Wade Johnson - 1951

Wade Johnson was only 15 years of age when he was shot by two other students at the boarding school he attended.

The Alexander School was a boarding school operating until 1998. While judged as a good place to live for children who was not cared for by parents or extended family, the place also nursed a kind of fearful environment where students kept their secrets out of fear of punishment. Unwillingly Wade Johnson breached the code of conduct and gave information to the head master W.C. Sweatt about a forbidden relationship with a girl.

For this breach of conduct two students shot both Wade Johnson and the head master. The oldest boy was given life in prison. No information has been found on the nature of punishment for the younger killer aged 16 at the time. A girl who was involved was sought by the police. It is unknown if she was punished.

For poor Wade Johnson his placement at this now closed boarding school meant death. It is unfair and tragic. May he find peace where he is now.


Sources:

• Two men killed by Youths at private school (The Dispatch)
• Fw: W. E. SWEATT of Alexander School: 1951 news articles (Ancestry)