Introduction

When putting together the various family histories, there are a few things that have been very helpful:

1. Having parents or grandparents who had been savers: pictures, obituaries, postcards, certificates, etc.

2. Living in Iowa City where one of the State Historical Libraries is located with its censuses, land plats, newspapers, etc.

3. Others in the various families willing to share their information to enhance the collection.

4. Knowing Dr. Gerhard Naeseth of the Genealogical Center in Madison, WI (Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library) as a very knowledgable resource.

Living in Decorah [Iowa] in the sixties and seventies, we attended many Sander reunions (Mrs. Gustav Johnson was a Sander) and Bill Johnson would comment that he knew quite a lot about his Sander relatives but not very much about his dad’s side of the family. So that started the research on the Johnson Family History.

In the late seventies, having moved to Iowa City, by doing much letter writing and aided by the help and expertise of the aforementioned Gerhard Naeseth, the data began to be accumulated.

Birth and marriage certificates were obtained from the Archives in Oslo, Norway; birth, death and emigration from the Norwegian church records are very useful, and I researched those a couple of times at the Salt Lake City Family History Library. Census records, old newspapers, plat books are available for use at the State Historical Library.

And maybe best of all, my mother-in-law [Lillie (JOHNSON) Williams] had been a saver and had handed down many pictures, obituaries, newspaper articles, etc. We had learned enough so that in 1986 when we spent a semester in Norway, we were able to travel to and take pictures of the home farm – Huusmoe – of Anna Gurine, the mother of Gustav Johnson. So for a Johnson ‘Cousin’ family reunion in 1992, I put together this book I call Gustav Johnson Descendants.

Pedigree Chart for Gustav JOHNSON (1855-1934)

Pedigree Chart. Gustav JOHNSON (1855-1934). Image courtesy of Williams Family Pages

1870 US Federal Census: Andrew Johnson Family

Detail of 1870 US Federal Census. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

Johnson Andrew / 35 / M / W / Tailor / Norway
_____ Anna / 38 / F / W / Keeping House / "
_____ Gust / 12 / M / W / At Home / "
_____ Julius / 6 / M / W / " / "
_____ Bertha / 3 / F / W / " / Wis
_____ Emma / 1 / F / W / " / "
Moe Anna / 34 / F / W / Housekeeping / Norway

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Source Citation: Year: 1870; Census Place: Madison Ward 2, Dane, Wisconsin; Roll: M593_1708; Page: 314A; Image: 632; Family History Library Film: 553207. 

Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1870 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch. Original data: 1870 U.S. census, population schedules. NARA microfilm publication M593, 1,761 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.

Anna's Ølbolle

According to my father, Vincent Williams, this antique "Ale bowl" (c. 1772) belonged to Anna Gurine (Huusmoe) Johnson. It passed down through the family until it came into my hands.


Ølbolle (c. 1772). The inscription around the inside rim reads roughly, "Den som lidet kan arve og girni drikke, han rigdom i verden bekkomer han ikke." (He who inherits little and likes to drink, will not obtain riches in the world.) On the bottom it reads, "Borgund Hardanger." Image courtesy of Mark D. Williams.

Birth Certificate: Gustav JOHNSON

Certificate of Birth. Gustav JOHNSON né Andreassen (18 Oct 1855). Oslo: Statsarkivet, 1981. Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

C E R T I F I C A T E

In the parish register No. I/7 (1816-1838) for Nes parish, fol. 54b, number 135, is introduced that

G u s t a v  A n d r e a s s e n

son of bachelor Andreas Eriksen, Son and girl Gurine Gulbrandsen Huusmoe, was born on 18 - eighteenth - october 1855 - eighteen fifty-five - and was christened on 16 - sixteenth - november the same year. Oslo, 24 March 1981 by proxy Alfhild Nakken [English translation by Google.]

Digitalarkivet also has a copy of the Nes parish record that contains Gustav's birth and baptismal dates.

SAO, Nes prestekontor Kirkebøker, F/Fa/L0007: Ministerialbok nr. I 7, 1846-1858, s. 55.

