Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 95

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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JOHNSON, P. A., superintendent and general manager of the Rockford Standard Furniture Company, with residence at No, 1136 Fifth avenue, is one of the men whose record demon- strates that no advance is impossible to the industrious, thrifty man with a good trade. He was born in Sweden, December 12, 1874. He was twenty-one years old when he left his native land for the United States, and prior to that had attended school. For three years after his arrival in this country he worked on a farm in Iowa, and then engaged with the Hobart M. Cable Piano Company of Freeport, 111., remaining with that concern for five years more. In 1902 he entered the employ of the Rockford Standard Furniture Company as a machinist, and proved himself so expert a workman and so excellent a judge of human nature, qualifications necessary for a responsible position, that in January, 1913, he was made superintendent of this company, and since then has brought about very desirable results.

On May 6, 1903, Mr. Johnson was married at Rockford to Anna Lindbloom, and they have a daughter, Harriet D. He belongs to Zion Luth- eran Church, and takes comfort in his religious associations as a conscientious man. In poli- tics he is a Republican. Mr. Johnson owns stock in the Drop Forge Company. He is now a man ot ample means, but all that he has he has earned through his own efforts. Were all the men of Rocktord as industrious and economi- cal as those who come of Swedish birth, its prosperity could not be equalled by any city in the world.

JOHNSON, Swen A., who has not only been prominent as a business man, but has been equally important in the management of civic affairs, is now one of the highly valued resi- dents of Rockford. He was born in Wester- gotland, Sweden, November 12, 1831, a son of Johannas and Annecka Johnson who died in Sweden. Swen A, Johnson attended the schools of his own land until he could read and write in his native tongue, and after coming to Rock- ford he went to night school to learn the Eng- lish language.

In 1852 Mr. Johnson came to the United States and after spending a short period at

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both St. Charles and Elgin, Ill., in November of that same year came to Rockford. A tailor by trade, he worked for several of the early estab- lished tailoring firms for ten years, and then in partnership with John E. Erlander, estab- lished a tailoring business of his own, continu- ing to operate it until 1864, when he branched out as a dealer in a general line of clothing, and the old association continued until 1SS5, when Mr. Erlander sold his interest to G. A. Wanstrom. The new firm continued until 1895, when Mr. Wanstrom sold his interest to Mr. Johnson, who remained alone until 1907, at which time he disposed of his business to his sons who still operate it.

In the fall of 1862 Mr. Johnson married Emily Peterson, born in Ystad Yetland, Sweden, a daughter of Carl M. and Johanna Peterson, who in 1854 came to Rockford. They bought a farm near Pecatonica, where they spent the balance of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson became the parents of the following children : Hillma, O., who was Mrs. A. Anderson, is now deceased ; Amanda, who is Mrs. August Peter- son of Rockford ; Ada, who married Rev. Chris- terson, a Lutheran preacher, stationed at Hum- boldt Park, Ill .; Armer, who is secretary and treasurer of the Haddorff Piano Company of Rockford; Victor M., who is secretary of the Free Sewing Machine Company of Rockford; Cora V., who is a nurse now serving in Rus- sia : Edmond L., who resides at Rockford, has his father's business; Maud, who is at home, is a public school teacher; and Leanns J., who is connected with the Haddorff Piano Company of Rockford. Mr. Johnson belongs to the First Swedish Lutheran Church of Rockford. He is a Republican and served as a member of the city council from the Sixth Ward for one term. being an efficient and conscientious official.

JOHNSON, William, president of the Swedish- American National Bank of Rockford, is not only numbered among the younger financiers of Winnebago County, but he is a public spirited man of considerable influence, and his efforts towards the upbuilding of his community have met with remarkable success. He was born at Chicago, Ill., October 23, 1876, a son of Swan Johnson.

