John August Hemelstrand was born April 13, 1856, in Sweden, where he grew to manhood. In 1879 he came to the United States, and on September 18, 1880, he was united in marriage to Anna Anderson of Ostergotland, Sweden, at Clairmont, Pennsylvania.

To this union was born 11 children, 7 of whom survived him. 5 sons: Ben of Astratola, Texas; Ivan of Bertrand, Nebraska; Clifford of Arapahoe, Nebraska; Walter of Holbrook, Nebraska; Clarence of Edison, Nebraska; and two daughters, Mrs. Inez Stump of Edison, Nebraska; and Mrs. Florence Mee of Wenatchee, Washington. Also 19 grandchildren.

His wife preceded him to the Other World June 28, 1920. He was converted and united with the Blackwood Free Will Baptist church near Edison 17 years ago and lived a faithful Chrisitan life.

After a long illness and much suffering he passed to his reward November 23, 1930, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Inez Stump, aged 74 years, 7 months, 10 days.

The pains of death are passed
Labor and sorrow cease,
And life’s long warfare closed at last
His sould is found in peace.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Union church northeast of Edison with Rev. A. W. Ahrendts officiating and bringing message of comfort from Phil. 1:21—“To die is gain.” Burial in Union Cemetery under supervision of Morticians Arnold & Phillipson.

The Edison Echo, Thursday, November 27, 1930