In 1865, Gustav is living with his uncle Lars and aunt Karoline, as well as his grandparents, Gulbrand Saksesen and Kari Gulbrandsdtr, on the Søndre Husmo farm.


RA, Folketelling 1865 for 0236P Nes prestegjeld, 1865, s. 242.

Gustav JOHNSON Family (c. 1885)

Johnson Family Portrait (Madison, WI: Curtiss, c. 1885). From left: Henrietta, George, Charles, and Gustav Johnson. Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

1895 IA Census: Gustav Johnson Family

Detail of 1895 IA Census. Residence County: Winneshiek. Locality: Glenwood. Roll: IA1885_413. Line: 13. Family Number: 145. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

Gustav Johnson / 39 / M / M / Norway / Farmer / Lutheran
Henrietta Johnson / 34 / F / M / Winneshiek
George G. Johnson / 12 / M / S / Winneshiek
Charles G. Johnson / 10 / M / S / Winneshiek
Emma G. Johnson / 7 / F / S / Winneshiek
Mabel G. Johnson /5 / F / S / Winneshiek
Lilli Viola Johnson / 2 / F / S / Winneshiek

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Source Information: Ancestry.com. Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Original data: Microfilm of Iowa State Censuses, 1856, 1885, 1895, 1905, 1915, 1925 as well various special censuses from 1836-1897 obtained from the State Historical Society of Iowa via Heritage Quest.

1900 US Federal Census: Gustav JOHNSON Family

1900 US Federal Census. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

Johnson, Gustav / Head / W / M / Oct 1854 / 45 / M / 19 / Norway / Norway / Norway / 1865 / 35 / Farmer
________ Henrietta / Wife / W / F / Feb 1861 / 39 / M / 19 / 8 / 7 / Iowa / Norway / Norway
________ George / Son / W / M / Sep 1882 / 17 / S / Iowa / Norway / Iowa / Farm laborer
________ Charles / Son / W / M / Dec 1884 / 15 / S / Iowa / Norway / Iowa / Farm laborer
________ Emma / Daughter / W / F / Sep 1887 / 12 / S / Iowa / Norway / Iowa / Farm laborer
________ L. Viola / Daughter / W / F / Jun 1892 / 7 / S / Iowa / Norway / Iowa
________ Vesta [Esther] / Daughter / W / F / Mar 1894 / 6 / S / Iowa / Norway / Iowa
________ Anna / Daughter / W / F / Feb 1897 / 2 / S / Iowa / Norway / Iowa


Detail of 1900 US Federal Census. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

Johnson, Wm /Son / W / M / Apr 1900 / 1-12 / S / Iowa / Norway / Iowa

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Source Citation: Year: 1900; Census Place: Glenwood, Winneshiek, Iowa; Roll: T623_466; Pages: 10A-B; Enumeration District: 132.

Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004. Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1900. T623, 1854 rolls.

Gustav Johnson Family (1906)

Gustav Johnson family portrait (1906). Front row: William, Anna, and Arthur. Middle row: George, Gustav, Henrietta, and Charles. Back row: Esther, Emma, and Lillie. Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

1910 US Federal Census: Gustav JOHNSON Family

Detail of 1910 US Federal Census. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

Johnson Gus /Head / M / W / 54 / M / 28 / Norwegian / Norwegian / Norwegian / 1865 / English / Farmer
________ Henriette O. / Wife / F / W / 46/ M / 28 / Iowa / Norwegian / Norwegian / English / Home
________ George B. / Son / M / W / 27 / S / Iowa / Norwegian / Iowa / English / Student
________ Lillie V. / Daughter / F / W / 17 / S / Iowa / Norwegian / Iowa / English
________ Ester [sic] F. / Daughter / F / W / 16 / S / Iowa / Norwegian / Iowa / English
________ Anna S. / Daughter / F / W / 13 / S / Iowa / Norwegian / Iowa / English
________ William N. M. / Son / M / W / 9 / S / Iowa / Norwegian / Iowa / English
________ Arthur F. S. / Son / M / W / 6 / S / Iowa / Norwegian / Iowa / English
Sasson Matilde / Schoolteacher / F / W / 21 / S / Nebraska / Danish / Wisconsin / English / Schoolteacher
Teslow Herman / Hired man / M / W / 20 / S / Iowa / Norwegian / Iowa / English / Labor

