Louis Johnson 1887-1917

JOHNSON, WHITESIDE, BIEL, MCCALL, LACRELIES, WESTON

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 5/23/2021 at 17:43:29

25 September 1917 - The Clinton Advertiser page 1

LOUIS JOHNSON COMMITS SUICIDE AFTER SHOOTING E. BURMEISTER IN ARM; JEALOUSY THE MOTIVE
Louis Johnson, whose home was at the corner of Eighth avenue and Sixth street, in Lyons, is dead by his own hand, and Emil Burmeister of North Sixth street has a bullet wound in the arm, as the result of a shooting tragedy which occurred this afternoon just before the ADVERTISER went to press.

Immediately after the shooting of Burmeister the police were notified, and Officer Burke hastened to the scene. The police officer passed Johnson, who was walking on Sixth street. Mr. Burke stopped and looked back at Johnson. At that minute the Lyons man put the muzzle of the revolver to his temple and pulled the trigger. Johnson fell dead on the street.

Johnson was foreman at the Clinton locks works, while Burmeister is employed as clerk at the Otto Rockrohr store.

It is said the tragedy was a result of "domestic trouble," and that Johnson was influenced to commit the tragic act through jealousy. Burmeister is married, and has a family of three children. Johnson also leaves his wife and a small son and daughter.

According to stories of the affair on the streets this afternoon Johnson entered the Rockrohr store about 2 o'clock, looking for Burmeister. The latter saw Johnson coming and ran into the cellar of the store. Johnson drew a revolver and fired, the bullet striking him in the arm. Burmeister made his escape through a rear door in the cellar, and went to his home.

After shooting Burmeister Johnson left the store, and a short time later turned the gun upon himself. The coroner has been notified of the tragedy and this afternoon conducted an inquiry. There will be no inquest.

26 September 1917 - The Clinton Advertiser page 6

EXPRESSION OF REGRET HEARD OVER DEATH OF LOU JOHNSON. Many expression of regret were heard about the city today over the death of Louis Johnson, who was popular with all his fellow workers and lodge members.

Louis C. Johnson, who died yesterday afternoon as the result of shooting himself, was born in Rock Island, Dec. 18, 1887, and was aged 30 years.

He was married to Miss Grace Whiteside, August 17th, 1898, and has lived in this city for about nineteen years. He was employed at the Clinton Steel Lock company, as foreman of the milling department, and was highly esteemed and well liked by his fellow workmen. The deceased was a member of the I.O.O.F., and was a prominent member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

Besides his wife he leaves to mourn his death two children, Vernon and Grace, and five sisters, Mrs. Miles Biel of Port Byron, Mrs. Tom McCall of Port Byron, Mrs. Charles Lacrelies of East Moline, and Mrs. Hugo Weston of Moline. His aged father, B. F. Johnson, lives at Canton and one brother, Frank Johnson, also resides in Canton.

No arrangements have been made for the funeral as yet.

Emil Burmeister, who was shot in the arm by Louis Johnson, is getting along nicely. The wound is not serious, having penetrated the fleshy part of his right arm.

Louis Johnson left his home at 1 o'clock for the lock shop and it is supposed went to the desk, got a revolver and left the shop before 2 o'clock. He went direct to the Rockrohr clothing store, and as he came in the front door, Burmeister crouched behind the counter, crawling on his knees until he reached the cellarway. He dashed into the cellar, Johnson after him. A minute later a shot was heard by LeRoy Rockrohr, who was waiting on a customer in the shoe department. Thinking it was an automobile starting up, he paid no attention to the noise.

Otto Rockrohr, who was standing in front the Roeh Hardware store, in conversation with Mr. Hagge, heard the shot and went into the store, and was standing there when Johnson came out of the cellar. He told Mr. Rockrohr he would find his clerk in the cellar.

Mr. Rockrohr went into the cellar to find Burmeister, but he had escaped through a back window and went to his home, where he notified the police.

In the meantime Mr. Johnson started to walk up Sixth street, meeting Fred Kettlesen, who walked with him as far as Fifth avenue. Johnson continued walking up Sixth street, until he came to Eighth avenue.

Looking around, he saw the officers in an automobile, and putting the revolver to his head, pulled the trigger and died instantly.

27 September 1917 - The Clinton Advertiser page 6

The funeral of Lou C. Johnson will be held Friday morning at 10 o'clock from the home on Eighth avenue and Sixth street, Lyons. Rev. Stockley of the Lyons Episcopal church will officiate and burial will be in Cordova cemetery, the Lyons I.O.O.F. lodge will have charge at the grave.