Shawnee-Wyandotte-Johnson County KS Archives Biographies.....Johnson, Alexander Soule 1832 - 1904 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ks/ksfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com September 27, 2006, 8:39 pm Author: James L. King (1905) COL. ALEXANDER SOULE JOHNSON. COL. ALEXANDER SOULE JOHNSON, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, was born in that part of the Indian Territory which is now Wyandotte County, Kansas, on July 11, 1832, and died at Dallas, Texas, December 9, 1904. He was born in Topeka, in the State whose first white child he was and where he lived 72 eventful and useful years. In his funeral sermon Dr. Evans said: "A great and good man has passed away. He was a pioneer. He was one of the prophesies come true of her destiny. He was her first son. It is unnecessary to review the life of Colonel Johnson with a desire to magnify his name. But to impress upon those who hear this his manly characteristics, his unimpeachable honesty, his spirit of fairness and justice, we will go back over the span of his life and tell its history from his deeds." The story of his life runs parallel with that of his loved State and little in connection with its settlement, growth, progress and prosperity can be mentioned without reference to him and to his influence. "He was born brave," one who knew him said, which was a necessary birthright in a country overrun by savages. His parents were Rev. Thomas and Sarah (Tittle) Johnson. All the immediate family of Sarah Tittle, living in a border settlement of Kentucky less than a hundred years ago, were massacred by Indians under their famous chieftain Tecumseh, she alone escaping. It was a strange fate that later sent her, wife of the Virginia Methodist preacher, a missionary with him to the Shawnee tribe that had bereft her of kindred. With Christian fortitude and courage they lived and labored among this people. In 1837 the Shawnee Methodist Mission was moved to what is now Johnson County, Kansas, named in honor of Rev. Thomas Johnson. Under his supervision the Shawnee Manual Labor School was established, where the Indians were taught helpful and practical knowledge and, by precept and example, the ways of peace. He conducted this school more than a quarter of a century and here his son Alexander studied much besides books during his earlier years, later entering Central College at Lafayette, Missouri, and completing its course. In 1851 Alexander S. Johnson became partner in the firm of J. Riddelsberger, Westport (now Kansas City), Missouri, then the foremost forwarding and commission house in that section of the West. His business success was notable but a fortunate circumstance turned him from a counting room career. When the Territory of Kansas was organized, he and his father were elected members of the Territorial Council, which body chose Rev. Thomas Johnson its first presiding officer. In 1886 Colonel Johnson was elected to the State Legislature from Johnson County. These were the only offices held by him under the State, inclination leading him in other directions. He was superintendent of Shawnee Mission from 1858 to 1862 when it was abandoned, later becoming the home of the family by grant from the United States government to the estate of Rev. Thomas Johnson. When Civil War was declared, both father and son espoused- the Union cause which resulted in death of the former, he being killed on New Years Day, 1865, while defending his home from Rebel Raiders. The latter organized a company of volunteers which became part of the 13th Kansas Militia, of which he was appointed lieutenant-colonel, and served his country with great bravery and distinction. In early manhood young Johnson studied surveying and as United States deputy surveyor surveyed the Indian lands of Johnson County. Knowledge and experience thus gained proved stepping stones to his appointment in 1866 as land commissioner to the Fort Scott & Gulf road; in 1870 surveyor and appraiser of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe land grant, and subsequently its land and tax commissioner, which positions he held until his resignation in 1870. During these years with the Santa Fe, its three million acres were opened for settlement and sold under the management of Colonel Johnson. As means to an end, he conceived and perfected the road's display at the Centennial Exposition, repeating the object lesson at the Atlanta Exposition. The land department became famous the world over, its lieutenants everywhere telling of "homes for millions" upon the fertile soil of Kansas. Ere long the "Great American Desert" became a tale of the past. An army of peaceful invaders turned the soil, sowed and planted and lo! what had been a desolate waste was converted into teeming fields, attractive homesteads and prosperous communities. The successful issue was due to Colonel Johnson's great business and executive ability, backed by his "unimpeachable honesty, his spirit of fairness and justice." To his credit and that of his assistants be it said that throughout their handling of the land grant not one lawsuit resulted. When the stupendous task was accomplished and the intimate relationship of 20 years was sundered, his "boys" paid tribute to their chief in service of silver and words of gold. The speaker said: "During all these years of our association with you in this work, which we have seen crowned with triumphant success, we have perhaps succeeded in bringing to view almost every phase of your character and I speak for all when I say it never has been unfolded to your reproach. If we looked for business industry, we found you at your desk. If we looked for friendship, we found kind counsel. If we looked for truth, we found you scorned falsehood and misrepresentation. If we looked for charity, we found you considerate of other industries. If we looked for honor, we found you unmoved by every bribe of interest. If we looked for constancy of friends, we found you defending your 'boys.' If we looked for the broadest manhood, we found in you a Christian gentleman." Thus spoke those who had known Colonel Johnson day by day through many trying years and their words of commendation and affection voiced so long ago are a fitting memorial now to him who is no more. Colonel Johnson moved to Topeka in 1870 and immediately became identified with the Methodist Church and active in all interests pertaining to the city's welfare. He was one of those instrumental in establishing Topeka's water service and Edison electric plant, serving on each board of control. For 18 years he was vice-president of the Central National Bank and one of its directors. He was president of the Topeka Club from its organization and a member of the State Historical Society and of the Old Settlers' Association. He was a Knight Templar from early manhood. Unassuming to a degree, he never sought personal aggrandizement; instead he forgot self in remembering others. He was a rarely attractive and lovable man, his sweet and gentle nature suggesting one familiar only with the amenities and refinements of a retired and peaceful life, not a son of the border, born among Indians and reared amid scenes of strife. In 1852 Alexander S. Johnson married Prudence C. Funk, of Maryland. Four children were born to them, of whom but one is living-—Mrs. Charles E. Fargo, of Dallas, Texas. In 1887 he married Zippie A. Scott, of Manchester, New Hampshire, who survives him. Colonel Johnson was especially a domestic man, an ideal host and his beautiful home in Topeka was an appropriate setting for the genial, courtly gentleman whom to know was to love loyally. In his passing Kansas lost her oldest and one of her most distinguished sons. Additional Comments: Extracted from: HISTORY OF SHAWNEE COUNTY, KANSAS AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS EDITED AND COMPILED BY JAMES L. KING TOPEKA, KANSAS "History is Philosophy Teaching by Examples" PUBLISHED BY RICHMOND & ARNOLD, GEORGE RICHMOND; C. R. ARNOLD. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, 1905. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ks/shawnee/bios/johnson123nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ksfiles/ File size: 8.4 Kb