Windham Life and Times – June 7, 2024

“Benjamin F. Johnson, a lifelong resident of Somerville. Died suddenly last Saturday afternoon, Dec. 22, at Canobie Lake Depot.  He had gone to New Hampshire to spend the weekend with his daughter and was about to enter an automobile to drive to her home, when stricken with a cerebral hemorrhage. Two weeks ago he sustained an injury while at his business, and it is believed that his death resulted from its effects.”

     “Mr., Johnson was born in Somerville, Nov. 20, 1864 and finished grammar school, entered the employ of the Boston and Maine Railroad, with which companyhe had been associated for 38 years. At the time of his death he was a passenger conductor.  He was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Hayden of Charlestown in April 1884 and the couple lived for about 14 years at 286 Highland Avenue. For another long period, they resided at 262 Medford Street and had been at 25A Cherry Street a short time.”

     “For 17 years Mr. Johnson was connected with the Somerville fire department as a call man at the Central fire station. He is affiliated with the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen. Besides his wife he is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Edith, wife of George Dinsmore of Windham, NH., and Mrs. Annie, wife of former Alderman James A. Butler of 25A Cherry Street, this city. There were two brothers, Edward E. and George W Johnson both of Windham, NH…”

     “Benjamin Franklin Johnson of Somerville, dropped dead Saturday evening at Canobie Lake shortly after alighting from the train. Mr. Johnson was well known here and has a number of relatives in Salem and Windham who were shocked to hear of his sudden death. Mr. Johnson and his wife had alighted from the train and were packing their Christmas packages into the automobile waiting for them, intending to spend the Christmas holiday with their daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. George Dinsmore of Windham. Mr. Johnson was standing at the side of the machine and they spoke to him. He did not answer. He then dropped to the ground and was dead when picked up. Dr. L.F. Soule was summoned and the coroner from Derry called who attributed the death to a clot on the brain. About two weeks ago, Mr. Johnson, who has been employed by the B & M Railroad for the past 42 years was making up cars when he was hit on the forehead by one of the cars and has since been unable to work. The doctor believes his death is the result of the accident.”

    “Mr. Johnson was 59 years of age and is survived by his wife Agnes, two daughters Mrs. Al Butler of Somerville and Edith Dinsmore of Windham; also two brothers, George W. Johnson of Windham and Edward E. Johnson of Canobie Lake. A Somerville undertaker was called and the body was removed to his home in Somerville. The funeral will take place, Wednesday afternoon and the body brought to Windham for burial in the cemetery on the Plains.” Frank R. Johnson 2.17.98