Johnson, Gus 1964 - 1921

JOHNSON, KAUFFMAN, HENSELY, BOYD

Posted By: A.M.W. (email)
Date: 3/2/2006 at 13:35:05

12/15/1921 – Wayland News

J. J. Johnson, more familiarly know as “Gus” Johnson died suddenly from heart failure last Thursday afternoon about 3 o’clock at his home southeast of Wayland. The news of Mr. Johnson’s death was a great shock to his friends here, as he had been in his usual health, and it was not generally known that he had trouble of the heart. On Thursday afternoon, Gus and his brother, Harve, who has been visiting Mr. and Mrs. Johnson for several days, were doing some repair work in the barn. Harve was working outside the barn and stepped inside to get a board. Just as he entered the building, Gus finished sawing a piece of scantling, laid his saw on the top of the manger, and started around the stall, Harve following closely behind. Harve noticed his brother “stumble”, but thought nothing of it until he saw that Gus did not recover and was falling. Harve reached his brother’s side as he went down with his back against the stall in a sitting position. Harve opened the shirt front and placed his hand over the heart but there was no pulsation, one gasp and all was over. Doctor Allen was called and arrived in a few minutes but he could only advise the friends who had gathered that death had resulted from heart failure.

J. J. Johnson was born on the old home farm 3 ½ miles southeast of Wayland and has always been a resident of this community. His boyhood was spent on the farm. Soon after becoming of age, he decided to learn the Blacksmith trade and entered the shop of L. Funk where he worked for some time. Later he began working for William Henss, remaining with the veteran blacksmith and wagon maker for three years, gaining thereby a thorough knowledge of the business. After leaving Mr. Henss’ employ, he started in business for himself and for a number of years he owned and operated one of the two shops in Wayland. In 1898 he was married to Miss Katie Kauffman, who survives him. Some years ago a sweet little girl was adopted into the home, and Lucille, now the wife of Carl Hensley, has been the pride and joy of that home. In recent years, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have resided on the farm near Wayland. Mr. Johnson’s neighbors testify to his worth as a man and his friends are only limited by his acquaintances.

The funeral of our friend was held at the home on Sunday, December 11 at 1 o’clock and was largely attended. Rev. Samp had charge of the services. A mixed quartet composed of Mrs. A. W. Wenger, Mrs. O.P. Boshart, H. E. Davies and Warren Allen sang “Nearer My God to Thee”. Rev. Samp offered a touching prayer and spoke briefly words of comfort and consolation to the family and friends.

At the conclusion of the services in the home the body was taken to Finley Cemetery where it was laid to rest in the family lot.

Relatives present from a distance were Harvey Johnson and two sons, Harry and Floyd of Fairview, Illinois, W. E. Johnson of Fairfield, George and Robert Johnson of Burlington, Fred Johnson and family of Mt. Pleasant, Swan Nelson of Packwood, John and Lincoln Boyd of Winfield. Among others present from a distance were C. H. Rich and wife of Salem, Ed Alter and Ben Keyes of Mt. Pleasant.

To view tombstone, click on the following link:

http://iowagravestones.org/gs_view.php/id_60476