Johnson, Benjamin J. (1867-1942)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1942 Jun 11 p. 8

Birth date: 1867 Nov 15

text of obituary:

Benjamin J. Johnson

Benjamin J. Johnson, son of John Jantz and Annie Rediger Jantz, was born Nov. 15, 1867, in Poland, South Russia, and departed this life to be with his Saviour May 21, at 8:30 P. M. at the age of 74 years, 6 months, 6 days.

When a boy of seven years he came to America with his parents in 1874. After being on their journey one month and 26 days they arrived in Philadelphia on Jan. 10, 1875, and settled at Pawnee Rock, Kansas. Here he spent his boyhood.

At about the age of 20 years he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior, was baptized on the confession of his faith and became a member of the church there.

In 1894, when Oklahoma was opened for settlement, he took part in the Cherokee Run.

He staked his land near the town of Lahoma. Here he joined church and became an active member and served as song leader for many years.

Two years later he was united in marriage to Susie Baker, daughter of Adam and Elisabeth Becker, of Meno, Okla. Into this union were born 4 children. Daughter Nina, 14 months old, and granddaughter Joanna Johnson, 2 years old, preceded him in death.

Having lived in Oklahoma for 19 years they moved to Montana in the fall of 1913. Here he joined the Bethlehem Mennonite church, where he was a member until his death.

About 6 weeks ago he fell and bruised his right side.

Later gall bladder trouble developed, from which he suffered greatly and did not recover.

Toward the last he had great desire for the reading of the Word of God and for prayer.

He is survived by his beloved wife and 10 children, Albert of Durham, Kans., and his twin sister, Mrs. August Unruh of Richey, Mont.; Alvin of Bloomfield, Leonard of Kinsey [sic Kinsley] and his twin sister, Mrs. Toby Richert of Bloomfield, Raymond of Sacramento, Calif.; Mrs. Paul Thiesen of Freeman, So. Dak.; Mrs. John Heinrichs, Theodore and Ewald, all of Bloomfeild; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Becker of Ringwood, Okla., and Mrs. Lena Buller of Durham, Kan.

Also 15 grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors mourn his departure.

May 24 would have been the 46th year of his married life, if he had lived.

Goodnight, till morning come again
We part, if part we must, with pain.
But night is short, and hope is sweet.
Faith fills our hearts and wings our feet;
And so we sing the old refrain
Goodnight, till morning come again.