Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 94

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972

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JOHNS, Louis A. When a man spends his life in agricultural pursuits he becomes expert in his work and is able to advise others as to the best methods of carrying on farming. Louis Johns, of Rockford Township, is one of these representative farmers of Winnebago County, and his fine farm of 296 and a fraction acres reflects his skill and is a monument to his energy and foresight. Mr. Johns was born February 16, 1871, a son of William and Ann (Rodd) Johns. After attending the district schools of Winne- bago County, Mr. Johns entered the Rockford High school, and was graduated therefrom in 1891. His life work has been concentrated upon his farm, and his prosperity indicates that he was wise in his choice of a calling.

On October 4, 1894, Mr. Jolins was married to Sarah Jane Loucks, born at Williamsburg, Onta- rio, Canada, a daughter of Nelson E. and Cath- erine (Utman) Loucks, tlie former of whom was a carpenter, who died in 1873, aged forty-one years and nine months. The mother of Mrs. Johns lives at 316 N. Church street, Rockford. The Loucks family migrated from Canada to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and thirty-five years ago came to Winnebago County, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Johns have had the following children : Marian Elizabeth, who was born December 2, 1896 ; Dorothy Anne, who was born February 20,

1897 ; and William Louis, who was born May 24, 1901. Mr. Johns belongs to the Modern Wood- men of America and the Grange, and is popular in both organizations.

JOHNSON, Albin A. It would be difficult to find any line of legitimate business that is not represented at Rockford, the city being the center of so many varied interests, and one of the sub- stantial concerns located here is that of the Johnson Bros.' Moving Picture Theatre at No. 322 Seventh street, Albin A. Johnson being one of the firmn. He was born at Rockford, Septem- ber 22, 1885, a son of C. Albert and Christine Johnson, natives of Sweden. The father came to Rockford in young manhood, and until his retirement was engaged along different lines, in- terested mainly in furniture factories. The mother died in Rockford in 1893.

Albin A. Johnson grew to manhood at Rock- ford, and was educated in its public schools. His first business experience was with the Free Sewing Machine Company, with which he re- mained for a year, and then engaged with Spangler Bros. Manufacturing Company but re- mained with that concern only a short time, for in 1910 he took over the business founded by his father, in conjunction with his brother, Emil Jolinson, under the name of Johnson Bros. The house is known as the Olympic Theatre. The patronage is large and steady and the people of this locality look to it for agreeable entertain- ment, for it presents only clean and wholesome shows. Mr. Johnson also has an airdome, lo- cated on Seventh street, and the firm opened the Royal Theatre on January 1, 1915. Having been in the business for over five years, these young men understand the taste of their public and select their films with reference to it. Their prosperity has come through hard work and a strict maintenance of the highest stand- ards in their offerings and they deserve the re- wards which have come to them.

JOHNSON, Alexander, superintendent and di- rector of the Forest City Overall Manufacturing Company, is one of the men who has materially assisted in developing Rockford's industrial su- premacy, and he stands deservedly high in public estimation. He was born in Sweden, November 20, 1859, and there educated. He was early taught to make himself useful in the home and upon the farm, and when he left Sweden for the United States in 1876, he had formed in- dustrious habits. Coming immediately to Rock- ford, he worked in various plants until 1884, when he became superintendent of the Rockford Overall Company, and conducted it until Novem- ber 1, 1912, when he went south for the winter. Returning in the spring of 1913, he established the Forest City Overall Manufacturing Company, in conjunction with his son-in-law, David V. Nelson, and this concern is in a prosperous condition, and its output finds a ready market.

Mr. Johnson was married at Rockford, in 1882, to Ida Peterson, who died, leaving the following children : Vera, Amy, Julia and Raymond. In

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January, 1891, Mr. Johnson was married (second) to Mary Krou of Rockford, and their one child died in infancy. He belongs to the Lyran Society. Zion Lutheran Church of Rock- ford holds his membership. In politics he is a Republicau. Possessing many of the desirable characteristics of his native land, Mr. Johnson has forged ahead, and his success has been earned through his own efforts.

JOHNSON, Andrew, recognized as one of the leading grocers of the East Side, and con- veniently located at No. 1323 Fourteenth avenue, is one of the representative business men of Rockford. He was boru in Smolan, Sweden, No- vember 23, 1858, a son of Jonas Johuson and wife, natives also of Sweden. Jonas Johnson was a carpeuter in his native land uutil 1886, when he came to the United States. He located at Rockford after his arrival in this country, and here subsequently became one of the lead- ing carpenter contractors. He died in 1900, aged eighty-six years. His wife survived him and passed away at the age of eighty-seven years.