When William Johnson was a child his father moved to a farm in Champaign County, Ill., and there he grew up and attended the schools in his district. He later took a commercial course at the business college of Paxton, Ill., earning the money to do so by working on farms during the summer months. In August, 1897, he began studying law at Dixon, Ill., and received the degree of LL. B., and was graduated from the oratorical course in 1900, when he received the further degree of LL. M., his other degree having been gained in 1899. For two and one-half years Mr. Jolinson was with Attorney H. A. Brooks of Dixon, and then took the bar examination at Mt. Vernon, and was admitted to practice. Mr. Johnson then came to Rockford and opened an office at No. 527 Seventh street. Two years

later he was joined by his brother, Gust E. Johnson, and they formed a law partnership which has since continued, the latter being the present state's attorney. William Johnson was judge on the State Court of Claims from December, 1906, to April, 1913. Since the or- ganization of the Swedish American National Bank, of which he was one of the founders, and its present executive, having held that office since the year 1912, Mr. Johnson has given a good deal of his time to the affairs of the bank. The firm of Johnson & Johnson acts as attorneys for this bank.

Fraternally Mr. Johnson belongs to the Odd Fellows, being a member of Tegner Lodge, I. O. O. F .; a member of the Encampment and Canton of the I. O. O. F. and is a past noble grand, a past chancellor, a past chief and a past commandant; is a member of John Nelson Lodge, K. of P .; a member of the Rockford Lodge of Elks ; a member of Camp 20, Modern Woodmen of America ; and a member of Linne Court, T. B. H. The Swedish Lutheran Church of Rock- ford holds his membership and has the ad- vantages of his support.

Mr. Johnson was married at Amboy, Ill., December 28, 1905, to Minnie Landau, a daughter of William Landau. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have one daughter, Myrtle, who was born Janu- ary 17, 1908, and is now a student of the Rock- ford public schools.

In addition to his other interests, Mr. John- son was one of the organizers of the Swedish Hospital Association, and served for two years as its first president, and is now its secretary and trustee, having held these offices since its inception. Everything points towards the erec- tion and completion of a hospital building at a cost of $80,000. The association has the site, bought at a cost of about $11,000, and about $50,- 000 has been raised in reliable pledges. Robert C. Lind is the present president of this organiza- tion. Mr. Johnson is vice president of the Swed- ish Republican State League of Illinois, and is active in its work. The firm of Johnson & John- son has a very large practice, and has been concerned in some of the most important cases in this part of the state. It would be difficult to find a more progressive or representative man tlan William Johnson, and Rockford is very proud of him and his connection with the city.

JOHNSTON, Edward J., whose sheet metal and heating establishment at No. 123 N. Court street, is one of the most fully equipped and reliable of its kind at Rockford, is a man who enjoys in the fullest degree the confidence and respect of all with whom he has dealings. He was born at Mattoon, Ill., April 10, 1870, a son of Joe and Mary (Gullen) Johnston. The father was born at Mattoon, Ill., and the mother at Beloit, Wis. Until 1861, the father was a jeweler at Mattoon, but in that year relinquished his busi- ness advantages to enlist for service in defense of his country during the Civil war, from Mat- toon, and after being a soldier for four years, was honorably discharged and returned home.

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

His old business connections were difficult to readjust after so long an absence, and he de- cided to move to Decatur, Ill. There he began railroading, first as a fireman, later becoming an engineer, and finally a conductor, as such run- ning from Decatur to St. Louis, Mo. · Subse- quently he was made yardmaster at Harvard, Ill., and held that position for two years. Then he came to Rockford and established himself in a plumbing and gas fitting business and carried it on until his retirement. He died at Mil- waukee, Wis., in 1908, aged sixty-nine years. In politics he was a Republican. The mother survives and lives at No. 218 N. Court street. Her parents were engaged in a bakery business and later had an interest in a manufacturing plant.

Edward J. Johnston was educated at Mattoon and Rockford, and after leaving school was with Gill Bros., dentists, for three years. He then em- barked in a sheet metal business with H. N. Starr, and was later with Mr. Drake tor seven years, then with the Roy Warden Hardware Company for two years. Mr. Johnston then en- gaged with the Snyder Heating Company, and remained with that concern until 1912 when he started in business for himself at his present location, and his success justifies his good judg- ment in making the venture.

In 1893 Mr. Johnston was married to Miss Theresa Billhom, and they have two children, Marie and Leon M. Mr. Johnston is a member of the Royal Arcanum and the Eagles, and is very popular fraternally. The North Court Street Methodist Church holds his membership. In politics he is a Republican. A man of wide in- terests, Mr. Johnston lives up to his ideals of good citizenship, and is worthy a place in a work of this class for he is representative of the best element in the business life of Rockford.

