while the latter was off duty. Branstetter was familiarly known throughout the Picher district as "Hockshaw." He was an experienced hooker.

Branstetter was married. Besides his wife he is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. T. F. Branstetter, of Ritchey Missouri. No funeral arrangements have been made as the arrival of the parents is awaited. The body is at the Todd undertaking parlors, at Picher Oklahoma.

Picher Oklahoma, Sept. 16.--The funeral of Charles Branstetter, 26 years old, who was killed at the Hawkeye Mine Sunday night when struck by a loaded can falling down the shaft, will be held from the chapel of the Todd undertaking company, of Picher tomorrow afternoon at 2. Burial will be in the Fairview cemetery, Joplin Missouri.