At 8 o'clock a.m. on last Wednesday, August 18, 1915, occurred the death of John Janson at his home in this city. It was on the 24th of last November that Mr. Janson became so ill that he was compelled to give up his work at his store and stay home. On December 24 he went to Hot Springs, Ark., where he spent nearly 6 months, but with little benefit to his health. A few weeks ago he again went to Arkansas, going to the home of a son and a daughter in Berryville, thinking that the change might prove beneficial. He grew gradually weaker, however, and soon expressed a desire to return home.After his return to Coldwater, on August 9, he gradually lost strength. For a couple of days before death occurred he lapsed into unconsciousness and the end came as though he were in a peaceful sleep. Throughout the entire 9 months of his suffering, Mr. Janson was remarkably patient and uncomplaining. The cause of his sickness and death was a condition of circulatory system known as hardning of the arteries. There were complications of other disorders, but the arterial trouble was the most pronounced.
Deceased was a native of Germany, having been born in Wendlesheim, Hessendamstadt, on September 18, 1852. His age at the time of his death was, therefore, 62 years and 11 months. At an early age he was left an orphan. When he was but 13 years old he came to America, settling in New York City, where he lived until the summer of 1884, when he turned, with many others, toward the west, settling in the then new town of Nescatunga in this county.
He was an experienced boot and shoe and harness maker, and at the time of his death, had devoted over 30 years of his life to that business. About the year 1887, he moved to Coldwater, and for 4 years was employed in Milt Shultise's harness and shoe shop. Later, he bought Mr. Shultise's store building and stock of goods and engaged in business for himself. By close attention to business and untiring industry he prospered, until his business demanded a much larger and more modern building. In point of settlement in the county and in business experience in this city, Mr. Janson was certainly a Comanche-co. pioneer.
On February 4, 1874, in New York City, Mr. Janson was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Dumser, who with 5 sons and 2 daughters, survive him. The sons are: Will, George, Fred and Claude of this county and John, of Berryville, Ark. The daughters are: Mrs. Dollie White of Berryville, Ark., and Mrs. May Helbert of Wichita, Kans.
There were few better known or more universally esteemed men in Comanche-co. than was John Janson. He was in every respect, a good citizen - honest in all his dealings, thoughtful of the welfare of his family and considerate and tolerant with all about him. There are many in the county whom, at some time, he had befriended. His kindliness, his whole-souled generosity and his uniform good cheer will not soon be forgiven by Comanche-co. people, who knew him so well. Mr. Janson had for years been an active member of several lodges, the Masonic, the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Rebekaha and the A. H. T. A. At the age of 10, he became a member of the German Lutheran church. In many ways he exemplified throughout his life the teachings of the Christian religion. Of him no one seldom, if ever, was heard to utter a derogatory word. The high compliment has frequently been paid him - "He was one of the best of men."
Funeral services will be conducted in the Presbyterian church at 3 o'clock p.m. this Friday afternoon. It is expected that the pastor, Rev. W. B. Leonard, will return from Beaver, Okla., in time to be present and conduct the funeral services.
John Janson, Jr., son of John Janson, Sr.
William Janson, son of John Janson, Sr.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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