Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Jack Johnson


Jack Johnson, wife and gripping dog in Chicago

Jack Johnson nee John Authur Johnson
March 31, 1878 - June 10, 1946

One of Johnson's "prize bulldogs" attacked one of Johnson's fans in Detroit and "nearly chewed his arm off". "...after considerable trouble [Johnson] succeeded in releasing the dog's hold..." The victim, Sam Lewis pressed charges. The outcome is unknown.

interesting factoids

Johnson's first wife killed herself in September 1912. Johnson beat her many times during their turbulent relationship.

Three months later, he married 18 yr old prostitute, Lucille Cameron. She divorced him in 1924 citing his infidelity.

Johnson had a penchant for young white hookers. He even married one to avoid prison but later was found guilty after another prostitute testified against him. Johnson was convicted under the Mann Act and served 2 years in Leavenworth after living in exile for 7 years in Europe.

Johnson was killed in a car accident in North Carolina. Angry at being denied service in a diner, he took his aggression out on the road. Johnson was 68.


links




www.dailymail.co.uk


John Colby and Jack Johnson

Monday, April 11, 2011

Adele Rowland and Conway Tearle



Adele Rowland
July 10, 1883 - August 8, 1971

Conway Tearle née Frederick Levy
May 17, 1878 - October 1, 1938 (heart attack)

Four year old Jacques Weinberg was walking past the Chappaqua, New York home of Hollywood's dashing leading man Conway Tearle and his actress wife, Adele Rowland when their cook called to the boy to give him an orange. The four year old was promptly greeted by their gripping dog which resulted in a trip to the Babies' Hospital in New York. Jacques' scalp was so badly torn, he was listed in critical condition. Max Weinberg fought to have the dog shot. Tearle and Rowland fought the Weinberg's demands for destruction but it is not clear if the gripping dog was eventually destroyed. The Tearles japanese cook committed hara kari and 4 years after the attack, the Weinbergs were awarded $20,000.

To my knowledge, this is the earliest documention of a pit bull scalping.

links