The Johnson Families of Otter Tail County, Minnesota

JOHN M. JOHNSON.

John M. Johnson, as present mayor of Pelican Rapids, as well as the first settler of Pelican township, is deserving of more than casual mention in the present publication. A resident of this township for forty-six years, his life and character have had a strong influence upon the community in which he has been a leader. Mr. Johnson, who was born in Sweden on April 6. [843, came to this country when he was twenty-three years of age. He is the son of John and Johanna (Ness) Johnson, both of whom were born in his native land.

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After receiving his education in his native country, John Johnson farmer there and in Norway, to which country he went in [863. Three years later he came to the Tinted States and located in White Water. Wisconsin, but the same year he became a citizen of Winship county, Iowa. Returning to Wisconsin, he worked in the pineries for Knapp, Stout & Company, one of the largest lumber companies in the state. In the spring of [869 he braved the wilderness of the north and became the first settler of what is now known as Pelican township. As,1 "squatter" he pre-empted the land and later homesteaded and has now made this tract one of the mosl productive farms in the county. It is three hundred and sixty acres in extent and to this estate may be added three hundred and twenty acres which he owns in Canada. On this homestead, where besides farming he raised Guernsey cattle, he lived until 1910 when he built a home in Pelican Rapids.

While Mr. Johnson was the first pioneer to brave life in Pelican township, three other families came to this county at the same time and located in Norwegian Grove township. Mr. Johnson was at this time unmarried. With the four families that traveled together he camped the first night (Thursday) on the west bank of Prairie lake. Their peaceful slumbers were disturbed by the stealthy tread of eight Indian braves. Fortunately, Mr. Johnson had learned to talk Chippewa during his service as cook in the northern pineries, and also when he took part in government surveys at J.e ern, Minnesota, and along the South Dakota line and when he worked along Red river. So he acted as spokesman for the little group of frightened pioneers, and a council was held at which it was agreed that the whites should farm and the Indians should be allowed to hunt and that they would he friendly in their relations.

On Saturday night of the same week, while Mr. Johnson was away, the women of the camping party were terrorized by seeing ten Indians scantily clad approaching the camp The women fled panic-stricken to the woods, but the Indians made no further attempt to enter the camp. The right of this event, however, caused the four families to pack up their few household goods and to move westward within the present boundaries of Norwegian Grove township. Some time after ihis episode Mr. Johnson inquired of the Indians why they had molested the camp after their agreement to be peaceful. The red men were surprised at the question and said that they wanted only to trade some game for cornmeal. Mr. Johnson then explained to them that in their almost undressed condition, they had frightened the settlers away. There was no further interruption to the peace of the campers though they still insisted upon moving away.

Myra Berg became the wife of Mr. Johnson in 1873. She was born in Norway ami is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hans Berg. Her father came to America and made his home with Air. and Mrs. Johnson until his death at the age of ninety-four.

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

EMANUEL M. JOHNSON,

Emanuel M. Johnson, a native of Sweden, was born on February 21, [844, and was the son of John and Christena Johnson, both of whom lived and died in their native country.

John Johnson was a day laborer and for twenty-five years served as a soldier in the arm) of InS country. Me was an active member of the Swedish Lutheran church and took much interest in all church work. Mrs. Tohnson previous to her marriage to Mr. Johnson was the wife of Solomon Larson and to this union four children were born; Solomon. N. N., Miestine and Sarah.

Emanuel M. Johnson, the only child of John and Christena Johnson, received his education in Sweden, having come to..America at the age of twenty-five, in 1870. After landing in Xew York City he came direct to Chicago where he remained for three years working on the street cars, being one of the first men to engage in that occupation in that city. Later he was employed by a railroad company where he remained for some time.

In tNt.i Mr. Johnson homesteaded eighty acres of land in Otter Tail county and worked for others for a time. Later he bought more land and now owns two hundred and eighty acres which he has improved and developed, all the buildings having been built by him. The house was built in 1895 and the present barn was erected to replace one that burned some time ago. Mr. Johnson practices general! farming and stock raising, having some of the finest Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs in the county.

In 1878 Emanuel M. Johnson was married to Mary Anderson, a native if Sweden and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Anderson, who had located in Minnesota. They are the parents of the following children: Theodore, Gottfred, Oscar, Olga and Lilly. Mrs. Johnson died on July 9. 1914. Olga is the wife of John Pearson and they have two children. Theodore, the eldest of the family, a young man of much force and ability, is still at home. Gottfred and Oscar are operating the home farm. Gottfred Johnson was married on September 14. 1015. to Marie E. Johnson, a daughter of John Johns! m. and a native of Sweden. Marie E. Johnson came to America in 101 i ami located in Fergus Falls.

