Weekly journal-miner., 1911-04-12
CITIZEN
 |S CLAIMED BY DEATH
(From Saturdays Daily.) ]

scholar, lawyer and statesman, is
 dead. Without any warning that the
 end was near, and while apparently
 in the best of health, he expired
 suddenly yesterday afternoon at 3:45
 o'clock in the Prescott Hotel. while
 sitting in a chair conversing with
 several friends. The sad news ere
 ated a shock in the community, and
 many friends and acquaintances of
 this distinguished citizen of Arizona,
 entered the place to verify the re-
 port, believing that it could not be
 so, for the reason that a few min
 utes previous he was seen on the
 street mingling with friends in his usual genial fellowship. MT. Bennett,
 a friend of many years, was sitting
 at his side, and was engaged at the time in a conversation on business.
 He states that Col. Wilson appeared
 to be in perfect health. During a lull in the conversation of perhaps a minute
 or more, he noticed his companion
 recline his head to the side, and
 utter an inaudible sound in low
 tone. Not believing that his life was ebbing away, he paid no further attention. In a few minutes, how ever, ne noticed the death pallor com ing over his features, and with others realized that the end was near. Col
 Wilson had been in the room only a few minutes, and walked to the chair with a steady gait. He was animated in his tone, and entered into a con- versation with many before taking his seat. His only ailment was rheu- matism, and he frequently referred to his foot as the main trouble in recent months. He returned from Kingman yesterday morning at 3 o'clock, and went 10 his rooms in the Lawler block immediately after arriving in the city. During the day he was on the streets conversing freely and pleasantly with all, and went to the hotel to see clients in litigation.
 No death that has taken place in many months in this city, will be more regretted than that of this dis resident. His loss will be all over Arizona, from his past life of nearly a quarter of century in exemplary citizenship, honesty of purpose in either business or professional duties, and a com that made him one of the most genial of men. He was a stauneh of the old school of the lawyer and believed in adhering sternly to fundamental principles in practice. For this reason he was re- garded as one of the ablest attorneys in Arizona, and his clean record ex- emplifes that principle without a blemish. Col. Wilson took especial delight in questioning young members of the bar who sought admission, and his agreeable manners, and wide range of questioning were traits that made him an authority in judicial procedure.
 Aside from his professional calling, Col. Wilson in public service had a record unexcelled by any in Arizona On the stump, in the heat of a partis- m conflict, he was clean and upright, | md in the scores of speeches made, whether as a principal or supporter 'f his cause, he was Jealous and man y in his effort to present the issues dearly and eleanly. The rancor of others was distasteful and the ehiean- ny of the politician was repulsive to lim. His private life was also blessed with hewing closely to the 'ame line of duty, and for this reason le was further endeared to all.
 No better tribute to this worthy .itizen can be extended than that eelingly expressed yesterday by Robt. E. Morrison, his opponent in two political campaigns and his contend ng attorney in many legal eases. dr. Morrison said:
 "Col. Wilson's death is a sad loss O me. He was honest, upright and
 ble. On the stump I found him a gentleman, and in the practice of the aw in opposing me, he was the most Ienial of attorneys I have ever faced n my life. No matter how bitter night have been the issue in either vent, l had no hesitancy whatever n going to his office on social matters IT business duties and whether I Tas successful or not, he was genial t all times. I considered Col. Wilson n exceptional man and I am sorry hat he has passed away"
 Colonel John F. Wilson was born n Giles county, Tennessee, May 7th, S46. He was educated in Rhuhama, -labama and was a lawyer by pro