JOHNSON

Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 06:39:31 :

Marin County Tocsin
Saturday, April 3, 1909
Page 1

Sausalito School Trustee Suicides
Otto Johnson, a school trustee and contractor of Sausalito, committed suicide on Monday in the School House by taking strychnine. Dr. A. H. Mays was summoned, but life was extinct at the time. Deceased had been drinking heavily. His wife had secured a divorce from him several years ago.

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Sausalito News
Saturday, April 3, 1909
Page 3

Otto Johnson Suicides

The body of Otto Johnson was found lying dead in a bedroom in a Sausalito lodging house Monday forenoon. On the bureau was a bottle containing strychnine.

Coroner sawyer held an inquest in the town hall Monday evening. Dr. A. H. Mays testified making an autopsy of the remains and found death was caused by strychnine poisoning. Jury brought in verdict of suicide. Funeral was held Wednesday in the Fernwood cemetery. He leaves a wife and four children.

Johnson came to Sausalito 17 years ago and up to two years ago had a good contracting business, handling some large jobs, and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of the people. He was elected school trustee, the term expiring this month. Then he made a few bad contracts which seemed to make him loose his grip. Marital troubles came up and he became morose and despondent. During the past year he frequently mentioned his intention of committing suicide. Sunday evening instead of going to his room he asked permission to occupy Charley Bright's room. Deputy Coroner Frank says that for fifteen minutes after taking the strychnine his sufferings must have been very excrutiating.