JOHNSON, Frank Alfred

JOHNSON, DAVIS, SWANSONSIC, STRAND

Posted By: Deb (email)
Date: 6/10/2008 at 10:17:04

Biographical Review, Des Moines Co., IA, Hobart Publishing Co., Chicago, IL, 1905, pg. 482 (article includes a picture of Frank) – Frank Alfred Johnson – A Careful and methodical farmer, a conscientious citizen, a good neighbor and friend, and a sincere Christian, Frank A. Johnson has by his own unaided efforts won such a meed of success that the historian is glad to record his name as an incentive to those who may become discouraged by the seeming monotony and endless routine of daily duties.

Frank Alfred Johnson was the son of John August and Hattie (Davis) Johnson, and first saw the light in Huron township, Des Moines County, Jan. 10, 1871. He was reared on the farm, acquiring in youth the habits of industry and frugality which have been so potent in spelling success for him in later years. He received his education in the district schools of Huron township, and after finishing his schooling, remained on the home farm until he was twenty-two years of age.

At this time he felt that the time had come for him to branch out into business for himself, and accordingly rented the Lamb farm, one mile east of Mediapolis, where he lived for two years, and then rented the Swank farm in Huron township for a term of five years. This was an estate of three hundred and twenty acres, of which he had the entire control. Before his lease on this place expired, he bought what is known as the Woodside farm, consisting of two hundred and eight acres, and for a time superintended operations on both of these large tracts, thus showing a high degree of executive ability, as well as a through working knowledge of the practical side of farming on a large scale. The following year he moved onto this Woodside farm, and lived there until he sold it to James Bishop. He then bought eighty acres of rich land from Mrs. Hedge, which he has made his home farm, and has improved it in many ways since it has come into his possession. He has increased the productivity of the soil, has tiled the land, has built new buildings to accommodate the abundant products of the soil and the fine stock that he has put on it, and has enlarged the buildings that were already on it. He has made a specialty of cattle and hog raising, keeping high-grade stock and showing by his success that the keeping of the best not only raises the wealth of the community and gives it higher rank among farming localities, but also makes more certainly for the financial success of the breeder himself. Mr. Johnson has thirty head of cattle, of the Hereford breed. He is also a very successful breeder of Poland China hogs, having some years raised as many as one hundred and fifty and now having about seventy-five.

Mr. Johnson was married April 15, 1896, his bride being Miss Heida Swanson. Mrs. Johnson claims Sweden as the land of her nativity, having been born in that country Oct. 26, 1877, the daughter of Gustav Adolph and Charlotte (Strand) Swanson. Mrs. Johnson’s father died in 1881, and her mother afterward married C. M. Anderson., and now makes her home in Mediapolis, this country. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson three children have been born: Edith, born Jan. 9, 1897; Mildred, born Nov. 15, 1899; and Everett, born July 4, 1902.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are both members of the Swedish Lutheran church, are devoted to the doctrines and practice of the Christian faith, and have ever been generous in the support of charitable and benevolent movements. Mr. Johnson is very active in the work of the church, in which he holds the office of deacon. He has made a study of most of the public questions of the day, and has taken considerable interest in matters of politics, acting with the Republican party, and has given much thought and effort to the upbuilding of his own immediate community. He is usually appointed as delegate tot he county conventions, and has at different times been asked to take the office of trustee of Huron township, and also the same office for Yellow Spring township, but has found it advisable to decline.

Mr. Johnson is a member of the Modern Woodmen, in the camp of Mediapolis, and has many warm and admiring friends among the Neighbors of this fraternity. He has taken a vital interest in the progress of educational interests in the community, serving with great efficiency as one of the school directors at the present time. In all his enterprises he has been very successful, and the ability thus displayed, combined with his well-known character if integrity and frank and open methods in all his dealings, has made him many friends, who give him their confidence and respect.