EE-1-I&J-130
Note to Marceline Jones from Clara Johnson, December 1977
12-3-77
Hi Marcy,
I’ve been racking my brains trying to help with a solution to the recent problem with Wade. I really don’t know what to do. When I talked with Mabel [Medlock] tonight – she was very positive as where her mom is concerned. She knows that not only will I come to her if she needs me, but so with the others. She has a bed in my grandmom’s room and seems very contented. The doctor will remove the
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EE-1-I&J-131
2
stitches from my right foot on Tuesday and I’ll get a lighter cast and will be able to move around a little easier then. At this time, however, it takes so much energy to drag this cast around especially since my other foot is so sore. Never the less, I have volunteered to help Mabel a little more when she and Grandmom return to the apt. Wade [Medlock] resents having to take care of her so I’ll help Mabel until something better can be arranged. I wish I didn’t have to go up and down the stairs – so that is why I think it would be best if I spend several hours per
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EE-1-I&J-132
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day there. It would hurt me deeply to give up my apartment and I’ll stand firm on that – I’ll only help. There are too many other things that I need and want to do right upstairs and besides – I can’t stand that much negativity at this time especially.
I got a hormone shot on Thursday night and I feel much better. That was the second one I’ve had since the hysterectomy, oophorectomy and removal of the one tube. Florida [Johnson] asked me to check with the doctor to check about Premarin because I still feel rather “strange.” I’m also still anemic.
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EE-1-I&J-133
4
Marcy, under no circumstances do I want anyone of my four children to come back. I believe 100% in the principles that Jim is teaching and I want them there where they belong. However, I’m wondering if perhaps my mom Eloise Sneed could come back for a while to help Mabel with her mom. I’m against it but I just don’t know what will help. I really doubt that she would want to come back and then, there’s my aunt who would also have to come back. I’m practically convinced that Mabel will not let her mom return to the conditions she was living in in Texas. My aunt, whom lived with my grandmother said she will be back again
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in January and stay for a month or two – return to Texas and then come back later to stay. Wade has relatives living in Georgetown but he has talked so negatively about our place that it will be a little more difficult to get my two uncles’ consent to let Grandmother go even if were approved.
Marcy, I miss the children, my mom, aunt, Jim and many others but one thing is certain, I will stay here if I needed and do what is needed. The children and I had many talks together before they left and I think they would understand.
Please let me know what I can do to help.
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EE-1-I&J-135
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I won’t lie and say that I’m not lonely – because I really am so much of the time. I met someone I would like to visit our service whenever guest can come again – but in the meantime, may I have approval to see him ocassionally? He took Joyce and me to a movie before she left and has visited only once since then. I think I like him. The children’s dad and I’ve been separated since 1969 and would appreciate some one’s companion. Al is a teacher, probation officer and vice president of United Teachers Los Angeles. We like many of the same things but since he lives in another city and
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EE-1-I&J-136
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works practically around the clock, I doubt that I’ll see very much of him. I haven’t seen him since August so I don’t think there’s the danger of a fir-ry [fiery] romance with marriage although he has since filed for a divorce. His wife doesn’t live in California and hasn’t for 3 years – he said. He has two children 19 and 23 and at this time they are giving him problems so he is only a “voice’ on the telephone but I do want to do whatever I do with permission.
I will be at home except for going to service most of the week-end – in the event you wish to need to contact me.
