| 620 | NEBRASKANA |
dist Episcopal Church, the Rebekahs and the Federated Women's Clubs.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have two children, Edna Pearl, born December 5, 1911; and Dean Leslie, born June 10, 1919. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Democrat. His favorite sports are golf and fishing. Residence: Brady.
John Gottfrid Johnson
John Gottfrid Johnson, who has been a farmer, stockman, and builder at Ainsworth, Nebraska, for the past 22 years, was born in Sweden, July 3, 1884. His father, Jean Johnson, who was engaged in the express business for many years, was a native of Sweden. His mother, Marie Charlotte (Johanson) Johnson, was born in Sweden, and is still living there.
Mr. Johnson received his education in Sweden, and for 22 years has taken an active part in the business and educational affairs of his community in Brown County, Nebraska. He served as a director in the local school board from 1914 to 1916, and since 1921 has been a member of that organization. His fraternal organizations are the Masons and Modern Woodmen of America.
His marriage to Matilda Petterson took place at Lead, South Dakota, August 9, 1908. Eleven children were born to their marriage, all of whom are living: Mary Matilda, June 20, 1909; Harold Merle, June 16, 1911; Elsie Lillian, April 22, 1913; LeRoy Willard, June 7, 1915; Ruth Alice, February 24, 1917; John Robert, January 29, 1919; Martha Ragnhild Arlean, September 28, 1921; Lloyd Raymond, December 19, 1922; Eugene Kenneth, August 27, 1927; Doris Evelyn, August 3, 1929; and Donald, December 24, 1931. Residence: Ainsworth.
John Harvey Johnson
A lifetime resident of Nebraska, John H. Johnson has been prominent for many years in the political and business affairs of his community and state. He was born at Murray, Cass County, Nebraska, June 22, 1874, the son of Richard Thomas and Mary S. (Dunn) Johnson. His father was a farmer and stockman who was born at Oregon, Holt County, Missouri, January 14, 1852, of Scotch-Irish descent. His mother was born at Mound City, Holt County, Missouri, April 19, 1853, and died at Blair, Washington County, Nebraska, April 15, 1919; her ancestry was Irish. She was the mother of seven children.
Mr. Johnson attended grade and high school, and in 1895, was graduated from Rohrbaugh's Commercial College at Omaha. He was active in baseball and boxing during his school days. At the age of 18 he was editor and publisher of the Murray Banner, at Murray. Since January 1, 1907, he has been telephone superintendent at Herman. He owns farm and city property in Nebraska. In 1923 and 1925 he was a member of the Nebraska Legislature, and in 1925 was president of the Democratic House Organization.
He was united in marriage with Charrie Almedia Butler at Weeping Water, Cass County, Nebraska, November 26, 1896. Mrs. Johnson, who is of Quaker descent, the eldest daughter of Dr. M. M. and Steila Paine Butler, was born at Weeping Water, July 24, 1875. They have two children, Harvey B., born September 10, 1900; and Ralph Clare, born December 25, 1905. Harvey B., a graduate of the University of Nebraska, class of 1925, is assistant engineer in the mechanical department of the Burlington Railroad with headquarters in Chicago. Ralph Clare graduated in music and arts from the University of Nebraska, 1932.
Mr. Johnson has always been interested in the advancement of his community, and contributes to the Red Cross and other charity organizations. He is a member of the Lions Club at Herman; the Ancient Order of United Workmen; and the local Masonic chapter. His sports include baseball, boxing, and hunting. He is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Herman. Residence: Herman. (Photograph in Album).
Leonard Lee Johnson
Leonard Lee Johnson, a leading merchant at Republican City, Nebraska, has lived in this state for the past 43 years and has taken an active part in the civic events of his community. He was born at Richland, Iowa, September 18, 1870, the son of Lot Morris and Jane (Hadley) Johnson. His father, who was a farmer, was born at Agency, Iowa, April 4, 1849, of Irish descent, and died at Almena, Kansas, May 20, 1928. His mother was born at Pleasant Plain, Iowa, March 3, 1852, of English parentage.
