Weekly journal-miner. [volume] (Prescott, Ariz.) 1908-1929, 1911-06-07

section or ArlIonh, ana nhh Oh hn-
questioned integrity, died suicide
SUNDAY afternoon, at the ranch Of
John Duke. near the Point of Rocks.
lie chose chloroform rs the method
for his destruction, and in farewell
letters mentioned several reasons.
one Of which was his advanced age
and his grief over the loss Of two
Of his pet horses, that provided him
with the means 10 make living.
His tender and sympathetic nature
is feelingly reflected in the letters he
left, and which show the fine fiber
Of affection he enjoyed for his dumb
friends, and the hopeless fight that
faced him without their assistance
in the struggles for an existence.
Mr. Boetteher made every possible
arrangement for ending his earthly
career, and IL is believed his death
took place between noon and 9
o. clock, Sunday. Previous to the
noon hour he sent Thomas Duke TO
the T. q +. railroad junction TO
telephone to John Duks TO come to
the ranch. At that opportune time he
went to the place where his horse
was standing, aud realizing that IL
could not get well, shot il in the
head. Immediately after he killed
his horse, he made preparation for
ending his own life. When the body
was found II was lying alongside of
the horse. Around his face was
tightly pinned large handkerchief,
while over his head was an old shirt,
to prevent the escape Of the chloro.
form fumes. An examination Of the
horse showed that its dead owner
had endeavored to save its life,
bandaging its legs and placing
cloths also on its head saturated with
salve.
Mr.. Boettcher was not only man
Of kindly sentiments, but he was also
gifted with scholarly attachments. He
was fluent writer, and in days
gone contributed to the press and
other publications. in poetry and
prose that brought out his indivi1l.
uality in striking and Intelligent
manner. lie had resided In this see.
ton for nearly forty years, and was
admitted to citizenship in this city
in 1876, as native Of Germany. He
was about 6s years old.
One Of the letters found In the
house Is as follows:
John Duke, Esq, Prescott.
Friend John: Enclosed you will find
directions for the disposal Of what
few effects ] possess Ny reason for
taking the steps that I am, IL that
! am too old and badly crippled to
attempt new start ut my time In
life. Besides, ! am tired Of the
struggle, rs everything have taken
hold Of in this county, In the past,
has invariably, through some unfore.
seen or unavoidable accident, turn
ed against me-
"-hanking You for the many kind.
nesses you have extended me, and
wishing you long and prosperous
life, ] am going to aak one further
and last. request. II you can got
permission to do NO, wish you
would fiji one Of the old lime kilns
with wood and place my body on IL
and set the whole business on fire.
Or otherwise, bury me in some con.
venient place here Mt home. BY 10
doing you will for the last t6me,
oblige, respectfully, your friend.
"H. l.. BoETTCHER.
GOOD bye.
Up, ST. owe Joe Dougherty s45.
You will find about this amount In
my pocket. viii you kindly hand IL
to him, and thus relieve me Of my
only indebtedness. !"
BsQusashs PEopsrty.''
"To Whom II May Concern; In
consideration Of the many kindnesses
and favors extended by him to my.
self, l desire to, and do, by these
presents, give and bcqueath 70 my
friend, John Duke, any and all Of
my personal property and possess.
ions, 10 have and use same 40 to
him seems fit. This also includes
one bay horse, which I bought Of
Jack Stanley, and the bin Of sale
for which he will find in my trunk.
IL possible, would like him to have
possession without any further legal
qpibbies or delays.
"H. l., BOETTCHER.
Referring to HE favoyits horse.
which he went 70 for the last time,
and killed, probably few monsats
hnfopA ha audAA ~ 49, tA. a.