Sebastian County ArArchives Biographies.....Johnson, William H. 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Robert Sanchez http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00027.html#0006574 June 19, 2009, 10:12 am

Author: S. J. Clarke (Publisher, 1922)

WILLIAM H. JOHNSON.
    The name of William H. Johnson is well known in connection with the
industrial and financial interests of Fort Smith, where he is the vice president
of the Merchants National Bank. Along the line of steady progression he has
reached his present position, learning many valuable lessons in the school of
experience and constantly developing his powers until his labors have become a
potent force in the city's improvement and material upbuilding. Mr. Johnson came
to Arkansas from New England, his birth having occurred in Bridgeport, Vermont,
his parents being R. H. and Susan (Smith) Johnson. In early life he became a
resident of the middle west and his preliminary education was supplemented by a
course of study in Drake University at Des Moines, Iowa.

    The year 1896 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Johnson in Arkansas and through
the intervening period be has been actively identified with the lumber business
and timber interests and eventually became president of the Fort Smith Wagon
Company. While a resident of Iowa he engaged in the hardware business and his
initial experience along mercantile lines acquainted him with the hest methods
of conducting his interests. He early recognized the eternal principle that
industry wins and industry became the beacon light of his life. He learned to
value opportunity correctly and has ever displayed ready discrimination between
the essential and non-essential in business affairs, thus developing his
interests along constructive lines and he made for himself a most creditable
place in connection with the lumber trade of the southwest and with the
manufacturing interests of Fort Smith as general manager of the Wagon Company.
On January 1, 1917, he became one of the directors of the Merchants National
Bank and in 1921 was elected to the vice presidency, so that he is now the
second executive officer in this strong financial concern.

    Mr. Johnson has also found time and opportunity to promote public interests
and has displayed hearty cooperation in all movements for the general good as
president of the Business Men's Club. During the World war period he acted as
chairman of the county council of defense and was also chairman of the Liberty
Loan drives and Red Cross work. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of
Pythias and also with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and in his life
exemplifies the beneficent spirit upon which these societies are founded. He has
many traits admirable and worthy of all praise and one meeting him face to face
would know at once that he is an individual embodying all the elements of what
in this country we term a "square" man.


Additional Comments:
Citation:
Centennial History of Arkansas
Volume II
Chicago-Little Rock: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company
1922


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