Harrison County Iowa Genealogy

HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA, 1891
BIOGRAPHIES
Page 743
JONAS O. JOHNSON

Jonas O. JOHNSON, an enterprising farmer and the proprietor of two sawmills, whose residence is on section 15, of Clay Township, came to Harrison County in the month of February, 1873, and settled in Cincinnati, where he bought of J. W. BRITTON a one-half interest in a sawmill, which interest he held until April, 1878, when he sold out, and in July, 1879, he went to Oregon, for the double purpose of making a visit and to find a suitable location. In October of that year he returned to Harrison County, and in December bought back an interest in the sawmill with Mr. BRITTON, with whom he was in partnership until 1881. In 1880 they moved the mill to Washington County, Neb. He sold out there finally and bought a mill in Iowa, in partnership with J. W. BROWNRIGG, on Horseshoe Lake, which they operated until September, 1881, and then removed the mill to a point north, on the Soldier River, in Clay Township. In December, 1881, Mr. BROWNRIGG died, the firm owing some on the property, but our subject paid these debts off, and in June, 1883, traded the mill for one hundred and forty acres of partly improved land. In the autumn of 1885 he bought the mill back again and moved it to his own place, where in May, 1887, it was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt and is still in operation. His residence was also burned shortly after the mill was destroyed, which necessitated the building of a new house. In December, 1890, he is partnership with W. W. STANSBERRY bought another mill, propelled by a Russell & Co's. traction engine.

Mr. JOHNSON was born in Sweden, near that magnificent city of Stockholm, in 1844, and when three years of age accompanied his parents to America, the family locating in Jefferson County, Iowa. His father was killed on the Ohio River enroute to Iowa. Our subject remained with his mother until thirteen years of age, at which time she died. He then went to live with a brother-in-law, and soon commenced to hustle for himself.

He went to Wayne County, Iowa, and worked on a farm by the month until August 2, 1861, when he enlisted in Company I, Fourth Iowa Infantry, and went South to St. Louis, where he was mustered into service. Among other engagements he was at the battle of Pea Ridge, Ark., March 6,77 and 8, 1862. He was discharged on account of disability, November 20, 1862, and returned to Wayne County, Iowa. In the spring of 1863 he came to Omaha and made two overland trips to Ft. Laramie with ox-trains. December, 1863, he again enlisted as a member of Company A, First Nebraska Cavalry, and operated in Nebraska, Kansa, Wyoming and Dakota, and in the Indian country. He was discharged in the spring of 1866, at which time he went to work steamboating on the Missouri River, following that and rafting until 1873, when he came to Harrison County, where he embarked in the lumbering business.

He was united in marriage, in Holt County, Neb., January 25, 1887, to Miss Matilda F. STANDSBURY, daughter of Henry and Lucy (Long) STANDSBURY By this marriage union two children were born�Henry A. (deceased), and Jonas E.

Mrs. JOHNSON was born in West Virginia, August 8, 1864, and removed with her parents to Harrison County, and from there to Holt County, Neb., where she remained until the date of her marriage. She is a member of the Seventh Day Advent Church.

Mr. JOHNSON belongs to Barnes Post, No. 103, G. A. R., at Mondamin. Politically, at this time he is identified with the Farmers' Alliance party, and has always voted an independent ticket. In 1887 he was elected to the office of Township Clerk, which office he filled several terms. When he came to this county he only possessed $10. He has walked across the State of Iowa, from eat to west, and part of the time slept out of doors, with-out a blanket or other covering to shield him from the elements. Indeed his has been an eventful life; and while he has seen much hardships, he is now surrounded with a comfortable home.

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