From the Lodi Sentinel, 22 Dec 1917:
Charles Weidman Met Instant Death in Peculiar Manner
While blasting clay on his farm near Valley Springs Wednesday, Charles Weidman, a rancher 63 years old, was struck on the head by a five-pound lump of clay and was instantly killed. The skull was crushed.
Weidman prepared a blast and touched off the fuse and then stepped back to what he thought a safe distance and lit his pipe. The blast threw a big piece of clay high into the air and it struck him on top of the head.
Weidman leaves a widow and two sons, William of Stockton and Henry of Valley Springs.
The funeral was held yesterday at the family home. Interment was made in Campo Seco cemetery, under the direction of O. H. Wells.