Grundy County IL Archives Biographies.....Johnson, Peter A 1843 - 
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm
************************************************

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com March 25, 2006, 4:59 pm

Author: Bio/Gen Record LaSalle/Grundy 1900

Peter A. Johnson

Starting out in life for himself when only twelve years of age, Peter A. 
Johnson steadily worked his way upward, reaching a prominent position in 
commercial circles in Morris.  Difficulties were in his way, but he overcame 
them by determined purpose, resolute will and untiring energy, and became one 
of the substantial citizens of Grundy county.  In all his transactions he has 
always followed the most honorable methods, and business integrity is 
synonymous with his name.

Mr. Johnson is one of the worthy citizens that Sweden has furnished to the new 
world, his birth having occurred in that kingdom on the 24th of March, 1843.  
His parents were John and Hannah Johnson, both natives of Sweden, and in the 
spring of 1853 they started for the United States, but on the voyage the 
father and two of the sons died of cholera.  The mother and the remaining 
children – John G., William C., Daniel O., Louise, Anna and Peter A. – all 
reached New York in safety and came direct to Grundy county, Illinois, where 
the boys were bound out.  Peter A. Johnson entered the service of a farmer by 
the name of Gorham, but soon afterward, at the age of twelve years, he ran 
away and started out upon an independent career.  From that time on he 
depended solely upon his own exertions, and whatever success he has achieved 
in life may be attributed to his well directed efforts.  In his youth he 
worked as a farm hand in Grundy county, and at the age of eighteen years, 
prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he responded to the country’s call for 
troops to aid in crushing out the rebellion, joining Company D, Thirty-sixth 
Illinois Infantry, under Captain W. P. Pierce.  He served for three years and 
three months, participating in numerous hotly contested engagements, including 
the battles of Pea Ridge, Shiloh, Perryville, Stone River, and Chickamauga.  
In the last named he sustained a wound in the ankle which resulted in a 
permanent injury.  His wound was partially dressed on the battlefield and 
there he remained uncared for until the seventh day, when he was sent to the 
hospital, and later to a hospital at Quincy, Illinois, and was never again 
able to engage in active service on the field.  Previous to this time he was 
always found at his post of duty, faithfully defending the old flag and the 
cause it represented.

While in Quincy Mr. Johnson was married, on the 7th of May, 1864, to Miss 
Elizabeth Claypool, daughter of Perry A. Claypool.  She was born in Grundy 
county, August 18, 1845.  After his marriage Mr. Johnson began farming in 
Wauponsee township, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until 1882.  He 
was very diligent, practical in his methods and progressive in all departments 
of farm work, and the well tilled fields yielded to him a golden tribute in 
return for the care and labor he bestowed upon them.  On retiring from his 
farming he took up his residence in Morris, where he engaged in the 
agricultural implement and carriage business.  From the beginning he prospered 
in the new undertaking and enlarged his stock to meet the constantly growing 
demands of his trade.  Later on he admitted his sons to a partnership in the 
business, under the firm style of Peter A. Johnson & Sons, and this house now 
enjoys a leading trade in its line in Morris.  The business is now under the 
control of his son, Frank A. Johnson, and the liberal patronage the firm 
receives is well merited.

Unto Peter and Elizabeth Johnson have been born four children, namely:  Perry 
A., Frederick S., Frank A. and Nellie M.  Mr. Johnson is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal church to which his wife also belongs.  He also belongs to 
the Grand Army of the Republic and gives his political support to the 
Republican party.  As a citizen he has ever been progressive and public-
spirited, and in days of peace manifesting the same loyalty to the flag that 
marked his military service on the battlefields of the south.  His success in 
business matters has been very creditable and he enjoys the respect and 
confidence of all who know him.

Additional Comments:
Source:  Biographical and Genealogical Record of La Salle and Grundy Counties 
Illinois, Volume 11, Chicago, 1900, pages 460-462

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/grundy/bios/johnson617nbs.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/

File size: 4.8 Kb