Oscar C. Johnson
One of the splendid farms of Otter Creek township is the property of Oscar C. Johnson, who is a native of Crawford county, born on the 9th of August, 1877.
He is a son of Carl J. and Nellie (Hanson) Johnson, natives of Scandinavia, the father emigrating to America from his native land in 1868 and the mother in 1871, They located in Crawford county, Iowa, where they bought forty acres of land, and engaged in general farming and stock-raising. After residing on this tract for some time they sold and purchased eighty acres elsewhere and by means of thrift and hard work were able to add to this another forty, making the aggregate of their holdings one hundred and twenty acres. It was unimproved at the time of their purchase but during the period of their occupancy was brought to a high state of cultivation and is now one of the valuable properties of the township.
There were five children in their family, the son Oscar being the second in order of birth. The others are: Hilma, who is living with her brother on the old homestead; Edward, who lives in Ida county; Emil, who is a resident of South Dakota; and the fifth, who died in infancy. The mother passed away on the 11th of February, 1908, and the father survived but two weeks, his demise occurring on the 25th day of the same month.
Oscar C. Johnson received his education in the district schools of Crawford county, during which period he was a member of his father's household. His early life was that of practically every boy born and reared in the rural communities. He early began to assist in the' work of the farm, his duties and responsibilities increasing as his strength developed with the passing years. Upon the death of his father he inherited the homestead, being the eldest son. The place is located on sections 1 and 2, Otter Creek township, and there he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, from both of which industries he is enjoying lucrative returns.
On the 2d of April, 1901, Mr. Johnson established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Maggie Christina Anderson, a daughter of Lars and Martha (Oleson) Anderson. Mrs. Johnson is the second in a family of four children, the other members being as follows: Andrew, who lives in Ida county; Eric, who is deceased; and Abraham, a resident of Kiron.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are also the parents of four children: Florence, Myrtle, Russell and Bernice. They are identified with the Baptist church by membership.
Politically Mr. Johnson is affiliated with the republican party, and although he is not an aspirant for office he takes an interest in all local governmental matters, and always casts a ballot on election day in support of the men and measures of that organization.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.