Jim Hartman recalls how Middleton’s home Madrone Villa was a showplace in the mountains and had many social events there. He also mentions the lady friend who lived with Middleton and had two “spritz” white dogs who would ride in her carriage. Hartman’s brother worked for Middleton in his store and was having a contentious meeting with him when Middleton suffered a stroke. Middleton lived for several years later and the Hartman family would visit but he never was the same, unable to speak or walk about.