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

Torger Johnson was born in Norway on the 19th of March, 1851. His parents were John and Maren Johnson, both of whom were born in Norway. His father was a farmer and followed that occupation until his death. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, six came to America in the following order: Edward, who settled in Girard township, where he took up farming; Christian, who is a farmer in Nidaros township; Carrie, deceased, who was the wife of William Gulickson, of Wisconsin; Gunhild Maria, who lives in Wisconsin, and is the wife of Axel Gulickson; Thomas, who lives in Sand 1'oint. Idaho, and Torger.

The early education of Torger Johnson was received in the public schools of Norway, and after completing his education he came to this country, where he took up the occupation of farming. Before coming to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, he worked for three years in St. Croix county, Wisconsin. Upon his arrival in Otter Tail county he bought two hundred acres of land in Nidaros township and made his home in that section of the county until his death, which occurred on the 18th of September, [906. The land on which he settled was prairie without trees or buildings. It ma) be truthfully stated at this time that the presence of his wife and her untiring efforts to improve their mode of living added much to the success achieved by Mr. Johnson in his life on the farm. lie engaged at first in the work of breaking up the soil and after a short time erected a dwelling which was destroyed by fire. Mr. Johnson was obliged, with scarcely any assistance, to build a second home, which is still used as a residence by his wife. During his life. Mr. Johnson was engaged in both political and educational affairs, where he gained popularity as a man of high principles and worthy accomplishments. He was a devout member of the Free Lutheran church and gave liberally to its support. Mrs. Johnson continues to work for the welfare of the church.

The marriage of Torger Johnson to Julia Swenby took place in 1881. Julia Swenby is the daughter of Ole and Ingeborg Swenby, natives of Norway, who emigrated to Marquette county. Wisconsin, in the early forties.

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

JOHN C. JOHNSON.

A prosperous and well-known farmer of Bluffton township, the proprietor of a farm comprising three hundred and twenty acres of contiguous land equipped with a beautiful house and barn, director of both the telephone company and creamery at Wadena, chairman of the board of supervisors of Bluffton township for the last fifteen years and a man who has served as school director — stand as evidence of the energy and thrift, of the eminent success and of the high regard and esteem with which the people of Bluffton township and Otter Tail county regard the man whose name heads this biographical review.

John C. Johnson was born in Skane, Sweden, on January 28, 1859. the son of John and Annie (Nelson) Johnson, both of whom were born and reared in Skane, the former both on June 21, 1821. and the latter on October 12, 1824. The parents were married, lived and reared their children to manhood and womanhood in their native village, the father being a laborer by occupation. In 1883. however, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson left their native land and emigrated to the United States to the United States in order tki spend their declining; years with their son, John O, who two years previously left the parental roof and came to America. Annie 1 Nelson) Johnson died two years after her arrival in the United States, in 1885. at Rockford, Illinois, where her remains were buried. John Nelson survived his wife many years, passing away in 191 2, in Bluft'tun township, his remains being buried at Wadena, Minnesota. To Mr. and Mrs. John Johnson were born four children, as follow: Emma, who married Andrew Hanson, lives in Bluffton township; Betsey, the wife of Nils Nelson, lives in Sweden; John C. is the subject of this sketch, and Andrew died cpiite young in Sweden.

John C. Johnson was educated in the public schools of his native land and at an early age learned farming. In 1881 he emigrated to America and settled near Rockford, Illinois, where he at first worked on neighboring farms but later became a renter. He remained in Illinois during the next fourteen years, or until 1895, when he came to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, and bought one hundred and twenty acres of wild, unbroken land in section 21, of Bluffton township. Like many another farmer now living in this section of Minnesota, he began to clear his land of brush and timber. to break the soil, and to build a log cabin and barn to serve as the pioneer home. Later he added two hundred acres until he now owns a farm of three hundred and twenty acres, all lying in a contiguous body and highly improved. Mr. Johnson continued the process of improvement and in 1915 erected a magnificent barn and other buildings, the barn being one hundred and twenty feet long and thirty feet wide and equipped with every modern convenience, hay sling and fork and large enough to shelter sixty head of cattle, sixteen head of horses and one hundred and twenty tons of hay. Both the house and barn are equipped with electric lights generated by an electric light plant located on the farm. He also has a waterworks which makes possible the furnishing of the house with modern plumbing fixtures. The water is compressed in a tank located in the cellar. Mr. Johnson also owns an automobile which insures rapid transit and conserves a great deal of time. All in all. Mr. Johnson enjoys all the conveniences of modern life and is reaping the fruits of his labor. Mr. Johnson is deeply interested in high grade stock and, though formerly a breeder of Durham cattle, now keeps a fine herd of Holstein cattle as well as Duroc-Jersey hogs.

