The Washington times., 1922-09-03
PEGGY MARSH ILL.,;
HUSBAND IS DYING
Dancer coIIapses After Taking
Wounded Man Forty Miles
To Nearest Hospital.
SHOT DECLARED ACCIDENT
Mishap Occurred While Target
Pistol Was Being Cleaned,
Camp Companions Say.
SHOT DECLARED ACCIDENT

PLATTSBURG, N. Y, Sept. 2.
L. johnson, husband of
Peggy Marsh, the dancer, son of
the late Albert L. johnson, head
of the Nassau Railroad Company
Of Brooklyn, before its merger
with the B. r. T., and nephew Of
Tom L. johnson, Cleveland's
famous mayor, is fighting for life
with the odds four to one against
him in the Champlain Valley Hos
pital near here today as the result
of the wound under his heart re-
ceived when his pistol was acci-
dentally diseharsed st the summer
camp of lack Clifford, Lake Cha
teaugay, early yesterday morning.
Two Witnessed Accident.
Mrs. johnson said the accident
was witnessed only by herself and
one friend whose name she preferred
not to make public.
Physicians said today that though
there had been slight improve
ment following an operation last
night, Mr.. Johnson's condition indi-
Gated that he had about one chance
in four of recovery. Mrs. johnson
has been with him constantly from
the time Of the accident at the Cliff
ford camp until early this morning,
when worn out with her long vigil,
she was persuaded to 60 to a hotel
and take a brief rest in order that
she might be prepared for the crisis
which Is expected some time today.
Young johnson was married to
Miss Marsh Jan. 4, 1921. With
numerous other guests, whose names
cannot be learned, he and Mrs. John
son were spending several weeks at
the camp of Jack Clifford on Lake
Chateaugay as a sort of renewed
honeymoon. Mrs. Johnson's semi
hysterical condition made 1t impos-
sible to obtain q well-connected story
Of the accident, but It appears that
the entire party had been target
shooting with small-caliber pistols
all day, .eturning late in the evening
for dinner. ,..
Was Cleaning Gun.
Some time later Mrs. Johnson
went to her rooms. She found her
husband cleaning his pistol. She
stood and chatted with companion
in the doorway Of the room for "a
moment, while johnson finished
with the pistol. He showed 1t into
the holster. holding the barrel care.
fully away from his wife. There was
an explosion and johnson crumpled
to the floor. Mrs. johnson prompt.
ly tainted. When she was revived
she found her husband lying on the
bed receiving the inexpert ministra.
tions Of members of the house party.
With the aid Of a companion. whose
name Is not known, Mrs. johnson
rowed across the lake and obtained
the services Of DIR. Elmer Thurber,
who returned with all speed. He
gave the wounded man first aid
and advised his wife that he must
be removed to a hospital for an
operation at once IL his life was to
be saved. Then began q wearing
journey Of forty miles by rowboat
and motorcar, most Of the trip lying
along rough mountain roads.
Bullet Near Heart.
DR.. Thurber said only Johnson's q
remarkable constitution enabled him
to survive the ordeal and reach the
hospital alive. He was placed on
the operating table at once. Mrs.
Johnson made the trip with her hus.
band, holding his head in her lap,
and she remained at the hospital
until after the operation. which was
said to be successful. The bullet
entered Just below the heart and
ranged downward, emerging from
the back.
So serious is Johnson's condition
Continued on Page Q. Column 81