Samuel L. Johnson
1840-Jan. 7, 1929
Niles Daily Star, Monday, January 7, 1929, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library
DEATH TAKES ANOTHER VETERAN OF CIVIL WAR
Samuel L. Johnson, 88, Dies This Morning at Union Place Residence
Samuel L. Johnson, 88, who had for several years been one of the few surviving veterans of the Civil war, in Niles, died this morning at 9:15 at his home, 527 Union place. Mr. Johnson died from a second stroke of paralysis. He became ill last evening, and, this morning, it was decided to take him to the hospital but he died just as the ambulance arrived.
Mr. Johnson was born on a farm north of Niles not far from the Johnson cemetery on the Niles-St. Joseph road, and named for the family of which he is a member. He had spent his entire life in Berrien county except during the time he served in the war. He engaged in farming for a number of years in Oronoko township and reared his family there. At the age of 21 years, he enlisted with Co. E. 12th infantry, or on Oct. 10, 1861. He was mustered into service on Jan. 8, 1862. During the war he was on duty from January to April in 1864 with the 11th Ohio Battalion. He was discharged at DeVall's Bluff, Ark., on Jan. 7, 1865.
Mr. Johnson built the house in which he died 30 years ago and has since lived there. For a number of years he was engaged as watchman at the Big Four crossing on Main street until ill health prevented. Mr. Johnson was twice married. His second wife, who was formerly Mrs. Ida Bridge, of Elkhart, Ind., and to whom he was married 15 years ago, survives him. Besides the widow, he is survived by one son, Arthur Johnson, of St. Joseph, and one brother, James Johnson, of Niles, and two grandchildren; Mrs. Harold Spaulding and Harry Inglewright, of Berrien Springs. Mrs. M.S. Brickel and Mrs. Bernard Deegan, of Niles, are nieces.
The funeral plans are not completed but the services will be held, probably, on Wednesday afternoon in the home. Burial will be made in the family lot in Silver Brook cemetery.