JOHNSTON, Joseph, who during his lifetime was one of the substantial business men of Rockford, left behind him a record for industry, honesty of dealing, patriotism and upright- ness of living. He was born at Waveland, Ind., June 29, 1844, a son of Henry and Asemath (Miller) Johnston, natives of Virginia. Jos- eph Johnston was a conductor on the Illinois Central Railroad until his marriage. Then he located at Mattoon, and went into the jewelry business. When his country had serious need of him to preserve the integrity of the Union, he enlisted for service during the Civil war in Company D, Forty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, at Mattoon, Ill., and served three years or until hostilities were over. He had the mis- fortune to be confined in Libby Prison at one time, and was wounded upon several occasions. After his discharge he returned to Mattoon, and resumed work with the Illinois Central Rail- road as a conductor. In 1876 he moved to Rockford, Ill., and here became a steamfitter, carrying on that line of business until his death, April 23, 1909, since which time his widow has resided with their son William on N. Court street, Rockford.

On April 25, 1866, Mr. Johnston was married to Mary Gullen, born at Toronto, Canada, Aug- ust 14, 1845, a daughter of Richard and Susan (Kennedy) Gullen, natives of the North of Ire- land and Canada, respectively. Their children were as follows : William H., Edward, who resides at Rockford ; Frank, who also resides at Rockford; Robert, who is in the United States regular army ; Harriet, who is Mrs. James Al- den, of Rockford; and Laura, who is Mrs. John Gray of Seattle. Mr. Johnston was a Methodist in religious faith. The Republican party had the benefit of his support, but he did not seek public honors. He was a member of Nevius Post No. 1, G. A. R., and Mrs. John- ston is a member of the Woman's Reliet Corps.

JONES, Cassius Clay. Rockford would never have been developed into the metropolis it is today had it not been for the foresight, acumen and energy of some of its earlier residents, who had faith in its future and spirit enough to organize and maintain reliable business concerns. One of these excellent representatives of so desirable a class was the late Cassius Clay Jones. He was born at Seneca Falls, N. Y., May 3, 1845, a son of Walton and Mary (Ed- wards) Jones, both natives of New York. The father died when thirty-six years of age, and then the mother with her three children, in 1860, came to Rockford. All the children are now deceased, George dying in Illinois; Kate, who became Mrs. Lakin, dying in 1888; and Cassius Clay dying at Rockford, July 20, 1914.

In the early days of the Civil war, Cassius Clay Jones volunteered for service in the United States navy, and was assigned to the Vander- bilt, which vessel was stationed in the North Atlantic waters, and its duty was chasing blockade runners. When the Vanderbilt joined Gen. Butler's land forces at Fort Fisher, Mr. Jones saw his first hard service. The first at- tack by the Union forces, made on Christmas day, 1864, was a failure, but victory crowned their efforts in January, 1865, when the fort was captured by Gen. Terry with a force of 3,000 men. Mr. Jones was on duty at his gun every day during both attacks,

At the close of the war Mr. Jones returned to Albany, N. Y., from which place he had en- listed, and returned to his former position with the Boston & Albany Railroad, with which cor- poration he continued until 1867, when he came to Rockford to become bookkeeper and cashier in the general store of King & Edwards. His accuracy well qualified him for such a position and his financial sense was further recognized at a later date, when the banking firm of Wood & Company failed and, called to make a thorough investigation of the affairs of the institution, he completed the task entirely to the satisfaction of both creditors and stockholders. From this work he entered the Second National Bank of Rockford as assistant cashier and so continued for thirteen years. When he retired from the bank he became associated with Col. Lawler in a coal business which was extensively developed,

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and he maintained this connection for five years, and then became secretary of the N. W. Coal Dealers' Association.

Mr. Jones was prominent in other directions. Col. Thomas D. Lawler chose him adjutant of the National Grand Army of the Republic when commander-in-chief of this organization, and Mr. Jones officially justified Col. Lawler's faith in him. He was always interested in measures that his judgment assured him would be beneficial to Rockford and often inaugurated the same. He served for several years as secre- tary of the Winnebago Agricultural Society, and also of the Rockford Driving Club. For two years, under Gov. Fifer's administration, he was state bank examiner for the district of Northern Illinois, under State Auditor Mccullough for twelve years, and also for many years he was manager of the Rockford Opera House, which he built, and was one of the projectors of the Rockford Commercial Club. He was especially interested in the progress of the agricultural society, never forgetting that it was on the fair grounds that he was able, as a boy, to make his first money as a seller of popcorn and lemon- ade, little thinking at that time that in the future he would become an important official of the organization.

