My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES A. JOHNSON. To a greater extent than any other country, American biography has furnished illustrious examples of the power of steadfast purpose and indomitable energy. Many who have achieved success in life have risen from positions of poverty to prominent and influential posts of honor in their various communities. Among those who by energetic application have gained a solid reputation as substantial business men may be mentioned the name of C. A. Johnson, Cashier of the First National Bank of Niles, and one of the best financiers of southwestern Michigan. Though young in years, he has gained a practical knowledge of men and things which others have labored long years to secure.

A resident of Michigan throughout his entire life, Mr. Johnson was born in Berrien County on the 8th of February, 1856. He is the son of Alfred W. and Desire (Howe) Johnson, natives respectively of Vermont and New York, the latter being a daughter of Frederick W. Howe, of Vermont. In 1882 Alfred W. Johnson removed with his family to Michigan. He was a contractor and builder. His death occurred in 1890. At the time of his demise he was eighty years of age, having been born in 1810. He was a man of strong personality, decisive in character and a stanch Democrat politically. He was a member of the first Board of Supervisors in the village of Niles, and was in many ways identified with the progress of this section of the State.

The youngest in a family of eight, Charles A. Johnson was reared to manhood in Niles, where he laid the foundation of his education in the common schools and later became a student in the High School. In 1874 he entered the First National Bank of Niles as messenger boy and from that position was promoted to Paying Teller and in 1878 became Cashier, which position he still holds. He is a member of the Building and Loan Association and is at present serving as its Treasurer. He is also Treasurer of the Niles Electric Light Company. Realizing the importance and value of a good education as the foundation for all success in the business world, he gives his aid to all enterprises for the promotion of educational interests, and as a member of the School Board has been enabled to render practical assistance along that line.

In 1883 occurred the marriage of Mr. Johnson to Miss Bertie Hopkins, of Marshall, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of one son, Alfred Hopkins. In his fraternal relations Mr. Johnson is identified with the St. Joseph Valley Lodge No. 4, A. F. & A. M., and the Niles chapter and commandery. Politically, he is a pronounced Democrat, but is liberal in his views and numbers many friends in both parties. In addition to the responsible position of Cashier of the First National Bank of Niles, he is also president of the Bank of Plankinton, S. Dak.