My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH I. JOHNSON A brief review of the salient points in the life of this useful and upright man will be of interest, not alone to the people of Niles, of which city he is a resident, but also to the citizens of Berrien County, where he is well and favorably known. At present he is not actively engaged in business, although his real-estate interests are extensive and require considerable attention on his part. In former years he was engaged in railroading, and much of his active life has been devoted to that line of work.

Mr. Johnson was born in Monroe County, N. Y., October 17, 1836, and is the son of Joseph and Mary H. (Randall) Johnson, natives of Maine. Both the paternal and maternal ancestors were English people, and representatives of both families early emigrated to the United States. The father of our subject was a sailor, and died in New York during the year 1836, when his son was a mere infant. The latter was brought to Michigan by his mother when three years old, and with her settled in Ann Arbor, where he grew to manhood. The rudiments of his education were acquired in the common schools of that city, but his schooling was limited, and his education has been gained principally in the great school of experience.

At the age of thirteen years, Mr. Johnson began his active business life. His first position was that of fireman on a locomotive, in which capacity he continued for some time. He also held various other positions on railroads until 1852, when he took charge of the construction train on the Michigan Central Railroad. That work occupied his attention for some time, and, having been satisfactorily finished, he accepted a position as Road master, in which capacity he served until January, 1881. An accident at that time caused the loss of a limb, and compelled him to retire from railroad work.

In 1881 Mr. Johnson became proprietor of the Michigan Central Dining Hall at Niles, which he conducted successfully for eleven years, selling the business November 1, 1892. He is a man who takes a deep interest in the progress of the city of Niles, and contributes his quota to its advancement. He is loyal to every cause he espouses, and is a zealous champion of the platform of the Republican party. Socially, he is identified actively with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and also holds membership in Niles Lodge No. 17, A. F. & A. M.

Mr. Johnson was married January 1, 1862, to Miss Mary, daughter of James and Ella (Blake) Allen, natives of Ireland, where Mrs. Johnson was also born. The mother died in her native land. Mr. Allen is a resident of Tolono, Ill. Two children have been born to our subject and wife: Ella, wife of William Miley, a resident of Niles; and Nettie M., who resides with her parents. The social position occupied by the family is one of prominence. They maintain a constant interest in the welfare of those about them, and their earnest and benevolent natures endear them to all their acquaintances.