Mr. Johnson was a druggist at Beaver City from 1898 to 1900 and since then has been successfully engaged in the hardware retail business in Republican City. He is a member of the Republican City Commercial Club, the Nebraska Hardware Dealers Association, and the District Hardware Association.
His marriage to Ida Augusta Hickey was solemnized at Geneva, Nebraska, January 12, 1893. Mrs. Johnson, who was a teacher prior to her marriage, was born of Irish and English parents at Paw Paw, Illinois, June 10, 1867, and died at Republican City, March 1, 1923. Their three children are Howard, born September 8, 1893, who married Amy Viola Camp; Guy R., born January 25, 1901, who married Lucile Elizabeth Baker; and Hazel Mae, born August 26, 1906, who attended the University of Nebraska and is now a teacher at Superior, Nebraska. Howard was graduated from the business college at Hastings and is a banker at Hendley, Nebraska, while Guy R. attended the University of Nebraska and is also in the banking business, Ventura, California.
Mr. Johnson is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Republican City, is a member of Time Nebraskana Society, and holds membership in the following fraternal organizations: Masons; Modern Woodmen of America; and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His hobby is hardware mechanics. Residence: Republican City.
Merwin Oliver Johnson
Merwin Oliver Johnson, lawyer and county attorney of Sheridan County, was born at Stromsburg, Nebraska, December 12, 1893, son of Olaf J. and Betsy Belle (Nelson) Johnson.
The father was born in Sweden, December 23, 1851, and died at Stromsburg, January 11, 1931. His wife, born in Sweden, November 14, 1849, died at Stromsburg, July 27, 1930. The father was active in the business world and the mother was devoted to church work.
Mr. Johnson attended the public schools at Stromsburg and the Stromsburg and Lincoln High Schools. He completed a five year law course at the University of Nebraska and was a student at the University School of Music at Lincoln. While in university he was a member of the band and orchestra, a member of Phi Delta Legal fraternity and Sigma Phi Epsilon social fraternity. Since his admission in 1925, he has been active in the practice of law. He was elected county attorney in August 1930 and for the past three years has been city attorney of Rushville.
On April
11, 1925, he was married to Zoetta Blanch Ritchey at Marysville, Kansas. Mrs.
Johnson was born at Lincoln, February 27, 1901. She is the daughter of Bert
and Ella (Swanfelt), Ritchey of Lincoln, Nebraska, Mrs. Johnson is a member
of the Eastern Star and the
NEBRASKANA |
621 |
Ladies Columbia Reading Club. She is a graduate of Lincoln High School, and took a course in a school of commerce.
During the late war, Mr. Johnson held the rank of sergeant, headquarters company, 355th infantry, 89th division, he is a member of the American Legion, the Nebraska State Bar Association, the Red Cross (county chairman two years), the Chamber of Commerce, the Masons and the Eastern Star. His religious affiliation is with the Baptist Church of Stromsburg. He enjoys fishing and hunting, while his hobby is music. Residence: Rushville.
Olaf O. Johnson
Olaf O. Johnson, farmer and stockman, was born at Hadley, Minnesota, July 15, 1877, and has resided in Nebraska for 23 years. His father, Claus O. Johnson, was born in Norway, January 15, 1883, and died at Carval, Colorado, October 12, 1927. He was a farmer and merchant. His wife, Ellen Anna Christianson, was born in Norway, August 15, 1835, and died at Hadley, February 6, 1880.
Mr. Johnson attended public school, and soon after engaged in farming. At the present time he is president of the board of directors of the Farmers Co-operative Oil Company at Gordon, and a member of the board of dreetors (sic) of the Farmers Co-operative Creamery at Gordon. He is a Republican, and from 1925 until 1931 was a member of the Nebraska legislature. He was president of the County Farm Bureau 1920-1923, and is president at the present time of the taxpayers league of Sheridan County. In 1931 he was made a master farmer of America.
On February 14, 1904, he was married to Christine Louise Davidson at Webster, South Dakota. Mrs. Johnson was born at Montivido, Minnesota, June 7, 1885. They have six children, Melvin, born January 4, 1905, who married Hazel Wilber; Ernest, born September 23, 1907; Louise, born April 15, 1908; Arthur, born January 17, 1910; Herman, born February 16, 1912; and Ruth, born July 16, 1917.
