Margaret Jane Johnson Willits d. 11-13-1902

JOHNSON, WILLITS

Posted By: Rich Lowe (email)
Date: 9/27/2001 at 14:28:57

The death of Mrs. M. J. Willits, a pioneer, a philanthropist and a noble woman, is genuinely regretted. By her death Mendocino [Co. CA] lost one of those grand characters who blazed the trail. She was born in Ohio in 1827, and married Hiram Willits in 1844. They crossed the plains in 1850, and went to the mines of Nevada county. They remained there a year and then went to Colusa county. From Colusa they came to this valley in 1857. Here husband and wife lived and died. Hiram Willits owned the first store and built the first brick building in town. Fifteen years ago Willits was incorporated under the name of its founder. The surviving members of the family are a brother and sister, who reside in Iowa; T. B. Johnson, a brother, who is city marshal of Willits, and who recently accompanied the deceased on a visit to the old home in Iowa. There are three other original heirs to the property of the deceased, which is valued at about $15,000, and is divided share and share alike. T. B. Johnson is the administrator. The funeral was attended by a large concourse of people. Rev. Harry C. Richardson of the M. E. church officiated.
------------
LITTLE LAKE HERALD - November 19, 1902
-----------
Note: Margaret Jane Johnson dau. of William and Nancy Crain Johnson. Married Hiram Willits 1845 in Van Buren Co. IA

{I would like to hear from anyone with connection to this family. - Rich]