New-York tribune., 1907-01-09
A VICTIM OF THUGS.
DR.. johnson 1hr0wn from Bridge
in Portland, Ore.
tRv Telegraph to The Tribune. ]


Portland, Ore. Jan S.-Dr. Philip Edward
Johnson. whose body was found Jefferson
street under the Ford street viaduct at o'clock
last night was the victim of thugs. He was
attacked and robbed on the bridge and then
thrown to the pavement III feet below.
DR.. johnson left the home of William c. AL
word cashier Of the First National Bank, shortly
after Z o'clock. He intended calling on DR.. A.
c. Panton. on Portland Heights, and said he
would walk. the night was fine. He had
dinner with his wife at o'clock, and intended
to return and accompany her to a concert at
o'clock. Fearing robbers, he left his gold watch
and most of his money at home. carrying only
a few dollars in change and a silver watch.
The body was found by streetcar conductor
Articles from the pockets scattered about
On the deck Of the bridge found empty
pocketbook and DR.. Johnsons keys. His watch
taken, having been unlocked from the
chain. While everything points to robbery
Captain Bruin. of the detective force, adheres
TO the theory of murder by enemies.
DR.. Johnson recently began the erection of
$4,000 home in Portland. and was to take the
examination to-day for admission to the prac-
tice OF medicine in Portland. The body will be
taken to Staten Island, N. Y, by the widow for
burial.
In a statement to-day she said:
I am satisfied that it could not have been
the work OF enemies because so far as I know,
he had not one in the world. Besides
almost strangers in this city having been here
only two months, and 1 know there could be
there who should do such deed except
robbers As for suicide. that is out Of the queS
ton. He was in perfect health. had no troubles
or Worr1es' ana there was aDsoluteIy no mo-
tive to prompt him to take his own life. know
he did not do ii.
Residents Of Staten Island and many persons in
Cit itv " shocked
hear OF the murder of DR. Johnson. He the
of the late Episcopal archdeacon of Richmond
County, George D. Johnson. and brother of James
lie Baron johnson, chaplain OF the Fire De-
partment. Dr. Johnson married last October
to Mrs. Laura Scarborough. who is daughter OF
the late George Hoadley, Governor of Ohio.
Friends Of DR.. johnson. IN this city, describe him
as being young of fine physique and OF great
courage. Unless he struck from behind. they
say he would have made hard fight for his life
Johnson was a graduate OF Columbia University,
and also the College of Physicians and Surgeons
He for two years assistant 10 Dr. Il. G kush-
more. at Tuxedo Park N Y. While there during
a food in October 1905. he displayed great bravery
in rescuing members OF poor families From the
effects OF standing waist deep In the water for for
h39rs i ne ronrac.fI rri tioi "0 " was
Before 6is maTTtase ast October PT J9h3sSn
D. johnson, who lives at Port Richmond. Staten
Island with her daSSghter Mrs @ samuel EVins
edition OF OF the evening papers. It was sey-
She was undecided whether to go 70 Oregon or
wait until the body is brought here Both she and
Mrs Evins denied empnatcaily that DR.. Johnson
had any enemies in Portland. They felt sure that
he was murdered for his money, and for no other
reason.
The Rev. James lie Baron johnson the dead
physicians brother. much in the public eye
few years ago when he eloped with trained nurse
q year after marrying Miss Mabel Van Rensselaer,.
daughter of Mrs. Alexander Van Rensselaer, john
then assistant rector OF Grace Church and
chaplain in the Fire Department. on the night
of his wedding he left his bride and the guests to
run TO a big fire. lie returned in hour, and
the wedding ceremony took place In the following
year the fire chaplain used TO frequently visit his
brother Philip at Bellevue Hospital. whore ne met
and became infatuated with beautiful young
nurse Miss Mary Hoffman. whom ne had met two
years before in San Francisco. They fed Lon
don, and later TO Paris The affair caused a great
sensation. Johnson unfrocked for his esCapade
and his young wife obtained divorce. He married
Miss Hoffman upon their return 10 this country.
They made their permanent home at Elizabeth
town. n. Y.