In 1882 John C. Johnson was married to Christena Tornstrand. a native of Sweden. To this happy union there have been bom nine children, as follow: Oscar is at home with his parents; Edna married Allen Kellerman and lives in Bluffton township; Edwin died at the age of fourteen: Ella married Victor Marine and lives in Minneapolis: Emma married Albert Schwartz and lives at Wadena; Julius. Ester, John and Edith live at home with their parents.

lohn C. Johnson has always taken an active part in the civic and social life of the community.

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

Ever Johnson has the distinction of having been one of the first employees of the Northern Pacific railroad who is still in the service of that company. He began as a section hand when the track was a single one and the trains were combination affairs, and has watched the transportation service evolve into a wonderful organization. He is also one of the few foremen who have remained in the service of that company covering a period of so many years.

Ever Johnson is a native <d Norway and was born near Trondhjem, February 26, 1860,. He is one of ten children born to John and.Martha Johnson, both natives of Norway, who emigrated to America in 1873. Their first location was in Ashland, Wisconsin, where they remained for a period of one year, removing to Wadena county, Minnesota, and there settled on an eighty-acre homestead. This place was cleared and improved and became their permanent residence until the death of John Johnson in 1895. The first buildings erected on this place were crude affairs built of logs. After the death of John Johnson, his widow. Martha Johnson, removed to Washington state, where she joined her children, and one year later, in 1906, passed to her eternal rest. In life they were both members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. The names of their children follow: Ever, Mary, Swan, John. Xels, Charles, Maria, Plelmar, and two who died in infancy. Alary became the wife of Andrew Ostrom and died in Wadena county. Swan is a farmer and lives near Leaf River station. Wadena county, Wisconsin. John was a millwright, of Bellingham, Washington, and his death occurred in that place. Xels Johnson is a blacksmith and resides in Bellingham, Washington. Charles is a farmer living near Leaf River station, Wadena count) Minnesota. Maria became the wife of John Thompson, and also resides at Leaf River station. Helmar is a farmer living at Leaf River station.

Ever Johnson received his education in the public schools of Norway and in Vshland, Wisconsin. This education was very poor, as he was the son of pioneer parents and forced to become the arbiter of his own destiny at an early age. His early youth was spent on the old home place, where he assisted his father in the cultivation of his land. At the age of eighteen years he entered the service of the Northern Pacific railroad as a section laborer. His service in this capacity was of such value to the company that he was soon promoted to section foreman, a position which he still retains. This service has covered a period of thirty-seven years of honest and sincere endeavor in behalf of the company. In 1887 he removed to Bluffton and two years later erected the home in which he now lives.

On June 28, 1891, liver Johnson was united in marriage to Mabel Howes, daughter of James and Lucinda Howes, a native of Hancock county, Iowa. Ever Johnson and his wife are the parents of seven children: dayton, who lives in Bluffton; Even, Albert. Charley, Chauncy, Ever and Irene. The parents of Mabel ( Howes) Johnson came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, about 1879 and settled on a homestead in Bluffton township, which they later sold, retiring to the town of Bluffton. Lucinda Howes, the mother, passed away in 1013. James Howes, the father, was born in 1840. in Clinton county, Iowa, and removed to Ft. Howard, Wisconsin, in 1866. In 1873 he removed to Hancock county, Iowa, removing rive years later to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he still resides. He served his country as a soldier during the Civil War, and has served his community as postmaster for some years. After the death of his first wife he married Clara Hoppes, who is still living.

Ever Johnson was for many years a stanch Republican, but now lends his support to the Democratic party. He was elected and served as a member of the town council some time. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is sincerely respected and stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens.

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

ANDREW P. JOHNSON.

