Johnson, Elmer E. S. (1872-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Jul 2 p. 1

Birth date: 1872 Jun 26

Text of obituary:

Noted Historian, Former Mennonite Minister, Called Away In Death

WAS AN AUTHORITY ON PENNSYLVANIA MENNONITE HISTORY; PREACHED IN MENNONITE CHURCHES

Hereford, Pa. — The death here of Dr. Elmer E. S. Johnson on May 15 has left a gap in the ranks of historians in this area.

Dr. Johnson, although a member of the Schwenkfelder denomination, served in Mennonite pastorates for many years.

He was most widely known, however, as an historian and was considered an authority on the beginnings of Mennonitism in America and its developments through two centuries—particularly in Pennsylvania.

Born June 26, 1872, at New Berlinville, Pa., he received his early education at New Berlinville elementary school, then later attended Perkiomen Seminary, Princeton University and Hartford Theological Seminary.

Since 1919 Dr. Johnson was custodian of the Schwenkfelder Historical Libarary at Pennsburg. He also taught in the department of Church History at Hartford Theological Seminary from 1922 to 1943.

He compiled many family genealogies and was known throughout Pennsylvania as a collector of historical documents and books.

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The Mennonite obituary: 1959 Jul 21 p. 446

Text of obituary:

ELMER E. S. JOHNSON, for many years pastor of the Hereford Mennonite Church, Bally, Pa., was born June 26, 1872, and died May 17, 1959.