Johnson, Joseph G. 1837-1904

JOHNSON, PENROSE, MARSH, GRUWELL

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 12/12/2010 at 10:39:02

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Tuesday, Mar. 22, 1904

JOSEPH G. JOHNSON

Mr. Joseph G. Johnson was born at Newgarden, Columbiana county, Ohio, Jan. 2, 1837. Here in 1862 he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Penrose who, with one daughter, Mrs. E.A. Marsh, survives him. Since 1874 this most estimable family have been residents of Grinnell, and during all that time Mr. Johnson has been in business in this city, and continuously in the same location. He has survived several partnerships and at the time of his death was one of the two or three men who have for a third of a century been identified with the business fraternity of this city.

A member of the Society of Friends by birth, Mr. Johnson retained the quiet demeanor, sterling honesty and earnestness of character which has made the Quaker stand for centuries as an example of upright living.

Few men have held in a greater degree the friends of his earlier manhood, and it is a strong evidence of his sense of honor, that the business friends of years ago remained so to the last.

In the home as in business, he was always a genial companion, and scores of students can testify to the delightful home they found with Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, where the spirit of self sacrifice was strong and every comfort was provided. Though for years a sufferer from disease, his even spirit and marked cheerfulness made him a delightful friend.

After three months of physical pain he yielded to the death angel and passed away at six o'clock Wednesday. The funeral service was held at the house Sunday at three o'clock, conducted by his pastor, Rev. E.M. Vittum. J.C. Walker, E.B. Brande, Mrs. A.B. Mack and Mrs. W.A. Heidel composed the funeral choir. Bearers were friends of his entire residence in Grinnell, J.A. Stone, G.H. Hamlin, A. McIntosh, H.P Proctor, H.C. Spencer and W.G. Ray. The body was interred at Hazelwood.

Relatives from abroad were his brother, Benj. Johnson of Ohio, Wm. Penrose and J.R. Penrose of Burlington, Mrs. Kelley Johnson of Oskaloosa and J.P Gruwell of Maquoketa.

The loving sympathy of a large circle of friends goes out to deceased man's relatives in the loss of this good man, with the assurance that the memory of a true and pure life is their blessed inheritance.