Johnson, George E.

JOHNSON

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/29/2021 at 12:40:52

History of Warren County, Iowa from Its Earliest Settlement to 1908, by Rev. W. C. Martin, Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois, 1908, p.930

GEORGE E. JOHNSON
G. E. Johnson, identified with mercantile interests throughout the period of his business activity and now conducting a large general store in Indianola, stands for all that is progressive in commercial circles. His establishment would do credit to a city of much larger size and the line of goods which he carries is always tasteful and attractive. Mr. Johnson comes to Iowa from Ohio, his birth having occurred in Morrow County, that state, on the 23d of April 1857. He is a son of Rev. Silas Johnson, also a native of Ohio and of Scotch-Irish descent.
The father was a minister of the Presbyterian Church and in 1861 removed from the Buckeye state to Oskaloosa., Iowa where for six years he filled a pas­torate. He then accepted a call from the church at Indianola and remained as the minister of the Presbyterian congregation at this place for thirteen years. After preaching for five years at Leon, Iowa he there passed away. During the period of the Civil War he served as a member of the Christian commission. He was popular both as a minister and teacher, was a clear, forceful and logical speaker and was regarded as one of the able representatives of the Presbyterian ministry in this part of the state. His political views were in harmony with the principles of the Republican Party. He died in 1887, at the age of sixty-four years, but his memory is yet enshrined in the hearts of many who knew him. He was long survived by his wife, who bore the maiden name of Harriet Doolittle. She was born in Ohio and died in Indianola in 1904 at the age of seventy-nine years. She belonged to a family of English lineage and by her marriage she became the mother of nine children: Sarah, deceased; Chloe, the widow of A. Swearington. of Texas; Mary. Eva Emma and Hattie all of whom have passed away; George E., of this review; Wil­liam S., who is editor of the Newton Record, at Newton, Iowa; Frank S., who lives in Indianola and has charge of the shoe department in G. E. John­son's store.
G. E. Johnson was a student in the schools of Indianola in early life and made his initial step in the business world as a clerk in the employ of M. R. Barker when a youth of fifteen years. That he was faithful, efficient and at all times trustworthy is indicated by the fact that he remained there for four­teen years as an employee and in 1884 was admitted to a partnership under the firm style of Barker & Johnson. This relation was harmoniously con­tinued until 1898, when Mr. Barker retired and Mr. Johnson has since continued the business alone under his own name. He occupies a building which was erected by the firm of Barker & Johnson on the east side of the square. It is a two-story brick structure, forty by one hundred and fifteen feet, with plate glass front and excellent equipments. He owns and occupies the whole building, carrying a full line of dry goods, carpets and shoes. In fact his is the largest concern of the kind in Warren County and the store is most modern in all of its appointments. It is steam heated, has a cash carrier system and its counters and showcases are attractive and up-to-date. His trade has con­stantly developed until it has now reached extensive proportions. The busi­ness methods of the house are at all times reliable and Mr. Johnson has justly won a place among the most prominent, prosperous and honored merchants of his adopted city.
In 1885 Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Mary Ingalls, who was born in Indianola in 1862 and is a daughter of Merrill and Catherine (Kennedy) Ingalls. Her father was a blacksmith and served as a soldier of the Union army in the Civil War. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Johnson was a teacher in the public schools. There are three children of this union: Murray E., who died in 1905 at the age of nineteen years; Carl W., and Mildred E. The parents are loyal to their professions as members of the Presbyterian Church and Mr. Johnson is serving as an officer of the church, being on the board of trustees. He belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and in political views is a Republican. He has served as a member of the school board and everything relating to public welfare and improvement receives his endorse­ment and cooperation. He is of stern integrity and honesty of purpose, despising all unworthy or questionable means to secure success in any under­taking or for any purpose or to promote his advancement in any direction. He has worked his way upward through the legitimate channels of trade, win­ning for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business.