Since 1914, Mr. Johnson has been a member and director of the board of education. He is a member of the Church of God. Residence: Gordon.
Orval Allen Johnson
Orval Allen Johnson was the first boy born at College View, Nebraska, the date of his birth being January 26, 1891. He is the son of Lincoln Elsworth and Alice M. (Allen) Johnson. Lincoln Elsworth Johnson is a resident of McPherson County, Nebraska, and has been county judge there for the past six years. His father, William A. Johnson, homesteaded in Hamilton County, the homestead being a part of Aurora town site. The house was located where the depot now stands. His great grandfather Johnson came to the United States from the northern part of Ireland.
Mr. Johnson attended public school in Nebraska and the Union College at College View. He taught school in McPherson County and was superintendent of schools there for about eight years prior to 1924. He is justice of the peace and truant officer and also in the insurance business at North Platte. He is a member of the Odd Fellows, and is affiliated with the Republican party.
On May 10, 1909, he was married to Bertha Mae Downs at Ringgold, Nebraska. She was born at Palmyra, Nebraska, September 12, 1890, and is the daughter of William H. and Mae (Kongdon) Downs of Palmyra. William H. Downs died in Sacramento, California, in 1927 and Mrs. Downs died there in 1929. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have two children, Lloyd, born December 29, 1911; and Alice, born July 28, 1912. Residence: North Platte.
Peter John Johnson
Peter J. Johnson, postmaster at Rosalie, Nebraska, was born at Rankin, Illinois, November 5, 1881, the son of John S. and Betsy Johnson. His father, who was born in Norway, March 12, 1847, and died at Ashkum, Illinois, April 6, 1898, was a sailor and farmer. His mother died at Elliott, Illinois, February, 1890.
Mr. Johnson worked on a farm until 1900, was proprietor of a bowling alley at Bloomfield, Nebraska, 1900-01, worked in a flour mill at Hartington, Nebraska, homesteaded in Brown County, Nebraska, in 1906, and moved to Rosalie the same year. He was a stock dealer from 1912 to 1914, managed a general store, 1912-14, and in 1915, became postmaster of Rosalie, holding this position since that date.
He is a Republican. He holds membership in the Methodist Church and the Nebraskana Society. His hobby is reading. Residence: Rosalie.
Pleasant Lee Johnson
Pleasant Lee Johnson, son of Walter Samuel and Sarah Brannock (Gibson) Johnson, was born at Cincinnati, Iowa, October 12, 1860. His father was born at Liberty, Indiana, May 24, 1835, and died at Lincoln, September 13, 1904. A merchant, he held the rank of lieutenant in the Civil War, and was wounded in the Vicksburg campaign. He moved to Appanoose County, Iowa, in 1851, and later served three terms as clerk of the district court and several terms as mayor at Centerville, Iowa. He was also admitted to the practice of law in that state. Walter Samuel Johnson was the son of Dr. Samuel Henslee and Mary (Butler) Johnson; his grandfather, Nicholas Johnson, was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1756; while his grandfather Butler was born in Nantucket, in 1690, removing to Lynchburg, Virginia.
Sarah Brannick Gibson was born at Greencastle, Indiana, November 14, 1836, daughter of James Gibson, and granddaughter of James Gibson, Sr. Her great grandfather, Brannock Gibson, came from old Virginia to Kentucky. She died at Lincoln, on November 27, 1917.
Educated first in the country schools of Cincinnati, Iowa, Mr. Johnson was graduated from the Centerville, Iowa, High School in 1878. In 1883, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of Iowa, and in 1886, received his Master of Arts degree. He was a member of the Irving Literary Society, and of a university male quartet, and in 1927 was awarded an "I" sweater for baseball played in 1882 and 1883.
Since 1885, Mr. Johnson has been a resident of Hastings, and during the entire time he has lived there has been prominent in civic and educational affairs. From 1883 to 1884, he was a high school instructor at Fairfield, and Council Bluffs, Iowa, and from 1885 to 1893, was manager of the South Platte branch at Hastings, of Burnham Tulleys and Company. From 1893 to 1897, he was a member of the investment firm of Johnson, McLaughlin and Brown.