Thanks, Clara
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EE-1-I&J-60
March 1978 letter from Clara Johnson to California family
[Envelope from Clara L. Johnson addressed to a family in Compton, California]
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EE-1-I&J-61
Mar. 14, 1978
Hi Earman, Nella and Ercelle,
I hope this short note will find you all well. I have here in Jonestown with Mother, Syala, JoAnn, James and Tommy and the rest of my friends now. Joyce sailed to Georgetown on the same day I flew into Jonestown, so I will not see her until later this week when the boat comes in. I’ve done nothing but sleep most of the time, but although I haven’t seen much of Jonestown, I really like what I see. There are no telephone (to my knowledge here in Jonestown, but but there are phones in Georgetown. When I go back there I’ll try to call you. Georgetown was (over)
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EE-1-I&J-62
too much for me so I don’t know when I’ll be going back there. The way the people drive was too much for me and since you and Comey suggested that I not come and try to change the laws, I will have to let them continue driving on the wrong side of the street – going every which way and walking right in the middle of the street. I really would like to put down pedestrian crosswalks but I’ll leave things the way they are there and do what I can to help build Jonestown. I’m so proud of what our people have done to build this beautiful city. I’ll try to write often but I’m just as lazy about writing as most people. Take care and I’ll see you soon.
Love,
[illegible signature]
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Reflection by Clara Johnson on Tropp Letter, July 1978
EE-2-h-21a – 21b
7-11-78
Dad,
I am guilty of having an elitist attitude that I’m very ashamed of. I’m happy that Dick Thropp [Tropp] wrote that letter to you because it has helped me to understand my attitude. I have been very worried about some of the thoughts that have run through my mind even though they were foolish. I suppose this is something that happens and now instead of pushing those thoughts back, I can hang them out and take a good look at them and deal with them. To admit my elitist attitude will not be enough, I must correct it starting now. I am making my commitments now – I will stand for socialism even if my children should fail to stand. This is the only real thing that has ever made sense to me. In the past I have not understood the reason we did some of the things we did, but I said to myself, “I’ll follow even though I do not fully understand because I’ve never known Dad to be wrong and my conscience would haunt me forever if I refuse to do my part and later realize how wrong I was. I feel better now that I decided that. I am certain that I do not wish to return to the USA. I want no part in that Capitalist-Imperialist Country, that has killed Blacks & other poor people all over the world. I feel extremely guilty about the money I wasted that would support racism, CIA murders, wars & etc. I am going to work harder than ever before to prove my sorrow because it is right to work, it is right to care, it is right to help bring about Socialism in the world beginning here in Jonestown.
Thank you, Dad,
Clara Johnson
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Letter to Jim Jones from Clara Johnson, July 1978
EE-2-k-10b
7-28-78
Dad,
You asked that if we were depressed about anything that we should write about it. In the past I have been depressed about several things. At this time, I’ve managed to convince myself that there is no need to feel that way, but I’m not sure I won’t begin feeling depressed again. I asked for counseling last week or maybe it will be scheduled soon. At one point I really felt that in request that I had made was ignored and I’ve convinced myself that it really doesn’t matter if I ever get the shoes I need, my eyeglasses nor the book that we need for our children here. Since I wrote a letter to you on the 26th, you mentioned the trouble that [Jim] McElvane, Vee [Hollins] & Florida [Johnson] were involved in, so I realize that they don’t have time to bother. But, I wrote a letter to LA after you told me that I could not leave and ask that Isabelle Davis pack the things I needed. That was four months ago. I can’t get shoes here and can’t get the one from the states. Then my feet start hurting, I really don’t know what to do about them. I understand that the warehouse doesn’t have shoes.
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EE-2-k-10c
I also suggested to Carolyn Layton, last night, that the Medlocks be told that I am planning to return with evidence that they are unaware of – to testify against them. I do not wish to return to the states but if it should ever become necessary for me to do so, I will. I pledge to do whatever is necessary even if it means giving up my life. Dad you’ve work too hard, suffered & sacrificed too much to make Jonestown a reality and I refuse to sit down and let anyone destroy it. No one could convince me that I was doing the wrong thing following you before I left the states, and now that I’m here – they certainly can’t.
Thank you, Dad,
Clara L. Johnson
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Memo to Jim Jones from Clara Johnson, October 1978
EE-2-h-26a – 26c
From: Clara Johnson
10-4-78
Dad,
I wrote you a letter on Monday night after my daughter, Janice Johnson, was given a warning by the jury because she had not observed Mark Sly’s behavior at a meeting. I wrote & said I thought she should not receive a warning that time but feel that she should have been told that from that time on, anyone not observing those around them will receive a warning. This was given in 1st or 2nd service back [illegible word] her illness…
I am very concerned about Janice. She is on iron 3 x’s a day, was still with strep throat & is still on medication for it. Janice has a tendency to being frequently depressed. I do not want Jan to grow up feeling about herself as I grew up. She has a very poor self-image in the first place and I can see her falling apart again. Janice was tested when she was quite young & found to be gifted in some areas. Her inner conflict seem to be holding her back now. She expressed to me the difficulties she had before coming here being called black darker than her brothers & sisters & etc. She cried while telling me all this. Now it seems that she is constantly on the floor while Tommy & her sister [could be Tommie and Jackie Rochelle] are being praised and I doubt if this helps her. I am concerned about her emotional health also. She has begged to be involved in dancing & singing but has not been included. I feel that my child struggling & begging for a chance and it hurts me to see her growing up feeling that she has nothing good to offer – that she is no good. Thank you, Dad
Clara Johnson
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EE-2-h-26c – 26d
Janice has had a lot of things to hurt her and she has managed to hide her pain and I don’t think that’s good because it comes out in other ways. Our only hope is here in Jonestown and I don’t want her to feel as though even here, she can’t make it. I would appreciate if she could receive counseling or something. I’m deeply concerned about Jan. She holds too much in and tries too hard to appear strong. Thank you, Dad
Clara Johnson
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Requests from Clara Johnson, July 1978
EE-2-k-10d – 10e
Clara Johnson July 26, 1978
- Would like clarification on the policy of speaking to comrades in Public Service. Saw Ricky [Johnson] and still remembers who [how] he looked at her. She felt bad about it.
- I permission to talk to Florida Johnson on the radio Re: things left in her apartment in LA and needs. Her orthopedic shoes, eyeglasses, could be sent with someone coming over. She also needs to ask her to send some things by surface.
- Medlocks are a very close knit family and because of that she thinks we need to think of ways to divide the family. When she left LA her brother expressed his fears that we/they our being held here against our will. Wade [Medlock] started talking to them before Clara left. One of her brothers Willie waited one whole afternoon, along with Thomas Johnson, to talk to Clara’s mom and children. The phone patch could not be arranged. This brother used to phone every day and cannot understand why Eloise [Williams Sneed] does not write or call. He has offered to pay for a phone call and has spoken to SB [Sandy Bradshaw] several times. Clara has not received one letter from any of them since her arrival here though she has written regularly. If Clara’s family here started writing more and made a couple of calls back and really started to act differently than what the Medlocks told them, clear things that would help. She does not think that the Medlocks would continue to make new charges without some of the support of their family and friends. She also wonders if she should tell her relatives that the Medlocks were also planning to come here, that Mabel [Medlock] also encouraged Syola [Williams] to turn her home in. She even helped Syola withdraw money from the bank. When Clara talked to her sister-in-law, Ann, a few months ago, she said that she talked to Mabel every day. Claire also wonders if it would help for Nell [Smart] to call Willie when she gets back to the states and let him know she has been here. Mabel’s relatives have very little confidence in Wade and Clara feels that we can tear down that little confidence they do have. Clara wonders if the Medlocks could be told that she is planning to return with evidence that they are unaware of to testify against them. I do not wish to return, but will if necessary.
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Letter to Jim Jones from Clara Johnson, July 1978
EE-2-k-10f
Wednesday, July 26, 1978
Dad,
What is the policy about speaking to comrades in Public Service? I saw Ricky this morning and I can still remember how he looked at me – we didn’t speak. And now that he has run away, I feel especially bad and keep thinking of the way he looked at me. I’m wondering if I had spoken to him and smiled, would it have helped him feel better – I feel guilty about this.
