The Cairo bulletin. [volume] (Cairo, Ill.) 1872-1878, 1876-12-31
BIOGRAPHICAL.
W. James Johnson, GeueraI S0utDs
eru Agent for the Illinois Cemtrn
RAllr0RA


aary aud Portrait Gallery Of Es,inent and SELF.
Made Men.
James johnson. Cairo, was born
March 18th, ls2S, near Vienna, Clinton
county, Ohio. His parents were john
and Elizabeth (Mckifier) johnson. His
father was contractor, and in that ca
pacity built number of very fine struc-
lures IN the neighborhood OF Vienna.
His grandfather name was Scarlett
johnson. native of Virginia,
in which state he owned a
large plantation. The yreat-grandfather
OF our subject, who was also named Scar
lett, and who served "a soldier In the
| revolutionary war, was a native OF the
North Of Ireland and settled IN Virginia
about the year l770 His mothers an
cestors were also of Seotch-Irsh origin,
having settled in Virginia about the same
period, her grandfather being likewise a
revolutionary soldier. His father died
whenfour subject was but two and half
years OF age, leaving widow and two
children, a son and daughter, Of whom
he was the eldest. His sister died at the
age OF seventeen, leaving him sole survi-
vor. His father lett behind him
but little property, so that he
was thrown upon his own resources at a
very tender age. He was educated at
the common school at uilisboro in his ma
tive state studied the ordinary Eng
fish branches and mathematics was an
apt scholar, and early manifested traits
Of mechanical genius Having found a
preference for mercantile lite, at the age
OF seventeen years he entered the dry
goods store OF William {. Huntlcy, Of
Lynchburg, Ohio. where he remained
tive years, and became not only an ac-
complished salesman but thoroughly ac-
quainted with the rules and prin-
ciples OF commerce. While in
this employment the subject of
Western RAILROADS began TO receive consid.
cradle attention, and from hearing the
subject discussed with enthusiasm, he
formed the purpose of becoming a rail
road man and the success which has
marked his career in this capacity shows
that he did not mistake his calling. The |
Billsboro and Cincinnati railroad was |
then being built, and his employer, Mr.. |
lIuntley, being an officer OF the COM
pany. assistant treasurer) he was often
called upon by him TO assist in keeping
the accounts and transactng the general
IA. NJ he co,nnapy aud in ,ra1,
he acquired knowledge of the
business - since became a pro.
fession of rairoading. When
the above named road commenced to
operate he was appointed Joint agent for
it and the Marietta and Cincinnati Rail-
road, at Loyeland, Ohio. in which position
he remained for three and halt years,
giving very general satisfaction TO his
employers. He was next appointed gen.
eral agent Of the Marietta and Cincinnati
Railroad at the former point had com.
plete control and oversight OF the boats
and barges that formed connection
at Parksbend between the Bal
timore and Ohio and the
Marietta and Cincinnati railroads. In
this position he also remained three and
a halt years. After this for two years lie
was entirely disconnected with railroads,
acting the while as head salesman in the
wholesale dry goods house OF Hugh
Adams u Co., Cincinnati. Ohio. During
the last named period the late war com.
menced, and began taxing the resources
of some of the western railroads to their
utmost capacity. The business of the llli-
nois Central railroad, especially at the
southern end. became exceedingly heavy
and complicated; and in 1861, at the ur-
gent request of the managers
OF that line, he accepted
the position which he has since held and
which, up to January, 1873, was known
as general agent. Since then his title
has been changed to that OF general
southern agent, with the additional duty
of the Central and management OF all the
business of the company south OF Cairo,
including all the traffic on the extensions
of the line throughout the entire South
ern states. lie has retained his position
under four different administrations, con-
tinually growing in favor, and is now
one OF the most accomplished, successful
and popular railroad men of the country.
In politics he is conservative, generally
supporting the nominees OF the Demo
cratic party, but never NEEDLES with
politics, hi. controlling idea being to at
tain to the utmost efficiency aud useful
ness in the profession which he has
chosen as his lite-work.
He was raised under the influence of the
Methodist Church, and continue in
sympathy with that denomina-
ton of Christians, bat is not IN com
munion.
He was married OH the IIh Of Novem- |
Der, ISL, to Miss CNtharine NJ. Saum, |
daughter OF George L. Saum, Esq, OF |
Clinton county, Ohio. They have had
seven children, tour of whom only sur
vive-Sylyia, wife OF MatIhewP. Walsh, |
ir.. cashier in the river department of the
Illinois Central railroad Nm. Arthur,
Bette ana Marian, Gnta1rs).
The'CbNYt,hes.
There will be the regular sunday |
services at the Presbyterian church to !