Jones, Olaf (1843-1922)

JONES, LINDSTRUM, NORSTRUM, JOHNSON

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:04

Stratford Courier
April 20, 1922

OLOF JONES, 78, PASSES AWAY SATURDAY NIGHT AT HIS HOME

Olof Jones, an old and respected resident of this section for many years, passed away at his home south of Stratford Saturday night, April 15, 1922 after a short illness following a stroke of paralysis. He was one of the pioneer farmers of this section of the state and was a man very highly respected by a large circle of friends.

Olof Jones was born in Ovanåker, Hälsingland, Sweden, December 11, 1843 and had thus on the day of his death attained the ripe old age of 78 years, 4 months, 4 days.

At the age of three years, in 1846, his father died. His mother, a widow immigrated to America in May, 1850, bringing with her the seven year old son. They arrived at Bishop Hill, Ills., Dec. 5, of the same year. A very short time after their arrival at Bishop Hill the mother passed away, leaving deceased an orphan of seven years of age. He was then taken up and cared for by the famous Swedish colony at Bishop Hill and he remained with this colony until it was dissolved. In 1860 he moved south of Bishop Hill and lived there for a period of six years.

During the year 1866 he left Illinois and started for Iowa traveling in a covered wagon overland. His destination was Marion township, Hamilton county. After he had made a trip back to Illinois he returned to this township and has lived here ever since.

On May 26, 1872, he was united in marriage to Martha Lindstrum, who preceded him in death, Dec. 28, 1916. Since the death of his wife he has been more or less confined to his room. Old age and failing health made it impossible for him to be out among friends and neighbors as before. But though confined to his own room he was able mostly to care for himself until the last. On March 25 he was stricken with paralysis and the end came shortly after that when he peacefully fell asleep.

Those who stood by his bedside as he was dying heard him utter this fervent prayer: "Herre Jesus var med mig, och skot mig some du alltid har gjort! Förlät mig mina synder! O, Herre Jesus tag mig hem!" And then he was heard to repeat the Lord's prayer a number of times.

In 1888 both he and his wife united with the Swedish Methodist Episcopal church and he was ever a faithful member and had the interest of the Kingdom of God in his heart. When he was strong and able he was active in its services. For many years he served the church as steward.

He leaves three sons and two daughters: Alfred Jones of Madrid; Albert Jones of South Marion; Arthur Jones of Marquette, Neb.; Mrs. Victor Norstrum of Pilot Mound; Mrs. Leslie Johnson of South Marion, who is at present residing in New Mexico; two sons-in-law and two daughters-in-law, twelve grandchildren and a host of friends and neighbors who will remember him always.

Funeral services were held from the South Marion church Tuesday afternoon conducted by Revs. Carl Jensen and F.W. Wilson. Interment was made in South Marion cemetery.

[obituary spells his first name 'Olof' but the headstone reads 'Olaf']