Flora Damon Johnson, 1862-1931

JOHNSON, DAMON, TODD

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/22/2014 at 11:36:36

Spencer News Herald
May 21, 1931
(photo of Mrs. Flora Johnson accompanies this news article)

MRS. FLORA JOHNSON DROWNS in CISTERN at DAUGHTER’S HOME

When she slipped or plunged into a deep cistern at the rear of the home of her daughter, Mrs. Bessie Inman, on East Seventh street, Sunday morning, Mrs. Flora L. Johnson, 69 years of age, was drowned in about six feet of water, her body being discovered half floating on the surface by the daughter as she returned from attending Sunday School at the Church of Christ in Spencer. Mrs. Johnson had been dead only a short time before the body was found and it is believed she fell into the well only a few moments before her daughter returned. Examination showed only a small amount of water in the lungs, indicating the aged woman died more from the shock of the fall than from drowning.

Coroner P. F. Schwarck pronounced her death as due to accidental causes.

Following the discovery of the body, after Mrs. Inman had searched the house for her mother upon her return, Chief of Police Roy Frad and Constable William Jones were called to the scene. They summoned the coroner after raising the body from the water by means of a rope.

CISTERN ALMOST FULL
The cistern in which Mrs. Johnson died is about nine feet deep and seven feet wide at the ground level. It was filled to within three feet of the top with rain water. The opening is protected by planks laid across a concrete aperture about three feet wide. An inner cover of wood also protects the opening. All of the planks but two were removed from the opening as was the inner cover when the body was found, leaving an opening through which the woman fell of about two by three feet in size. Nearby was a pail half filled with water and dandelions.

It is believed Mrs. Johnson attempted to draw water from the cistern for washing and as she reached across the opening for the pail, lost her balance and fell into the opening. Unable to cling to the sides, because of limited strength, it is believed she plunged downward into the watery pit. A scratch on her arm indicated this.

OLD RESIDENT HERE
Mrs. Johnson, nee Flora Louise Damon, was born October 21, 1862, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Damon. She was one of the pioneer residents of Spencer and has lived here the greater part of her life. On October 31, 1886, she was married to William George Todd, who preceded her in death in 1918. To this union were born six children, Mrs. Ernest Freed, Mrs. Mabel Bowman, Mrs. Bessie Inman, Mrs. N. T. Lane, and Mrs. Arthur Young, a son having died in infancy.

Surviving to mourn her death are Mrs. Inman, Mrs. Lane, who resides in Des Moines, and Mrs. Young of Chicago. There are also two great grandchildren and a number of grandchildren living.

She is also survived by her husband, Mr. Stephen Johnson of Spencer, to whom she was wedded in January of this year.

Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon, May 20, at two o’clock from the Cobb Funeral chapel in Spencer. Rev. W. F. Hurst of the Church of Christ was in charge of the services. Interment was at Riverside Cemetery.

Interment in Riverside cemetery
 

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