The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1911-03-31

TNHE career of Tom johnson is
story of how a poor boy be-
came millionaire. his life
work being characterized by
pluck and pathos. AS boy he learn
ed what hardship and poverty were.
Then by rapid rise he became mil
lionaire, only to sacrifice his fortune
in trying to straighten out the flnan-
cial affairs of his dead brother who
had left a widow and four children.
Tom Loftin Johnson was born in
Scott county, KY, on July Is, 1854.
The names "Tom" and "Loftin" he
selected for himself. In his early
childhood his parents agreed that he
was boy out of common lines and
that he could decide for himself better
than they could decide for him.
Tom Johnson went into the world
without the advantage of high
school or college education. First he
was a newsboy and as such learned
the value of a nickel and what it
meant to earn one. His first employ
ment was in rolling mill, and from
the furnace mouth he went into
railroad Office
Starts Fortune In Indianapolis.
At eighteen he went to Indianapolis,
where he lay the foundation of a for
tune. Street railway manipulation at
tracted him, and, with the aid of some
wealth brought to him through mar
fia to tha NJ
man, he acquired control of the street
railways of Indianapolis.
In 1879, seeking new fields to con-
quer, he removed to Cleveland and
bought a small street railway line and
in a comparatively short time by his
extraordinary energy and ability he
had effected a consolidation of all the
street railroads in that city. Equita-
BILE treatment of his employees and
the public spirit he displayed attract
ed attention to Johnson, and he be-
came one of Cleveland's most popular
citizens.
Johnson was a free trader and Sin
gle Taxer, and Henry Georges Prog
ress and Poverty" was his Bible. In
1883 he made his debut in politics and
narrowly missed election to congress
in strong Republican district In
1880 and again in 1892 he was elected.
but was defeated in 1894. His cleo
ton as mayor of Cleveland for four
terms was only a natural sequence.
A large man, although not tall and
weighing considerably over 200 pounds,
fr,II Of io1 l,,Y,, hc
affable and courteous to all. His man
ner was democratic to the furthest
extreme. With a fortune estimated
at upward of $5,000.000. he delighted
to mingle with laboring men and dis
cuss the theories of single tax, popu-
lism and socialism and the conditions
affecting the workingman.
1t was in 1908 that Johnson an
nounced that his fortune had been
wiped out by his efforts to save the
estate of his dead brother. AL. He
gave up his magnificent residence and
his automobiles and cheerfully declar-
ed his intention to begin life anew.
He was, however, stricken with a NOR
tai disease before he could recoup his
wealth.
His Friendship For Henry George,
When Tom Johnson first read Henry
Georges Progress and Poverty" he
was astounded at its arguments, yet
fearful Of accepting them. Turning
the book over to his lawyer. he de-
manded an unbiased opinion on it.
The lawyer reported favorably, John
son was converted and from that day
became the stoutest ally of Henry
George and his single tax theories.
He always was free trader of the
most uncompromlsing type.
He sought personal acquaintance