Born: 16 Jul 1838, Rorbacknas, Lima, Sweden
Married: 18 Apr 1873, Holmes City twp, Douglas Co, MN
Died: 2 May 1925, Douglas Co, MN
Buried: Trysil-Bethesda cemetery, Holmes City, Douglas Co, MN
Spouse: Marit Halstensdtr.
Newspaper obituary: Park Region Echo, May 14, 1925, page 1, col 4
WALKED INTO COUNTY BEFORE RAILROADS CAME
Peter Johnson Who Died on May 2nd, Was Real Pioneer
Peter Johnson was born July 16, 1838, in Rorbacknas Lima, Sweden. He lived with his parents in his childhood and youth. In 1867 he came to America at the age of 29 years. He first came to St Paul, Minn. Just before reaching St Paul his money with which he intended to return to the old country if he did not like America was gone and he had to borrow $5.00 from a young man whom he knew from the trip across. He then went to St Peter, Minn, where he obtained work on the railroad.
In 1868 he took a homestead in Douglas County, near Holmes City. Being one of the older settlers, there were no railroads nearer than St Cloud at that time so he footed it across the country.
In 1873 he was married to Marit Halstenson. Through their united efforts they fought their way through pioneer difficulties and hardships and became among the most prosperous farmers of their neighborhood.
Mr Johnson had been in good health until a couple of years ago. Since then he has been confined to his home and had to be cared for by those around him. Though weak and feeble he did not suffer much pain. He was reconciled to passing away and longed for the heavenly peace and rest in store for all who love the Lord Jesus. The end came peacefully on May 2, 1925.
Those surviving are his wife and their seven children: Mrs Dr J O Dyrnes of Madagascar, Mrs J Matson of Minneapolis, Mrs J Peterson, Appam, N Dak, Mrs W Carlson, Lowry, Johnnie, at home, Peter, Appam, N Dak, Mrs A G Nygaard, Stady, N Dak. There are ten grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 6, at the home at one o’clock. Rev Gornitzka lead in devotion. From the home services were continued at the Trysil church. The following pastors took part: Rev Gornitzka, Rev A Olson, Morris, Prof Carl E Nordberg, Northfield, Rev T Kleven, Starbuck, Rev J Matson, Minneapolis. Rev and Mrs Kleven sang some beautiful songs.
All the children except Mrs Dyrnes were present at the funeral, also four of the grandchildren.
The community extends sympathy to the bereaved family in this hour of sorrow and the loss of a good neighbor is felt by all who knew him.