Bio: Johnson, Robert H. (1881)
Contact: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Johnson, Gerard, Woods, Alban

----Source: The History of Northern Wisconsin (Marathon County, Wis.) 1881, pages 561-562

ROBERT H. JOHNSON, proprietor of the Central Wisconsin, and Postmaster, Wausau. Was born in Milwaukee, in 1845. He lived at home until the death of his parents, which occurred when he was about twelve years old. He was sent to school in Indiana, where he remained four years. In February, 1862, he enlisted in Co. A., 58th, Ill. V.I., at Chicago; re-enlisted in June, 1864. After the last battle of Nashville, he was detailed as special orderly on the staff of Brig. Gen. Gerard, of Pennsylvania, brigade commander; was afterward detailed as orderly at the head quarters of Maj. Gen. Charles R. Woods, commanding Department of Alabama. He participated in the following battles: Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Siege of Corinth, last battle of Corinth, Ft. de Russey, Sabine Cross Roads, Marksville, Prairie Hill, Yellow Bayou, Nashville, Ft. Blakely, and numerous skirmishes, through all of which he went without a scratch. He was discharged on the first day of April, 1866, “by reason services no longer required.” On the eighteenth day of April, 1866, he came to Wausau, where he has resided ever since, working in saw-mills, in the logging woods, and running down the river on lumber rafts, until Oct. 14, 1868, when he bought the Central Wisconsin newspaper, then Democratic, and changed it into a Republican newspaper, enlarging and improving it as the years and times progressed. On the thirteenth day of January, 1876, was appointed Postmaster of Wausau for four years. Was reappointed Jan. 14, 1880. Has just completed a new brick block, with post-office below and printing office above. Has a beautiful new house in the best part of the city, and all the surroundings to make life enjoyable. Was married, in Wausau, Dec. 27, 1876, to Miss Caroline Alban, daughter of Col. James S. Alban, commander of the 18th Wis. V.I., who was killed at Shiloh. His wife was born in Plover, June 23, 1856. They have three children, two daughters and one son.