Since 1901, Mr. Johnson has been a member of the board of trustees and has served in varied capacities, including treasurer, financial representative and secretary of Hastings College. He was instrumental in the construction of the original field and stands, the athletic field, the Johnson Gynasium, the central heating plant; and in addition secured funds for the Carnegie Library and Alexander Hall. He secured in all $200,000 for endowment, buildings and expenses.
A farmer, he is also an extensive landowner, with holdings in Nebraska and Colorado. At one time he was president of a small bank in Colorado. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Nebraska Water Conservation Association, the Young Men's Christian Association of which he has been director at various times,
| 622 | NEBRASKANA |
and is an officer of Hastings division of International Religious Education Association. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, is eligible to the Sons of Veterans of the Civil War, and is a member of Hastings Country Club. He is fond of golf, and was a member of the championship doubles team in the state tennis tournament of 1896. He also enjoys baseball and football. His bobby is engineering and construction.
On December 21, 1887, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Mary Louise Brown at Hastings. Mrs. Johnson who was born at Jacksonville, Illinois, June 29, 1865, is the daughter of Robert Brown and the granddaughter of Bedford Brown, of Jacksonville. They have one son, Walter Bedford, born October 7, 1889, who is married to Esther Bennett, of Lincoln. He was superintendent of schools for some time, held the rank of lieutenant in the World War, detailed to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, School of Fire, and took special work at Columbia University.
Walter Bedford Johnson is now operating his own farm eight miles north of Hastings, in Hall County. He has three children: Richard Bedford, Marcia Louise, and Robert Lee. Residence: Hastings.
Raymond Samuel Johnson
Raymond Samuel Johnson, prominent in all civic organizations at Beatrice, Gage County, Nebraska, has lived in this state all his life. He was born at Firth, Lancaster County, Nebraska, October 22, 1893, the son of George C. and Sarah Jane (Hull) Johnson. His father, who was a farmer, was born in Jefferson County, Missouri, August 7, 1859, and died at Crab Orchard, Johnson County, Nebraska, February 17, 1917; his ancestry was English. His mother, who was born at Firth, September 21, 1875, was of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. Her father, Rolander Hull, served two years in the Union Army during the Civil War, and was a homesteader in Lancaster County. Six of her daughters are public school teachers.
Mr. Johnson attended a rural school near Lincoln, and in 1911, was graduated from the Crab Orchard High School. Later he was a student at Boyles Business College at Omaha, and in 1923 was licensed to practice embalming in Nebraska. He now holds a partnership and half interest in the Harman-Johnson Funeral Home at Beatrice.
His marriage to Opal Maude High was solemnized at Beatrice, June 14, 1922 Mrs. Johnson, who was descended from President Andrew Jackson, was born at Mertilla, Meade County, Kansas, June 8, 1890. She was a teacher before her marriage.
Mr. Johnson is a member of the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce, is affiliated with Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church, and holds membership in the Red Cross, the Young Men's Christian Association, and the Beatrice Country Club. He is a Republican.
He holds membership in the Masons, Eastern Star, serving as chairman of the advisory council of Order of DeMolay. His sports are golf and baseball, and his hobby is boys' activities. Residence: Beatrice.
Richard Conard Johnson
Richard C. Johnson, prominent farmer and stockraiser at Mead, Saunders County, Nebraska, was born there April 6, 1890, the son of Charles Peter and Ellen (Anderson) Johnson. His father, who was a farmer, was born in Sweden, April 4, 1861, and died at Mead, August 10, 1929. His mother was born in Sweden, October 1, 1862, and died at Mead, October 16, 1916.
Mr. Johnson attended the Mead Public School and in 1907, was graduated from the Mead High School. He began farming on the original home after leaving school. He is president of the Nebraska State Dairyman's Association, is a member of the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture, and is president of the Saunders County Fair Association, and the Saunders County Livestock Breeders' Association.