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Source Citation: Year: 1910; Census Place: Glenwood, Winneshiek, Iowa; Roll: T624_428; Page: 3B; Enumeration District: 0155; Image: 1130; FHL Number: 1374441.

Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. Original data: Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910 (NARA microfilm publication T624, 1,178 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C. For details on the contents of the film numbers, visit the following NARA web page: NARA.

Gustav JOHNSON with relatives in Minnesota

Gustav JOHNSON with relatives in Minnesota (Date unknown). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

1915 IA Census: Gustav JOHNSON

1915 IA Census card. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

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Source Information: Ancestry.com. Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Original data: Microfilm of Iowa State Censuses, 1856, 1885, 1895, 1905, 1915, 1925 as well various special censuses from 1836-1897 obtained from the State Historical Society of Iowa via Heritage Quest.

Gustav and Henrietta (Sander) JOHNSON

Gustav and Henrietta (Sander) JOHNSON (1931). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

Gustav and Henrietta JOHNSON: Golden Wedding Anniversary (18 Oct 1931)

"Married Fifty Golden Years," Decorah Public Opinion and Decorah Republican 37:42 (15 Oct 1931), p. 1, col. 3. Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

MARRIED FIFTY GOLDEN YEARS

Mr. and Mrs. Gustav Johnson Celebrated Fifty Years of Married Life Sunday
Surrounded by Four Hundred Neighbors and Friends.

HUGE WEDDING CAKE CUT BY THE BRIDE
Prof. Carlo A. Sperati Officiated as Toastmaster the Program Being Featured with Talks, Music and Song

Fifty years of happy wedded life have been allotted to Mr. and Mrs. Gustave Johnson, one of Decorah's most estimable couples. The occasion was most happily celebrated Sunday, October 11, when their children planned a surprise on them, and 400 neighbors and friends assembled at the Norske Selskab Hall to do honor to them. The date of their marriage is October 18, but the event was celebrated a week earlier on account of other festivities taking place next Sunday in connection with the seventieth anniversary of Luther College.

The large assemblage gathered through the noon hour and at one o'clock the Rev. T. A. Hoff, the honored guests' pastor gave a prayer, after which all enjoyed a most wonderful dinner. One of the features was a huge wedding cake, beautifully decorated, a gift to the bride and groom from O. Dotseth, the West Water street baker. The cake was cut by Mrs. Johnson and there were generous portions for all dinner guests, as well as at supper.

At the conclusion of the dinner Rev. Hoff paid a fitting tribute to the worthy couple, who are members of his congregation, and presented them with a purse of money, a gift from their children. Miss Helen Hoff followed with a piano solo and Mr. Johnson voiced words of thanks on behalf of himself and wife.

Prof. Carlo A. Sperati officiated as toastmaster in his usual enjoyable manner and the afternoon resounded into one pleasurable time, with speeches songs, and music.

The Luren and Gauken singing societies contributed a group of songs that were dear to the hearts of all.

Rev. Bredeson of Glenwood spoke on behalf of the congregation there of which Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were members for some 26 years, paying the bride and groom of fifty years ago many worthy and deserved compliments, expressing the esteem in which they are held by all their old friends in Glenwood.

Postmaster Wm. Linnevold of Decorah, who has been associated with Mr. Johnson as an official of the Norwegian Mutual Insurance Co. for a number of years paid his respects to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson in a few well chosen words, which expressed the high regard in which these fine folks are held. A purse was presented to them on behalf of the company.

The Gauken Singing Society of Glenwood then sang feelingly in behalf of the bride and groom the singers had known as their friends and neighbors for so many years.

