Statewide County AZ Archives Obituaries.....Miller, John 1909
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
D. Joshua Taylor http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00006.html#0001358 and Elizabeth Burns  July 16, 2005, 8:43 pm

Arizona Republican-May 19, 1909
JOHN MILLER
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.
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