On This Date in Minnesota History: April 14

April 14, 1913 – Algot Johnson, 16-year-old “boy bandit,” who with Charles Melodrowski, a youthful companion, shot and killed Harry Chesmore, Duluth policeman, on Jan. 3, 1911, was freed from Stillwater Prison this afternoon by the state board of pardons.

Algot Johnson

Johnson had been sentenced to 30 years. The pardon, it is believed, was granted because the young man is said to be dying from tuberculosis, which he has contracted since he has been confined at Stillwater. Melodrowski, his companion in crime, who was a “lifer,” died about a year ago, a victim of the same disease.

Melodrowski and Johnson, aspiring to be dime novel heroes, held up the night clerk at the McKay Hotel early on the morning of Jan. 3, 1911. In attempting to escape they were captured by Patrolman Chesmore at the interstate bridge. The officer was shot by Melodrowski while on the street car which was taking them to the station.

McKay Hotel, Duluth, MN¹

Johnson’s parents at the time of the trial were residents of Virginia, Minn. Since his incarceration tuberculosis has developed rapidly. At the urgent request of his relatives, the pardon was granted.

Prosecutor Norton strongly censured the pardon board for their action today. When interviewed, he was emphatic in his declaration that the pardon board had been “worked” and that the release of the young man from the penitentiary was defeating the ends of justice.

“During my tenure of office,” said the former county attorney, “frequent  appeals were made to me to use what influence I had to secure Johnson’s release. I told the women who visited me in his behalf that if they would come around in 20 years, I might feel if I could help them.

“Knowing the circumstances of the crime as I do, I look upon the action of the pardon board as an outrage. From all that I have been able to learn, this young fellow is no more liable to die from tuberculosis than I am.”

Argot Johnson died July 3, 1913.


The Duluth Herald; “’Boy Bandit’ Pardoned; Has Not Long to Live”; April 15, 1913; p. 9.

¹https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/nemhc:4608#/image/0

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