The History of the Yakima Valley, Washington, Comprising Yakima, Kittitas and Benton Counties, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1919, Volume II, page 946 

JOHANES JOHNSON.

For a considerable period it was believed that the greater part of the Swedish emigration had Minnesota as its destination. But the Swedish people, quick ever to recognize opportunities, have realized that the northwest has many chances for business progress and in recent years a large percentage of those who have come from the Scandinavian countries have made their way to Washington. A most substantial element in the citizenship of Yakima county is that which has been furnished by Sweden. Johanes Johnson, a representative of that class, was born in Sweden, October 19, 1870, a son of John and Marie (Erickson) Johnson, both of whom have passed away. The father was a farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit in order to provide for the support of his family.

Johanes Johnson remained in his native country until he had reached the age of about twenty-three years, when he crossed the Atlantic to the new world. This was in 1893 and he took up his abode in Chicago, where he remained until 1916. He was engaged in steam hammer forging work in connection with railway locomotive construction but his thoughts turned to the northwest, of whose opportunities he had heard favorable reports. In 1913, therefore, he invested in ten acres of land on Academy Heights and had six acres of this tract planted to apples, using pears as fillers. In 1916 he brought his family to the northwest, built a substantial residence upon his land and is now bending every energy to the further development and improvement of his place, which has already become one of the substantial ranch properties of the district. In addition to raising fruit he is engaged in the production of hay and potatoes, of which he annually harvests large crops.

On the 21st of May, 1904, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Alma Marie Olson, who was born in Sweden, a daughter of Ole and Britta (Neilson) Olson. The mother has passed away but the father still lives in Sweden, although at one time he spent a couple of years in Michigan. Mrs. Johnson crossed the Atlantic and became a resident of Chicago in 1899. By her marriage she has become the mother of three children: Ethel, Florence and Eldon. The family attend the Swedish Mission church, and Mr. Johnson gives his political endorsement to the republican party, which he has supported since becoming a naturalized American citizen. He is actuated by a spirit of advancement in all that he undertakes and his close application and indefatigable energy have been strong points in winning for him the substantial success which he now enjoys.

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Submitted to the Washington Bios Project in January 2008 by Jeffrey L. Elmer.
Submitter has no additional information about the subject of this article.