Clayton Wetherill was often referred to as "The Human Plumb Bob" and
was related to his dare devil methods of exploration. His brothers
would tie him off on a rope and lower him into dwellings over the
cliffs so he could
explore. He suffered a near death experience in
late 1888, suffering an attack of Rheumatic Fever which damaged his
heart. This may have been the reason Clayton was involved in death
defying climbing episodes while exploring.