My Genealogy Hound

ROBERT JOHNSON, Vice-President of the Mast, Foos & Co. manufacturing concern and also of the Superior Drill Company of Springfield, is one of its prominent and leading citizens, a gentleman of the highest character and of potent influence. He and his wife are members of the High Street Methodist Episcopal Church and are both highly esteemed and loved for their many excellent personal qualities and sterling Christian worth. Mr. Johnson was born in Clark County a few miles south of the city of Springfield on the old Johnson place, a well-known locality, January 20, 1832. He is the second son of the late James and Ellen Johnson, natives of Ireland and of Scotch-Irish blood.

The parents of Mr. Johnson came to Clark County in 1824, settling down upon the farm where they spent the Remainder of their lives. Eight children — four boys and four girls — were born on the place, all of whom are still living (1890). In 1849, Robert repaired to the city and commenced learning the trade of a carpenter and joiner at which he worked three years. He then became a partner with his brother James, and they adopted the business of contracting and building which they carried on until 1864, in which year he went to the Pennsylvania oil regions during the excitement incident to the opening of the rich oil field. After operating there about three years he returned to Springfield.

In 1867, Mr. Johnson joined with others in organizing the Champion Machine Company, which subsequently became the Amos Whiteley Reaper & Mower Manufacturing Company, and was a leading and most efficient member of the company until the year 1881, when he disposed of his interest in the concern. To Mr. Johnson’s ability as a manager and worker in the companys operations must be ascribed a goodly portion of its marked success. Whatever he has undertaken in any department of business has been well and efficiently done.

Soon afterward Mr. Johnson purchased property opposite the First Presbyterian Church, on West Main Street, Springfield, demolished the old and unsightly structures standing upon it and erected a fine, five-story business block, finishing off on the fourth and fifth floors one of the most elegant Masonic halls in the country. In 1884, he acquired an interest in the celebrated manufactory owned by Messrs. Mast, Foos & Co., and was chosen Vice-President of the company. In December of that same year he assisted in the re-organization of the Superior Drill Company and was elected Vice-President of this also; he now divides his time and energies in assisting the management and operations of both the companies named.

Mr. Johnson was married in 1859 to Miss Adelaide Humphreys, a daughter of the late William Humphreys, an esteemed citizen and a pioneer of Clark County. This union resulted in the birth of seven children, viz.: Effie A., Charles S., Nellie M., Frank C., Clara B., Jessie J., and Benjamin P. Mr. Johnson has always taken a prominent and useful part in public affairs and has invariably been recognized as a good citizen. He was elected to the City Council from the old Third Ward in the spring of 1882, serving four years and was President of the Council one term. He is one of the stockholders and Directors of the Springfield National Bank and a Trustee of his church. His residence at No. 197 South Fountain Avenue, is beautifully situated and forms one of the many very handsome and comfortable homes of Springfield. Mr. Johnson has acquired a substantial fortune through his industry and enterprise, mechanical abilities and rare qualities as a manager of large enterprises and makes good use of the means he has accumulated.