John P. Johnson
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John P. Johnson, a leading contractor and
builder, of Jefferson, was born in Denmark, December 18, 1872. His
father, Andrew Johnson, was a carpenter and contractor in his native
land and passed away in that country when John P. Johnson was but
fourteen years of age. The mother is still living in the old home.
John P. Johnson acquired his education in the common schools of Denmark
and during the period of his boyhood was trained to the work in which
his father was so proficient, thus gaining a knowledge which has
enabled him to carry on work along this line on his own account. He
served an apprenticeship of five years, but was ambitions to start out
in a new country where the opportunities for the young man with
ambition in the business world were almost unlimited. Accordingly he
set sail for the United States and upon his arrival came to Jefferson,
Iowa, where he immediately began work as a builder. So honestly did he
perform his labor and so conscientiously did he carry out his plans
that he rapidly made his way to the front. In 1902 he entered into the
contracting business and has since erected some of the largest and most
beautiful homes in the city. He employs on an average of twenty men,
and during the busy season many more. He has never made it a rule to
lay up a fortune for himself by depriving others of what he feels they
have earned, but has always paid his men the best wages that he could
afford. It is needless to say that the man who follows these principles
is a success, for this is a sure road to that goal. Mr. Johnson is
today the owner of considerable city property.
In 1894 he was married to Miss Dora Stuger, a native of Denmark.
Three children have been born to this union: Marguerite, Helen and
Emory. He and his family are all members of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Johnson has never been active in local political affairs, though
his views are those of the republican party, but he has preferred to
concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, in which he is
meeting with very desirable success.
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