Obit: Johnson, Sever #1 (1842 – 1907)

Contact: Michelle Melcher
Email: michelle@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Johnson, Smith, Pfledger, Ferguson

----Source: Fairchild Observer (Fairchild, Wis.) 11/21/1907

Johnson, Sever (1842 – 20 Nov 1907)

The community was shocked yesterday morning when the news was spread of the sudden death of Sever Johnson. Mr. Johnson was on the streets Tuesday afternoon in apparent good health. Since the fire which destroyed his residence he had been making his home with Tom Smith, his son-in-law. Yesterday morning the family slept later than usual and Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were the first to arise, calling Mr. and Mrs. Smith as they came down stairs. Mr. Johnson then went to the out house and preparations for the morning meal were commenced. As an unusual time had elapsed and Mr. Johnson had not returned, a search was commenced and he was found in a sitting posture in the outhouse, his head drooping forward and all indications of life gone. Mr. Smith immediately called Dr. Pfledger, who was nearby, but there was nothing that could be done. Mr. Johnson had been troubled with heart disease for some time and the doctor gave has his opinion that a sudden and severe attack had caused death.

Sever Johnson was born in Norway 65 years ago. When a young man he came to this country settling first at Osseo, but remained there only a short time, moving to Fairchild over 30 years ago and has lived here continuously since, following the trade of a shoemaker. Being of a quiet, retiring disposition and finding his happiness in his home and family he seldom mingled with the outside world. Those whom he did come in contact with were his friends and all sincerely regret his sudden death.

Mr. Johnson leaves a widow and seven children – three boys and four girls. The sons are John, Nelson, and Will and the daughters are Mrs. Amy Smith, Mrs. Ellen Ferguson, of Eau Claire, and Misses Ida and Anna, the two later being the only children living with their parents, the others being married.

Arrangements for the funeral have not been made yet, owing to the distance that some of the children live from home, and how soon they can get here.