Mr. Oscar Winger, representing the Norske Selskab, spoke on behalf of that well known society and conferred the degree of honorary membership upon Mr. Johnson.

The last speaker on the program was Prof. Carlo A. Sperati of Luther College. His long acquaintance with Mr. and Mrs. Johnson permitted him to speak in a most gracious manner of these worthy folks, who have enjoyed the sincerest and widest friendship during their long residence here.

Mrs. Johnson's father, Brede B. Sander, gave the first subscription, amounting to $300 to Luther College seventy years ago, and this week the seventieth anniversary of the college is being celebrated. At the conclusion of Prof. Sperati's talk he presented on behalf of the guests a purse of money to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson to express the esteem in which they are held.

The Luren orchestra furnished pleasing music throughout the afternoon. The song program was brought to a close by the united choruses of Luren and Gauken, who concluded the program with "America."

The bride of fifty years ago was Miss Henrietta Sander and her marriage to Mr. Johnson occurred on Oct. 18, 1881, the marriage being solemnized at the Glenwood Stone church by Rev. A. Turmo. Mrs. Johnson's parents arrived here from Norway in 1851, when Decorah contained but three houses. Mr. Johnson is 76 and Mrs. Johnson 70. Mr. Johnson was a printer by trade, learning the business in Wisconsin, working on different Norwegian papers in Madison and Marshall, Wis., as well as other papers in Illinois and Minnesota. He was an employee of the Lutheran Publishing House here for nine years, resigning taking up farming in Glenwood for 26 years, retiring about ten years ago, since which time they have resided in Decorah.

Mr. Johnson has been active in many business affairs. He served as township clerk and was president of the township school board. He is also one of the officers of the Decorah Farmers Ice Cave Creamery Co., and is also president of the Winneshiek Norwegian Mutual Insurance Co. But with all his activities he has never been too busy to fail to recognize his friends at all times and his genial whole souled nature has brought to him friends who have remained friends always.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have seven children living. They are Charles A., assistant cashier of the Decorah State Bank, (Emma) Mrs. Carl Hexom, Allamakee county, (Lillie) Mrs. Walter Williams, Glenwood Twp., (Esther) Mrs. Stanley Ask, Decorah Twp. (Anna) Mrs. C. H. Rosenthal, Decorah, William, cashier Winneshiek County State Bank, Decorah, and Arthur in Glenwood Twp.There are eighteen grandchildren.

The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson join with us in extending to them sincere good wishes for many happy returns of the day.

UPDATE (17 Dec 2018): Today I found the Community History Archive site for Decorah which had a scan of the original paper in which this article was found.

Obituaries: Gustav Johnson

"Gus Johnson, 78 Pioneer, Died Here Friday," Decorah Public Opinion and Decorah Republican 40:15 (12 Apr 1934), pp. 1, 6. Images courtesy of Verla Williams.

GUS JOHNSON, 78 PIONEER, DIED HERE FRIDAY
Prominent in Business and Farming Circles

Gustav Johnson, one of Decorah's best known and highly respected pioneers, passed away at his home 210 E. Broadway in this city Friday morning, April 6, at 9:15 o'clock, after a short illness, having been confined to his bed for a week, his death being due to congestion of the lungs.

Mr. Johnson was born near Oslo, Norway, October 18, 1855. His parents were Andreas and Emma [sic] Johnson, who came to the United States in 1864, settling in Madison, Wis., where the son received his early education. He resided with his parents in Madison until he was fifteen years of age, but in the meantime began learning the printing trade at the age of twelve years in the office of Rasmus B. Anderson. After completing his apprenticeship in that office he went to Chicago where he was employed on the Skandinavian, well-known Norwegian newspaper of that city, for some time. After resigning his position on the Skandinavian he went to Minneapolis where he was employed in printing offices in that city, after which he went to Winona, Minn., where he worked on a newspaper, having been employed in the newspaper field for twenty years in several states, including Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota. He came to Decorah in 1879 where he entered the employ of the Lutheran Publishing House, remaining with that institution for nine years. He remained a printer until 1886, when he took up farming in Glenwood township, but during the years 1905 and 1906 he came back to Decorah and worked in the Publishing House.

