Arthur T Johnson

JOHNSON

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 5/4/2010 at 09:27:25

Arthur T Johnson of Madrid has been connected with the general merchandise and restaurant business but is now mostly engaged in looking after his extensive personal and business properties. Although quite a young man, he has already achieved remarkable success. He was born in Madrid June 29, 1880, and has always been a resident of that city.
His parents were William and Anna (Johnson) Johnson, natives of Sweden, the former born June 1, 1839 and the latter December 12, 1853. In August 1852, the father came to American and made his home in New York ad Pennsylvania for some time. From the latter state he made his way westward to Illinois and when the gold fever was at its height made the overland journey to California in 1859, with three other young men. Arriving in the Golden state, he at first rented land which he later bought. In 1870 he retraced his steps ad located in Polk county Iowa. In 1874 he sold out there and removed to Madrid, where he successfully engaged in general merchandising for twenty-nine years. Not only was he one of the most substantial citizens of the community but also one of the most public spirited business men always giving his support to such measures as promised of benefit to the city. He died in Madrid April 29, 1902. His wife came to America when about twelve years old, in 1865, her family locating at Swede Point. Her parents were the first passengers to arrive in Boone by way of the Northwestern Railway. She was married to William Johnson in Boone county, July 7, 1871, and is now residing with her son, Arthur T. The old family home, where the parents first located, is still standing near Elk Rapids. Mr and Mrs Johnson had nine children, of whom Arthur T of this review is the only on now surviving.
Arthur T Johnson received excellent educational advantages graduating from the Madrid high school with the class of 1898 and subsequently attending the Capital City Commercial College of Des Moines. He then engaged in general merchandising in Madrid, which city has been his hoe continuously with the exception of three years, during which he homesteaded in Sough Dakota. After giving up his general store he conducted a restaurant in Madrid until January 10, 1914, when he disposed of the establishment. He is now devoting his time to his many person and business properties. He is a thoroughly up to date American business man, shrewd and capable, yet always considerate of the interests of others. He is in sympathy with all movements undertaken for trade extension and the up building of industries and can always be found in the front ranks of those men who have at heart the welfare of the community.
On August 12, 1913, Mr Johnson married Miss Hattie C Johnson, who was born in Sweden January 30, 1882, and in that year she was brought by her parents Mr and Mrs John Johnson to America, the family settling in Des Moines, Iowa. She attended the graded schools of that city and subsequently the Eat high school. Her mother died in Des Moines, but her father isnow resideing in Madrid. Of their five children three are living: Mrs Jerda Davidson of Canada, Mrs Arthur T Johnson and Hulda a stenographer who is a resident of Des Moines.
Politically Mr Johnson is a republican, devoted to the interests of his party. He has never cared to enter the political arena but is a loyal and patriotic citizen and in a private way furthers many public interests. He stands high in the Masonic order, being a member of Star Lodge, o 115, A F & A M of Madrid, the chapter and commandery of Boone and Za-Ga-Zig Temple of the Mystic Shrine of Des Moines. He also belongs to the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows at Madrid. Mr Johnson owns various business properties and is one of Madrid’s substantial citizens. By furthering his private interests he has become a factor in the general growth of the city. He has many friends in Madrid and is esteemed and respected by all who know him and most respected by those who know him most intimately and are appreciative of his high qualities of mind and character.

1914 Boone County Histoy Book