J.J. Rath
September 18,1905
Arizona Republican Newspaper

J.J. Rath, a prominent citizen of Cochise County while 
out riding today was accidentally shot and killed.  
Witnesses state that he was holding a shotgun muzzle 
up when the hammer struck the side of the rig, 
discharging the contents of the gun into his neck, 
killing him instantly.

Mr. Rath was for ten years identified with the 
Southern Pacific and Wells Fargo Companies in 
this section, resigning three years ago and 
engaging in the hotel and mining business.  
He had been prominently identified in politics 
in this county, being justice of the peace in 
this precinct at the time of his death. 

He leaves a wife and three daughters to mourn 
his loss as well as a host of friends.  He was 
instrumental in the detection of Stiles and 
Alvord, who robbed a train here, he being 
agent of the express company at the time.