On October 18, 1881, he was united in marriage to Henriette O. Sander, their marriage taking place in the Lutheran church in Glenwood township. Mrs. Johnson was a daughter of Brede B. and Karen Sander, natives of Norway, who came to the United States in 1851, arriving in Winneshiek county when Decorah contained only three houses. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson took up their home on a fine farm of 147 acres in Section 21, Glenwood township, where Mr. Johnson made stock-raising the principal feature of the place, feeding all of the grain raised to his stock. He led a busy and useful life and the success he attained was the legitimate outcome of his earnest and intelligently directed labors.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson became the parents of nine children, seven of whom with the bereaved wife and mother survive. They are Charles A. Johnson, assistant cashier of the Decorah State Bank of Decorah; Emma C., (Mrs. C. D. Hexom ) Waukon, Iowa, R. F. D. 5; Lillie V., (Mrs. W. D. Williams) Decorah R. F. D. 6; Esther F., (Mrs. Stanley Ask) Mabel, Minn., R. 1; Anna S., (Mrs. C. H. Rosenthal) Decorah; William N. M. Johnson, Decorah; Arthur F. S. Johnson, Decorah, R. F. D. 6, on the home farm. Mr. Johnson is also survived by a sister Mrs. Bertha C. Sivesind of Seattle, Wash. A son George and daughter Mabel passed away some years ago.

In 1922 Mr. and Mrs. Johnson retired from the farm, removing to Decorah where the family home had since been, enjoying the friendship and esteem of all their acquaintances.

Besides looking after his extensive farm operations Mr. Johnson was called upon to officiate in various local affairs, and his influence was ever on the side of right, progress and improvement. He was elected president of the Decorah Farmers Ice Cave Creamery Co. when that well known organization opened here, remaining in that capacity until about two years ago when he resigned. He was also president of the Norwegian Mutual Protective Association of Winneshiek County, in which position he officiated until his death. For many years he was president of the Glenwood Farmers Telephone Company and for over 20 years acted as township clerk and for many years was president of the township school board.

Mr. Johnson was also highly interested in the moral progress of his community, having served for a number of years as secretary and also treasurer of the First Lutheran church of Glenwood.

Highly esteemed by his friends and neighbors, Mr. Johnson was a man who enjoyed an upright and honorable career here as a substantial, progressive, public spirited and loyal citizen. In promoting his own interests he had done much toward bettering agricultural standards and improving general conditions and his labors had been of importance in the development of his township and county. His life's record was of the highest type and he enjoyed the good-will and confidence of all who knew him, as his life had been well and honorably spent. He was a genial, courteous gentleman as his large circle of friends was evidence of and he will be mourned not only by those nearest to him but by many friends and acquaintances who had come to respect him for his sterling traits of character. He discharged every position of trust in a most highly creditable manner and his advice and wise counsel was often sought by those associated with him in a business way. In his passing this community loses a high type citizen whose memory will be long cherished.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock from the First Lutheran church in Decorah, with a large number of friends paying their last respects. The pastor, Rev. T. A. Hoff, officiated and paid a fitting tribute to the deceased. Interment was in the Glenwood Lutheran cemetery.

Card of Thanks.

We are grateful to many friends for assistance and sympathy rendered in connection with our recent bereavement, the death of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Gustav Johnson.

Mrs. Gustav Johnson, Children and Grandchildren.


Obituary. Gustav Johnson. Decorah Public Opinion (1934). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

GUSTAV JOHNSON.

Decorah, Ia.--Special: Funeral services will be held Monday for Gustav Johnson, 78, who died early Friday morning at his home in Decorah following a short illness. The funeral will be held at the home at 1:30 o’clock and in First Lutheran church at 2 o'clock. The Rev. T. A. Hoff will officiate. Burial will be made in the Glenwood township cemetery.

