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"Taps" For Comrade A.S. Johnson

A.S. Johnson, father of S.A. Johnson, the well-known oil operator, expired on Saturday last, quite suddenly, aged 73 years, 6 months, and 23 days.

Mr. Johnson had been in feeble health for some time, but notwithstanding this fact he was around and about daily doing little chores, and to all appearances seemed able to withstand the ravages of the grim reaper for some years to come.

Mr. Johnson was a pioneer, coming to California in 1849. He was a native of Holland, N.Y. and was born in 1833. He was married at Watsonville in 1866 and was the father of seven children, of whom six are surviving, four sons and two daughters. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in the California Volunteers, Co. K, Sixth regiment, and after surviving the flag faithfully and honestly of eighteen months he was honorably discharged. He followed mining with varying success in the northern part of the State and later engaged in mercantile pursuits. He came to Santa Maria a few years ago and since then made his home with his son on Broadway. Notwithstanding his advanced age, the deceased made friends with all who came in touch with him here.

From the earliest days, when he made paths through the wilderness of mountains and deserts amid hardships and dangers as the advance guard of western civilization, until his last days, the deceased was an upright and conscientious man.

The funeral took place Sunday afternoon and was largely attended by friends and neighbors. Services were conducted by Rev. Snudden, who spoke feelingly over the remains of the departed dead.

Notes from Edson Strobridge (April 2000)

Alden S. Johnson was born in Holland, NY on Dec. 16, 1832. He enlisted as a Private in Co. A of the 8th CA Inf on Nov. 12, 1864 and was mustered out on October 24, 1865. He later affiliated with Adm. Foote Post #89 of Santa Maria, California.

While in Santa Maria he worked as a mining merchant. He died on July 07, 1906 at Santa Maria, and was buried in the District cemetery in Plot 227, Lot 1. He has a military marker.

SOURCE: California Men in the War of the Rebellion.

Date of Birth: 1832-12-16

Date of Death: 1906-07-07

County: Santa Barbara

Plot: District P227L1

Date of Marriage: 1866/

Occupation: Merchant

Local Address: (Watsonville 88)

Last City: (CA Santa Maria)

Native of: NY

Enlisted: 1864/11/12

Discharged: 1865/10/24

Military Unit: CA_ 8 Inf_ Co A

Rank: Pvt

Military Notes: E-Wtsnvll_ D-FtPnt

GAR#: (Ca) 89

Available records used to obtain information:
Cemetery records
Santa Cruz County death records
California Death Index
Military records
Santa Cruz and Monterey newspapers
Voter Records

CW Reference: Orton's CMiWR