JOHNSON, S. M.
JOHNSON, ANDERSON, LUNDEEN
Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 3/3/2004 at 08:49:36
Biography reproduced from page 348 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:
S. M. Johnson was one of the first settlers in Eagle township, where he owns a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He was born in Sweden, on the 3d of January, 1838, was reared at home and given the advantages of a common-school education. He assisted his parents with the cultivation of the farm and herded cattle until after the father’s death when he took possession of the home place, which he operated until 1880. In the latter year he disposed of his interests in Sweden and together with his wife and family emigrated to the United States, coming direct to Kossuth county. He first located in Swea township, but four years later he purchased forty acres of land in Eagle township, which formed the nucleus of his present homestead. Later he increased his holdings by the purchase of another forty acres, and in 1910 he again extended the boundaries of his farm by the addition of eighty acres. During the first six years of his residence here Mr. Johnson did all of his hauling and cultivated his land with an ox team. He purchased the lumber for his buildings at Fairmont, Minnesota, and hauled it from there to his farm. Swea City had not yet been founded and he did the greater part of his trading at Bancroft. Practical in his ideas and diligent in his methods, Mr. Johnson has directed his undertakings with the intelligence and capability that invariably brings success and is now numbered among the most prosperous agriculturists of his community.
In 1865, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Nella Catherine Anderson, who was born in Sweden, March 21, 1843. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson there have been born eleven children. Alfred, owns and operates a meat market and grocery in Alabama. Amanda, the eldest daughter, is a dressmaker in Chicago. Ida married Charles Lundeen, a farmer of Shuburn, Minnesota. Selma is teaching school in district number one of Swea township and living at home. Anna, who is also residing at home, is a trained nurse. Joshua, the next in order of birth, died when he was twenty-two years of age. Myron Leander, who pursued a three-years’ course in agriculture at Ames, is renting the home farm. He is serving his second term as clerk of Eagle township and is regarded as one of the most progressive and capable young farmers in this section of the county. The next two members of the family are Mary Christina, who is at home and Esther, twin sister of Mary, who died at the age of one year. Jennie, the youngest daughter, is teaching school. The youngest child, a son, died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Swedish Lutheran church of Swea township, in the faith of which they have reared their family, and Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Ladies’ Aid Society. Mr. Johnson enjoys the full rights of citizenship, giving his political support to the men and measures of the republican party. He was director of the first school organized in the township, formerly known as number one but now number two, and served in this capacity for six years. Both Mr. Johnson and his family are held in high respect in Eagle township. They represent a most desirable type of citizens, and take an active interest in promoting the welfare of the community.
(Family photo in book)
Kossuth Biographies maintained by Linda Ziemann.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen