Johnson, Arthur Raymond 1887 –

JOHNSON, OLSEN, JOHNSON

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 4/1/2015 at 10:51:45

ARTHUR RAYMOND JOHNSON.

Arthur Raymond Johnson, one of the prominent and successful young citizens of Decorah, is an active factor in financial circles as assistant cashier of the Decorah State Bank. His birth occurred in Decorah on the 28th of September, 1887, his parents being H. Paul and Rachel (Olsen) Johnson, both of whom were natives of Norway, the former born on the 16th of January, 1847, and the latter on the 5th of March, 1849. H. Paul Johnson was but a little lad of four years when in 1851 he was brought to the United States by his parents, who purchased land and located near the Locust church in Pleasant township, Winneshiek county, Iowa. As soon as his age and strength permitted he began assisting his father in the work of the home farm and when twenty-five years of age purchased the property, continuing its operation for seven years more. In 1880 he came to Decorah and established a harness store, being still engaged in its conduct at the time of his death, which occurred on the 9th of September, 1912. He served as a trustee in the First Evangelical Lutheran church, to which his widow still belongs. For one term he held the office of constable in Pleasant township. Mr., Johnson also belonged to the Sons of Veterans. The period of his residence in Winneshiek county covered more than six decades and he enjoyed an extensive and favorable acquaintance within its borders. It was on the 10th of May, 1973, in Pleasant township, that he wedded Miss Rachel Olsen, her father being Asbjorn Olsen, an agriculturist of that township. She was brought to America in 1850, when but a year old, and in 1855 her father purchased land and located in Pleasant township, this county. After the demise of Mr. Olsen his widow made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Johnson, for three years, passing away in Decorah in 1906. Mrs. Rachel Johnson, who still resides in Decorah with her son Arthur, is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community.

Arthur Raymond Johnson obtained his early education in the public schools of Decorah and also attended Valder's Business College at that place. He subsequently spent two years as a student in Luther College of Decorah and then went to Burlington, Iowa, as order clerk in a wholesale harness and saddlery concern, remaining in that position for two years. Returning to Decorah, he spent a similar period as a clerk in the store of O. M. Anderson, a dealer in men's furnishings. Mr. Johnson then went to Canada and for three years served as bookkeeper in the yards of the Baker, Reynolds & Kimball Lumber Company. In February, 1912, he again returned to Decorah and accepted a position as bookkeeper in the Decorah State Bank, serving in that capacity until January, 1913, when he was elected assistant cashier, which position he now holds. He is a stockholder in the institution and has already proven himself a competent and valuable official.

In politics Mr. Johnson is a republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evangelical Lutheran church. He also belongs to Decorah Lodge, No. 443, B. P. O. E., Decorah Camp of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Woodmen of the World. Though still young in years, he has already attained an enviable place in business and social circles of his native city and county.

Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark Publishing Company 1913