BIOGRAPHIES: Albert E. JOHNSON, Cumberland, Barron Co., WI *********************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. Submitted by: Vic Gulickson 24 February 2004 *********************************************************************** Albert E. Johnson, president of the Johnson-Ecklie Co., Inc., general merchants and dealers in farm products, Cumberland, was born in Norway, Sept. 2, 1861, son of John and Lena Johnson, natives of that country who came to America in 1867 and located in Ottertail County, Minnesota, where they farmed until 1889 when they moved to the state of Washington, where they still operate a farm. Of their family of ten children, there are now living four sons and four daughters. One son, Andrew Engerbritson, enlisted in the World War from the State of Washington, and was killed while in action with United States troops in France, Oct. 11, 1918. Albert E. remained in Norway after his father and mother came to America. Upon completing his education he took up farming. In 1879 at the age of eighteen he came to the United States and located in Polk County, this state. For several years thereafter he was variously employed on farms, in the lumber woods, and in sawmills. In 1882 he took a government homestead of wild land in Polk County, this state, which he developed, and where he carried on general farming. He came to Cumberland in 1893 and started a grocery store in partnership with Ole A. Ecklie. This store gradually developed into the present extensive general store of the Johnson-Ecklie Co., Inc. Mr. Johnson is one of the real leaders of the community. As a citizen he stands for everything that means progress and betterment. As a merchant he stands for fair dealing to all. He is an excellent buyer, he knows how to deal with the public, and his personality is an important factor in the high standing which his company has enjoyed. A merchant of nearly thirty years' experience, he knows the community and its needs, and has the most sincere faith in its future. He has various financial interests including stock in the Island City Bank, in which he is a director. Mr. Johnson was married at Ashland, Wis., Aug. 21, 1888, to Melissa Olson, the daughter of Bern and Mary Olson, who came from Norway to Chicago, and then settled in Polk County, this state, where both died. --Transcribed from: History of Barron Co., Wisconsin, H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co., 1922, pp. 291-292. © All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm