Johnson, Frank F., 1865-1937

JOHNSON, CUNNINGHAM, ASHMORE

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/18/2012 at 08:02:56

DEATH CLAIMS FRANK JOHNSON
Passed Away Last Thursday at Hawarden Hospital
Was 71 Years Old and Had Lived in Hawarden About 25 Years--Buried at Eagle Grove Monday

Frank F. Johnson, retired North Western railway man, passed away at the Hawarden hospital at 2:30 last Thursday afternoon from heart trouble. He was stricken with a heart attack several weeks ago and had been a patient at the hospital for three weeks. He rallied considerably at times during this period but last Thursday afternoon he suffered a recurrent attack and died within a few minutes thereafter.

Funeral services were held at the Ross Funeral Home at 2:30 Sunday afternoon with the members of the Masonic order in charge, with T. J. Reeves officiating. Monday morning the remains were taken overland to Eagle Grove where interment was made beside his wife who preceded him in death many years ago.

Frank F. Johnson was born in Chicago, Ill., Sept. 9, 1865, and passed away in Hawarden Feb. 25, 1937, at the age of 71 years, 9 months and 9 days. He lived on a farm near Kenosha, Wis., for about seven years and about 1882, while still in his youth, moved to Eagle Grove. There he served as night marshal for a time and about 1894 entered the service of the North Western Railway company as a fireman, later being promoted to engineer. He quit railroading for a time on account of poor health and during this interval served as county recorder of Wright county for two or three terms. He then re-entered railway service and came to Hawarden about twenty-five years ago as night foreman at the North Western round house. He served in this capacity for about ten years but owing to failing eyesight was obliged to give up the night foremanship and work at less arduous tasks. He continued as a regular employee of the company until a year or two ago when he retired from active work. Last year he was appointed as a justice of the peace for Logan township.

Mr. Johnson was united in marriage in Chicago with Harriet Cunningham and they made their home in Eagle Grove until her death nearly 35 years ago. One daughter was born to them and she accompanied her father when he moved to Hawarden and lived here for many years.

Mr. Johnson is survived by one brother, Wm. V. Johnson of South Pekin, Ill., and one sister, Mrs. A. R. Knowles of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Both visited him here during his last illness and returned again for the funeral. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Mrs. Frances Burke of Rock Valley; Junior Ashmore, who is in a CCC camp at Clarion, Iowa, and Miss Harriett Ashmore, a senior in the Hawarden high school.

Frank Johnson had many friends who mourn his death. He was especially popular among the railway men who had worked with him for many years. As a citizen he was honorable and upright in all his dealings. He possessed a quiet and retiring disposition yet always had a cheery greeting for his friends. He idolized his grandchildren and never appeared happier than when performing some service for them. He was a member of the Masonic lodge at Eagle Grove and it was at their request and at the request of members of his family that the Hawarden Masons took charge of the funeral rites.

Source: Hawarden Independent, March 4, 1937.