Dr. Cyrus E Johnson

The death of Dr. C. E. Johnson, the well known dentist of Newton occurred about 8 o'clock this morning [3/14/1919] at his home 903 Main street, from a gunshot wound, self inflicted. He had not been well for some time, and the past week has suffered than usual, though he had not been confined to his bed all of the time. He became despondent over his condition, for which he felt there was no hope for a betterment, and his brooding over the future prospects of being a burden to his family, had led him to commit the act of taking his life.

His breakfast had been taken to him in his room by his wife,who was accustomed to remaining with him to cheer him while he ate his meals. When she sat beside him as usual, he insisted that she should have breakfast with the children. In spite of her desire to remain with him, he was president in having her be with the family at breakfast. It was long after she had joined them at the table until a gunshot report was heard from the bath room. The door was found locked but entrance was gained through a window from a porch, and his body was found on the floor with a gunshot wound through his heart.

The shotgun had been taken apart some time ago and it was not known to the family that he had put it together.

His wife and four children, Flora, Olive, Arthur and Lewis have been almost prostrated by the shock of tragedy which has terminated the life of the husband and father, and their many friends have the sincerest sympathy for them. A sister of Dr. Johnson, whose home is in Ohio had been wired a few days ago when his condition became alarming, but had replied that she was unable to come to him.

Dr. Johnson has practised dentistry in Newton for almost 30 years, coming here from Ness county, and his present location was in the office rooms over the Crystal cafe.