Audrew Johnson learned the cabinetmaking trade in Sweden. He came to the United States in 1879 and his first stopping place in this coun- try was Chicago, where he worked at his trade in a furuiture store for six months, and then became an employe of a factory at May City, Mich., where he remained for eighteen months. Following that he came to Rockford and engaged with the Forest City Furniture Company with which he remained for ten years. Becoming a stockholder of the Excelsior Furniture Company, he went to work at that plant and remained until the factory was destroyed by fire. Mr. Johnson then embarked in a milk business and carried it on for the next eight years, when he started a grocery on Seventh street. There he remained for two years, and then moved his business to No. 1323 Fourteenth avenue, erect- ing a fine two-story block for business purposes. In politics he is a Republican,

In April, 1884, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Hilda Thompson, a daughter of John Thompson. She came at the age of two years, with her parents from Sweden to Rockford. Here Mr. Thompson eutered the employ of the Forest City Furniture Company, and still re- mains with this concern. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have had five children, as follows: Mrs. Doll, Alice, Irving. Ethel and Vernon. Mr. Johnson is an honest business man and an enterprising, useful citizen.

JOHNSON, Carl F., dealer in paints, varnishes, linseed oil, stains and brushes at No. 604 Sev- enth street, with residence at No. 326 Seventh street, is a man whose progress in the world has been attained through his own efforts and self- denying thrift. He was born in Sweden, May 29, 1868, and came to the United States in 1888, arriving at Rockford on May 12 of that year. After his arrival in this city, he worked at dif- ferent things, gradually improving his prospects and in 1915 he opened his present extensive

store. In addition to this business, Mr. Johnson owns stock in the Larson & Hult Company, on Seventh street,

Fraternally Mr. Johnson belongs to the Odd Fellows. He is also a member of the Svea Soner Singing Society and is very fond of music. His way in life was not made easy by wealth or influ- ence, but he has succeeded because he has always been willing to work and save.

JOHNSON, Carl J., chief engineer of the Con- sumers Company, of Rockford, with residence at No. 129 N. First street, is one of the men who has risen through his own individual efforts, and deserves the high esteem in which he is held by his company and associates. He was born in Sweden, June 6, 1885, and there attended school until he was twelve years old. At that time he came to the United States, and located at East Chicago, Ind., where he continued to attend school for two years more.

Early commencing to earn his own living, he continued at East Chicago for two years, and then served an apprenticeship at the machinist trade, and until 1910 worked at his trade, but being ambitious, he studied engineering at Chicago, and through his knowledge of it became associated with the Consumers Company, holding a position as engineer with it until 1915, when he was transferred to Rockford to be placed in charge of all the manufacturing of this company as chief engineer. Mr. Johnson belongs to the Masons, Odd Fellows, Universal Council of Engi- neers of Chicago, and the I. O. S. He attends the Lutheran church. In addition to his Rock- ford interests, Mr. Johnson owns city property at East Chicago, Ind., and is a man of comfortable means. His long connection with his present company proves his reliability and expertness, and although a new comer to Rockford, is already making his influence felt among his associates.

JOHNSON, Carl R., electrical engineer of the Rockford Electrical Company, is one of the most expert men in his line and one who demon- strates the value of trained knowledge. He was born at Rockford, October 12, 1892, and although yet in young manhood, has attained au enviable position in his line of endeavor. His educa- tional training was obtained in the Rockford public schools and the International Correspon- dence School.

The first practical work of Mr. Johnson was done for the Kurtz Action Company, with which concern he remained for six years, and then left to assume a responsible positiou in Michigan, and was with other concerns until 1915 when he assumed his present duties. He also held a responsible position with the Los Angeles Gas and Electric Company at Los Angeles, Cal.

Mr. Johuson was married at Elgin, Ill., Janu- ary 18, 1913, to Elizabeth Westfall, of Rockford, born at Belvidere, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson liave one son, Charles W. Fraterually Mr. John- son belongs to the Owls' Nest No. 67, of Rock- ford. In politics he is a Republican. Alert, skilled and experienced, Mr. Johnson is well

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qualified for his position and is giving universal satisfaction to all parties concerued.

