The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-01-05

in the little suburb OF Providence at the
mouth OF the Pawtuxet Mr.. Johnson had
n wide acquaintance among the trades
Providence and the tidings of his sudden
and unexpected demise comes as pow
erful shock 10 them.
This is particularly true. as he was
on his team from which he delivered
his goods in person on Monday. Sum
mer and winter. holiday and weekday II
was the same. He started out at day
light with his load OF shell fish to be
distributed TO the customers and there
is a feeling Of profound and sincere grief
today wherever the news OF his death
has reached those who knew him.
He was born 50 years ago last August
at what is now Fiskeville, the eldest
child OF the late Charles Il. and Susan
(Bates) Johnson.
His brother, Fred Il Johnson, was as
sociated with him in the shell fish busi-
ness and is foreman or the Volunteer
Fire company OF which the deceased was
treasurer and trustee.
His brothers. Charles II. and Frank
A. Johnson, conduct grocery stores on
either side OF the bridge In Pawtuxet. and
his only sister, Ella, is Mrs. Herbert
G.. Lee.
He came TO Pawtuxet when he was
but small boy and received his early
education at the school in the village.
where the grades were all in the same
room.
His father having taken UP the occu-
patton OF following the shore as the
method OF gaining a livelihood by fishing
and claiming is termed II was natural
that I'd. or Ira, as he is better known
In Providence, follow m his footsteps.
and with his brothers he went TO the
beaches early and late following up the
tides and dug or churned clans to be
disposed OF on the route that was then
being built up.
When the clans were dug the boys
would turn to and open them for market.
and II was in this way that the founda-
tions OF the comfortable competence OF
both father md eldest son were laid.
AS the business grew more diggers and
openers were hired and after several
years the father retired and left the busi-
ness In Ira's hands. Capt Fred having
charge Of the openers and dlggers.
HAD HELPED MANY.
His integrity and kind heart. although
at times masked by n rather brusuue ex-
terror. won for him many well wishes
and men Who were proud to call him
friend and his readiness to answer a call
for help, Of financial nature or other
wise, will cause his memory 10 be kept
by various people I'm different walks Of
life In city and state.
About 20 years ago he was married to
Miss Cinderella Austin, and OF this union
daughter was born, who, however died
In infancy
About eight years ago his wife died and
since that time until Tuesday night he
has not slept IN the room in which she
died on the lower floor OF his home.
He was administrator OF his fathers
estate, the latter having died intestate
and having been feeling ill at times was
anxious 10 complete an accounting OF his
stewardship 10 present 10 the other heirs
Last Monday night he completed this
report and Tuesday night. while lying
upon the couch at his home. he com
plained OF feeling a numbness IN his head.
and before those present could get him
into bed he was dead weight upon their
hands.
DR. Harry Kimball was called and he
pronounced the attack acute Bright's
disease. and in about "a hours after the
attack Ira Johnson had breathed his last
This was about $50 last night
There was 20 have been n turkey dinner
at the annual meeting OF the Volunteer
Are company on Friday night, but that
has been postponed indefinitely. and the
Fire King band. which was 20 have n
Ladies' night Thursday. has also post
poned this affair When the two organ
izations meet 10 viii be To DO honor 10 his
memory.
Last night ana today the hax AZ the
hre station was half-masted.
The funeral will he from the Baptist
church Sunday afternoon at O'Clock