Amador ledger., 1910-09-23
WIN. MATTLEY
FOUND DEAD
Team Ran Away Killing
Driver When Wagon
Turned Over

Thomas were driving band of cattle
down the old road leading from Jack
son to Stony creek and Lancha Plana,
about a mile out of town they came
across an overturned wagon. with
two horses attached and underneath
the front left wheel was the dead body
OF man. Bastian was riding ahead,
and noticing the overturned wagon in
the distance, he rode hurriedly
through the cattle to ascertain what
was the matter. The spot was OPP
posite the dwelling known as the old
Fritz place at the forks of the roads
leading toward Stoney creek on the
left and toward the lone road on the
right. Realizing what had happened,
Bastian rode back to Mr. Thomas,
some distance in the rear, and told
him of the affair. The two repaired
to the scene, and attempted to release
the body of the man from the wagon.
The weight was too much for their
united strength, the wagon being a
heavy one such as is used for hauling
wood etc. So one of them FASTENED
to this city, to inform the authorities
and get assistance. The hub of the
wheel rested upon the temple. The
body was still warm, showing that
death had taken place but short time
before. 1t was about fifteen minutes
past four when the discovery was
made. Although the victim was well
known to both parties, they were I'M
able to identify him as he lay under
the wheel, and various rumors were in
circulation as to the identity of the
victim when the news was brought to
Jackson. 1t was known that Oscar
Myers, A. Fredricks, and &. Court
right, had been in town that day
and each of them were men
toned as the probable victim.
The sheriff and district attorney
went out to the spot as soon as word
, reached them. Others had also been
! attracted thither before their arrival.
The body was released, and it was
fonnd to be William Mattley, oldest
son of Dave Mattley, of this city.
He had been to the blacksmith shop at
Martel's to have his wagon fixed. He
was driving two horses. one of them
being a colt. He was returning home
ward, his residence being near Stony
creek. How the accident occurred no
one will know. 1t is evident from an
examination of the roadway and
tracks, that a runaway occurred. The
wagon struck large stump that stood
in front OF the Fritz fence, and this
was no doubt the cause of the capsize.
The overturned wagon was some yards
ahead of this stump. The momentum
of the team was perhaps checked
by the collision. The wagon turned
over to the left. How the driver, whose
seat was on the right side, came to
fall under the front wheel on the left
side is hard to explain. Maybe he
was pitched forward on the horses.
and then fell in front of the wheel, as
the wagon was going over. The team
is supposed to have come to a stand
still Immediately upon the capsize.
The body was brought to Jackson as
soon as possible, and coroner Potter
notified He came over from Ply
mouth the same evening, and sum-
moned jury, consisting of the fol-
lowing w. l.. Fortner w. M. Penny
jr., w. j. Leavy, Thos. Lemin, M. H.
Former G. M. Meek, Lee Wilson, c.
Giovannoni. The inquest was held
Tuesday morning, and the jury, after
hearing the testimony, brought IN a
verdict that the deceased came to his
death by his wagon being overturned
on top of him, caused by the team run
ming away.
Deceased was 40 years of age, a
native of California, and member of
the N. S. G. w. Besides his parents,
and five brothers. he leaves two chill
dren, both living outside the county,
and both of whom were present at the
funeral. The funeral was conducted
Wednesday, under the auspices of the
local parlor of Native Sons, Rev.
Shea officiating, interment in the city
cemetery.