Johnson, Gust - 1854-1930

JOHNSON, JOHNSON

Posted By: Linda Vander Linden - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/28/2010 at 10:23:23

Again we are called to say farewell to one of our early pioneers-this time Mr. Gust Johnson, who for the past 59 years has been a resident of Big Springs. He was born near Aske, Orebro Lan, Sweden, Sept. 26, 1854, and died at Alcester March 14, 1930, being at the time of his death 75 years, 5 months and 18 days of age. His parents, Mr. & Mrs. Per. J. Janson, were early converts to the Baptist faith in Sweden. Mrs. Janson was baptised as early as 1858, and became a charter member of the Askers Baptist church, called Stohagen. With their family of six children they immigrated to America in 1858, locating at Village Creek, Iowa, where they united with the Baptist church. In the spring of 1871 they moved with two yoke of oxen and a covered wagon to Big Springs, Dakota Territory. They took a homestead in this new land, united with the newly organized church, and donated to the church the ground which we now appreciate so much as our church property. Gust Johnson thus grew to manhood in a Christian home and as the father was a shoemaker by trade, he, as the oldest of four sons, had to take the lead and responsibility of the farm work. In those early days Sioux City and later Elk Point were the nearest markets and often it was necessary to spend both nights and days on the road, first with ox teams and then horses. Thus many privations and hardships were endured but through it all his sunny and cheerful disposition carried him through. He was baptised and united with the Big Springs Baptist church in 1880 and was a member until 1885.

In 1882 he moved onto his own homestead now the home of his son, Conrad, where he lived alone until July 13, 1890, when he was married to Miss Mary Johnson. Theirs has truly been a happy and prosperous home. Just one year ago the family moved to Alcester from whence he passed on to his heavenly home. He made some valuable contributions to the church and community, but best of all are the two sons and two daughters he has left to carry on and continue his unfinished work. He is survived by his devoted wife, two sons, Conrad and Ralph, two daughters, Mrs. E. A. Johnson of Hawarden and Miss Gladys at home, and his only grandchild, Ethel Johnson. He also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Andrew Palm of Akron and Mrs. David Oberg of Alcester, and one brother, Chas E. Johnson of Hawarden, besides a host of other relatives and friends. He was a kind, loving husband and father and will be greatly missed in his home circle as well as among his many friends and neighbors.

His remains were brought back to the old farm where short services were held Monday afternoon before coming to the church for the final burial services. A full choir sang some of his best loved sons and Rev. B. L. Carlton preached and together with his loved family and large concourse of friends, laid the remains in the Big Springs cemetery under a blanket of beautiful flowers. Peace over his memory.

Those from a distance who attended the funeral were Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Palm. Miss Sophia Johnson, Mr. & Mrs. John Nordstrom and Mr. & Mrs. Roy Dingledine and daughter of Sioux City, and Dr. and Mrs. Bennie Johnson and Mr. Cross of Hartington, Neb.

Source: Hawarden Independent, March 20, 1930

NOTE: The name of his parents was shown as Janson.