JOHNSON, Peter O. - 1914

JOHNSON, OSTROM

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 7/9/2009 at 17:34:53

HISTORY OF
Cherokee County
IOWA
VOLUME II
ILLUSTRATED
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1914
by Thomas McCulla

PETER O. JOHNSON.

Peter O. Johnson, a well known mail carrier of Meriden and a veteran of the SpanishAmerican war, was born in Sweden, April 30, 1865, and is a son of Olaf and Carrie Johnson, natives of that country. The parents came to America in 1869 and settled in Illinois, where the father worked in a quarry near Joliet until his death, which occurred in November, 1871. His widow afterward moved to Liberty township, Cherokee county, and in 1872 took up a homestead claim on section 22, improving and operating this property until her death, which occurred in 1901. ,

Peter O. Johnson acquired his education in the public schools of Illinois and Iowa and remained with his mother until he was twentyone years of age. He then went to South Dakota and took up a homestead, which he improved for a number of years. Eventually, however, he returned home and began teaching in Liberty township, following this occupation for sixteen terms in that locality and for eight terms in Grand Meadow township. When he abandoned teaching he rented the old home farm but after operating this for four years moved into Meriden, receiving an appointment as rural mail carrier, a position which he has since creditably filled. He travels over his route in an automobile and is found always prompt, reliable and conscientious in the discharge of his duties.

On the 12th of May, 1911, Mr. Johnson married Miss Christina Ostrom, a daughter of Olaf and Margaret Ostrom, natives of Sweden, where the father still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have become the parents of a son, Robert.

Mr. Johnson served with Company M, Fiftysecond Iowa Volunteer Infantry, during the SpanishAmerican war. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and served as clerk of Liberty township for several years. Fraternally he is connected with the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Modern Woodmen of America. In all the relations of life he is upright, honorable and straightforward, and he merits and enjoys the respect and confidence of his neighbors and friends.