Alfred J. Johnson Biography


	This biography appears on pages 1228, 1231 in "History of Dakota 
	Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. V (1915) and was 
	scanned, OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				ALFRED J. JOHNSON. 

	Alfred J. Johnson, well known in business circles of Sioux Falls 
through his connection with the firm of Clark & Johnson, dealers in 
insurance, real estate and loans, and prominent ill public life as 
chairman of the board of commissions of Minnehaha county, was born in 
Eksjo, Sweden, February 4, 1865. He is a son of Franz and Maria 
(Jonson) Johnson, both of whom have passed away, the father dying in 
Clay county, South Dakota, in 1897, and the mother in Sioux Falls in 
1907. The family came to America in 1878 and located at Des Moines, 
Iowa, whence they moved in 1882 to Clay county, South Dakota. 

	Alfred J. Johnson was still a child when he came with his parents 
to the United States, and he completed an education begun in Sweden in 
the high schools of Des Moines and in a business college of that city. 
He learned the tinner's trade and in 1884, in partnership with his 
elder brother, Edward, opened a hardware and tin shop in Beresford, 
Union county, Dakota territory, about four miles from his home in Clay 
county. This enterprise they continued to conduct until 1889 and then 
disposed of it, Mr. Johnson of this review becoming traveling salesman 
for a wholesale grocery concern in Sioux City, Iowa. He retained this 
connection until 1895, when he removed to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 
turning his attention to the wholesale vinegar and pickle business. He 
disposed of his interests along this line in 1899 and embarked in the 
real-estate business, with which he has since been connected. He is a 
member of the firm of Clark & Johnson, dealers in insurance, real 
estate and loans, and his executive ability and enterprising spirit 
have been important factors in the gratifying success of the concern. 

	On the 22d of November, 1892, at Sioux City, Iowa, Mr. Johnson 
was united in marriage to Miss Carrie H. Lovegren, and they have a son, 
Francis Alfred, born January 2, 1903. Mr. Johnson is a member of the 
Swedish Lutheran church, belongs to the Elks Club and is connected with 
the Modern Brotherhood of America. He gives his political allegiance to 
the republican party and is prominent in public affairs. In November, 
1910, he was elected commissioner of Minnehaha county, and on the 1st 
of January, 1913, was made chairman of the board. In this position he 
has proven capable and far-sighted, and accomplishing an important work 
of public service. His diligence and perseverance are the basis of his 
success, and his life is a busy, active and useful one.