The Unusual Death of Notorious Bartender Ike Johnson

At the turn of the 19th century, bootlegger and gambler Ike Johnson established the Southern Turf in Nashville “Men’s Quarter. The Turf was a saloon, brothel, and gambling hall that became the most popular establishment in Nashville. He was well-liked by many, including famous distillers Jack Daniels and George Dickel. Despite his popularity, Ike ended his life with a self-inflicted gunshot on the second floor of his beloved Southern Turf. His death was unusual given that he had lived at the Southern Turf for 20 years, and the building had been praised for its lavish decorations, fixtures, and sanitation. However, after 20 years and a new law prohibiting alcohol, gambling, and extracurricular activities, the Southern Turf fell into disrepair and was eventually sold by the city to the Tennessean as a printing facility. Despite prohibition preventing Johnson from selling alcohol, he still planned to open a new bar along Bootleggers Row, two blocks north of the Southern Turf. On the day of his eviction, the police came to remove him from the premises, but it is unclear whether he committed suicide in front of them or was murdered. Some say that Ike still haunts the Southern Turf building to this day, with reports of sightings and even a tourist's photograph allegedly capturing him looking out of his apartment window.