Gaston, Joseph.  "The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912."  Vol. 4. 
Chicago, Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. p. 713
 
ALEXANDER JOHNSON

     enjoys the distinction of having originated and organized the Finnish
Grocery Company, of which he is president and general manager. This new business
venture is established in Marshfield and since its organization has been a
gratifying success. He was born September 5, 1877, in Finland and settled in
Marshfield on June 24, 1895, going direct to that place from his native country.
In his parents' family were twelve children, only four of whom are living,
namely: William and Rudolph, both of whom reside in Finland; Hannah, who is the
wife  of William Strang, of North Bend, Oregon, and the mother of one child,
Electa; and Alexander, of this review.
     Alexander Johnson started in life for himself at the age of fourteen years,
his first occupation being that of farm laborer, and in that employment be
continued for a period of three years, after which he came to Marshfield, his
brother having preceded him to that place about three years previously. On
reaching Oregon he found employment in the logging camps in that portion of the
state and continued in that occupation for three years. He later was engaged in
various positions for nine years, at the end of which time he engaged in the
cafe business to which he devoted his attention for four years. He then sold out
and entered the life insurance business as agent for the Pacific Mutual Life
Insurance Company. Mr. Johnson's residence is at No. 567 North Second street,
Marshfield.
     In 1904 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Alma Carlson, a daughter
of Victor and Sophia (Ledsley) Carlson, both natives of Finland, Mrs. Johnson's
birth, however, having occurred in Oregon. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents
of a son, Melvin, who was born in 1906. Mr. Johnson is not affiliated with any
political party, preferring to give his support to the candidate who in his
judgment represents the best interests of the people. He is a member of the
Lutheran church, and belongs to the Suami Lodge, a Finnish organization, and is
also a member of the Foresters of America. He is one of the successful and
enterprising business men of Marshfield and is a man whose integrity in business
affairs is always to be relied upon.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in August 2007 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.