L. J. Johnson (Biography)

[genealogynut]

Taken from History of the State of Kansas, by William G. Cutler

L.J. JOHNSON, County Surveyor, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, 1840, but was raised in Hardin County, until 1852, when he migrated to Iowa and went to work with a survey party, working in Iowa, Wisconsin and Missesota, running a compass when only thirteen years of age.  In 1865, became identified with the Home Insurance Company, of Lyons, Iowa, and was a director in the company until 1867, when he was sent to Topeka, Kansas, to represent the company, then, soon after, he organized the Home, of Topeka, and became Vice Preseident.  At the end of two years, came to Elk Falls, and in the winter of 1869-70 circulated a petition for the purpose of organizing Howard County,  soon after, the contract was let for surveying the county, and Mr. Johnson went on the survey, which was commenced in the fall of 1870 and finished in April 1871.  Mr. Johnson took a claim on Sections 2 and 3, Town 31, Range 11, containing the water-power of Elk Falls, with a perpendicular fall of nine feet, and soon after, in company with E. A. Hall, put up the first mill in the county, 30 x 46 feet, three stories high, with three run of buhrs, in 1875, sold out, in 1872, was elected County Surveyor of Howard County; since 1875; has been in the insurance and surveying business, and in  1881 was again elected surveyor of Elk County.  Mr. Johnson is conceded the most thorough insurance man in Southern Kansas.  In 1863, was married to Miss B. W. Elliott, of Benton County, Iowa.  They had two children--Cameron and Effie.  Was married again in 1873, to Miss Mary Stout, of Howard County.  They had one child, Malphus.  In 1876 was again married in Elk Falls to Miss Jennie E. Lewis.  They have been blessed with three children-- Fitz Gordon, Harold, and Floy.  Is a member of Elk Falls Lodge, No (sic) 77, I.O.O.F.