Iowa Old Press
Ottumwa Daily Democrat
July 15, 1901
Ex-Senator John A. Johnson Passes Away
In Helena, Montana.
A press dispatch from Helena, Mont., is as follows:
“Colonel John A. Johnson, a pioneer of both Iowa and Montana is dead here, aged 76 years. He was twice a member of the Iowa legislature before the civil war and came to Montana in 1864, having been prominent in political and legal circles.”
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Colonel Johnson was a member of the Seventh and Eighth general assemblies, serving in 1858 and 1860 as a senator from Wapello county. He was a prominent attorney of Ottumwa and was one of the leading democrats of the state. He was closely identified with General Crocker in business and professional life. During the war he served with conspicuous gallantry. Upon his return from the army, he determined to try his fortunes in the then unexplored wilderness of Montana, and from the first was one of the leaders in that state.
Major A. H. Hamilton and other old time residents of Ottumwa were asked to-day regarding Colonel Johnson, and though all have a remembrance of him, they did not remember much regarding his family relations, his life here, etc. He came from Sigourney in an early day and he was known as one of the brightest members of the Wapello county bar.
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--The case of Jesse Young, accused of adultery by his uncle, Charles young, was up before Justice Ballard this forenoon, but was continued for trial until Friday morning.
--The temperature today was much more pleasant for suffering humanity. It registered 74 at 7 a.m. and climbed by gradual stages to 98 at 2 p.m., remaining at that point until 3 p.m. There was considerable moisture in the atmosphere, however, and perspiration was easy.
--C. B. Castle stopped a bad runaway this afternoon at the risk of his life. A farmer stopped at the corner of Court and Second streets with a load of lumber and left his team without tethering it. The animals took fright and started to run, and Mr. Castle’s action was taken when the outfit was getting under a good headway. No damage was done.
--Out of 37 students of the rural schools examined for diplomas last year, five were successful. Twenty-four were examined for the same purpose this year, and four out of that number have been granted diplomas. Those successful this year are:
Eugene Lentner, of the Nasby school;
Chester A. Buckner, of Highland Center school;
Frank L. Hook, of the Hedrick school;
Miss Ethel S. Proctor, of the Amador school.
These diplomas are granted to those who pass a rigid examination, showing that they have successfully finished the various branches taught in the rural schools.
[transcribed by L.Z., May 2021]