George Harrison Johnson (1840-1936)

JOHNSON, KALKES, RAY, LANCE

Posted By: Barry Mateer (email)
Date: 1/15/2018 at 09:14:10

Services for G. H. Johnson, one of four Civil War veterans who were living in Clarke county, were held in Osceola Sunday, October 17, with full military honors by Isaac Davis post of the American Legion. Rev. F. C. McCallon of the Church of Christ delivered the funeral sermon. Burial was made at Green Bay.

Mr. Johnson, 96 years old, passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Kalkes, two miles southeast of Osceola. He had been in frail health for several years. He was born in Gallia county, Ohio, on July 3, 1840, and when but a lad moved with his parents to Rock Island county, Illinois.

On August 22, 1862 he enlisted in Company I, 126th regiment of Illinois volunteer infantry and served three years, being mustered out in 1865.

He was with Grant in the siege of Vicksburg and participated in many other battles in the war up and down the Mississippi river. He was a descendant of a family of soldiers. His father fought in the War of 1812.

On December 19, 1860, he was married to Jane Ray in Illinois. To this union eight children were born. They are Julia C., deceased; Joshua A. of Waterloo, Mrs. Elizabeth Kalkes of Osceola, Joseph of Lincoln, Nebr., Albert of Los Angeles, William of Cedar Rapids, Elmer of St. Paul, and Mrs. C.E. Lance of Glendale, California. There are nineteen grand children and ten great grandchildren. Mrs. Johnson passed away 27 years ago.

When a young many, he engaged in farming but some forty years ago retired from active life. He was a member of the G.A. R until the time of his death and from boyhood retained his membership in the Baptist church.

One of the most prized possessions he held in his last few years was a letter he received from President Roosevelt in honor of his 94th birthday. The letter which was read at the laying of the corner stone of the new post office here, is as follows:
My dear Mr. Johnson:

"I have learned that on July 3 you will celebrate your 94th birthday anniversary. I am happy to have this opportunity to join with your friends in extending congratulations and my best wishes for your continued health and happiness. “ Very sincerely yours, Franklin D. Roosevelt."

The Osceola Tribune, October 20, 1936