Johnson, Ole

JOHNSON, HIDINGAR

Posted By: Roseanna Zehner
Date: 7/22/2006 at 16:01:27

JOHNSON, OLE

Ole Johnson, who is an industrious tinner and hardware tradesman of Doon, Lyon county, was born in Norway, in 1836, where he remained until he was thirteen years of age. At that time he left his native land to seek the fortune the western world might have in store for him, and crossed to the United Stated in a sailing vessel, being six weeks on the water. For a short season he remained in the city of New York, and then made his way to Wisconsin, where he was employed for a time on a farm, and then learned the tinner''s trade at which he was working when the Civil war broke out. In 1860 he was engaged at his trade in McGregor, Iowa, and was so employed until 1861. That year he enlisted in Company C, Third Iowa Volunteer Infantry. The command was organized at Keokuk, Iowa, and from there it was sent to Missouri to do guard duty along the line of the St. Joseph and Hannibal railroad. The first severe battle in which Mr. Johnson participated was the fight at Blue Mills, where the command was ambushed by an over-whelming number of rebels. They were, however, finally repulsed and driven from the field. The regiment guarded the railroad until the spring of 1862. It was then sent south and fought in the great battle of Shiloh. They were then sent against the rebels at Corinth and from there to Bolivar, Tennessee, and Natchez, Mississippi. At this latter point the Union army overtook the forces of General Price, and fought them half a day, but losing heavily, the command retreated to Bolivar, and thence to LaGrange, Mississippi. The regiment was started for Vicksburg, but as the rebels had broken the line of supplies, it fell back to Memphis, where Mr. Johnson was discharged on account of sickness.

Mr. Johnson returned to McGregor, where his health presently recovered enough for him to resume his trade at Elkader. His home was maintained at that point until March 5, 1882, when he made his appearance in Rock Rapids, Lyon county. Here he worked at his trade four years, and then in company with his son rented some land the following year. The next year they took the farm of Robert Penman, which they cultivated for six years. He rented after this the farm of P. Converse, on which he remained thirteen years. By this time he had become so advanced in years and broken in strength that he sold out, and removing to a beautiful home in Doon which he had purchased expects to remain here the balance of his life.

Mr. Johnson was married in 1864 to Miss Mary Hidingar, who is German born. When she was five years old she was brought to this country by her parents. When she was ten she accompanied her parents to Fayette county, where she lived until she was old enough to care for herself at McGregor, where she was at work when she met Mr. Johnson. Their children are as follows: Frank, Lila, Henrietta, Alfred, and Mabel. Their daughter Ida died at the age of eleven months.

The parents of Mr. Johnson spent their lives in the old country. They were in very comfortable circumstances. The father was a man of more than ordinary ability, and was chosen sheriff of his district. He died respected by all who knew him. Their three children came to this country, and have become landowners and are prosperous. Mr. Johnson is independent in politics, and attends the Baptist church.

Source: Compendium of History Reminiscence and Biography of Lyon County, Iowa. Published under the Auspices of the Pioneer Association of Lyon County. Geo. Monlun, Pres.; Hon. E. C. Roach Sec’y; and Col. F. M. Thompson, Historian. Geo. A. Ogle & CO., Published, Engravers and Book Manufacturers. Chicago, 1904-1905

Transcribed by Roseanna Zehner, Darlene Jacoby and Diane Johnson