Martha (Larson ) Johnson (1852-1931)

LARSON, JOHNSON, VIGNESS, TORGESON, NELSON, JENSEN, ANDERSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 10/10/2021 at 20:40:28

From Nevada Evening Journal November 2, 1931 (page 4)

Mrs. B. K. Johnson Was Longtime Resident

Special to the Journal.
Story City, Nov. 2--In the death of Mrs. B. K. Johnson which occurred at her home here on October 22 Story county loses one of its oldest citizens.

Mrs. Martha Larson Johnson was born in Aardal, Norway, August 31, 1852 of the parents John and Inger Larson. The next year they immigrated to America and came to the Fox River Norwegian colony in Illinois. Not long after they moved to Clinton county, Iowa and after the Civil war in which her father did military duty they moved to Benton county near Norway, Iowa.

On July 16, 1878 he was married to B. K. Johnson and they made their home on a farm north of McCallsburg for a period of 42 years. During that long time Mrs. Johnson was a tireless worker, and faithful member of the East Bergen Lutheran church in which her husband was leading figure.

In February 1929 they moved to Story City and have made their home here since.

Eight children were born to them, of whom three preceded her in death. Her husband and the following five children survive her Mrs. Andrew Vigness, McCallsburg, John B. Johnson, Story City, Mrs. Nels Torgeson, Radcliffe, Mrs. Lloyd Nelson, Albert Lea, Minn., Mrs. Henry Jensen, Thompson. She also leaves two brothers and one sister, Lewis Larson, Norway, Iowa, Sam Larson, Estherville and Mrs. J. E. Anderson, Lakefield, Minn.

Mrs. Johnson was in poor health for many years and during the last years has been nearly blind and largely bedfast. She was blessed with great patience and Christian fortitude and at all time this quiet and unassuming pioneer mother was an example of a truly pious and kindly character.

Death came to her last Thursday, Oct. 22 and attended by her family and a large gathering of friends, her earthly remains were laid to rest last Monday afternoon. She was buried from the St. Petri church of which she was been a member since she came to our community, with the pastor Rev. W. B. Scarvie officiating. Rev. Sumstad, Roland pastor of the East Bergen church was present and brought a message in Norwegian --- the old congregation.

Six grandsons, Myron Johnson, -------- Johnson, Andrew Vigness, ------ Nelson, Alve---- J--- and ---- --- -------- as pall bearers.

In ------ wutg ------ ----- ------- to Mission.