OBITUARY: Matthias Johnson, 1892-1914, Mitchell Co., Iowa Item #1 of 2 Matthias Johnson Matthias Johnson was born in the Jens Johnson home at Rock Creek, Mitchell county Iowa, July 11, 1892. He was baptized and confirmed in the Rock Creek Lutheran church. He passed away at the parental home on the same farm where he was born, six miles west of Osage, Aug. 18 1916, at the age of 24 years, 1 month and 7 days. In the spring of 1914 he had an attack of hemorrhage of the lungs owing to, as he explained it, an injury in the chest by the falling of a hay sling when unloading a load of straw. The rope broke when the sling was nearly to the track and the edge of it struck Matthias in the chest. He was very weak all summer and confined to his room. New Year's day, 1915, he commenced to gain and was quite well for one year. Last winter however, he began to fail in health again and continued to do so until death called him home. He is survived by his parents, two brothers John and Alfred, also four sisters, Mrs. John Christianson, Mrs. C. Shoger, Mrs. Aursland, and Mathilda. The funeral service was held Sunday afternoon at the Rock Creek Lutheran church. A large number of congregation and many of the relatives from Osage, St. Ansgar and Deer Creek were in attendance. He was laid to rest in the Lutheran cemetery near the church beside his brother Oscar, who died two and a half years earlier. --Osage News -------------------------------------------------- Item #2 of 2 A large crowd attended the funeral services of Matthias Johnson last Sunday afternoon. Services were held at the home at 12:30 and at the Meroa church at 1:30, conducted by Rev. Urnes of Osage. Matthias was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jens Johnson and had been afflicted with that dread disease, tuberculosis, for the past two years. He was a patient sufferer during his illness and the end came Friday morning. The beautiful floral offerings of love and esteem showed how much this young man was appreciated in this vicinity. Heartfelt sympathy of the community goes out to the bereaved parents, sister, and brothers. --Osage News ---------------------------- Submitted by Kathy Pike, August 2003 Copyright 2003, Kathy Pike