Johnson, MayBelle Edith (Brandon) (1878-1939)

JOHNSON, BRANDON

Posted By: Deb Van Sant (email)
Date: 11/30/2008 at 20:37:06

Killed By Motor Car

Wife of Dr. J.K. Johnson Sr

Loses Her Life While Crossing Lincon Highway Late Saturday Evening

The sudden death of Mrs J.K. Johnson, Sr, after being struck by an automobile late Saturday evening, brought profound sorrow to Jefferson and Greene county people. Mrs Johnson had been at the home of Mrs Maude Howard on West Lincolnway, and was returning to her residence three blocks east. At the corner near the Brunner residence she started across the street to her home, and, it is believed, became confused by lights of cars approaching from both directions. She was struck by an auto owned by Clarence Gliem.

The accident was reported as happening shortly before 11 o'clock in the evening and death came within a half hour at the Greene county hospital where she had been taken.

Statements given to county officials Monday contain the following information.

Leo Berning, Paul and George Harlow of Scranton were driving east on the highway and saw Mrs Johnson start across toward her home from the south side of Lincolnway. She was apparently heading toward the sidewalk which leads out to the street in front of her home. She had gone about three-fourths of the distance when she paused. The left front of the Gliem car struck her and threw her approximately 25 or 30 feet, into the center of the street.

The Gliem car stopped about six feet northeast of where Mrs Johnson lay and Gliem and the two Harlows arrived to pick her up at about the same time. They carried her and put her into the car of Mr and Mrs Guy Flack, which had been following Gliem's car, and she was taken to the hospital. Paul Harlow then summoned a doctor, but Mrs Johnson died without regaining consciousness.

Edith May Belle, daughter of Estelle M and George F. Brandon, was born May 9, 1878, in Mitchellville, Iowa. After short periods of residence in Perry and Coon Rapids, the family moved to Jefferson where she graduated from the Jefferson high school. In 1901 she was married to Dr. John K Johnson, to which union was born one son.

May Belle Johnson was active in the affairs of the community, having been a charter member of the Ingleside club, past regent of the Independence chapter of the DAR, eighth district chairman and state auditor of the DAR, past presidnet of the Woman's club, county chairman of the Greene county federation, chairman of the sewing during the war, past president of the Iowa State Osteopathic Women's Auxiliary, and president of the Woman's Foreign Missionary society of the Methodist church. She leaves to mourn, her husband, son and daughter-in-law, and other relatives.

Burial services were held at the Slininger chapel at 2 o'clock this afternoon, with a large audience present to pay a last tribute of love and respect to the memory of this well known woman. Dr. W J Fowler of Villisca, former pastor of the local M.E. church, delivered the memorial address. Burial in the family lot in the Jefferson cemetery. The casket bearers were: W.A. McDonald, C.G. Cockerill, Dr. D.E. Lyon, Ivan Hasbrouck, E.E. Cain and Charles I. Wells.

From: The Jefferson Bee, Tuesday, May 16, 1939