In a most straightforward manner, the Tribune reported the untimely death of a heavy drinker who frequented the saloons of Minneapolis. Reporters of the era somehow managed to tell stories like this without once relying on “police said” or “according to authorities.”

FOUND LYING DEAD

ANDREW LARSON DIES IN THE REAR
OF A SALOON

He Is Said to Have Been a Heavy
Drinker and That Probably
Caused His Death.

Andrew Larson, about 35 years of age, was found dead on a box in the rear of the saloon of Nelson & Peterson, 225 Second street south, shortly before 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon. Several patrons of the place made the discovery, and it was at once reported to the coroner. He viewed the body and made inquiries concerning the deceased, after which the remains were removed to the county morgue. Death is presumed to be due to heart disease. No inquest will be held, and the interment will take place at the poor farm today.

Larson was a familiar character among the saloons of the city, frequently doing odd jobs for a trifling amount. He is said to have been a heavy drinker, and it is thought that his indiscretion in that direction produced his death. He called at the saloon, where he died, early in the afternoon and bargained with one of the members of the firm to procure a quantity of bait with which the latter intended to use on a contemplated fishing excursion. The article was secured and taken to the place about 2 o’clock. In payment for it deceased is understood to have asked liquor. He was given a schooner of beer, and a spoonful of brandy of a nature somewhat peculiar, but used by topers as an appetizer. After taking the drink he disappeared out the rear door and was shortly afterwards seen seated on a box. To one who asked him the trouble, he stated he was sick. When next seen he was dead. He was unmarried, and as far as known had no relatives in the city.

Andrew Larson’s last schooner of beer might have come from the Minneapolis Brewing Co., whose Heinrich plant stood at the foot of Fourth Street on the Mississippi River. (mnhs.org photo)

This entry was posted on Monday, October 24th, 2005 at 12:59 am and is filed under Main, People. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.