Robert Ward
Feb. 25, 1904; Oregonian, p 11
"Perishes in the Cold"
Canyon City, Or., Feb. 21

   The almost lifeless body of Robert Ward, a woodcutter, whose home was on the mountains three miles out of town, was found by his partner at daylight this morning in a patch of bushes.  A neighbor was notified, and a wagon sent to his relief.  The old fellow was lifted into the wagon, but almost immediately expired.  The body was brought to town, and interred by the county authorities.
   Mr. Wood was in the early '70's a successful saddler in Canyon City.  He was a Civil War veteran, and, although badly crippled, had never applied for a pension.  He drank heavily, and was soon reduced to poverty and became a county charge.  Later he herded sheep and got a few dollars ahead, with which he sent into the wood-cutting business.  He came to town Saturday, pruchased a few supplies, and a new saw, and left for his home, partly intoxicated.  He also carried a flask of whisky and evidently drank too much.  He became confused, dropped his saw, lost his hat, and stumbled and crawled a quarter of a mile to gain the shelter of the bushes.  He then lay down in a slightly sheltered spot, where he was exposed through a cold and snowy night.  The exposure had killed him, and no inquest was deemed necessary.