The Johnson Families of Muscatine County, Iowa

SILAS L. JOHNSON.

Silas L. Johnson, cashier of the German-American Savings Bank of Muscatine, has made for himself a creditable position in financial circles, and his energy, systematic methods and careful management in the work entrusted to him have constituted an important element in the growth of the bank's business. A native of Iowa, he was born at Tipton, Cedar county, on the 22d of January, 1863, and is a son of Paul W. and Sarah (Wiggins) Johnson, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father was a son of William Griffith Johnson, and he, too. was born in Ohio. He married Miss Drake, and on leaving the Buckeye state, removed to Iowa, settling in Cedar county, where he died at the ripe old age of seventy-three years. Throughout the greater part of his life he followed school-teaching, and his labors were an element in the educational development of this state. His family included Paul W., Silas D., Timothy, Eliza, Miranda and Matilda. The maternal grandfather of Silas Johnson was William Wiggins, a native of Maryland and of Quaker lineage. He made farming his life occupation and became a pioneer resident of Cedar county, Iowa, contributing in substantial measure to the early development and progress of that part of the state. He died there when eighty-eight years of age. His family numbered fifteen children, eight of whom reached years of maturity, Bazil, Mrs. Hester Glass, Mrs. Elizabeth Bagley, Mrs. Minerva McFarland and four others who have long passed away.

Paul W. Johnson became a school teacher in early manhood but afterward turned his attention to the occupation of farming. He dated his residence in Muscatine county from the fall of 1852, and through that winter was employed as a teacher in the school north of the city. He afterward removed to Cedar county, settling on a farm near Tipton, where his remaining days were passed, with the exception of two months spent in Wilton, where he died in 1884 at the age of sixty-three years. His wife survived him until 1888, and passed away at the age of sixty-six years. Both were members of the Methodist church, and their well spent lives gained for them the high regard of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Mr. Johnson served as township assessor of Center township, Cedar county, for seven consecutive terms, and also held various school offices the cause of education finding in him a warm friend. Unto him and his wife were born seven children, three sons and four daughters, namely: Harriet J., the deceased wife of E. C. Rigby; John C., who has passed away; Anna, the wife of Rev. Thomas Simmons, of Faulkton, South Dakota; William G., living in Wilton; Martha B., the wife of Thomas Glass of Lewiston, Idaho; Silas L., of this city; and Minnie M., the wife of Frank Pangborn. of Faulkton, South Dakota.

Silas L. Johnson was reared upon the home farm in Cedar county, Iowa, and began his education in the district schools, while later he attended the Tipton high school and the Wilton academy. Liberal education thus qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties. He afterward turned his attention to the stock and grain business in which he continued in Wilton for ten years. He was then called to public office, being elected county treasurer, which caused his removal to Muscatine in 1894. His fidelity, capability and trustworthiness in office are indicated in the fact that he served for three terms as county treasurer, being chosen to the position by the vote of his fellow citizens. He then became one of the organizers of the German-American Savings Bank and has continuously been its cashier. His business enterprise and unfaltering determination are elements in the success of the institution that has come to be regarded as one of the most safe and substantial financial concerns of the county.

In September, 1885, occurred the marriage of Mr. Johnson and Miss Evanella Bell, a native of Scott county, Iowa, and a daughter of Thomas and Mary J. (Burch) Bell. Her father was born in Ohio, and the mother, a native of Canada, removed to New York when a small child. They became early settlers of Scott county, Iowa, and later removed to Cedar county, while subsequently they became residents of Wilton, Muscatine county, and lastly went to Storm Lake, Iowa, where the father died when about eighty years of age. The mother is still living. In their family were seven children: James S., Mrs. Nancy J.

McClintock, Mrs. Carrie Anspach, Mrs. Luella Russell, Mrs. Bertha Venard, Thomas H., and Evanella, the wife of Silas L. Johnson. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born five children: Raymond E., Bessie L., Walter G., Mildred L., and Margaret. The eldest son is now filling the position of county treasurer and is mentioned elsewhere in this volume.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and their upright lives have gained for them the warm friendship of many with whom they have come in contact. Mr. Johnson belongs to Iowa Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M., of which he is secretary. He is also secretary of Washington Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M. He likewise belongs to Webb Council, No. 18, R.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

RAYMOND EUGENE JOHNSON.

