Johnson, Leo – Died 1911

JOHNSON, BROWN, BOWERS

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/2/2020 at 13:55:26

Source: Twice-A-Week Plain Dealer July 11, 1911, LP, C2

Inexcusable Shooting Affair.
A totally inexcusable shooting affair took place at Vernon Springs Sunday afternoon and as a result Leo Johnson is at Rochester with the surgeons searching for a bullet in his head and Gordie Bowers in the jail awaiting the result of his foolishness.
Several men, including some of the pavers and Bowers and Johnson were down at the river and Bowers, who always carries a gun and affects a wild west style, was displaying his skill with a revolver, shooting at hats and various objects and finally told Johnson that he would shoot a hole through his hat. Johnson paid no attention to the remark and Bowers fired, the bullet striking Johnson just above the ear. After washing up the wound, Bowers in answer to a question from Johnson as to why he shot was told that he only intended to crease the scalp and if Johnson was not satisfied he would finish the job. Johnson came to town and at first felt no ill effects from the shot but later commenced to lose control of his right arm. As the bullet could not be located, he was taken in Fred Burr's auto to Rochester for examination.
His brother-in-law, Roe Brown, who accompanied him phoned that yesterday morning four x-ray photos were taken of Johnson's head but that the bullet could not be located and that in the afternoon another effort would be made to find it. The paralysis is also increasing, Johnson’s entire side now being affected.
At the request of Johnson's father Bowers was arrested yesterday afternoon, and placed in jail to await the result of his criminal carelessness.

Source: Twice-A-Week Plain Dealer Sept. 5, 1911, FP, C2, 6

Leo Johnson Dead.
Leo Johnson passed away at about 2 o’clock Monday morning from paralysis resulting from a bullet wound inflicted by Gordie Bowers on July 9th.
The funeral will be held this afternoon at the family residence at 2 o’clock, Rev. Larsen officiating. Interment in Oak Lawn Cemetery.

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As the result of Leo Johnson's death, Gordie Bowers was taken in charge and placed in jail on a charge of murder, to appear before the October grand jury.

Oak Lawn Cemetery
 

Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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