To some degree Mr. Jones was always inter- ested in military matters, and in 1870, with George Silsby, he organized the Rockford Rifles, which was the first military company formed in the country after the Civil war. Mrs. Jones preserves with care a number of badges which, at different times, were presented to Mr. Jones by the Grand Army of the Republic. As host, after the first bitterness of the Civil war days was over, Mr. Jones took a party of men and women to visit the battlefields in the South, as a former soldier being able to make the trip exceedingly interesting to his guests. Occasion- ally he served in local offices, and in every rela- tion and connection he was efficient and proved himself a man of broad outlook. Genial and hearty in manner, he was exceedingly companion- able and his influence was ever exerted for good.

Mr. Jones was made a member of the board of supervisors of Winnebago County, and during the time he served as such, he was on three of the most important committees of that body, namely, the finance, fees and salaries and public grounds and buildings committees. When the board at one time decided it best to engage an expert auditor to audit the books of all the county officials for a period of ten years back, the members passed an unanimous vote in favor of appointing Mr. Jones as the man best fitted for this important work, and he accomplished it to the entire satisfaction of his associates. He was on the board and a member of the com- mittee on public buildings when the question of erecting a new jail was submitted to the voters of the county, and a majority voted in favor of the proposition. He was one of the first to see that in a very few years more room would be required for county offices, and an addition to

the courthouse, with a jail on top was preferable to building an isolated jail, and then being com- pelled within a few years to build an addition to the courthouse. With this idea in view, he introduced a resolution, but his measure was de- feated, and it was one of the desires of his life to live long enough to see his ideas carried out, but this was not granted him, although within a few months the building he visioned will be a reality, and to him should be given the credit for its conception and much of the agitation which finally resulted in its erection.

Before the advent of the political "machine," Winnebago County politics were managed by a quartette known as the "Old Guard," Col. Thomas G. Lawler, E. H. Marsh, Maj. George S. Roper and C. C. Jones. They did nothing in the way of machine politics. Party feeling ran high, and none objected to wearing the party collar. About all the leaders had to do was to get out the vote. No Republican ever thought of voting anything but the straight Re- publican ticket. The morning Mr. Jones left the house to go to the polls to cast his last vote at a presidential election, he turned back and said : "Remember, I have always voted the straight Republican ticket. Today I vote for Taft."

In 1869 Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Mary D. Hankinson. Their daughter, Grace, died in 1888, before her mother. On May 2. 1912, Mr. Jones was married to Electa E. Wood, at Waterloo, N. Y., her birthplace. This marriage was the consummation of a youthful attachment. Circumstances separated the young lovers, and years passed before their lives again ran in the same channel. Mr. Jones did not long survive, this happy union being broken by his death two years later.

JONES, C. Williams, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, in October, 1882, and there he grew to manhood. In 1904 he was married in Cin- cinnati, to Rosa Rawson, a daughter of John E. and Adelia (Woodruff) Rawson. One child, Ruth, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones, in November. 1906. Mr. Jones is a son of Ezekial Philip and Anna (Guy) Jones. Mr. Jones was employed as a bookkeeper, and came to Rockford to accept a position with the Barber-Colman Company. He was brought up in the Presby- terian faith.

The Jones Dairy, which was located north of Rockford on Main street road, was started by Mrs. Jones, in December, 1910, with one cow. On account of the richness of the milk and general cleanliness of conditions, her busi- ness increased until the dairy was operated with thirty head of cows. The milk was bottled, carried in a specially made wagon, and two delivery trips were made daily. The output of the dairy was 300 quarts of milk and 150 pints of cream per dav. Employment was given to four persons. and the most strenuous methods were pursued to insure absolute cleanliness and .conformity to the state sanitary laws, All the cows were curried and washed before they were milked. The bottles and other utensils were

A. M. Woodruff.

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

sterilized in a steam boiler, and the machinery was operated by a gasoline engine. The farm comprised seventy acres and two silos were built to provide ensilage feed. Although not as large as some of the dairies, this one was noted for the purity of its products.

