The Washington times., 1909-09-21
Sketch of His Life.


John A Johnson was in every essen
tial a self-made man. He was born in
the town Of ST. Peter. Mimi. on July
2s. 1851 OF humble parentage, his father
and mother having been Swedish immi-
grants.
The boy managed to get to the
public school OF ST. Peter until he
was twelve years of age. when his faith
er died and the care OF his mother and
younger brothers fell on his young
shoulders
He Went TO work as an errand boy
in the drug store at St. Peter. and be-
ing anxious 20 secure an education,
studied during his spare hours and at
night.
Becomes Editor of Paper.
He saved every penny he could, and
some years later secured an interest in
the st. Peter Herald. becoming its ed
itor.
Like the majority Of the Swedish
Americans who have settled in Mime
sofa, young Johnson took an interest
in politics. soon becoming recognized as
one OF the leaders Of the Democratic
party in St Peter. His editorials. deal
ing with matters of party policy. were
widely quoted. not only IN his native
State. but all through the country.
1UAAAnE Ailt lttcAA ColnRdlH oL the -Ilu-
nesota National Guard. johnson was
rapidly advanced until he was commits
stoned its captain. command which
he held for seven years. He secured
the nomination 10 the State senate and
was elected by an overwhelming ma
5ority. which attracted the attention
OF party leaders ali through the State
When the time came TO nominate a
Democratic candidate for governor in
l9o4, the rank and file OF the party was
discoura ged. The State was seemingly
overwhelmingly Republican and TheO-
dore Roosevelt. the Republican Presi-
Dental candidate. was AT the zenith of
his popularity in Minnesota. The name
OF Johnson was suggested TO the Dem
ocratic convention as a good candidate
for governor. and the young editor was
named TO lead the forlorn hope.
Johnson Is Victorious.
So well did he lead il. that. although
me Republican ticket swept the State.
John A. Johnson was elected governor
by a substantial plurality. His admin
istratiOn. also. was peculiarly success
ful, and he was reelected in 1906 and
again last fall.
The personality OF johnson was an
important element n his success. Tail.
angular, his hands still showing the
callouses caused by HIS early labOrs.
ne was a mixer I'm the better sense
OF the word. and his Offices have been
always open 20 all classes Of citizens
who. no matter what their desire were
always sure OF a courteous hearing.
Johnson's claims for the Democratic
Presidential nomination were advanced
by Henry Watterson two years ago,
but the time seemed hardly ripe and the
leaders Of the party in the nation failed
20 respond as well as the Southern
editor desired. In fact there is little
doubt now that had the Watterson
boom been followed Up by the indOrse-
rnent OF Johnson by the Eastern Demo
Gratis as was hoped, William J. Bryan
would rot have had the necessary two
thirds vote 70 nominate him at Denver
July OF last year.
Movement Allowed to Lag.
The johnson movement was allowed
10 lag with the result that he had but
a few delegates when the convention
nominated.
Two years ago the University oi
Pennsylvania conferred the degree OF
doctor Of laws on Governor johnson.
The governor was married on June J.
1894, 70 ElinOr Preston IN st. Peter.