He is a member of the Farmers' Union Association in Saunders County, the Saunders County Farm Bureau, the board of directors of the Saunders County Red Cross, the Nebraskana Society, and the First Baptist Church of Mead. In 1930, he served as president of the Mead Consolidated Schools. Mr. Johnson is affiliated with Wahoo Lodge Number 59, of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Stella Chapter of the Eastern Star, Royal Arch Chapter of Masons, Lincoln Consistory, and Sesostris Temple at Lincoln. Politically, he is a Republican.
In the state pig crop contest sponsored by the Agricultural College he was one of the eight successful contestants, and the next year raised his own record. He was awarded a production certificate by the National Dairy Association in 1927, and given a diploma in 1928. The Nebraska Live Stock Breeders' Association awarded him a certificate of recognition the same year. Mr. Johnson is still the champion heavy weight cornhusker of the state. On November 30, 1923, he husked 172 bushels of corn in 9 hours and 20 minutes. He weighed in at 288 pounds. His specialty has been the study of pure bred livestock.
Mr. Johnson was married to Neola Parson at Valley, June 16, 1915. She was born at Valley, September 8, 1892, daughter of Andrew and Hilma Peterson Parson. Mrs. Johnson, a member of the class of 1912 of the Peru Normal, taught one year at Waithill, and two years at Valley, before her marriage. She is a member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, the Order of Eastern Star, and the Royal Neighbors; active in the work of the First Baptist Church of Mead, a teacher in Sunday School and interested in mission work. She is a former president of the Saunders County Homemakers, is a member of the Saunders County Farm Board, and has been an active member in the Pohoco Club and the Marietta Mothers' Club. There are two children, Maurine, born June 9, 1918, and Maxine, born July 6, 1923. Residence: Mead. (Photograph in Album).
Reuben A. Johnson
Born in Moody County, South Dakota, June 26, 1896, Reuben A. Johnson is the son of Rudolph Andrew and Alice (Aaker) Johnson. His father, who is a retired farmer, was born at Drammen, Norway, December 28, 1863; he came to this country in 1880. His mother, whose grandparents came from Norway, was born at Ridgeway, Iowa, September 23, 1874.
Mr. Johnson received the LL. B. degree at the University of Nebraska, in 1923; he attended the high school at Flandreau, South Dakota, where he was graduated in 1917, and in 1918 he was a student at the University of Washington, in Officer's Training School. He received letters in football, basketball, and track at Flandreau High School, and in 1922, served as steward of Phi Alpha Delta. From June 1, 1917, to June 1, 1918, he was deputy county treasurer of Moody County, South Dakota.
Since 1923, Mr. Johnson has been engaged in the practice of law at Newman Grove, Nebraska, where he is city attorney; a candidate for county attorney in 1930, he was defeated by a close vote. He has been a member of the school board of Newman Grove for three years, is town chairman of the Boy Scouts of America, and holds membership in the Tri Community Club. He is a member of the Red Cross, the District Bar Association, and the Nebraskana Society.
During the World War he served as ensign in the United States Naval Reserve Force, commissioned in 1919. He has served as adjutant of the American Legion for six years, and is a service officer in Post Number 73 in Madison County; he is also county commander of that organization. Mr. Johnson is affiliated with Norwegian Lutheran Church of America.
On December 28, 1922, he was married to Vera Dale
NEBRASKANA |
623 |
Selway at Chicago, Illinois. Mrs. Johnson, who was born at Belle Fourche, South Dakota, August 18, 1903, of Welch and English parentage, is descended from Admiral Foote. She is the only child of Richard A. and Josephine (Reynolds) Selway. Their children are: Leon, born February 27, 1925; and Hartrice, born November 3, 1928. Residence: Newman Grove. (Photograph in Album).
Rynol Ben Johnson
For the past 18 years Rynol Ben Johnson has been a merchant at Gothenburg, Nebraska. He was born in that community, January 21, 1895, the son of Anton Johnson, a farmer who was a native of Sweden Mr. Johnson came to Nebraska and settled in Custer County in 1874. He was united in marriage to Betty Lindberg in Sweden. He came to Dawson County in 1898 and has made his home there since.
