Johnson, John Adam (1872-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Aug 20 p. 5

Birth date: 1872 Apr 23

text of obituary:

Halstead Pioneer Called by Death

Halstead, Kans. — Funeral services were held at the Grace Mennonite church on Aug. 15 for John A. Johnson, well known retired farmer who died at the farm home south of Halstead on Aug. 12 at the age of 81.

Mr. Johnson, a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, was born in Polish Russia on April 23, 1872. He had lived in this community for about 65 years.

Surviving are his wife, Eva, to whom he was married more than 58 years ago, four daughters, five sons, two brothers and two sisters.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Aug 27 p. 9

text of obituary:

JOHN ADAM JOHNSON

John Adam Johnson, our beloved husband and father, was born to Adam and Elizabeth Johnson on April 23, 1872, in the village of Antonofka, Poland Russia. He departed from this life on August 12, 1953, at 9:30 a.m. at his farm home near Halstead, Kansas. At the time of his death he had reached the age of 81 years, three months and 20 days.

When two years old he came with his parents to a new life in America, settling in McPherson county, Kansas. Here he grew to manhood in the true pioneer spirit, learning to love the Kansas prairie and tilling the soil. As a young man of 22 he accepted Christ as his Saviour and upon confession of his faith was baptized and received into the fellowship of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on December 25, 1894. He remained a faithful member until death.

On November 10, 1895, he was united in holy wedlock to Eva Koehn, with whom he shared life’s Joys and sorrows for nearly 58 years. To this union were born six sons and four daughters.

He was a pioneer resident of the Halstead community, having lived here for sixty years. His lifelong vocation was farming and he often times expressed his feeling that in being close to nature man was close to God. His considerate manner and gentle demeanor toward his fellowman won for him many enduring friends. During his lifetime he rigidly observed the tenets of his religion, always keeping foremost in his mind the welfare of others.

On April 9, 1916, he was ordained into the office of deacon in the church of his faith. In this capacity he served faithfully and tirelessly until his health began to fail. He was generous to the poor and kind to the afflicted, giving much of his time and money to help those in need. His work is now done but will not be forgotten.

Mr. Johnson was in good health and active on the farm until about two and one-half years ago when he had a light stroke. Though his health was gradually failing he was able to be up and around until Sunday, August 2, when he was suddenly stricken with a cerebral hemmorhage [sic]. After suffering for nearly ten days, he peacefully fell asleep, passing away to meet the One whom he loved and served.

He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Eva Johnson; four sons, Obed and Adam of Halstead, Benjamin of Middleton, Michigan, and Victor of Kansas City, Missouri: four daughters, Susan and Ina of the home, Mrs. Betty Litwiller, Middleton, Michigan and Mrs. Johanna Litwiller of Perrinton, Michigan. Also surviving him are 19 grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, two brothers, J. C. Johnson of Halstead, and E. A. Johnson of Rich Hill, Missouri, and two sisters, Mrs. Ben Koehn of Rich Hill, Missouri and Mrs. Roy Miller of Halstead. He also left behind a host of other relatives and friends. Two sons, Samuel and Daniel, died in infancy, and six brothers and six sisters preceded him in death.

Funeral services were conducted in the Grace Mennonite church of Halstead Saturday afternoon, August 15. Rev. Carl Dirks and Rev. F. H. Wenger of Hesston were the officiating ministers. A prayer service in the home preceded the church services. The church choir sang the following songs in the home: "A beautiful Life” and "Will the Circle by [sic] Unbroken.” At the church services the choir sang "Not Made With Hands,” "The Unclouded Day,” "Hold to God's Unchanging Hands” and other hymns.

Casket bearers were Albert Koehn, J. J. Unruh, A. L. Yost, Menno Dirks, Abe Schmidt and Nathaniel Schmidt. Mr. Johnson was laid to rest in the family lot of the Halstead cemetery. The Kaufman funeral home was in charge of the funeral arrangements.