My Genealogy Hound

Albert W. Johnson, an enterprising business man of Steelville, is the only survivor of the two children born to Benjamin H. and Mary G. (Anderson) Johnson, the former a native of Dent County, Mo., and the latter born in Crawford County. Soon after their marriage the parents located in Dent County, where the father, who was a blacksmith by trade, held the office of sheriff at the time of his death. He was a member of the Christian Church. Mrs. Johnson afterward became the wife of the Rev. James B. Braly, whose name is listed among the early and faithful ministers of the gospel in Crawford County. Albert W. Johnson was born in Dent County February 26, 1853, and at the age of eleven years was taken to Steelville, receiving his education in the Steelville Academy. At the age of seventeen years he began to learn the harness-maker's trade, which he followed a year and a half, and then became an apprentice in a newspaper office. One half day in the latter capacity satisfied him, and running away he found employment in driving a team. Through the influence of an uncle he obtained a position with an engineering corps on the St. Louis, Salem & Little Rock Railroad, which company soon afterward created him agent at Steelville. He filled the latter position three years, and in 1877 began merchandising in partnership with William H. Davis. The style of the firm has changed several times, but Mr. Johnson has continued his interest in it, and has been very successful. In 1875 he married Lydia, daughter of Finis E. Braly, who was born in Crawford County in 1856, and is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. One child has been born to this union, named Warrick B. In politics Mr. Johnson is a Republican.