I really wanted to write you concerning two other matters but I feel guilty about taking up your time. You have so much to do – so much to think about.
#1 – Reference to the things I left in my apartment in LA and need – May I have permission to talk to Florida Johnson, on the radio, and ask her to send my orthopedic shoes and eyeglasses over with someone coming soon? I also need to ask her to send some other things by surface. I’ve written several letters to the states but haven’t heard from anyone. I know they are all extremely busy. I feel badly having to ask but I do need the shoes & eyeglasses.
#2 – In reference to the Medlocks – that is a very close knit family – and because of that, I think we need to think of ways to divide the loyalty of family members. When I left LA, my brothers expressed their fears – that we were being held here against our will, & of course the usual lies. Wade started talking to them before I left.
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EE-2-k-10g
One of my brothers, Willie, waited one whole afternoon along with Thomas Johnson, to talk to my mom & my children. The phone patch could not be arranged. This brother telephoned my mom every day and he can’t understand why Eloise doesn’t write and won’t call him. He has offered to pay for a telephone call – spoken to Sandy Bradshaw several times. However, I haven’t received one letter from any of them since my arrival here, although I’ve written regularly as you asked. If Eloise, Syola, the children and I start writing more, made a couple of calls back & really began to act differently from what the Medlocks have told them we would act, I think that would help. I don’t think the Medlocks would continue to make new charges if they lose some of the sympathy & support of their family & friends.
I also wonder if it would help tell my relatives that the Medlocks were also planning to come here – that Mabel also encouraged Syola to turn her home over to the Temple, (she even helped Syola withdraw money from the bank – of course I suppose we wouldn’t mention that). But I certainly can tell them that everything they’ve ever given to the Temple they did because they wanted to give it. When I talked to my sister-in-law, Ann, a few months ago – she said that she talked to Mabel every day.
I’m also wondering if it would help for Nell to call Bill (Willie) and let him know that she has been here (when she gets back to the states). Medlock has been telling everybody that we are 7000 miles from the USA. Of course, my relatives checked that out and found him in one lie. Mabel’s relatives here have always had very little confidence in Wade and I think we can very easily tear down what little confidence they might have recently acquired. I think we also need to find out who else the Medlocks are associated with and tried to turn down that friendship.
Thank you, Dad,
Clara Johnson
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Letter to Jim Jones from Clara Johnson, August 1978
EE-2-k-10h – 10i
8-2-78
Dad,
Tom [Thomas William Johnson] started living with another woman in 1969. He was still living with her when I left LA in March 1978. Until I left, I got everything I could from him. He probably was crazy enough to think I still wanted him. He visited the Temple when I was there and never missed one week giving money. He spent over 20 years in the Army so the children did not spend that much time with him. They never forgave Tom for living with Almeter. The girls were here for about 3 months before I told him. They were also in Redwood Valley for several months before I told him. In the past, he has seen relatively positive. I feel that I made a mistake by letting the Medlocks know too much. I’m sure by now they’ve told Tom a lot of things that have made him angry & look like a fool. They were aware of how I’ve lied to him & used him & etc. Thomas was stupid enough to think I was a sweet Christian woman or something. We spent a lot of time together. He was also of the impression that I would return in 2 months. Okay whenever I called him & I could get him to do almost anything for me! He is living with another woman & I can understand how he thought I would be returning to him. If he had really cared for me, he wouldn’t have been with Almeter. I’ve always know that Tom was more interested in me (for selfish reasons) than his children. I may be able to convince him to leave the Medlocks alone. May I call him & tried to find out what is on his mind? All of this is making me disgustingly sick, sick, sick. The Medlocks told everyone that the people over here were in slavery & cannot return to the states. I’m so tired of all those people – I guess Charlie Turner, Syola’s husband will be next.
Clara L. Johnson
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