The central record. (Lancaster, Ky.) 18??-current, 1919-05-22


horrible automobile accidents that
has ever occurred in this community
happened last Monday afternoon
about three O'Clock, when two of the
most prominent Presbyterian minis
tiers in Central Kentucky, Rev. W. NJ.
Eldridge, of Paint Lick and Rev.
Clyde Sheltman, of McAfee, Mercer
county. were instantly killed at the
Dix River bridge on the new Lancas-
ter and Danville pike. their automo-
bile turning turtle just beyond the
iron bridge on the Boyle county side.
The two gentlemen were returning
from Danvlle and were alone in a
Ford Roadster when the accident oc-
CURED. The exact cause leading to
the accident will probably never be
known. as no one actually witnessed
the distressing accident. Rev. Ed
ridge, owner of the car was driving
and was not considered an expert for
he had only been driving few weeks
and was not considered an experience
ed driver
Probably thirty minutes after the
accident occurred Mr.. J. p Bourne
was returning from Danville and saw
the wrecked machine on the roadside
and upon investigation found that the
occupant was dead and realizing that
he could be of no service alone. hur-
ried to Lancaster and brought the
first news Of the accident In a few
minutes many were on their way to
the scene and the overturned machine
was lifted from the unfortunate VIC
tins and not until this time was it
discovered that there were two fatal
tiles
Friends Immediately recognized
Rev Eldridge and only through pa
pers found on the body Of the other
victim, was it identified as Rev Clyde
Sheltman, Of McAfee, Mercer county.
What caused the accident will
probably always be shrouded in mys-
terry however it was plainly to be
seen that for distance of fifteen
feet or more before the car took the
fatal leap over the embankment. the
brakes had been applied and the rear
wheels locked as patches were torn
in the loose metal which had been re-
Gently applied to the road.
The Car went over the embank-
ment a height Of about five feet and
turned completely up-side-doNn.
Neither of the occupants had never
moved and were thrown on their
heads, death resulting immediately.
The head Of Rev. Eldridge struck
a large rock. causing his instant death
and the weight of the machine crush
ed out the life Of Rev. Sheltman. as
both shoulders were broken and back
crushed.
The bodies were placed side by side
on the grass near the accident and
left there until the arrival of Coroner
Zimmerman, of Danville.
Upon his arrival jury was summon
ed and verdict rendered in accord
ance with the above facts.
The bodies were then brought to
Lancaster and turned over to the To-
raj undertakers and We're prepared
for burial. In the meantime the fam
lies of both victims were communi- !
rated with over phone.
Rev. Sheltman was on his way to |
Paint Lick to assist Rev. Eldridge in |
! series of meetings that were to have !
begun last Monday night. He was
years old and has been the !
pastor of the churches at McAfee and !
salvisa in Mercer county for the past I
year or more. He was well liked by 1
,itizens Of that community and was
, christian of high character. He
caves wife and one daughter, who
$ seventeen years old and a student |
# Kentucky College for Women. He
vas a brother of Mr.. Wade Sheltman
# the Franklin Printing Company of
louisville. The remains were taken
o Louisville yesterday afternoon,
where the interment will take place
his afternoon in Cave Hill cemetery.
The following came up from Salvisa
md McAfee and accompanied the re-