Ira D Johnson

JOHNSON

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 4/26/2010 at 11:22:20

In the death of Ira D Johnson on September 20, 1898, Boone mourned the loss of one of her valued and representative citizens, for his life exemplified the many sterling traits of manhood which in very land and clime awaken confidence and regard. He was born in Lawrence county, Missouri, August 12, 1870, and completed a high school course at Henrietta, Texas. He also attended a business college at Jacksonville, Illinois, and thus qualified for onerous and responsible duties I later life. In the fall of 1890 he came to Boone and entered into partnership with his father, the late W D Johnson in the coal business under the firm name of W D Johnson & Company. He devoted practically his entire attention to the coal trade and in that connection a big business was built up. He was also a stockholder in the Security Savings Bank, and his contemporaries and colleagues in business circles know him to be a thoroughly reliable and enterprising man.
On October 29, 1890, I Illinois, Mr Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Mary E Johnson, a daughter of James and Martha (Adkins) Johnson, who were natives of Mason county, Illinois. James Johnson was a member of Company M, Second Illinois Cavalry at the time of the Civil war, enlisting in 1862 and serving for three years. He became a commissioned officer, holding the rank of second lieutenant when mustered out of the service. By occupation he as a farmer, devoting his entire life to general agricultural pursuits. The cause of temperance found in hi a stalwart advocate and earnest worker, and his life was actuated by many high and manly principles. His family numbered in e children, all of whom are yet living. Two of the sons are residents of Boone county-F H making his home in the city of Boone, while Edgar resides near Ogden. To Mr and Mrs Ira D Johnson were born three children: William D who remains at home and is an automobile salesman Lucile, who is attending Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois, and Ethel Lorraine, who died when a baby.
Politically Mr Johnson was a republican, although reared in the faith of the democratic party, to which his father gave his support. Fraternally he was connected with Boonesboro Lodge, No 324 K P and his widow is a member of the Pythian Sisters. He died at the very early age of twenty-eight years, and the news of his demise was a shock to the entire community. He left behind him many friends, and his heritage to his family was not only a good property, but also that good name which is rather to be chosen than great riches. In action he was manly and sincere, in spirit kindly, and one of his more pronounced characteristics was his devotion to his family.

1914 Boone County History Book