JOHNSON, Joseph A.: Died 1938

JOHNSON, WELCH, CHRISTY

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 12/9/2016 at 14:37:16

**Handwritten: V.B. Record 13 Oct. 1938

Joseph A. Johnson

Joseph A. Johnson, son of William J. and May Christy Johnson, was born in Bonaparte, Iowa, July 27, 1862, and spent practically all his life in this community.

Oct. 20, 1887, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Welch, daughter of Rev. James Welch. To this union was born one daughter, Margaret, who, with his wife, remain to mourn their loss of husband and father.

Mr. Johnson was the last survivor of a family of eight brothers and sisters. Their parents were pioneer settlers in this part of the country.

In 1883 he became assistant to his uncle, Thomas Christy, who was cashier in the Farmers and Traders State bank, which had been organized in the previous year. Mr. Johnson held this position a few years, then became the cashier, and in 1915, was made president. During the active years in business Mr. Johnson was the adviser and confidant of all classes of people. He was a man of quiet tastes, devoted to his family and friends, and a staunch supporter of anything for the benefit of the town in which he had spent his entire life. In business, community or church he gave faithfully of his time, money and service.

For many years he was a member of the Presbyterian church of Bonaparte, holding the office of Senior Trustee and Treasurer, and serving in every way his organization that he loved.

Failing health for the past few years made it necessary for him conserve his strength, but he was in fairly good health until about three weeks ago, when stricken with paralysis. The end came at 5 o'clock Saturday evening, Oct. 8, 1938. Besides his immediate family he leaves a number of nieces, nephews and cousins, and a host of friends, who will sorely miss his kindly advice and counsel.

Funeral services conducted by Dr. Percy H. Nickless, pastor of the Central Presbyterian church of Des Moines, assisted by Rev. L.E. Winfrey of Bonaparte, were held Monday afternoon at the Presbyterian church. Interment was in Bonaparte cemetery.
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Those who came from a distance to attend the funeral services were Dr. and Mrs. W.I. Bogle and daughter, Dorothy, Miss Irene Smith, Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Welch and daughter, Dorothy, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ketcham and Miss Emma Wiler of Des Moines; Mrs. Claude Eastman and Herbert E. Rees of Chicago; George Welch of Lawrence, Kansas; Levi Johnson, West Union, Iowa; and Tom Riley, Burlington.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book H, Page 47, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA