Johnson, Charles Benjamin (1885-1936)

JOHNSON, SPONG, NELSON, KING, LUND

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:02

Stratford Courier
March 26, 1936

Charley B. Johnson died in his home here Sunday afternoon about 5 o'clock after an illness of a little over a week's duration. Since he was taken sick he had been a patient in the county hospital in Boone but medical treatments were of no avail and a few days before his death he was brought to his home here. Some years ago he was a patient in the Woodman Tubercular Sanitarium and Colorado Springs, Colo., and since his return he has not been in the best of health but he went about his daily work and was able to be up and about until this last illness. He was a painter and decorator by trade.

He was born on a farm in Webster County, near Stratford, July 4, 1885 and died March 22, 1936 at the age of 50 years, 6 months, 18 days. He was united in marriage to Miss Rena Spong on July 7, 1911 and to his union three children were born: Vernice, Frankie and LuVern. They with the bereaved wife and mother, mourn his death. Three sisters and two brothers also survive: Mrs. Minnie Nelson of Saint Paul, Minn.; Mrs. Clara King of Benicia, Calif.; Mrs. D.J. Lund of Stratford; Peter M. and Leonard W., also of Stratford. His father and mother and one brother, Oscar, have preceded him in death.

He had spent his entire life in this community and was very well known and liked by a large host of friends. His death so early in life has brought sadness to many besides the immediate relatives.

Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon in the Baptist church at 2 o'clock, following a brief family service in the home. The Rev. A.E. Appelquist was in charge of the services. Mrs. Appelquist and Mrs. E.S. Bergman sang "Beautiful Garden of Prayer" and "City Four Square." Mrs. Paul R. Johnson sang "Sometime We'll Understand." Following the services interment was made in the South Marion Cemetery. The pallbearers were James Erickson, Oscar Borg, Olof Berglund, Emil Nelson, Elmer Olofson, Lorran Fallein.

Stratford Courier
May 24, 1923

C.B. JOHNSON WRITES FROM M.W.A. SANITARIUM IN COLORADO

The Courier is pleased to publish herewith a letter from C.B. Johnson, who is a patient at the Woodman Sanitarium at Colorado Springs, Colo. Mr. Johnson takes this method of writing to his Woodman Neighbors and his Stratford friends. He was one of the real active members of the local Woodman Camp until it was necessary for him to go away for treatment, and according this his own statement herewith, he is feeling a great deal better which news will be hailed with delight by his many friends here. The letter from him follows:

Woodman, Colo., May 18, 1923

Esteemed Neighbors and Friends:

As it is impossible for me to write to you all personally, I take this means of reaching you one and all and those of you who wish to write me a letter may do so and I assure you your letter will be greatly appreciated at this end as I have lots of time to read. Hope you are well and happy. As for myself I feel a great deal better than I did when I came here six weeks ago for treatment for tuberculosis. The M.W. of A. Sanitarium is a great place. I cannot commence to describe what a fine place it is and what great things they are doing to wipe out the terrible plague, tuberculosis. Those of you who belong to the society are in luck because you have access to this wonderful institution. To you that are not members I would say that you should be for the benefit of your loved ones and in case of a breakdown. There are patients here from nearly every state in the union and different trades and professions. Age draws no line in this terrible disease. There are men here from the age of 19 to 70, so we don't know how soon it might come.

The sanitarium is located in a beautiful spot in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The climate is the finest, we have the purest of mountain water and the balmiest of mountain breezes. The buildings are all substantially and permanently built for the care and convenience of the patients.

May 11, 1923, goes down as one of the great days in the history of M.W. of A. It was the dedication of the Memorial Hall, designed and built as a memorial and monument to the 59,028 Woodman boys who fought in the world war. Two thousand and sixty-two of these boys laid down their lives in sacrifice, fighting for the freedom and liberty of their neighbors and fellow countrymen. The introductory address was given by Head Counsel, A.R. Talbot and the dedicatory address by Director E.E. Murphy. The Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce Glee Club and Finks Orchestra furnished the singing and instrumental music. The programs was concluded by announcements and remarks by A.R. Talbot, then public inspection of the Memorial Hall was made by all the Neighbors and visitors. The entire executive council was present and they were a fine bunch of men to meet and visit with. Director F.R. Korns of Iowa called on all the Iowa patients at our cottages.

As this is getting long and in danger of going to the waste basket, I will close, hoping it will find a corner in your valuable paper.

From your neighbors and friend,
CHAS. B. JOHNSON
102-B Woodman Colo.