Putnam patriot., 1913-04-18
OBITUARY
Mrs. Harrison Johnson


 year.
 Standing behind barred window
 pane,
 Fettered with heavy handcuf and
 with chain,
 And gazing on the blue sky far and
 near,
 And suddenly some morning he
 should hear
 That one had in the night contrived
 to gain
 His freedom and was safe,
 Would that bring pain?
 An, would it not to dullest hearts
 Appear good tidings?
 Yesterday I looked on one Who lay as if asleep, in perfect peace. Her long Imprisonment for life was
 done:
 Eternity's great freedom her release
 had brought
 Yet they who loved her called her
 dead,
 And wept refusing to be comforted."
 Mrs. Annette Lacretia Johnson, widow of the late Harrison Johnson Esq, died at her home on Elm street Saturday morning, April 12, at 5 O. clock. of complications incident to old age. Just two years ago she had serious illness, with slight shock since which time she has been grad ually failing. requiring an attendant almost constantly. The few days previous to the end she lay in a semi stupor, the end coming quietly and without warning.
 She was born February. 3. 1924. in Woodstock Conn, at Plane Hill, which was known at that time as one of the largest and most valuable farms in that town. She was the third child of Col. Matthew and Laura (Wiliiams) Bowen. her father being one of the leading men of his day in the affairs of the town, and promin. ent in military circles. She was cous- in to the late Henry c. Bowen. the founder and editor of the New York | Independent. On her mothers side she was direct descendant of the Williams of Old Deerfield. who fig ured in the Indian massacre. The other children were Mary, Harriet, Emily and Andrew, all of whom have passed away.
 Her early education was secured in the old schoolhouse below the hill, la ter attending the Academy and fitting there for Mt. Holyoke, which she en- tered in 1S4i, remaining for two years, and leaving on account of i'll health. She was there during the in cumbency of the founder, Mary Lyon, whom she numbered as her dearest | friend and adviser, and whose life and counsel had great influence upon her, Fidelia Fiske. also of sainted memory, was largely instrumental In determining the future life of the young student She was converted during her two years stay at the seminary, and united with the church on the hill in Woodstock in ls41.
 After leaving school she taught in Muddy Brook" as East Woodstock was called, and Ealso in Brimfield, Mass. She was married by Rev. Jon athan Curtiss to Harrison Johnson, then rising young lawyer of Put. nam, December 24. 1S4S, the latter, dying February II, 1883, at the age of 60 Four children were born to them, Alice G., Eric H.. and Carl B., another boy dying in early infancy
 
 young lawyer. whose aspirations and ambitions received a strong impetus from the forceful spirit of his chos- en bride.
 She also left five grandchildren. Dana. Donald and Annette Coggs- well Johnson, children of Mir. and Mrs. E. H. Johnson, and Kenneth and Malcolm Johnson. sons of Mir and Mrs. Carl E. Johnson.
 She joined the Congregational church here July ?, 1854, and was one of the strongest supporters of the churchs activities. Naturally of an intensely religious nature, the spirit ual welfare of the church was near to her heart and as pastors came and went they found her always faithful to the deepest and best interests of the church. She found her greatest joy in times of revival, and with her husband spared neither time nor strength Tn her devotion to the cause of Christ and her desire for the souls of others. The little chapel at Harrisville found her constant at. tendant so long as the interest re- mained to continue the meetings.
 In the temperance cause she was an early and earnest advocate. and when the "barroom meetings" were in vogue she was one of the most active in the work of reclamation. One of the most notable of her efforts was her work with Jack" Humphrey at that time probably the most adept gambler in this section. She took him into her own home, and for more than six months, during his serious illness. he had every care and atten. ton. leaving the home to become practically a reformed man.
 She was president of the first Woman's Christian Temperance Union, organized in the early 70s in the old Methodist church under the Rev. Thomas M. Boss. Indeed. the temperance movement stood in her heart next to her family and the church. and 10 the day of her death nothing divided her interest. She was especially loyal to Miss Francis Willard, whom she worshipped as did thousands Of other devoted women throughout the world.
 The funeral was held from the house on Monday afternoon at l:30. Rev Mir. sargevt officiating, assisted by Rev. Mr Stubbert, both of whoa spoke words of consolation to the be reayed ones, and appreciative words as to the conscientious, spiritual life of the one who had gone. 4 num- Der of beautiful floral pieces testified to the love of relatives and friends. The interment was in the family lot at the Grove street cemetery, the bearers being the two sons Eric H. and Carl B. Johnson and three grand sons, Kenneth, Jana and Donald Johnson and Joseph McKachnie.
 Looking for the last time upon the