JOHN MILLER Arizona Republican Newspaper May 19, 1909 On Friday evening May 7, while coming down from Morenci over the trail in the darkness of night, Reece Webster and John Miller lost the trail and while looking for a place to get down in to Chase Creek, Miller was thrown from his horse, the fall resulting in almost instant death. Though Mr. Webster was with him he did not see the accident as it was only a miracle that he did not meet with a similar fate. They started from Morenci about dark and as the weather was cloudy they depended on their horses to keep the trail but it seems that the horses landed them a considerable distance above the regular trial which enters Chase Creek at the upper end of town. Mr. Webster realized that they were not on the regular trail and as he had been over the trail hundreds of times advised his companion to stay on top while he found the way. Reece proceeded downward and after going a short distance his horse stopped. By the aid of a whip his horse made a jump and landed about ten feet below. As the horse was uncertain of his footing, Reece fell off on the upper side, at which time he realized that he was in a bad place and as it was proven later he was on the brink of a fifty foot precipice. On account of the darkness he was afraid to proceed either up or down and called to his friend to remain on top. In the meantime he heard some rocks roll down the hill in the near vicinity and no response coming from Miller he began to call for help. By chance, O.A. Risdon, the photographer, happened along on the railroad track and recognizing Mr. Webster's voice he began to investigate. Arriving at the bottom of the hill, Reece explained to him that he had lost the trail and could not find the way out and at the same time remarked that he was afraid an accident had befallen his companion. After searching around Mr. Risdon found Miller laying by a tree and after feeling his head, discovered that his skull was crushed. Unaided he carried the man to the bottom, where he left him until he could come to Clifton and secure help. During this time, Reece remained on the side of the mountain until the relief party returned with a light when he was rescued. It was discovered that the saddle must have slipped over the horse's head as it was laying a short distance down the hill with the rope fastened to the horse, consequently Miller must have been thrown head first down the hill. Miller was still breathing when Risdon left him but when the rescue party arrived he was dead. The remains were brought to Clifton and prepared for burial. The deceased was a married man, leaving a wife and two children to mourn his untimely end. He was connected with the Morenci Water Company and was well liked by those who knew him.