Johnson, John 1840 – 1913

JOHNSON, KNUTSON, PETERSON

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 7/23/2020 at 08:25:50

Source: Cresco Plain Dealer May 9, 1913, P-5, C-5

John Johnson passed away Wednesday, after a long illness. He was one of the old time merchants of the town, doing business first as Thompson & Johnson Bros., and later in partnership with his brother.

Source: Cresco Plain Dealer May 16, 1913, P-2, C-2

Johnson.
John Johnson was born in the parish of Hurum, Valdres. Norway, the 11th of September, 1840. His parents were Johannes Knutson and wife Berit. At the age of 14 he was confirmed in the Lutheran church of Vang, Valdres, and in this neighborhood he spent his childhood and youth.
In 1861 he came to this country and settled in Wisconsin. In Scandinavia of that state he was un{i}ted in holy matrimony to Anna Peterson, also from Valdres, Norway. The marriage service was read by the well known pioneer pastor, Rev. Nils Brandt, the 15th of July 1864. In commemoration of this event a number of their friends and relatives gathered at their home in Cresco and celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with them in 1911.
After six years in Wisconsin he came to Iowa and began farming in Fremont twp., Winneshiek county, where he remained eight years.
In 1874 he came to Cresco and entered the mercantile business in the firm of Thompson and Johnson Bros, which soon built up a large and remunerative business and stood high in commercial circles. Later the firm name was changed to Johnson Bros., and after the death of Andrew Johnson in 1900 John Johnson continued the business alone for a few years.
Since he retired to private life his health has not been very good, though he has been able to be about nearly all the time. But especially during the last couple of years it has been evident that the formerly so strong and robust frame was bending toward its last earthly resting place
Last week he did not seem to feel as well as usual, but even Tuesday afternoon he took his usual walk down town and also worked a little in his garden patch. But Wednesday afternoon at about 3 o’clock the suddenly became very ill. It was soon evident that this would be his last illness. He was conscious for about an hour and passed quietly away at about half past five o’clock.
He leaves to mourn him his faithful and beloved wife, two sisters in this country and one brother and sister in the old country, and several younger people who have from time to time made their home with this childless couple: Mrs. M. Langland, Rothsay, Minnesota; Mrs. G. Gunderson, Ridgeway, Iowa; Mrs. Gesell, Manitoba, Can.
The funeral was held Saturday from the family residence, where Rev. M. Langland of Rothsay. Minn., conducted a short service, and from the First Lutheran church of which deceased was a charter member, where Rev. Lauritz Larsen preach¬ed the funeral sermon. At the interment at Oaklawn, Rev. Langland officiated.

Oak Lawn Cemetery
 

Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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