JOHNSON, Charles Harold, formerly secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Rockford Illustrating Compauy, is one of the enterprising and alert young business men of Rockford. He was born at Pecatouica, this county, March 27, 1892, a son of C. O. and Hilda (Carlson) John- son. The father was boru in Smoland, and the mother in Ostergotlaud, Sweden. In young manhood the father came to the United States, locating at Pecatonica, where he secured work as section foreman for the Chicago & North- westeru Railroad, and lived at this place until his death in 1901, aged fifty-three years, having been a Republican in politics, and in religious faith, a member of the Mission Church. After he was well settled in his new home, he went back to Sweden and upon his return brought with him a party of friends, among them being the lady whom he later married. She died in 1908, aged fifty-two years.

Charles Harold Johnson lived at Pecatonica where he was reared and received his early educational training, until September, 1910, when he came to Rockford, and took a commer- cial course in the Rockford Business College. He then obtained a position as chief clerk of the office of Hess Brothers, and in June, 1913, was elected secretary of the Rockford Illustrat- ing Company, Jater becoming treasurer and general manager.

On June 30, 1915. Mr. Johnson was married · to Miss Estella L. Forsell, a daughter of Peter and Albertina Forsell of Rockford, her parents being natives of Sweden, Mrs. Johnson was one of the popular public school teachers at the time of her marriage, having been connected with the Brown School for nine years. Mr. Johnsou is a Republican. He belongs to the Swedish Mission Church, to which he gives a liberal support. The family residence is at No. 424 London avenue.

JOHNSON, Gust. Interest always attaches to the self made man, the one who has been able to rise to a high position in a community through his owu unaided efforts, and one of the men who belouged to this class was Gust John- son, who was president of the Scandia Hard- ware Co., and was the second oldest express man at Rockford. Mr. Johnson was born in Sinoland, Sweden, September 26, 1852, a son of Johamas Gabrielson and Martha (Ander- son) Johnson, and died March 8, 1915. His burial was in the Rockford Scandinavian cemetery.

Gust Johnson was educated in the schools of Sweden, which he attended until sixteen years old. At that time he left his native land with his half brother, Andrew P. Monson, and his uncles Charles R. and Jonas R. Ander- son, the latter of whom resides at No. 917 Kishwaukee street. They came to the United States and traveled direct to Rockford, Ill., after landing, and here they were later joined

by Gust Johnsou's pareuts. The latter moved into a double house at the corner of Market and North Third streets, where they lived until they died. Sau G., another sou, and Gust, then bought the place, and the Johnsons have lived here ever since, each one occupying one of the double houses, until Gust's death,

After his arrival at Rockford, Gust Johuson worked for farmers during the summer and did chores in the winter and attended school, so continuing for two years. He then began gar- den and greenliouse work, and kept at it for four years for several parties, and then spent four years more with F. H. Manny. On Feb- ruary 22, 1878, he was able to establish him- self iu au express business on a small scale, beginning with a single vig, but later having five double rigs, with his office at No. 128 N. Third strect. The only man who was in this line of business longer and before Mr. Johnson was C. O. North. Mr. Johnson was a deputy sheriff for a number of years, serving under Sheriffs Robert Oliver, Willis E. Sawyer, Alex- ander Collier and Charles E. Collier, sixteen years in all. For sixteen successive years he was a member of the Republican County Central Committee. One of the organizers of tthe Swed- ish State League of Illinois, Mr. Johnson served it as vice president for a long time, and later as sergeant-at-arius of the organization. Mr. Johnsou was one of the organizers of the Rock- ford Furniture and Undertaking Co., of which he was a director; and prior to his election as president of the Scandia Hardware Co., Jan- uary 12, 1913, was a director of its policies. He was holding the office of president of this company at the time of death. During its early history, he joined the Scandia Life Insurance Co. of Illinois. Fraternally he belonged to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Svea Soner Singing Society. He joined the First Lutheran Church of Rockford June 24, 1868.

