John F. "Spring Creek" Johnson
Burial Details
Obituaries
Eagle Valley Enterprise page 8 - January 11, 1929
A multitude of friends in Eagle county were shocked to learn Sunday evening of the death of John JOHNSON. Although Mr. JOHNSON had not been in robust health for about three years,and had for the past two months been confined to a hospital in Glenwood, yet he never completely lost hope of his ultimate recovery, a hope which his friends shared, those friends whom he always greeted with a smile when they called to see him, overjoyed at their coming, for he held them dear, as he was without close kin, none of his own people residing in this state. In his passing Gypsum valley has lost one of her substantial citizens. A faithful, diligent worker until about three years ago when he was forced by ill health to retire from active farming. Honest, trustworthy and thrifty, he had laid by a considerable fortune that he might have ease in his old age.
John JOHNSON's word was as good as his bond, and many was the friend he helped tide over a financial strain.
Nearest of kin left to mourn the passing of this good man are two nieces and three nephews, all residing in the east, and none of whom were able to attend his funeral.
John F. JOHNSON was born in Storfors, Vormland, Sweden, October 1851, died in Glenwood Springs, Colo., Sunday evening, January 6, 1929, at the age of 77 years, 2 months and 29 days.
In his native land he was born and reared a Lutheran, and his last wishes, to be buried from the church of his faith were carried out by friends.
John ANDERSON [sic.], in company with the late Fred GRUNDEL, came to the United States in 1879, and shortly after landing here, the two friends separated, temporarily, Mr. GRUNDEL remaining in Boston and Mr. JOHNSON joining a brother who had preceded him to Wisconsin. Later that same year he came to Leadville where he remained until 1883, when he joined his fellow countrymen, the GRUNDEL brothers in Gypsum valley.
During the fall and winter of 1883-84 he drove a stage, carrying mail from Red Cliff to Dotsero before the railroad went through. Upon coming to Gypsum valley, he located first on Spring creek, back of Cooley mesa, and here he acquired the name of "Spring Creek" Johnson, by which he was known and called by his friends to the day of his death.
Later he farmed the CONDEN place for a number of years, living alone, the greater part of the time.
Here he remained until three years ago, when he was forced by ill health to seek a lower altitude and in order to be near his friends and his interest in Gypsum valley, he went to Glenwood, occasionally making trips back to Gypsum, sometimes remaining for a week.
Friends from Gypsum visited him frequently and even as late as Sunday afternoon found him ready to talk and cheerful. As was his wish, his remains were brought back home to Gypsum by Mortician FARNUM of Glenwood, the funeral arrangements being in charge of Mrs. Sena ULIN of Gypsum. Funeral services were conducted from the Lutheran church Wednesday afternoon, January 9, Rev. A. BESSIRE, pastor of the Methodist church of Glenwood, officiating. Three hymns, "Someday the Silver Cord Will Break," "Jesus Lover of My Soul," and "Abide with Me," were rendered during the service by a choir composed of Miss Anna ANDERSON, Mrs. W. E. BONAR, Messrs. J. L. MOSHER and W. H. LEA, with Miss Olive STEVENS, pianist. The casket was banked with flowers, and his pallbearers were countrymen, Gus and Charles ULIN, Ole OLESON, Sigurd BOBSON, Alfred HENDRICKSON, Helmar LARSON.