Andrew Johnson

As printed in 1906

ANDREW JOHNSON.

Andrew Johnson, a contracting mason who is conducting a good business with offices and works located near the railroad station in the Codner building, in New London, is a native of Sweden, born on the 1 2th of January, 1850. His father was John Peterson, who in early manhood wedded Alary Swanson. They remained residents of Sweden and in that country Andrew Johnson of this review was reared and educated, attending the public schools. He came to America in 1870. when a young man of twenty years, believing that he might enjoy better business opportunities in the new world. He landed in Burlington on the 12th of January, of that year, and having no capital, it was necessary that he immediately secure employment. He worked as a common laborer for a year or more, after which he learned the mason's trade, with the firm of Pestorius & Yager, of Burlington. He continued his residence in that city until 1878, when he removed to Pleasant Grove township, Des Moines county, and bought forty acres of land from Jacob Anderson, making his home thereon for two years. He then put buildings upon this place and partially improved it, after which he sold the property to a Mr. Nelson, and in the fall of 1880 came to New London, where he began business on his own account as a mason contractor. He has since followed the business and has secured a liberal patronage, many important contracts being awarded him for the erection of substantial structures in this city. In 1905 he also began contracting in cement work, doing block work, building sidewalks, in fact, executing all kinds of work in cement. He had laid the foundations for most of the best buildings of New London and is a thorough and competent mechanic in his line, having a knowledge of the actual work of his chosen vocation, and at the same time thoroughly understanding the scientific principles which underlie the builder's art.

In the fall of 1870 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Anderson, and they became the parents of five children. Hulda, the eldest, married Magnus Wigert, and after his death became the wife of Ed Shafer, her home being now in Burlington. Charles is living in New London and works with his father. Frank is employed as a cook on a train and lives in Chicago. Gilbert makes his home in New London. John is residing in Chicago. On the 25th of

December, 1885, Mr. Johnson was again married, his second union being with Carolina Carlson, a daughter of Carl and Anna (Peterson) Carlson. There are four children of this marriage, Walter, Albert, Mabel and Clifford, all at home. In 1903 Mr. Johnson purchased his present property of Mrs. Stetter, after selling his former residence across the road to D. W. Hodson. He had purchased this in 1900 from Isaac Featerman. In his religious faith Mr. Johnson is connected with the Swedish Lutheran church while politically he is independent. Fraternally he is associated with New London Lodge of Masons, and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at New London, having passed all of the chairs in lodge No. 56. He has led an active life in which untiring labor has been crowned with success. He has worked energetically and persistently year after year, and though he started out in life empty-handed, he is now numbered among the substantial citizens of New London, having ever displayed the sterling characteristics of the Swedish race: unfaltering industry, adaptability and unswerving integrity.

As printed in Biographical review of Henry County, Iowa, containing biographical and genealogical sketches of many of the prominent citizens of to-day and also of the past .. (1906). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.