The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-09-26
AN INSPIRING EXAMPLE.

Now that the silent tomb has closed over all that was mortal of Governor John A. Johnson. 1t Is not amiss to ruminate somewhat on the lessons taught by the life. character and achievements of the man himself. It may be said without reservation, that no finer Or more inspiring example has ever been placed before the youths of America than is afforded by a study of the less than fifty years of this really great mans existence.
 If ever a man might truly and un- reservedly bear the title of "self-made man," that belongs to Governor John- son. He did not even have the ad- vantage of a happy and encouraging childhood. His parents were not only poor Swedish immigrants. for that Is no crime. but his father was a dissi- pated and shiftiess man. who deserted wife and children when John was iit- tie more than a child. Then the moth- CT. to save herself and children from suffering, became washerwoman. while John did whatever little work he could find to do to add something to the family income. AS the years passed, his opportunities and his abili- ties grew until the time came when he was not only able to relieve his mother of the hardships and drudgery of her life. but could also aid his sis ters to gain the education he himself had missed.
 and the young manhood of John A Johnson. His life story should be written out in full and read by every American boy. It would be an inspi- ration to them, and an example for them to initiate; an example of what courage and determination and true manhood can accomplish in this coun- try. It has fallen to the lot of few American boys to begin life under such discouraging conditions and drawbacks, and 1t has been granted but few to attain higher position and accomplish greater results than he did. To rise from squalid poverty and most disheartening positions in life during a period of less than fifty years is some thing that comes to few. even in this country and age of opportunity.
 It is not the design or intention here to speak of Governor Johnson's politi- cal successes. but 1t Is in order to re- fer briefly to them as one of the evil dences of his high character and standing among his fellow citizens of Minnesota. To have been not merely once, but three times. elected as Democrat to the high office of Gov ernor of an overwhelmingly Republi- can State, shows better than words can express, his high standing as a man and a citizen and his qualifications as a statesman. That greater and higher honors were in store for him had not death claimed him. Is almost beyond doubt. That he would have been the Democratic nominee for the Presi- dency is more than probable. for the indications pointed strongly in that direction.
 But these last are mere specuIations. His death at the comparatively early age of forty-eight years, puts an end to all surmises or predictions as to what he might have attained. Our ob- ject was only to point out in brief terms how he triumphed over the most adverse obstacles and by his own pow. CTS became one of the truly great men of the country. His life is a bright lesson for American boys t. study and to initiate. What he accom- plished Is within the reach of many another youth. and any of them should gain inspiration and determination by studying his life history. He was an honor to his country and a credit to the American character.