Johnson, William 1810-1897

JOHNSON, SKILLEN, BRUNNER, TOWNSEND, KELLY

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 5/2/2005 at 16:28:56

The Newton Record 30 Apr 1897
Death of William Johnson
Johnson, William

Uncle William Johnson, one of the oldest and most highly esteemed citizens of Newton, quietly and peacefully passed away at his home in South Street about five o’clock on Monday evening, April 26th. He had been gradually failing for some time, and when the end came it was not a surprise to his family, who had tenderly cared for and watched over him through his long illness. Some two years ago a small growth on the back of his hand became inflamed and from frequent irritation it continued to give him trouble and refused to yield to the remedies applied, finally assuming a cancerous nature, amputation of the hand was advised, but Mr. Johnson would not consent to the operation. At his age, with the disease already in his system, he felt that it would probably not prolong his life for any time. For some months the disease has done its deadly work rapidly, and his loved ones could only give him their constant care and lovingly minister to his comfort during the closing scenes of his long and useful life. He was a good man, genial and social, with always a kind word and pleasant greeting for everyone he met. As a father he was idolized by his children and as a neighbor and friend, always true and faithful.

Wm. Johnson was born November 20, 1810 at Enniskillen, North of Ireland. When twenty years of age he came to America and remained for some time in New York City, and was there united in marriage to Miss Ann Skillen. To them were born nine children, all of whom are still living. The family came to Newton in 1867, where Mrs. Johnson died in 1876.

The funeral services were held in the Presbyterian Church at 2:30 o’clock Wednesday afternoon, conducted by the pastor, Rev. E. J. Rice, and attended by a large concourse of neighbors and friends with whom he had been associated for so many years, and the beautiful floral offerings attested in a slight degree the warm friendship and esteem in which he was held by them. The music was by a quartet composed of Mrs. Belle Rodgers, Mrs. Grace Allen and Messrs. Fred Hugh and Hal. Wilson, with Miss Anna Treman as organist.

The family of the deceased are Mrs. John G. Brunner, Misses Jane, Sue and Ellen Johnson of this city; Geo. D. of Grinnell; John D. of Council Bluffs; Mrs. T. K. Townsend of Lincoln, Nebr.; Wm. R. of Mojave, Calif.; Mrs. C. J. Kelly of Terre Haute, Ind.; all of whom were present at the funeral of their father excepting the last two named.

Originally submitted on Sat Jul 27 10:35:21 2002