Johnson, Elmer P., 1868-1915

JOHNSON, BURKE

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/12/2010 at 20:53:55

A VERY SAD DEATH
Elmer Johnson, Leading Business Man, Succumbs to Pneumonia

All of Hawarden sincerely mourns the death of Elmer P. Johnson, one of the leading merchants of this city, which occurred at his home at five o'clock Monday afternoon [March 1], after a brief illness of less than two weeks. About two weeks ago he accompanied his baby to Sioux City for treatment at one of the hospitals and while there he became ill and returned home at once. His ailment developed into pneumonia and while everything was done for him that loving hands and medical skill could do, he rapidly grew weaker and weaker until the end came Monday afternoon. Funeral services were held at the Catholic church at ten o'clock this morning. The business houses of the city all closed during the funeral hour and the business men assembled and marched to the church in a body. Interment was made in the Catholic cemetery in this city.

Elmer P. Johnson was born at Mariestad, Skaraborgs Lan, Sweden, Dec. 12, 1868. In the spring of 1882 he came to America with his parents who settled on a homestead three miles east of Alcester. Shortly after this he accepted a position in the first store in Alcester and was the first clerk ever employed in that place. A couple of years later he accepted a position with J. P. Lind in his general store in Hawarden. With the exception of a few years spent in Sioux City and Vermillion he continued to remain in Mr. Lind's employ until 1905, when he formed a partnership with A. C. Cooper and they purchased his old employer's clothing business in this city. Two years ago he purchased Mr. Cooper's interest in the business and up to the time of his death conducted it alone. He was ever upright and honorable in all of his business dealings and no man in Hawarden has ever been held in higher esteem than he was held by his business associates and by those who had close and intimate relations with him.

He was united in marriage Feb. 19, 1903, with Miss Minnie Burke. Four children were born to this union. The children are Lucile, aged 11; Frances, aged 8; Bernice, age 5; and Robert Elmer, aged 1 year. Besides his sorrowing wife and children he leaves to mourn his death, his aged mother, Mrs. Selma Johnson of Alcester, three brothers and two sisters, all of whom were at his bedside when the final summons came. His brothers and sisters are John and Axel Johnson of Alcester, Ed. S. Johnson of Hawarden, Mrs. John A. Dahlin of Elk Point and Mrs. Emil Tunell of Alcester. The entire community extends sincere sympathy to the bereaved ones in their sad hour.

Source: Hawarden Independent, March 4, 1915.