On September 19, 1877, Mr. Johnson was mar- ried to Anna C. Olson, a daughter of Olaf and Maria (Bringleson) Olson. Mr. and Mrs. John- son became the parents of the following chil- dren : Beatrice Elizabeth, who died aged seven months and twenty days ; William G. and Ernest V., who are twins; and Arthur L. William G., who held the position for several years of car accountant for the Southern Pacific Railroad, and is now employed in the Johnson transfer line, was married on October 28, 1902, to Ada Evaline Spitz, a daughter of John M. and Maria Christina (Stenstrom) Spitz, and they have had three children : Pearl Romona, who was boru January 19. 1904; an infant who is deceased ; and Anna Maria, who was born June 6, 1913. Ernest V., who served as supervisor of Rockford Towuship for one term, was em- ployed by his father. He served in Company M, Third Illinois Infantry during the Spanish American war. Arthur L. is in a motorcycle business at Rockford. He married Lillian Lun- dine of this city. They have two children, Marguerite and Arthur L. Jr., three years old.

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JOHNSON, Gust Emil. When it is remembered that the state's attorney has almost unlimited power in our commonwealths, with reference to the prosecution of criminals and the consequent control of crime, the fact comes home to all that there is necessity of careful selection of candi- dates for this exceedingly important office. Per- haps never before in its history has Rockford had so fearless and efficient a man in this office, and as long as his record is preserved, the people of this city and county will respect the name of Gust Emil Johnson.

Gust Emil Johnson was born at Chicago, November 1. 1874, but his educational training was received in the public schools of Champaign County, Ill. Following his leaving school, Mr. Johnson read law with Kerr & Lindley of Pax- ton, Ill., and was admitted to the bar June 5, 1902. In September of that year he came to Rockford, where he formed a partnership with his brother, William Johnson, under the firm name of Johnson & Johnson. While residing in Champaign County, Mr. Johnson was assessor for one year, and upon locating at Rockford he began taking an active part in public affairs. In November, 1912, he was elected state's attorney for a term of four years.

On March 21. 1911, Mr. Johnson was married to Minerva I. Pacey, a daughter of John Pacey. Mr. Johnson attends the Swedish Lutheran Church. His fraternal affiliations are with the Elks and the Svea Soner.

JOHNSON, J. A., who has charge of the pack- ing and shipping department of the Rockford Standard Furniture Company, has proven his worth and capability in this and other positions, and is one of the reliable men of Rockford, He was born in Sweden, November 13, 1867, and there received all his educational training with the exception of one winter when he attended school at Rockford.

After coming to Rockford from his native land in 1SS4. Mr. Johnson worked on farms in the neighborhood for about three years, and then went with the Skandia Furniture Company as shipping clerk. remaining with that concern for fifteen years. In 1905 he became connected with the Standard Furniture Company, and is regarded as one of its most dependable men.

In 1895 Mr. Johnson was married at Rock- ford to Sophia Peterson. He belongs to the Mystic Workers, the North Star Society, and is insured in the Rockford Life Insurance Com- many. Mr. Johnson owns stock in various Rockford companies, and is a man of acknowl- edged means. The family residence is at No. 1715 Seventh street. In politics he is indepen- dent. preferring to vote for the man rather than according to party lines. The Emmanuel Lutheran church holds his membership. A reliable, alert man, whose knowledge of his work is thorough, he has risen and stands high in the esteem of his company and his associates,

JOHNSON, J. A., now deceased, was for years superintendent of the Trempealeau County Asy-

lum at Whitehall, Wis., and left descendants now residents of Rockford. He was born at Scona, Sweden, August-S, 1859, a son of Andrew and Johanna Johnson, both of whom were born in Sweden. They came to the United States in 1866, and located at Gibson City, Ill,, where the father operated farm lands, and lived until his death, March 4, 1901, when he was seventy-six years old. The mother died at Gibson City, in 190S, aged seventy-four years. The father was a Republican in politics, and a member of the First Lutheran Church of Gibson City.

J. A. Johnson was ten years old when he was brought to Gibson City, and there he was reared and educated. After assisting his father on the farm for a year, he engaged in a drug business, and so continued for a number of years, when he went to Trempealeau, Wis., and was a mer- chant at that point for some time, selling his business to become superintendent of the county asylum, and maintained that connection until his death, April 2, 1901, when he was forty-one years old. He was a Mason in good standing, a Republican, and a consistent member of the Lutheran Church.

In 1SS6 Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Mary C. Peterson, a daughter of Gust and Johanna Peterson, of Rockford. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson had five children, namely: Muriel C., who married N. W. Olson, of Chicago; Walter N., who is assistant cashier of the West Side Bank, at Tracy, Cal., married Miss Emily Ber- quist and they have one child; and Richard F., May E. and Ethel D., all of whom are at home. After the death of Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Johnson moved to Rockford and erected an elegant resi- dence at No. 1526 Kishwaukee street, where she still lives with her three children.

