The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1909-09-21
LIFE STORY OF A
SUCCESSFUL man
Death Brilliant Career
Which sth der Try
ing conGS

Rochester, Minn.. Sept. 21.-Gover-
nor Johnson made gallant fight for
life, but 1t was not to be. He died at
3:25 this morning.
The governor was 48 years old.
This state has lost one of it's really
good and great men and every man,
woman and child in Minnesota is to-
day bemoaning the fate that cut him
of in his prime, just when his feet
we're on the threshold of corridor
that might have opened its way for
him to the highest position in the
land.
For his faithful, devoted helpmate
who has sacrificed her health and
jeopardized her very life that she
might be with him almost every hour
that he has been lying on his bed of
PAIN, the whole nation tenders its
sympathy and recognition of her
great and answering devotion. The
people of the United States are today
mourning with her.
Almost from first it was a hope
less fight, only the governors re-
markable will power, his determine
ton to live, kept the vital spark alive
to burn as long as 1t would. 1t was
q case of death II he was not operated
on at once, and the conditions proved
80 bad, making It necessary to keep
him on the operating table SO long,
that only the most supreme battle
against death would have availed with
the conditions absolutely perfect for
recovery. Not many men would have
survived the first shock.
Governor Johnson had been suffer-
ing more than eight months with his
present trouble, which followed an
operation about seven years. ago for;
appendix fistula. At that time his life
was despaired Of for four days, but he
rallied and got we'll. At $3.50 o'clock
this morning Mrs. Johnson left the
hospital weeping. She was supported
on either side by DR.. McNevfn and
Miss Sullivan was was taken to the
Sullivan home in DR.. Mayo's automo-
bile.
Straight-way the announcement
was made that Governor johnson
was dead. He had been unconscious
since ! O'Clock. Just preceding his
inconsistencies he would raise his
hand at intervals and stroke Mrs.
johnson on the cheek as though at
parting. His last words were to Mrs.
Johnson. He said: "Well, Nora,
guess I'm going. But have made a
good fight"
There were at his bed side when he
died DR.. McNevin, Mrs. Johnson,
Nurse Anna Powderly, Miss Margaret
Sullivan and the head nurse, Miss
Jammie. He died very peacefully, the
vital spark having worn down slowly
all night and Just fluttering out with
the end. His wonderful vitality never
failed him and he fought for life up
to the last. DR.. McNevin was with
the governor almost every moment of
the time since s o'clock yesterday aft
ernoon, and made splendid fight to
help keep the governor alive.
Frank A. Day, the governors
private secretary, did not see him at
all. He arrived at the hospital at 10
o'clock, accompanied by Fred B.
Lynch. Mr. Lynch was admitted to
the sick room some time later. The
governor recognized him, but was un-
able to talk to him, and he left the
room after q moment. He rejoined
Mr.. Day on the third floor, where
they awaited the announcement Of
death. Before he lost consciousness
Governor Johnson told his wife what
disposition he wanted to make of his
effects.
Governor johnson suffered no pain
during the last hours, except that
now and then his efforts to breath
brought on choking and coughing
spells. following each Of which his
life ebbed away trife faster.
DR.. Mayo said he did not know
what arrangements had been made in
regard to removing the body of Gov
ernor johnson. It is presumed that
1t will be removed either to st. Paul
or st. Peter today. About two hours
before he became unconscious Gov
ernor johnson said: II want to
thank every one in this room, and
especially DIR. William Mayo for what
you have done for me-"
He then added to DIR. William Mayo
personally: Doctor. I don't think
there is single person on earth who
could have done so much for me as
you have DONE" Then the governor
shook hands with all of them. 1T was
the final leave-taking Of Minnesota's
beloved governor to his dearest per-
sonal friends.
Story Of His Life.
Some pessimists say that oppor-
tunity for the American boy has paas-
ed but the career OF the late John "A.
johnson, governor Of Minnesota, does
not prove It. When Johnson was
nominated for governor in 1904 to
lead q {OrlOrn hone. a. everybody sim.