Eliza was the wife of Horace Johnson, a civil war veteran. He had served with Minnesota's Regiment G, Mounted Rangers. The couple was living in Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minnesota in 1880 with their three daughters, Lillian, Catherine and Bessie. They had removed to Minneapolis by the 1900 census. Daughter Myrtle, age 13, had joined the family. Daughter Kate Vaughn was living with them, along with her husband and three sons. Eliza stated that she had borne six children of which only five were still living.

Horace passed away on December 9, 1909 in Sherburne, Minnesota.

Eliza passed away on May 16, 1914 in Bremerton, Washington.

Obituary from Bremerton Searchlight, Bremerton, WA, May 19, 1914, pg. 1: "I'M THROUGH FIRST;" AND THEN IS DEAD -- MOTHER OF MRS. JOE STANGLER EXPIRES AT DINNER -- LAUGHINGLY SHE TALKS TO FAMILY OF PLANS FOR ATTENDING THEATRE AND IN AN INSTANT IS DEAD. -- Mrs. Eliza M. Johnson, mother of Mrs. Joe Stangler, died suddenly Saturday at five o'clock, before leaving the table after eating a hearty meal. She had been in the best of spirits and health up to this time, and was expecting to spend a pleasant evening with the family at one of the local theatres.

Without any discomfort or suffering the end came as she laughingly said: "Why I'm through before the rest of you."

Mrs. Johnson was sixty-eight years old and a native of Michigan. Four years ago she came from Princeton, Minn., and since then has been at home in Bremerton with her daughter, Mrs. Stangler, making an occasional trip east for a visit with other children.

Mrs. Johnson leaves three daughters, Kate, Bessie and Myrtle; also two sons, Frank and James. She won many friends in Bremerton by her gentle and cheerful manner, and many will hear with regret her sudden demise.

The funeral occurred this afternoon at two o'clock, conducted by Rev. Idell H. Wood, from the Lewis chapel, under the auspices of the ladies of the G.A.R. Many beautiful floral offerings were presented by friends.