Gust Peterson, father of Mrs. Johnson, was born in Sweden, where he married, and in 1865 he came with his family to the United States, locating at Paxton, Ill., where he was employed by the Ford Automobile Company, and also operated farm lands. Later he bought a small farm, where he lived until his death at the age of forty-nine years. The mother of Mrs. John- son survived and brought her family to Rock- ford, where she bought a home and here died in 1910, aged seventy-eight years.

JOHNSON, John G., proprietor of the Barber Supply Company, and the J. G. Johnson barber shop, at No. 306 E. State street, has one of the finest equipped and sanitary establishment of its kind at Rockford, and is very proud of the class of custom he attracts. He was born in Kalmer, Oland, Sweden, February 15, 1862, a son of John and Sophia (Larson) Johnson, natives of the same place. In early life the father came to the United States, and stopped in Bedford County, Pa., for a time, but later came to Rockford, Ill., where he invested in the Skan- dia Furniture Company, and was there em- ployed until 1913, when he retired, and is now living at No. 310 Tenth street, Rockford, The mother died at the age of forty years. The

HENRY W. WILLIAMS

MRS. HENRY W. WILLIAMS

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

father is a Republican. He belongs to the First Lutheran Church of Rockford.

John G. Johnson was fifteen years old when he came to the United States. He secured a position with the Kimball Iron Works at Riddles- burg, Pa., continuing there for eighteen months, when he came to Rockford, arriving here August 18, 1882. Atter a short period with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, he went with the O. A. Richards Lumber Company, and was in its employ for two years. He then asso- ciated himself with Charles D. Woodruff, a barber ot E. State street, who had a stand on the present site of the Third National bank, and remained with him for eighteen months, following which he rented his employer's shop for six months. He then bought it from Mr. Woodruff's widow, and moved it to No. 409 E. State street, where he remained fourteen years and then moved to No. 326 E. State street. After ten years he bought a lot and erected his present building at No. 306 E. State street, where he has since remained. In 1912 he branched out into a barber supply company, and has been devoting a good deal of time to its development in late years.

In 1892 Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Olive Oberg, a daughter of J. P. and Ingred Oberg of Rocktord. They are of Swedish birth, the parents coming to the United States in early life. The father became an employe of the J. H. Manney Reaper Company, and later was with the Rockford Manufacturing Company, but is now retired. He is lield in esteem because he was one of Rocktord's useful early settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have two children: Merrian H. and Stanley M. Mr. Johnson is a Mason, a Republican and a member of the Emmanuel English church, being prominent in fraternal, political and church circles.

JOHNSON, O. W., secretary-treasurer and gen- eral manager of the Ward Pump Company of Rockford, and secretary of the Produce Dis- tributing Company, is one of the well estab- lished business men of the city. He was born at Simcoe, Canada, August 20, 1873. He there attended the common and high schools, being graduated from the latter in the class of 1890, following which he worked on his father's farm for about two years. When he was nineteeen years old he came to the United States, and after locating at Chicago worked for Johnson & Tillson, commission merchants, for a short time. He then took charge of the Elgin branch of the firm in the spring of 1893, and in the early part of 1895 came to Rockford to assume charge of the company's interests at this point. In 1897 Mr. Johnson went to work for the Ward Pump Company, continuing with them until 1899 when he acquired an interest in the old firm of Johnson & Tillson, of which his brother was the senior member, and when this brother retired in 1901, Mr. Johnson assumed his interest. With the retirement of Mr. Tillson in 1904, the firm became O. W. Johnson & Company, so continu- ing until 1906, when Mr. Johnson organized his

company into the Produce Distributing Com- pany. When Mr. Ward died in 1908, Mr. John- son assumed the management of the Ward Pump Company, and has continued in that capacity ever since.

Mr. Johnson was married at Rockford, Sep- tember 15, 1891, to Carrie Ward, and they have two children, Bruce W. and Wilfred H. Mr, Johnson belongs to the Foresters, the Mystic Workers and the Elks. The Baptist Church holds his membership. In politics he is a Re- publican. No man could advance as has Mr. Johnson unless he possessed unusual qualities and exceptionally good business judgment, and judging by his past he is likely to advance much further in his business career.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 94

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 972

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972