Lewis G. Johnson (1878-)

JOHNSON, ANDERSON

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 11/24/2006 at 16:45:30

History of Colorado Volume III By Wilbur Fiske Stone
Published 1918 S. J. Clarke Publishing Company Chicago.

LEWIS G. JOHNSON.
Lewis G. Johnson, attorney at law, practicing as a member of the firm of Johnson & Robison, of Fort Morgan, was born at Roland, Story county, Iowa, on the 20th of September, 1878, a son of Elias and Susan Johnson, who were natives of Norway, but were brought to America during their infancy by their respective parents, their families locating in Kendall county, Illinois, where both Mr. and Mrs. Elias Johnson were reared. Their marriage was celebrated in that locality and in 1866 they removed to Iowa, taking up their abode in Story county upon a farm which Mr. Johnson had purchased previous to their removal. He bought this land at four dollars per acre and it is today worth two hundred and fifty dollars per acre. It was a wild and undeveloped tract when it came into his possession and the most far-sighted could scarcely have dreamed of the changes which were to occur in that district, leading to the great advance in property values. His widow still owns the original eighty acre tract which he purchased. Throughout his remaining days he continued the work of further development and improvement upon the home farm and transformed it into a very valuable and attractive property. He died in April, 1901, but his wife still makes her home in Roland, Iowa. They reared a family of eleven children, eight of whom are living. They were worthy pioneer settlers of Story county and contributed in substantial measure to its upbuilding, settlement and improvement, their names being placed high on the list of honored pioneer citizens there.

Lewis G. Johnson spent his youthful days in his native county and attended the public schools of Roland, after which he continued his education in Luther College at. Decorah, Iowa, where he was graduated with the June class of 1902. He next entered the State University at Iowa City and was graduated on the completion of the law course in June, 1905, for he had determined to make the practice of law his life work. Seeking a favorable location, he then went to Nevada, the county seat of Story county. and entered into partnership with U. S. Alderman, with whom he practiced law for about a year. In the fall of 1906, however, he removed to Colorado, settling in Denver on account of his health. He did not attempt to do much from 1906 until 1910, but in the latter year, having greatly improved in health. he came to Fort Morgan and entered upon the practice of law alone. On the 1st of June, 1911, he formed a partnership with Corbin E. Robison under the firm name of Johnson & Robison, with offices in the First National Bank building. They have since enjoyed a good practice and their clientage is now extensive and of an important character. They have conducted much litigation in the courts of the district and Mr. Johnson is most thorough and painstaking in the preparation of his cases, while the presentation of his cause is clear and convincing.

In December, 1908, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Nora Anderson, of Allamakee county, Iowa, a daughter of Christian and Thorine Anderson, the former a native of Allamakee county, while the latter was born in Minnesota. The father was a farmer by occupation and always carried on that pursuit in his native county. He passed away in comparatively early manhood and a little later his wife died, leaving Mrs. Johnson an orphan when but four years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born three daughters: Ethel T., born October 11, 1909; Grace L., born May 14, 1914; and Amy I., born April 18, 1918.

The family has an attractive home at No. 213 Lake street in Fort Morgan, which property is owned by Mr. Johnson. In his political views Mr. Johnson is an earnest republican, having supported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has occupied the position of alderman of Fort Morgan and is now acting as city attorney. He belongs to the Thirteenth Judicial District Bar Association and enjoys the respect, confidence and goodwill of his colleagues and contemporaries in the profession. His religious faith is indicated by his affiliation with the First Presbyterian church. He has many substantial qualities which have gained for him high and favorable regard and he is accounted one of the representative and valued citizens of Fort Morgan.