He was known as one of the most prominent business men of this vicinity, and was closely connected with many of the leading enterprises of the city.

Mr. Johnson was born near Oslo, Norway, Oct. 18, 1855, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Johnson.

He married Miss Henriette O. Sander Oct. 18, 1881, and the couple celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary last fall. Nine children blessed their union, a daughter and a son (George) having died. Those that survive besides Mrs. Johnson are Mrs. Carl Hexom of Waukon, Charles A. Johnson of Decorah, Mrs. Walter Williams of Glenwood township, Mrs. Stanley Ask of Burr Oak, Mrs. C. H. Rosenthal of Decorah, William N. Johnson of Decorah, and Arthur S. Johnson, on the home farm. A sister, Bertha Sivesind, also survives in Washington.

Decorah Posten Obituary: Gustav Johnson

"Old Decorah Man Passed Away," Decorah Posten (9 Apr 1934). Image and translation courtesy of Verla Williams.

Old Decorah Man Passed Away

Gustav Johnson, well-known former printer, farmer and businessman died last Friday afternoon, 6th April at his home on East Broadway after just a week's illness. He got the cold, as has been so frequent this year, and when it developed into pneumonia, it became his death.

Johnson was born near Oslo, Norway, the 18th October 1855 and so now was in his 79th year. His parents, Andreas and Anna Johnson, immigrated to America in 1864 and settled in Madison, Wis. Three years later, when Gustav was 12 years old, he got employment in Rasmus B. Anderson’s printshop, where he remained for several years and became a fully-studied printer. He told often, how with his lack of schooling it was very difficult for him, and that he and many others from that time have Prof. Anderson to thank for the foundation they got for later private (self) study and further learning.

Prof. Anderson began namely with night school for younger rather than older men within his personal (private) field, which became the first stage so that Gustav not only became proficient in his field, but later in life a practical and very astute businessman.

He remained with Professor Anderson for several years, worked later as printer in La Crosse plus also a time with "Scandinaven" in Chicago, until he in 1879 came to Decorah as foreman in the Lutheran Publishing House's printshop, remaining there for about 1 year. During this time he became married to Miss Henrietta O. Sander, and they bought then the farm and dairy business out in Glenwood Township, where they remained for many years and raised a large family.

It was in 1922 that he retired as farmer and moved back to Decorah, where they bought a home on East Broadway, where they since have lived. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson had in their more than fifty years of happy marriage 9 children, namely George, Charles, Emma, Mabel, Lillie, Esther, Anna, William, and Arthur. Seven of these 9 are alive. They are: Charles, Decorah; Mrs. C. D. Hexom, Waukon, Route 5; Mrs. W. D. Williams, Decorah, Route 6; Mrs. Stanley Ask, Mabel, Minn., Route 1; Hrs. C. H. Rosenthal, Decorah; William and Arthur, both in Decorah. The deceased is also survived by a sister, Mrs. Bertha K. Sivisind, Seattle, Wash.

Johnson was a very active man right until his death, very useful outside of his own properties. He was therefore for more than 20 years Glenwood Township's Clerk, and in addition to have operated his own dairy business out there, he was among them there who pushed for establishment of Decorah Ice Cave Creamery here in Decorah, for which he for a great number of years served as president. He was also for many years president for Farmers Norwegian Mutual Insurance Co. But in spite of his many good qualities as pioneer, it was certainly in his daily life as neighbor and as the man one met at his cozy ballot box or out on the street with a hearty handshake and a friendly word that he won the most friends. One feels inevitably a sad void at the thought that Gustav Johnson is no more. In word and mind he remained a member of the bookprinters group throughout life, because these his professional brothers “stood nearest to him” outside of his own family.

The deceased was a member of Glenwood Congregation before he moved back to Decorah, and since he was active member of First Lutheran Church. He was elected as honorary member of the Luren Choral Society and also the Norwegian Society.

The funeral takes place today, Monday, from the home and from First Lutheran Church, with burial in the family grave plot in Glenwood Cemetery. Pastor T. A. Hoff officiated.

