Johnson, Rachel (d. 1877)

JOHNSON, JACKSON

Posted By: Becke Dawson (email)
Date: 9/25/2003 at 08:29:42

THE IOWA STATE LEADER, DES MOINES, IOWA Tuesday, June 19, 1877

PROBABLY A SUICIDE

The following mysterious note was found by the landlord of the Groves House today and is unmistakably the work of a self-murderer. She came there yesterday with a man named Jackson and claimed to be a distant relative of his and that they were engaged to be married. This morning he paid their bill and went out without her. When they came back it appeared she had been crying and the fellow left her. She took dinner, paid for it herself and wrote this note which was not opened for some time after she had gone. She stated that Jackson had left her and that she felt very bad about it. The letter itself is a miserable scrawl, ill spelled and worse constructed. We have given it as much intelligence as possible. There has been nothing heard or seen of the woman, or, so far, of her body either.

Des Moines, Iowa, June 19
Many years we have been together. Many I have lived for him. I gave my home and friends for him; I leave this world; I can see no more happy days. I no longer want to live. I have an angel in heaven. He is the father of my son, and instead of losing my soul on earth I'll lose it in the river. I oft-times prayed to meet my child, though trouble won't let me go. I'll meet old satan in everlasting woe before I'll meet my mother. May God bless all my sisters and my brothers so they may not go there, nor know what I have gone through. My life is a burden to me and all that is around.
Last night he left me; to-night I leave at 7. Please don't look for my body. I want it to stay where I throw it. Adam, my mind is gone. Do not blame me for what I do, and if I get you into trouble, it's no more than you have me.
You marry little Mamie and be happy with her. I wish you all the good luck possible. Please print this in the paper and please send one for me, that he may know the reason why he didn't hear from me. Also send this letter with it that he may know it is my writing and that it won't be destroyed. He knows I never told a lie and sure I would not now.
Written by Rachel Johnson
Send these to A.J. Johnson, Decatur, Iowa. Landlord of the Groves House, give the papers to (illegible) it is my last request. Please Pretty please don't take my body if its found.