The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-11-07
w. JOHNSON DEAD
CHRISTIAN CHURCHES OF THIS CITY
MAY RECEIVE A REQUEST.
way Plant I'm This ~City-Died at
Cleveland.

Col. Albert W. Johnson, formerly of this
city. died yesterday in Cleveland at the
home of his son, ex-Representative Tom l..
Johnson. BY his death IL is more than
probable. it is said, that the Christian
Church of this city will profit TO the ex-
tent of a generous bequest. There have
been many different statements made in
regard TO what Mr.. Johnson intended TO
do in this regard at his death. The general
opinion Of members who have heard of the
matter seems to be that the will contains
a provision for a bequest TO some one of
the Institutions of the Christian Church.
Nothing deinite could be learned in re-
gard TO the statements in this regard that
have been current here. Everyone who has
heard the statements speaks OF the rumor
or whatever it may he as simply common
talk, without being able TO tell just where
IL originated. However, there is a we'll
defined impression that something will be
left to the church, whether TO some one Of
its many institutions or to some particular
church is not known.
At one time Colonel Johnson was a very
familiar figure on the streets Of this city.
He came here about 1870 and soon made a
bargain with William H. English whereby
he secured the franchise of the Citizens
Street-railway Company. He had little
money, and was compelled to buy the plant
on credit. AT the time it was thought that
Colonel Johnson had simply lost what
money he had, for few people expected that
he would be able to make enough money to
pay for the property. He was a success
ful manager, however, and not only made
enough money TO pay the debt OF the prop
erty, but improved it constantly, although
improvements at that time were not as
costly as now. AS the city grew the plant
became more valuable, not for the tangible
property, but on account OF the exclusive
franchise held. A few years ago Colonel
Johnson sold the property for 100000 and
invested his money in street railway prop
erty in Cleveland. His life has been a
prosperous one since shortly after the war.
Little is known here Of Colonel Johnson's
early life. He was a native of Kentucky,
and was connected with a family that
gained considerable prominence. Richard
NJ. johnson, who was Vice President with
son. Another uncle was John L. johnson,
a celebrated Christian minister of Ken
lucky. At one time Colonel Johnson lived
In Georgetown, Ky. At that. time James
place. They became warm friends through
this association. When the war broke out
Mr.. Johnson enlisted in the Confederate
army and became a colonel. He served
with distinction, but always since the war
has looked upon the Union soldier as his
best friend.
Before the war Colonel Johnson had con-
siderable property, but, like many Others,
lost it all during the struggle. When he
left the army he returned to Louisville and
attempted TO regain his lost fortune. He
some time. During this period of his life
he was a member OF the Louisville police
force. Gradually he saved his money and
entered other business. which in a few
years brought sufficient returns for the first
payment on the purchase Of the street rail-
road system or this city.