Andrew P. Johnson was born in Carver county, Minnesota, February 15, 1860, one of twin sons born to Peter and Johanna (Anderson) Johnson. Peter Johnson and his wife were natives of Sweden, in which country they lived until the year 1858, when they came to America, landing at Boston, Massachusetts, after a voyage of six weeks on the Atlantic ocean. On reaching America, Peter and Johanna Johnson went to Carver county, Minnesota, where they lived for three years and then went to Washington county, Minnesota, living there for four years, after which time they moved to Dakota county, Minnesota, living there for eleven years, and then Peter Johnson and his wife and family came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, locating in section 20, of Compton township, where Peter Johnson homesteaded a farm of eighty acres, on which he lived for the remainder of his days, dying in the year [899; his wife dying in the year 1907.

Peter and Johanna Johnson were the parents of nine children: John G., Andrew P., Swan, Betsey. Emma, Ida, William, Freddie and Eddie. Peter Johnson was an active and helpful man to his community, taking a great interest in all matters for the promotion of life and conditions during the early days of settlement in Compton township. In church circles, Peter Johnson was especially notable, being instrumental in the organization and in the erection of the Swedish Lutheran church in Compton township inson was educated in the public schools of Dakota where he attended classes for a short time and then eighty acres of land which he received from his father, ild and untilled, Andrew P. Johnson cleared and made, adding from time to time to his land until he had two acres of land, which is now well improved and highly

[883, Vndrew P. Johnson was married to Emma John- Sweden, the daughter of John Johnson and wife, who

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In business and financial circles, Andrew P. Johnson is connected with some of the largest companies and interests of the county, being the vice-president of the First National Bank of Deer Creek, Minnesota, an office which he has occupied for ten years, and the owner of considerable stock in the Deer Creek Creamery Company. Politically, Andrew P. Johnson has served his township as chairman of the township board for several terms, and for a period of thirty-two years has occupied a seat on the school board of I Minpton township.

Andrew P. Joh county,.Minnesota. \ became a farmer on land which, being 1 ready for cultivation, hundred and forty a cultivated.

On March 22. 1 son, who was born in were natives of Swk

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

Among the successful farmers of Compton township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is Leonard Johnson, who owns two hundred and forty acres in this township.

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John Anderson, the father of Leonard Johnson, received military training in his native country, but farmer practically all of his life. For eleven years he was the overseer of a large tract of land. He died on November 29, [899, and his wife in June, [903. They were members of the Lutheran church and the parents of six children, of whom Andrew is deceased. Two of the children, Leonard, the subject of this sketch, and Gustav. came to America. The other children, John Gustaf, August and Matilda O. live in Sweden.

Leonard Johnson was educated in the public schools of his native land. He came to America shortly after his marriage on February 18, 1881. Mr. Johnson was accompanied to America by his wife. They landed in New York City on April 24. 1881, and came directly to Otter Tail county, Minnesota. Mr. Johnson purchased eighty acres of land in section 19, of Compton township. After living on the farm for twenty-one years, he has gradually increased its acreage until he now owns two hundred and forty acres. He paid six dollars and seventy-five cents an acre for the original tract of eighty acres, which consisted of wild land. Later he paid two thousand dollars for eighty acres which he purchased from his brother in 1899. He moved to the second farm two years later.

To the marriage of Leonard Johnson and Mary Anderson, there have been born eight children, all of whom are living, Allilda O.. Emma M., Selma J., John I. Gustav A., Hulda E.. Alma W. and Oscar W.

In 1 9 1 3 Mr. Johnson rebuilt his residence and in 1905 built a new barn. Leonard Johnson not only carries on general and mixed farming, but has made a specialty of stock raising, and has been very successful. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson and family are members of the Lutheran church in Compton township.

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

JONAS GUSTAV JOHNSON.

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Jonas Gustav Johnson received his education in the public schools of his native country, after which he came, in the year 1882, to.America and located in Otter Tail county, where he bought forty acres of land in Pida township. After two years on his farm, in Pida township. Mr. Johnson dpod of his land and then bought seventy acres of land in Erhards Grove township, a place to which he later added twenty acres of the best land in the community, which Jonas Gustav Johnson owns, [bnas < I. Johnson now engaged in general farming and stock raising on his well improved and modernly equipped farm.

Jonas GustaA Johnson is a prominent member of the Swedish Lutheran church at Pelican Rapids. Although Mr. Johnson is a man of public spirit and is a citizen interested in the development and promotion of the welfare of his community, he has preferred not to serve in public office but to give of his efforts as a private citizen.

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