Gravestone of Gustav and Henrietta (Sander) JOHNSON

Gravestone. Gustav (1855-1934) and Henrietta (Sander) (1861-1944) JOHNSON. Glenwood Lutheran Cemetery, Winneshiek, IA. Image courtesy of Vincent D. Williams.


Gravestone. Gustav (1855-1934) and Henrietta (Sander) (1861-1944) JOHNSON. Glenwood Lutheran Cemetery, Winneshiek, IA. Image courtesy of Bill Waters, Iowa Gravestone Photo Project.

Gauken Chorus

Gauken Chorus (Bef. 1911). Obverse. Image courtesy of Verla Williams.


Gauken Chorus. Obverse. Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

The Life of a Country Boy

William N. Johnson, "The Life of a Country Boy," (Date unknown), p. 1. Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

The Life of a Country Boy
By William N. Johnson

I was born April 28, 1900. My mother said it was on a beautiful Saturday morning and that I weighed 8 lbs. and that I was a beautiful blond baby boy, but I think she exaggerated.

The first that I can remember was that I was moved out of my mother & dad's bedroom when brother Arthur was born. I was rather upset as I remember, but mother said I now had a real nice baby brother, and that made every thing O.K. He was so small, weighed only 3 1/2 lbs so mother said I must always be his protector. This stuck in my mind for years. I can well remember when he was old enough for country school no one dared to pick on brother Art, or they would deal with me.

I also well remember my Grandfather Sander. He was my mother's father. He was the original owner of the Johnson farm in Glenwood twp. He purchased the farm in 1870, as I remember. He formerly owned farms in Madison twp. and Decorah twp., the latter being on Hiway 9 close to present airport.

I remember him telling that he carried a sack of wheat to McGregor to be ground into flour and carried it back home on his back. No mills any closer at that time.

We used to kid him because he bought the Glenwood farm, hilly and woods, compared to the farm near [the] airport. His answer was, Water. He started a mill on the Glenwood farm, with a millrace or water directed from Trout River that ran through his farm. Seeing Trout River today, I can hardly realize that the stream was large enough to be able to give sufficient for water power, but it was the millstone from this mill [that] is now at Frankville.

Grandpa Sander told about buying the land west of [the] Decorah Court House, now known as West Broadway including Phelps Park for $200.00, borrowing the needed funds from Weiser, banker, paying 20% interest. He sold it shortly after purchase for $400.00. He thought a great profit for the [18]50's.

We always thought Grandpa Sander was a great man. He was 6'3" tall, bright red hair, tough Norwegian. His wife died when they lived in Madison twp. She was buried in the East Madison Cemetery, now well maintained. Mother was 4 years old when her mother died, and I will always think she was his favorite. Brede Sander died in 1905 and [was] buried in the Glenwood Cemetery. God rest his soul - a good man and a great Grandpa.

My father [Gustav Johnson] was born in Norway, "Nes på Romerike" and came to America when he was 9 years old. They settled in Madison, Wisc.

Mother [Henrietta Sander] was born in Madison twp. near Decorah.

A little history about father: his father was a musician. His mother a housewife. He had one brother and one sister. His brother became what was known then as a goldsmith. His sister, Bertha, was married to a man by the name of Muggy. Her husband died as a young man. She moved to Decorah shortly thereafter, buying a home next to what is now the Elks Home. I remember her well, as we visited her often, a very gracious lady. She later moved to Seattle, Washington. Sister Lillie heard from her often. She remarried a man out there by the name of Sivesind.

My mother's family consisted of three brothers and four girls, mother, Jane Hanson, Ellen Bakke, and Anna Peterson. Her brothers names: Ben the youngest, Anton, a L[uther] C[ollege] grad and Brede Jr.

Now a little bit about my life.