Mr. Johnson received his education in the grade and high schools of Gothenburg. He is now the owner and manager of a general merchandise establishment at Gothenburg, is a trustee and deacon in the First Presbyterian Church there, and holds membership in the Chamber of Commerce and the Country Club.
He was married at Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Mae Jenkins who was born at Gothenburg, December 19, 1897. Their children are: Max, born June 18, 1924; Jaqueline, born September 26, 1928; and Maryland Anne, born March 9, 1930. Residence: Gothenburg.
Thomas Martin Johnson
Thomas Martin Johnson, banker and farmer, was born at Bethany, Missouri, February 15, 1871, the son of Joseph C. and Laura Carolyne (Lewellen) Johnson. His father, who was a farmer, was born at Caldwell, Missouri, November 14, 1837, and died at Chappell, Nebraska. His mother was born in Harrison County, Missouri, November 9, 1847, and died at Chappell, October 31, 1896.
Mr. Johnson was graduated from the Deuel County High School in 1889, and later attended the University of Denver Business College. He has been identified with banking enterprise at Chappell, Nebraska, since 1893, and owns several Deuel County farms. He is director and cashier in the Chappell State Bank, is affiliated with the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Chappell, and holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America. He is affiliated with the Golden Fleece Lodge and Tangier Temple of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
During the World War Mr. Johnson served as chairman of all Liberty loan drives in Deuel County. He was married to May Blanche Loveland at Julesburg, Colorado, October 10, 1898. Mrs. Johnson was born at Neoala, Iowa, October 1, 1874. To them were born: Laura Belle, born February 26, 1900, who married Samuel Reed Ferris, a druggist at Chappell; Dorothy May, born April 25, 1905, who is a domestic science teacher at Stambaugh, Michigan; and Joseph Lewis, born September 8, 1910, who is a student at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Mr. Johnson is a member of the Republican party and holds membership in The Nebraskana Society. Residence: Chappell.
William Johnson
William Johnson, prominent business man at Minden, Nebraska, was born at Fremont, March 22, 1877, and has spent his entire life in this state. His father, Christian K. Jorgensen, a farmer, was born at Thisted, Denmark, November 23, 1847, and died at Fremont, Nebraska, April 15, 1890. His mother was born at Thisted, April 15, 1852, and died at Fremont, March 10, 1896.
Mr. Johnson is secretary of the Minden Chamber of Commerce, and is in the loans, insurance, and bonds business there. He holds membership in the Knights of Pythias, the Minden Presbyterian Church and the Nebraskana Society.
His marriage to Stella Johnson occurred at Denver, Colorado, May 1, 1900. Mrs. Johnson was born at Minden, September 14, 1882. Their children are: Gladys, born April 1, 1902, who married Fred Rasmussen; Merle, born March 17, 1905; Elmer, born May 17, 1907; and Grace, born September 23, 1916. Residence: Minden.
Albert Samuel Johnston
Born near Holdrege, Nebraska, July 1, 1893, Albert S. Johnston is the son of James Bishop and Emma Elizabeth (Myers) Johnston. His father born in Illinois, January 4, 1854, is a farmer and fine stockman. His mother was born in Piqua, Ohio, April 28, 1862.
He attended Phelps County rural schools until 1906, and was graduated from Holdrege High School in 1911. In 1916, he graduated from Kearney State Teachers College, and received his LL. B. from the University of Nebraska in 1920. He is a member of Pi Kappa Alpha and Phi Delta Phi.
On June 22, 1921, he was married to Juanita Luelle Campbell at Brock, Nebraska, her birthplace. There are three children, Albert M., born December 28, 1923; James B., born March 25, 1926, and Beth L., born July 18, 1929. They attend the First Baptist Church of Lincoln.
Mr. Johnston is a Republican, a member of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, the Knife and Fork Club, and Lincoln Lodge No. 19, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, He is also a member of the state and county bar. associations. He has been engaged in the practice of law since 1920, Prior to that time he taught school one year at McGrew, Nebraska. While attending the university he was associated with Burkett, Wilson & Brown. From 1920-26, he was with Claude S. Wilson, and since that time has been in private practice. Residence: Lincoln.
