Mary Jane Christy Johnson 1821-1896

CHRISTY, JOHNSON

Posted By: Rich Lowe (email)
Date: 10/19/2001 at 19:27:33

DEATH'S DOINGS
JOHNSON

Mary Jane Christy was born at New Rumley, Harrison county, Ohio, Dec. 8th, 1821. She was a daughter of James an Mary Christy, and came with her parents to Van Buren county in the year 1842, where they settled on a farm in Lick Creek township. She was married on March 5th, 1846, to William J. Johnson, and came with her husband to Bonaparte, Iowa, where she has since resided.

She was the mother of eight children, six of whom are living, viz: Mrs. George F. Smith, of Keosauqua, Iowa, Mrs. George T. Ward, of Chicago, Ill., Mrs. Maggie Meek, of Denver, Col., Thos. H. Johnson, of Ft. Madison, Iowa, Joseph A. Johnson, of Bonaparte, and George B. Johnson, of Ft. Worth, Texas. Two children, James W. Johnson and Ella M. Johnson, have preceded her in death in this county.

Mrs. Johnson has been identified with the growth and history of Van Buren county as one of the pioneer mothers. She was devoted to her family, and suffered many privations in early times for their welfare. She was perhaps as well known as any woman in this county, and her friends were many. She has been a patient sufferer for many years, and died as she had lived, in the hope of a blessed eternity.

Her death occurred at an early hour Tuesday morning, December 1, 1896, she having attained the age of 74 years, 11 months and 23 days. The funeral services occurred from her late home Wednesday afternoon, December 2, 1896, conducted by Rev. Schofield, and the remains were reposed in the Bonaparte cemetery.