Bio of JOHNSON, Emil (b.1864), Kandiyohi Co., MN
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The History of New London 1865 - 1990, page 13 & 14, New London History - 
Emil Johnson. "Jewlery Stores, or watchmakers as they were called in those 
days, were a thriving business in the early days because they were about 
the only place you could buy a watch, clock, or jewlery. There also was a 
large watch repair business. Watches were expensive and well-made; but 
when they stopped working, you didn't throw them away..you got them repaired.
One of the first watchmakeres in New London was Emil Johnson. He was born 
July 18, 1864, in Elfsborg, Sweden, and arrived in America in 1869. He 
married Mary Thompson, and they had eight children.
Mr. Johnson opened a jewlery store in New London some time during the 1890's 
and was located in the building on Main Street which later became the Boston 
cafe and is now Mill Pind Mercantile. The building was originally built near 
the railroad depot in 1886 and later moved to its prestent location.
Some time in the early 1900's Emil Johnson decided to change occupations and 
go into the building business. He was a  trained carpenter.
He built a new building on the corner next to where he had his jewelry shop. 
This corner building currently houses Rainbow Floral and Gift store.
When Emil built that building, he hauled most of the lumber for the building
on his shoulders, driving his bicycle as he needed it, except for the heavy 
timbers. The lumber yard was just one block up the street behind where the 
theater is now. That way he eliminated delivery charges."