Obituary of A. W. JOHNSON, LaSalle Parish, Louisiana

Copied and Submitted by: Doug McBroom, 15520 Swan Lake Blvd, Gulfport, MS, 
39503

From The Jena Times - Olla Tullos Signal; Jena, LaSalle Parish, La. microfilm
at the LaSalle Parish Library, Located in Jena, LaSalle Parish, La.

Many Thanks to The Times - Signal and to the LaSalle Parish Library for 
allowing the following to be added to the Archives.





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Date:  Aug 10, 1933, Thursday

Headline:  Practical Joke Brings Death to Columbia Man

Sub-Headline:  A. W. Johnson Dies of Heart Attack After Being Scared

Following an investigation into the sudden death of A. W. Johnson, 45, of 
Columbia, at 3 o'clock Saturday morning, a Caldwell Parish deputy sheriff and 
a night watchman for the Employment Relief Administration were discharged.  
According to reports made by the sheriff's department and officials of the 
relief organization, Johnson was alleged to have died of a heart attack, 
superinduced by fright, caused when he was the victim of a practical joke.

Those reported to have been dismissed on account of their alleged 
participation in the practical joke were G. L. Alford, night watchman for the 
E. R. A., and Crawford Black, deputy sheriff of Clarks, employed by the 
Louisiana Central Lumber company.  These two men and three others were said 
to have been involved in the affair.

According to information received by Johnson's wife, Johnson, while on duty 
as a watchman, heard a commotion and went to investigate.  He was seized by 
five men who told him they were friends of Harry Manteris and "Hook" Turner 
under death sentences for attempted robbery of the Grayson bank several weeks 
ago.  It was stated that actual threats from friends of these men had been 
received in Columbia and that Johnson was aware of these threats.

The seizure of Johnson occurred about 11 o'clock Friday night, according to 
Sheriff J. W. King.  After the men had frightened Johnson for some time they 
made known their identity and he laughed over the joke, the sheriff said.  A 
report received by the E. R. A. was that Johnson ran all the way home and 
died of a heart attack.  The sheriff said Johnson died about three hours 
after the joke had been played.

Dr. D. O. Sherman was called to attend Johnson and no investigation was made 
by the coroner.  Dr Sherman's report merely stated that Johnson had died of 
heart failure and said nothing about the attack being caused by fright.

Funeral services for Johnson were held at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon.