Died June 9, 1889
ANOTHER OLD SETTLER GONE
Alfred W. Johnson died on Sunday at 1 o'clock p.m., June 9, of dropsy of the heart, aged 79 years. He was a native of Vermont, and came to his city in 1834. He was a carpenter and contractor. He built the house where he died in 1835, and has resided there continously ever since. He was married to Miss Dezire Howe in 1837, the oldest daughter of Frederick Howe, who then resided in Bertrand township, on the Indian reserve, six miles west of this city. He was the father of five sons and three daughters. Four sons reside in Chicago and one here, Charles A. Johnson, cashier of the First National Bank. His two daughters, Mrs. John A. Montague and Mrs. Orson McKay, also reside here. Mrs. Kimmel, another daughter, resides in Omaha, Nebraska. Mr. Johnson was elected one of the first trustees of the village in 1837, and several times since. He was elected Sergeant at arms of the State Senate about 1846.
As a master builder there stands today the first house on Broadway (Peak house), built in 1835, the farm house of S. Messinger, Hoag, Hart's, Dye's and others on the reserve. In town, the dwelling of R.W. Landon, the house of S.S. Dodge, J.A. Montague and many others. The last was the Montague dwelling erected 15 years ago.
Up to the last two years Mr. Johnson had enjoyed excellent health, when he had a slight stroke of paralysis, which confined him but a short time to his bed. Two weeks last Sunday he was taken down with the dropsy, which caused his death as above stated.
Those who know Mr. Johnson can testify he was one of our most honest and honorable citizens, generous hearted, a most indulgent kind husband and father. He has raised a family, all of whom are patterns of their parents, and all hold honorable positions in life. He was a man of retiring habits, a great lover of his pleasant home made so by the kind disposition of the excellent companion he leaves behind and all connected with the household.
The funeral of Mr. Johnson will take place from his late residence on Hickory Lane tomorrow at 3 p.m., Rev. Mr. Lowry officiating.
(Source: Niles Mirror, Wednesday, June 12, 1889, page 4, col. 2, reprinted from Niles Daily Star, Monday, June 10, 1889, microfilm Niles District Library)