Muscatine county has been signally favored in the class of men who have occupied her public offices, for they have usually been distinguished by a spirit of devotion to the public good and have displayed capability in the discharge of their various duties. A worthy representative of the office holders at the present time is Raymond Eugene Johnson, who by appointment was made the custodian of the public funds, filling the position of county treasurer at the present time. He was born at Wilton, Iowa, March 26, 1886, and is therefore yet a young man, but he belongs to one of the well known and most highly respected families of the county and besides has given proof of his ability and his trustworthiness. His grandparents, Paul W. and Sarah (Wiggins) Johnson, had located in Muscatine county in 1852. The former was a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. In early manhood he had followed school teaching but later gave his attention to farming, becoming one of the leading and progressive agriculturists of this part of the state. Unto him and his wife were born seven children: Harriet J., the deceased wife of E. C. Rigby; John C, deceased; Anna, the wife of the Rev. Thomas Sinunons, of Faulkton, South Dakota; William G., who is living in Wilton, Iowa; Martha B., the wife of Thomas Glass, of Lewiston, Idaho; Silas L., of Muscatine; and Minnie M., the wife of Frank Pangborn, of Faulkton, South Dakota.

Silas L. Johnson, the father of Raymond E. Johnson, was born in Iowa and was reared upon a farm in Cedar county. He took up farming and stock-raising as his life work and followed that pursuit for many years with substantial success. In 1894 he removed to Muscatine, having been elected to the office of county treasurer, which position he filled for six years. He then became cashier of the German American Savings Bank, which position he still fills, and his name is an honored one in the financial circles of the county. His business ability is widely recognized and he is numbered with those whose progressive citizenship constituted an important factor in the gradual development and progress of the community. He married Miss Evanella Bell, also a native of Iowa and a daughter of Thomas and Mary Jane (Burch) Bell. Her father was a native of Ohio and became one of the early settlers of this state where he followed the occupation of farming. He died when past eighty years of age and is still survived by his widow. Their living children are James S., Nannie, Luella, Bertha, Thomas, Carrie and Evanella. The last named became the wife of Silas L. Johnson and unto their marriage were born two sons and three daughters, Raymond Eugene, Mildred, Margaret, Bessie and Walter.

The parents hold membership in the Methodist church and are among the most highly esteemed residents of Muscatine, the hospitality of the best homes here being cordially extended them.

Raymond Eugene Johnson was reared in Wilton, Iowa, to the age of eight years, when his parents removed to Muscatine and here he pursued his education in the public schools and also in the Muscatine Business College, from which he was graduated. He entered business life as an employe in the cost department of the Roach & Musser Sash & Door Company, with which he remained for about two years. He then became city collector for the Muscatine Journal and in January, 1908, was appointed to the position of deputy county treasurer under C. R. Stafiford. In 1909 he was appointed deputy treasurer by A. C. Shiflet, who resigned and Mr. Johnson was then appointed to the office that was made vacant and which he is still filling, although only twenty-four years of age. His previous experience as deputy well qualified him for the duties that devolve upon him and which he is most capable discharging.

On the 22d of May, 1907. Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Edna Ryan, a daughter of Charles H. and Nettie (Lockwood) Ryan. They have one son, Charles S., who is with his parents in a pleasant home at No. 306 East Eighth street.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Methodist church and his political belief is indicated in the support which he gives to the republican party at the polls. He belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and is a prominent Mason, holding membership with Iowa Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M.; Washington Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M.; De Molay Commandery, No. i. K. T.; and Kaaba Temple N. M. S., of Davenport. He is regarded as an exemplary representative of the craft, being most loyal to the teachings of the fraternity, and moreover is a citizen of worth, popular in social circles, faithful in office and at all times loyal in citizenship. His entire life has been passed in this county and his history is as an open book which all may read.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

WILMER H. JOHNSON, Auditor of Muscain Bucks is a son of

John and Martha (Scott) Johnson. His father was an enterprising business man, and for several years a leading merchant of Hulmeville, Pa. Politically, he supported the principles of the Democratic party as advocated by Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson, and was honored with several local offices of trust in his native State. For twenty years he served as Postmaster under Republican administrations. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were the parents of three children: Wilmer H., the subject of this sketch; Harry and Gertrude. The death of the mother occurred in Pennsylvania in February, 1885; she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a sincere Christian lady, and a devoted mother and wife.

Our subject received an academic education in Pennsylvania, and in 1877 came to Wilton, Iowa, where he formed a partnership with Mr. Scott, and embarked in the mercantile business under the firm name of Scott & Johnson. In the fall of 1883 he was elected to the office of Auditor of the county, was re-elected in 1885, and again in 1887, which fact is a high testimonial of his efficiency and promptness in discharge of the duties devolving upon him. He is the Chairman of the Democratic

County Central Committee, and socially, is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Wilton Lodge No. 167, and to Washington Chapter No. 4.

In the year 1878 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Miss Fannie McNaughten, daughter of William McNaughten, of Wilton, Iowa. By their union four children have been born— Merle, Lawrence, Alice and Helen. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Methodist Church at Muscatine, and are held in high esteem by all who know them.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.