George Washington Johnston
A native of Detroit, Michigan, George Washington Johnston is the son of John William and Sarah Jane (Wood) Johnston. His father, a Canadian of Scotch-Irish descent, was a real estate dealer. He died at Detroit, October 22, 1872. Sarah Jane Wood was a native of Dumfries, Scotland, born April 29, 1829. Her father was a prominent physician, and she was an active worker in the Methodist Church. She died at Detroit in 1898.
George W. Johnston received his education in the public and high schools of Detroit. About forty years ago he came to Nebraska, where he now ranks high in the world of business and finance. He is president of the Mid-West Electric Company, president of the OmahaWyoming Oil Company, president of the Unita Petroleum Company, and director of the Stock Yards National Bank.
He was a captain in the Quartermaster Corps during the World War and is lieutenant-colonel of the U. S. Reserves. He is a member of the American Legion and Reserve Officers Association. One of the foremost Rotarians in the state, he is president of the local club and district governor of the 19th district of Rotary International. He is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, and a member of the Red Cross and the Chamber of Commerce. A Mason, he is a member of the Scottish Rite and Shrine, Mount Calvary Commandery, St. John's Lodge, and Bellevue Chapter. He also belongs to the Sojourners Club and the Elks.
His clubs include the Omaha Club, the Omaha Country Club and the Happy Hollow Country Club.
Mr. Johnston is married to Isabelle Mary French, who was born at Storm Lake, Iowa, October. 3, 1885. They have three children, Mary Alice, born March 10, 1912; Georgette French, born February 3, 1914, and Sarah Jane, born March 29, 1916. Residence: Omaha.
| 624 | NEBRASKANA |
Grace Pheasant Johnston
Grace P. Johnston, clerk of the district court at Osceola, Nebraska, was born there November 3, 1883, and has lived in that county all of her life. Her father, Samuel Garrett Pheasant, who was a pioneer of Polk County in the 1870's, was born in Jefferson County, Iowa, July 17, 1846, and died at Osceola, November 28, 1922. He was prominent in political and civic affairs for many years, holding office as sheriff for four terms and later as postmaster; he was successful in the grain and livestock business at Osceola.
Her mother, Sarah J. (Stewart) Pheasant, who was born in Highland County, Ohio, February 26, 1852, and died at Osceola, January, 1913, was interested in church work and held membership in the Rebekah Lodge and the Order of Eastern Star. She was descended from the Stewarts of York County, Pennsylvania, some of whom served as soldiers in the Civil War and the War of 1812.
Mrs. Johnston was graduated from the high school at Osceola, in 1902, attended Wesleyan University, 1904-05, and was a student at the University of Nebraska, 1905-06. A Republican, she served as clerk of the county court in Polk County from 1915-18, was appointed clerk of the district court in 1918 to serve an unexpired term, and was elected to this position in 1920, 1924, and 1930. She acted as assistant postmistress at Osceola, from 1909 to 1914.
Her marriage to Wilber M. Johnston was solemnized at Osceola, September 14, 1922. Mr. Johnston who is a lawyer, was born at Greene, Butler County, Iowa, May 14, 1875. Mrs. Johnston served as secretary of the local Red Cross during the World War in the first loan drive. She holds membership in the National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs, the Order of Eastern Star, and the Nebraskana Society. She is affiliated with the Methodist Church. Residence: Osceola.
Harry Clyde Johnston
Harry Clyde Johnston, retired power executive, was born at Boonesboro, Iowa, July 26, 1874. The son of Jacob Stenger and Ophelia (Speer) Johnston, his father was a merchant of early American descent. Jacob Stenger was for many years a prominent figure in business and fraternal circles, and was at one time past grand master of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Nebraska. His death occurred at Superior on December 15, 1906. His wife, Ophelia Speer, born at Zanesville, Ohio, July 20, 1852, is still living.
Educated in the public and high schools of Nuckolls county, Harry C. Johnston was valedictorian of his class in 1891. Ten years later, and on July 25, 1901, he was united in marriage to Margaret Hall Guthrie, at Superior. Mrs. Johnston, who was born at Ayr, Ontario, Canada, July 28, 1873, is decended from Scotch settlers in Canada.
