The State Democrat Friday, Nov 11, 1898
Last Week Friday afternoon about the hour of 4 o’clock C. D. Johnson of Ashley, N. D. departed this life at the Sherman House. Mr. Johnson came to Aberdeen Tuesday evening, and was taken ill the next day. Mr. Johnson enjoyed the distinction of being the first white settler of Brown county, having settled near where Columbia is now located. He was a member of the first board of county commissioners. The deceased afterwards removed to McIntosh county, N. D., where at one time he officiated as sheriff, but of late has been conducting a hotel. He is spoken of as a gentleman well-liked and his demise is generally regretted.
Besides his wife and one son aged eight years, his aged mother survives him. Nate Johnson, living near Columbia is his brother. The remains were taken to Columbia and the funeral services were held under the auspices of Columbia Lodge A. O. U. W. of which deceased was a member.
~Transcribed by volunteer researcher, Kathy Smith