William E. ("Pussyfoot") Johnson scrapbook

Collection

Identifier: MS 0293

Staff Only

Finding aid note: Stored off-site at the Library Service Center. Please request this material via woodson@rice.edu or call 713-348-2586.

Scope and Contents

The scrapbook contains a series of newspaper clippings pasted in and over pages of a day-book kept by Myron Downes. Most of the clippings deal with the career of “Pussyfoot” Johnson. Following the pasted clippings are the original pages of the day-book with entries concerning personal financial records.

Dates

Creation: 1905 - 1916

Creator

Downes, Myron (Person)

Access Restrictions

This material is open for research. Stored off-site at the Library Service Center. Please request this material via woodson@rice.edu or call 713-348-2586.

Restrictions on Use

Permission to publish material from the William E. ("Pussyfoot") Johnson Scrapbook must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library.

Biographical Note

William Eugene Johnson, better known as “Pussyfoot” or “Whiskey” Johnson, was born in 1862 in Coventry, New York. A lifelong foe of alcohol, he became active in the temperance movement in Nebraska in the 1880s. In 1906 he was appointed Special Agent in the Department of Interior to enforce laws in the Indian Territory and Oklahoma prohibiting sale of liquor to Native Americans. He served until 1911, smashing saloons and making over 4,000 arrests. He gained the nickname “Pussyfoot” because of his cat-like stealth in pursuing his suspects. After leaving his appointment with the Interior Department he became active in the Anti-Saloon League. He retired to New York in 1930 and died in 1945.

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet ( (1 folder))

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract:

The scrapbook contains a series of newspaper clippings pasted in and over pages of a day-book kept by Myron Downes. Most of the clippings deal with the career of prohibitionist William “Pussyfoot” Johnson.