From early manhood until 1914 Mr. Johnston was engaged as a merchant. During the ensuing twelve years he was secretary-treasurer and general manager of the Southern Nebraska Power Company at Superior. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and of all degrees of Masonry, and has always taken an active part in local Republican politics. His favorite sport is golf, and his hobby is reading. Recently Mr. Johnston was elected to life membership in the Nebraskana Society, in recognition of his efforts toward the advancement of his community and state. Residence: Superior.
Nelle Frances Johnston
Nelle Frances Johnston, clubwoman, was born at Nashua, Iowa, April 17, 1886, daughter of Clarence Arthur and Abbie (Tracy) Thomas. Her ancestry is English.
In 1902 she was graduated from Nashua High School, and afterward attended the Iowa teachers college.
On November 2, 1907, she was married to Dan D. Johnston, at Sioux City, Iowa. Mr. Johnston was born at Royal, Nebraska, December 26, 1886. They have two children, Elinor, who was born at Royal, November 5, 1909, and Eloise, who was born at Norfolk, September 6, 1914.
Mrs. Johnston is a Democrat. She is vice-president and secretary of the Johnston Lumber Company, at Hay Springs, member of the Utopia Womans Club, the Congregational Church, the Order of Eastern Star, eligible to the Daughters of the American Revolution. Aside from her club activities, her favorite diversions golf, bridge, gardening and flowers. Residence: Hay Springs.
Norman Thomas Johnston
One of the leading physicians and surgeons of Kearney, Nebraska, is Norman Thomas Johnston who was born at Brantford, Canada, April 27, 1878. His father, Thomas Johnston, who was a manufacturer of farm implements, was born at Alma, Canada, November 9, 1849, and died at Guelph, Canada, July 7, 1907; his ancestry was Scotch and Irish. His mother, whose ancestry was Irish, was born at Port Hope, Canada, June 6, 1856, and died at Guelph, September 8, 1926.
Dr. Johnston was graduated from Brantford Public School in 1890, was graduated from the Brantford Collegiate Institute, 1894, and attended the Guelph Business College in 1895. He received the M. D. degree at Western University in London, 1902, and in 1905, was a student at the Chicago Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat College. He has been prominent in the practice of his profession at Kearney for some time and is serving as secretary of the American Electronic Research Assoication (sic).
He served as secretary of the Franklin County Medical Association, 1909-22, was president of the Republican Valley Medical Association in 1914, served as vice president of the Republican Valley Medical Association in 1913 and as secretary, 1918-22, was vice president of the Nebraska State Medical Association in 1916, and acted as councillor of the latter organization from 1918 to 1922. At this time he is a member of the American Association of Medico-Physical Research and the American Electronic Research Association. His religious affiliation is with the St. Lukes Episcopal Church of Kearney.
A Republican, Dr. Johnston served as a member of the Franklin County Committee from 1910 to 1917, was a member of the Nebraska State Republican Committee, 1915-16, and was candidate for presidential elector in 1912. He is the author of many articles on professional subjects published in medical magazines.
He was married at Burlington, Canada, August 30, 1904, to Edith Jane Graham, who was born at Burlington, December 30, 1877, of Irish and English parents. Two children were born to them: Horace K., June 14, 1906, who was graduated from the Kirksville School of Osteopathy in 1928 and is now an osteopathic physician at Chicago; and Edith Kathleen, born July 12, 1908, who died May 10, 1921. Residence: Kearney.
Roscoe C. Johnston
A farmer near Lexington, Nebraska for the past 41 years, Roseoe C. Johnston was born at Lexington, Illinois, April 16, 1875, the son of George S. and Isabelle (Birney) Johnston. His father, also a farmer, was born at Deersville, Ohio, July 12, 1833, and died at Beatrice, Nebraska, June 30, 1911. His mother, whose ancestry was Scotch and Irish, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, September 12, 1839, and died at Lexington, Nebraska, November 1, 1905.
Mr. Johnston was married to Mary Laura Wilder at