JONES, Joseph R., one of the efficient business men of Rockford, stands very high in public esteem and in the confidence of those with whom he is associated. He was born at Oneida, N. Y., August 9, 1859, a son of David P. and Jane (Roberts) Jones, natives of Wales. In 1865 the family came to Winnebago County, Ill., where the father was engaged in a well digging and drilling business and also worked as a stone mason.

Joseph R. Jones attended the public schools of his neighborhood, and Mrs. Cook's Business College, and during his youth worked at brick- making. In the spring of 1880 he was employed by Horace Brown, a banker, and in 1881 he went with Mr. Trigg in the marble business, as a setter. A year later he was with G. W. Roberts and remained for eight years. For several years thereafter, Mr. Jones was with Lindval Bros., in the same line, and then returned to Mr. Trigg, and continued with him for fourteen years. Mr. Jones then formed a partnership with Mr. Lind- val, but a year later sold his interest, and went back once more to Mr. Trigg with whom he remained until October, 1910, when he became manager of the Rockford branch of the G. Karl- sen Marble and Granite and Cement Company of Geneva, Ill. Since he assumed charge, this branch office has more than doubled its business each year.

In the fall of 1881 Mr. Jones was married to Charlotte E. 'Ralston, born in Boone County, Ill., a daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth Ralston, natives of Scotland, Mr. and Mrs. Jones had one son, Alexander, who died in infancy, and Mrs. Jones died in 1908. In May, 1911, Mr. Jones married (second) Elizabeth (Boner) Baker, born in England, the widow of Henry Baker. She had four children as follows: Maggie, who is Mrs. Charles Plaister of Ogle County, Ill .; Carl, who resides in Ogle County ; Agnes, who is Mrs. F Ertmold of Rockford; and Kerman, who lives with Mr. and Mrs. Jones. Mr. Jones belongs to the Congregational Church. In politics he is a Republican. He belongs to the order of Home- steaders. A man of unusual business ability, he also possesses a thorough and practical knowl- edge of his calling, and is recognized as one of the most expert marble men in this section.

JONES, R. G., superintendent of sehools of Rockford, was born at Kansas City, Mo., but two years later was taken to Ohio. His educa- tional training was received in the public schools of that state, and in the Ohio Central Normal College, from which he was graduated. He took a subsequent course of study at the Ohio Northern University, from which he was graduated with the degree of A. B., and still

later he took his Master's degree from Colum- bia University, New York City, N. Y.

Mr. Jones served as an instructor in the rural and village schools, after which he was ap- pointed superintendent of schools at Gibson City, Ill., which position he held for five years, leaving it for a similar position at Lexington. For the subsequent five years he was superin- tendent of schools at Harvard, Ill., and for six years served the people of Kewanee, Ill., in a similar capacity. Three years ago, the board of education of Rockford, offered Mr. Jones the superintendency of the Rockford schools, and he accepted, and has continued in this position ever since.

JONES, Samuel N., one of the honored veterans of the Civil war, has long been known in Winnebago County. He was born at Wood- stock, Conn., April 2, 1843, a son of Nathaniel and Alma (Corbin) Jones. On August 15, 1862, he enlisted in the Eighteenth Connecticut Vol- unteer Infantry for service during the Civil war, and was mustered out at Harper's Ferry, June 29, 1865. In September of that year he came to Rockford.

On February 14, 1871, Mr. Jones was mar- ried to Elenor Pierpont, a daughter of Guy and Jernsha (Gaylord) Pierpont, and a sister of Theron Gaylord Pierpont. Mrs. Jones at- tended the district public schools and Rockford College. After marriage Mr. Jones resided at Rockford and conducted a pump and wind mill business in that city, and later was associated with the Rockford Construction Company. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones have been as follows: Andros Corbin, who lives at Lock- port, N. Y., is with the Niagara Cotton Batting Company as sales manager ; Alma E., who con- ducts a dressmaking establishment in the Brown Building at Rockford, Ill .; and Guy Pierpont, who lives at Sacramento, Cal., is a member of the California State Board of Health. Mr. Jones has been quite prominent politically, serving as alderman and supervisor, and he has proven his worth as a man and a citizen. Nevius Post, No. 1, G. A. R. holds his membership, and he belongs to the Masonic order.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 95

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