Johnson, Tom

a hard rock lead and zinc miner, well known in practically all parts of the Tri-State district, died at Kermit Texas, Saturday. The body arrived in Miami today. Funeral arrangements have not been completed. Burial will be in Fairview cemetery, Joplin Missouri. The Mitchelson undertaking company of Commerce Oklahoma, is in charge. Mr. Johnson began mining in the old Joplin district about 40 years ago. About 25 years ago he went to Wisconsin and entered the employ of the Vinegar Hill Zinc Company. He later returned to the Tri-State district and was employed by the same company as ground foreman in its mines here, which position he held until about five years ago, when he went to the Interstate Zinc and Lead Company as ground foreman of the Hartley Mine. About two years ago he left the Interstate Company, and he and associates developed a mine southwest of Galena Kansas, known as the Shoal Creek Mine, which they sold to M. G. West. After the sale of this property Mr. Johnson went to Kermit Texas, and engaged in the hotel business. His long service in the mines affected his lungs and tuberculosis was the cause of his death.