Marion C. FANNER
October 9, 1905
Arizona Republican Newspaper

The scattered remains of a man are lying on the desert 
twenty five miles beyond Winters' Wells on the road from 
Buckeye to Harrisburg and Salome.  They were found there 
last Friday morning by a couple of Mexicans on their way 
to Salome.  Also found were a lot of papers which they 
turned over to D.W. Hall of the Grace Valley development 
Company.  A letter was received at this office yesterday 
morning from Mr. Hall containing an account of the 
discovery and enclosing the papers.  The body is scattered 
along the road and about ten feet from it.  The letter 
said that it could be easily found and anyone traveling 
along the road could see it.

Acting Coroner Burnett was informed by the Republican 
and under his directions a dead wagon from Merryman and 
Moore's was sent out to gather up the remains and bring 
them to Phoenix.

The body is supposed to be that of Marion C. Fanner, 
an old soldier, an inmate of the Soldier's Home in 
California but absent on leave.  This supposition is 
based on the papers found in the vicinity of the body.  
One of the papers is an official postal card from the 
Pacific Branch, National Soldier's Home for D.V.S.  
It is dated May 29 and addressed to Fanner at Roosevelt.  
The card notified Fanner, who is described as late of the 
62nd Regiment, Ill. Inf. Home Company D, that his furlough 
from the home is extended sixty days from date.  There is 
also a blank application for pension.  

Mr. Merryman before starting his wagon called on E.H. 
Winters for directions about the road and succeeded in 
arousing his lively interest in the case, for the reason 
that he had an old man in his employ at the wells, who 
is an old soldier and an inmate of the Home on leave.  
He had lately lost his papers, but his name is Selby.  
The body or what is left of it will probably be brought 
in late today.

Bones of Fanner
October 12, 1905

A telephone message was received yesterday by Merryman 
and Moore from A.H. McLellan who left on Sunday afternoon 
after the remains of M.C. Fanner which had been found on 
the desert.  The message was sent from Buckeye which Mr. 
McLellan had reached on his return.  He said he found the 
remains without trouble.  He left Buckeye last night but 
will camp on the way, reaching Phoenix possibly before 
noon today.

The Pieces of Fanner
October 13, 1905

A.H. McLellan returned yesterday at noon with what 
remained of M.C. Fanner.  All of the body could not 
be found as it had been dragged around by coyotes or 
vultures.  An inquest was begun by Justice Burnett.  
A physician will examine the body today determining 
if there was foul play.