Charles Johnson

As printed in 1905

CHARLES JOHNSON.

Charles Johnson, who has figured in business circles in Des Moines county as a stone-mason contractor, and also in connection with general agricultural pursuits, now resides in Yellow Springs township, having since 1882 made his home on a farm on Section 31. He was born in Sweden, Oct. 16, 1839, his parents being John and Anna (Olson) Johnson, who were also natives of that country.

Our subject pursued his education in the public schools of Sweden, and after putting aside his text-books learned the stone-mason's trade, which he has since followed. He worked there for a number of years, but thinking there was little opportunity for business advancement or the acquirement of a competence, he determined to try his fortune in America, and in 1869 sailed for the New World.

He made his way at once to Burlington, Iowa, and continued to reside in that city until 1882, when he bought a farm of thirty acres in Section 31, Yellow Springs township, from John L. Thomas. He has since made his home on this place, but much of his attention has been given to contracting as a stone-mason. He has done considerable work of this character in Des Moines county, and is considered a good mechanic. He has also followed general farming since locating at his present home, and has put all of the improvements upon his place, where he now has an attractive residence. His unfaltering industry and unabating energy are well-known characteristics of his business career, and have been the basis of all the success he has enjoyed.

On April 21, 1867, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Eva Anderson, a daughter of Andrus Olson and Sarah Anderson. Mrs. Johnson was also born in Sweden, and came to America with her husband. They crossed the Atlantic to New York City, and made their way westward by rail to Chicago, and from that place continued their journey to Burlington. They have since lived in Des Moines county", and have now a wide and favorable acquaintance within its borders.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson has been blessed with seven children: Amanda, born Sept. 8, 1868, is now the widow of Oxel Lawson, of Burlington; Ellen, born June 1, 1871, is now engaged in dressmaking in California; Sophia, born April 8, 1784, is the wife of Geest Nelson of IMediapolis; Minnie, born Nov. 8, 1877, is the wife of Charles Linn; Susie, born Nov. 20, 1883, is the wife of Fred Mester, of Burlington; Charles, born Jan. 25, 1881, and Emma, born Jan. 5, 1886, are at home.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

As printed in Biographical review of Des Moines County, Iowa (1905). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.