MASTERSON, John Richardson

Weekly Journal Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory Wednesday, January 13, 1892, page 3, column 4 (From Monday's Daily) John R. Masterson died at his home on Groom creek on Saturday night about midnight. His remains were brought to Prescott yesterday and were buried this afternoon at 3 o'clock. Deceased was a native of Ohio, aged 59 years. ------------------------------------- Arizona Weekly Citizen, Tucson, Arizona Territory Saturday, January 16, 1892, page 3, column 6 Died - Masterson, - At his place of business on Groom Creek, Jan. 9, 1892, at 11:45 p.m., John R. Masterson, aged 59 years. Pneumonia was the fatal malady which cut short this respected pioneer's blameless life. Deceased was born near the town of Batavia, Clemont county, Ohio. Came across the plains in the early days to Denver, Colorado. Was interested in a toll road and gate, with his brother, near that city. He next went to Fort Wingate, New Mexico, and came from there to this section some time in 1861. After remaining here quite a while, he went to California and lived two years, when he returned to Prescott. He was a partner of and worked with the late John H. Marion in placer mines in this vicinity, and in later years managed the Marion ranch in Chino valley. He was one of the party who were attacked by Apaches at the Big Bug mine and barricaded themselves in a cabin and would have been captured and murdered had not the late J. H. Marion, who happened to be within hearing distance, heard the din of the savage fight and hastened to Lynx creek and led a rescuing party to the scene of the conflict. He was delirious in his last moments, and seemed to think his old partner, J. H. Marion, was near him as he frequently called him by name, asking him to wait for him and not hurry. Deceased was a typical pioneer; brave, plain and honest, without guile, and was ever ready to share his fugal miner's fare with every wayfarer and to exert his energies to assist those who needed it. Another pioneer has been called from his mountain home, one more brave man who faced a thousand deaths has succumbed to the inevitable and followed the trail of his beloved comrades who have gone before, but like them his pathway will be illuminated by that lustrous light which eternally shines from the past record of a good man. - Courier Transcriber's note: Mr. Masterson is buried in an unmarked grave in the Citizens Cemetery, Prescott, Arizona.