I was born on April 28, 1900 in Glenwood twp., Winneshiek County, Iowa. I can remember so many good things about my growing [up] years: Brother Arthur three years younger, [and I] were such good pals, country grade school, Parochial School always two weeks in the spring and same before school started in the fall. Our grade school called the Baker School had quite a large attendance; always around 30 girls and boys. Think of the job for teachers 1st through 8th grade classes and me at times not too easy to get along with.

My closest pal probably was Henry Johnson, no relation. He lived with his grandparents Hans and Randi Brustad, close neighbors. They were very poor, and therefore his school lunches not too good. I shared my good school lunches with him real often. Henry after some years worked for the Hormel Co. in Austin, Minn. (Meat Co.)

After finishing my 8th grade at the great age of 14, I went to and attended Valders College in Decorah winters 14-15/15-16/16-17/17-18, the first two winters in their Normal Dept. and two years after in the Commercial Dept. learning Business, Banking, and Law.

In the spring of 1918 I was given my diploma - William Norman Milton Johnson -beautiful and large [with] President Valders' beautiful penmanship.

Two weeks after my graduation, Charles Weiser called our home in Glenwood, talked to father saying Valders had recommended me for a bank job and asked Dad to bring me to his bank, resulting in offering me a "position" (I question) in his bank. $25.00 per month. "Big stuff." I became a teller, after six months doing odd jobs.

I roomed and boarded with my brother, Charles, paying $18.00 per month, so I had $7.00 per month for myself. Not too "extravagant." I had a savings in [the] Bank of $100.00 and after six months employment I was "broke." I remember seeing Mr. Algyer the bank V.P. telling him I couldn't live on my salary of $25.00 per month, and I would seek work elsewhere. I remember telling him Section hands on Railroad paid $4.00 per day.

He answered don't you think your opportunities are greater for promotion staying at the bank? I replied saying I had heard of Section Hands becoming President of the Railroad. He laughed at that, saying he would speak with the big boss, Weiser, resulting in my getting a raise to $40.00 per month. This I thought was wonderful.

I [had] however many wonderful years working in the Weiser Banks. I was promoted to Auditor of his many banks, later to Credit Manager and Cashier. Mr. Weiser treated us well. The bank closed in 1932. Not on account of bad loans, but liquidity. Deposits shrunk but loans did not. Under forced liquidation the Weiser bank paid out about 90%. If properly handled should have paid 100%. Other Weiser banks did. Frankville bank paid 110%. So much for my banking experience except to say I lost my bank stock investment, plus 100% assessment on my stock. It took me four to five years to pay assessment.

In 1932 Ray Algyer and I started an insurance and real estate business - named The A & J Agency, Inc. We struggled the first few years but it became a very successful business. During the first years I was appraising for the Homeowners Loan Corp. Also appraiser for the Regional Agriculture Corp. making chattel loans to farmers on livestock, machinery, etc. My partner Ray was appointed Conservator [of the] First National Bank of Sumner.

All income went into one pot - the A & J Agency - splitting other expenses, our net at year end. Not too much but kept the wolf from the door. Ray was a great partner. I have never heard him say a bad word about anyone. I remember him saying to me at the end of one year, "Bill, we haven't made too much money, but we have had fun."

The A & J Agency was quite a success after a few years. Ray ran the office and yours truly solicited insurance - sale of real estate, etc. It seemed like a real tough job, having been in the banking business where people have to see you for help, instead of you coming to see them for business.

However after some time all worked for the good. Our business grew, and our efforts proved successful. Ray and I owned 50/50 the A & J stock. Later he wanted to retire and offered me his share of the business at a very fair price, and I became the sole owner. Later I hired Willard Linnevold for help and later Stan Hanson as our business grew. Later I sold a percentage to Willard and Stan.

Mabel [McCauley] and I were married on Sept 19, 1931. Father Hogan performed the marriage at the Catholic Parish Home on East Broadway. Melvin and Margaret Sattre were our witnesses. Breakfast at the Calmar Hotel. Our homeymoon was a trip by car out east, to Niagara Falls, Canada and return, about three weeks. My parents celebrated their Golden Wedding the day after we returned home.