The copper era and Morenci leader., 1916-10-20
DEATH OF THEO. SHIRLEY

Word was received in Clifton the <, first of the week of the death of Theo- dore Shirley at Sawtelle, Cal, his de- mise occurring last Friday. MT. Shirley had been in poor health for several years and it is thought that his taking off was due to old age coupled with infirmities with which he was afflicted. No particulars of his death have been received, owing to the unsettled train service and the inability to get mail ] from California according to schedule. It is understood, however, that inter ment was made at Sawtelle where de- ceased had made his home for some months.
 Some time ago MT. Shirley was icognizant of his failing condition and expressed a wish to return to Metcalf and spend his remaining days with his daughter, Mrs. c. H. Farnsworth. The last reports received by Mrs. Farnsworth from Sawtelle were to the effect that her father was im- proving and expected to leave shortly for Metcalf, but he evidently took a turn for the worse and before his hopes could be realized the grim reaper had claimed him.
 Theodore Shirley was an old timer in this district, having come to Ari- Zona many years ago from California. He was born in Germany and his youth was spent in Wisconsin where he received his early education, later emigrating to California where he spent several years before coming to Arizona.
 Judge" Shirley, as he was familiar ly known, was known and beloved by everyone in this district where his name will ever live for the part which he took in the making of early his in this section. He always took a keen interest in questions of public welfare and was lifelong democrat who adhered strictly to the teachings of democracy and who worked for the interests of the party at all times, re- garding the principles as of more worth than the visible increment to be accrued therefrom. As a result of his consistency and faithful adher- ence to these principles he was hon. ored in 1906 by being elected to the Of | flee of probate judge of Graham coun- ty when Arizona was a territory, and later in 1910 he was again recognized by the electorate by being elected to the same office in Greenlee county soon after it's division from Graham. It was also during his tenure of office that Arizona attained statehood and at the same time the office of pro- bate judge was abolished, those duties devolving upon the clerk of the su- perior court.
 He was also justice of the peace at Metcalf for several terms but in later years he retired from public life and lived quietly with his daughter until his departure for Sawtelle some months ago. Of his immediate fam fly he leaves to mourn his loss his daughter, Mrs. Farnsworth, who re- sides at Metcalf and Mrs. Louise To- gan, of Gila Bend, Arizona.
 The passing of Judge Shirley re- moves one more of the old timers who in the early days had great deal to do in the making this section of Ari- zona what it is today, and his mem ory will be revered by all who knew him as a man who lived his life ac- cording to his high standards and who was ever ready to help a deserving brother in distress. He lived up to his ideals as nearly as possible and the community mourns the passing of such a character as Judge Shirley.