Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1909-09-21
JOHN A. JOHNSON PASSES AWAY
AT EARLY HOUR IN Ro-
CHESTER.
TIMES ELECTED
as CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Johnson Once a Factor in the Demo-
cratic Contest for the Presidential
Nomination-Friends Still Hoped He
Would Lead Parsy-successor is
Adolph Eberhart, SO Years of Age.

Rochester, Mimi, Sept. 21.-Gov-
ernor John A. johnson. three times
elected governor of Minnesota, candi-
date for the democratic nomination for
president in 1908, and looked upon by
many thruout the country as the prob
able democratic national standard
bearer in 1912, died at ST. Mary's hos
rital here at 3:25 this morning. fol-
lowing an operation last Wednesday.
The governor began sinking rapidly
at s o'clock and after that it was felt
there was little hope of him surviving
the night.
At, o'clock the doctors stated the
governor was in a weakened condition.
and while they still expressed hope Of
his recovery, they announced that mis-
death at any time would not occasion
surprise.
The broth given the governor early
In the day was administered as a, last
resort So weakened had he become
from lack of nourishment that his
physician determined that it was bet-
ter to run the chance of the nourish-
nient disagreeing with him than per-
mis him to remain longer without food
of any sort
1t was regarded as possible that his
dangerous condition was the result of
inability to digest the chicken broth.
There We're no regrets, however, as it
was practically certain he could hot
have endured longer without food.
Six or seven years ago when the
Mayos performed the operation for APP
rendicitis for four days following the
operation they did not think the gov
ernor could live, but his wonderful vi
tality pulled him thru.
Governor John A. Johnson enjoyed
the distinction of being the first native
Minnesotan to be chosen governor OF
the state. Born near ST. Peter forty
eight years ago, he became editor OF
the st. Peter Herald when a young
man, and at once entered into active
politics. He was elected state senator
in 1898; chosen governor in 1yU4 and
reelected in 1906 and again In 1908.
Many democratic leaders strongly ad-
vocated his nomination for president.
Friends of w. j. Bryan controlled the
organization, however, ard Bryan was
nominated. This did not darnpe1l the
ardor of Johnson's friends. and talk OF
his nomination for president was
stronger than ever during the pas,
year.
End Was Peaceful.
After battling against death with de-
termined resistance for almost q week
Johnson's life had peaceful ending
Grouped about the bedside when this
end came were Mrs. johnson, Miss Sui
livan, her personal friend, the attend
ing physicians and two nurses. The
last thing johnson did before lapsina
Into unconsciouSness was to take his
wife affectionately by the hand and
weakly whisper:
well, Nora, made good fight but
I guess I've got to go"
Then as the last gleam of intelligence
began to flicker he pressed her hand
gently to his cheek in parting caress
Flags everywhere are at half mast.
Funeral to Be Held Thursday.
The body of the late governor was
taken to ST. Paul this afternoon on q
special train over the Great Western
The militia of st. Paul has been de-
tailed to escort the body to the capitol
where it will lie in state all tomorrow
The funeral will be held Thursday al
st. Peter.