V. A. Johnson

As printed in 1915

V. A. JOHNSON.

V. A. Johnson, cashier of the West Burlington Savings Bank, has in this connection been closely identified with the financial interests of the city for about eight years. At the outset of his business career he learned how indispensable are the qualities of industry, perseverance and close application, and in the utilization of these he has worked his way steadily upward. He was born in this city Match 13, 1863, a son of Augustus and Matilda (Peterson) Johnson, both of whom were natives of Sweden. The year 1850 witnessed their arrival in Burlington, in which city they were married. The father was a contractor and builder, and in the early days was thus identified with the industrial activity of the city, but in later life followed farming and is now living retired. He has long survived his wife, who passed away in 1868. They had five children, as follows: Jennie M., at home; F. E., who follows farming near Burlington; V. A., of this review; Annie M., who is the wife of Robert L. Russell and resides in Kansas; and Samuel W. G. who makes his home in Burlington, Iowa.

V. A. Johnson acquired a public-school education, supplemented by a course in Elliott's Business College, from which he was graduated, and in the Iowa Commercial Institute, of Davenport, of which he is also a graduate. He started out in the business world in April, 1887, when a young man of twenty-four years, being made a member of the office force of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. There he continued until January 2, 1907, gradually working his way upward, his ability winning him promotion from time to time until his position was one of prominence and importance. At the date mentioned, however, he became one of the organizers of the West Burlington Savings Bank, which was formed by Colonel G. H. Higbee, who became president; Dr. E. E. Kirkendall, who was elected vice president, and Mr. Johnson, who became the cashier. The first directors were G. H. Higbee, J. A. Carney, George W. Scholes, Paul R. Ramp, E. E. Kirkendall, P. B. Smith, A. A. Bosch, F. J. Riling and C. H. Walsh. There has been no change in the directorate, save that C. H. Wuellner has taken the place of J. A. Carney, and Paul R. Ramp has been succeeded by J. L. B. Graham. The officers of the company, however, remain the same. The bank has been capitalized for twenty-five thousand dollars and has deposits amounting to two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. The company has erected and paid for its building at No. 101 Broadway, in West Burlington. This is exclusively a bank building.

On the 19th of December, 1889, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Annie W. Hewitt, of West Burlington, her parents being George and Elizabeth Hewitt. To them have been born seven children, five of whom survive, as follows: Grace M., who gave her hand in marriage to Herman Beck, an agriculturist residing near Burlington; and Eva G., Georgia E., Florence and Chester C, all at home. The children have been given liberal educational advantages. Several are high-school graduates and Mrs.

Beck was for three years a teacher. The daughter Florence is now engaged in teaching, and two of the family are now clerking in Burlington.

Mr. Johnson is well known in fraternal circles, holding membership with the Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Woodmen of the World, and the Moose. Aside from his business, however, he has been most prominent in political circles and is a recognized leader in the ranks of the republican party. For four years he served as mayor of West Burlington, was town clerk for nine years and has been secretary of the school board since 1891. There has been no (]question as to his fidelity to duty nor his capability in office. Public interests have been furthered through his efforts, and progress has been promoted in many directions. He stands at all times for advancement, and his activities have been of far-reaching effect and benefit in Burlington. Moreover, his business career is indicative of what may be accomplished when energy and determination point out the way, and when there is ready discrimination between the essential and the non-essential.

As printed in History of Des Moines County, Iowa (1915). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.