Alexander Johnson bio.

submitted by Taryn Hopey
11/4/2003

Book: Lymans HISTORY of OLD WALLA WALLA, COLUMBIA, GARFIELD, and Asotin 
Counties.
by. W.D. LYMAN, M.A., Lit.D
Illustrated
Volume 1
Chicago, The S.J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY, 1918
pgs. 663-664
       

             BIOGRAPHY of ALEXANDER JOHNSON

Alexander JOHNSON was an early settler of Walla Walla county and was on of the 
men who made this region famous for its extensive sheep raising interests.  He 
was born in County Antrim, Ireland, December 03, 1848, a son of Samuel and Jane 
Johnson, both also natives of the Emerald isle.  In 1853 they came to America 
and located in New York state, where they lived until death.  To them were born 
four children, of whom three survive.

Alexander JOHNSON was reared and education in New Hartford, New York as he was 
only a child at the time of the emigration of the family to the United States.  
He remained in the east for a number of years after attaining his majority but 
in 1883 made his way to the Pacific coast, settling on a ranch in Walla Walla 
county.  At that time there was a great deal of open range and he turned his 
attention to sheep raising, then the leading industry in this section.  He was 
very successful in that business and continued therein until the country became 
so thickly settled that it became impossible to find sufficient pasture for his 
large flocks.  He then turned his attention to farming and in that connectin 
also gained prosperity.

Mr. Johnson was twice married.  In 1878 he wedded Miss Kate HEALEY, of New 
Hartford, New York, and to them was born a son W.K. JOHNSON, who is now living 
in Walla Walla county.  In 1891 Mr. JOHNSON married Miss Margaret A. LEWIS, of 
Walla Walla, and by that union there is also a son, Terry Alexander JOHNSON.

Mr. JOHNSON supported the republican party at the polls but was never an active 
worker in politics.  He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was 
laid to reast in the cemetery maintained by that organization.  After a 
lingering illness of four and half years he passed away in Walla Walla on the 
13th of August 1914.  In religious faith he was a Presbyterian and its teaching 
guided his life.  Mrs. JOHNSON owns a fine home on East Alder street, Walla 
Walla and has many friend in the city.