Gaston, Joseph.  "Portland, Oregon Its History and Builders."  Vol. 3. 
Chicago and Portland, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911. p. 419.
 
JASPER J. JOHNSON

     Jasper J. Johnson, for twenty years a member of the Portland bar, a large
and distinctively representative clientele being accorded him, was bom on a farm
in Multnomah county, July 6, 1862. His father, Jacob Johnson, was one of the
first settlers of the state. His birth occurred December 20, 1828, in Highland
county, Ohio. He was a relative of Albert Sidney Johnson, one of the
distinguished generals of the Confederate army in the Civil war, and a son of
William Johnson, who in pioneer times took up his abode in Oregon, establishing
his home in Multnomah county in that section where his descendants have since
resided. Jacob Johnson was a young man of eighteen years at the time of the
emigration of the family to the northwest, and in his later years related many
interesting incidents concerning the trip across the country, several months
having passed ere it was completed. He secured a land claim some distance
further up the creek than his father's home. This creek was named in honor of
Jacob Johnson by the United States surveyors when they were dividing into
sections that district. He had erected a mill there, which was known as
Johnson's Mill.  Afterward he removed to Portland, where he resided until 1860,
when, having purchased the old home place upon which his father had settled, he
removed there and resided thereon until his demise, in January, 1901. There he
reared his family, of whom four sons and four daughters survive the father.
     Jacob Johnson was one of the best known and most useful citizens of his
part of the county. He possessed a generous spirit and kindly disposition and
was widely known for his distinct individuality, quaint speech and perfect
integrity. In the community in which he lived he was recognized as a man of
force and influence. For many years he served as a director of the schools in
his district and was a stanch champion of the cause of education. He was also
somewhat of a leader in political circles and was once chosen to represent
Multnomah county in the state legislature. In his early manhood he attended the
old Portland Academy and was married in Kernsville, Clackamas county the lady of
his choice being Miss Martha J. Lee, who still survives him. She was the second
cousin of General Robert E. Lee of Virginia, and came to Oregon in 1853. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Johnson were born the following named W. W.; J, J.; H. L.;
Charles; Mrs. James Clark; Mrs. George P. Lent; Araminta now the wife of William
G. Zinser of Portland; and Jennie Johnson. The father was for a long period one
of the prominent members of the Patrons of Husbandry, which organization took
charge of his funeral services. He passed away on the 25th of January, 1901, and
his remains were interred in Multnomah cemetery.
     Jasper J. Johnson acquired his early education in the schools of Portland
and afterward attended the Oregon Agricultural College. Determining upon the
practice of law as a life work, he began studying with the firm of Johnson &
Idleman, and after a thorough course of preparatory reading was admitted to the
bar on the 10th of June, 1890. He has since engaged in practice in Portland and
has made steady progress in a profession where advancement depends entirely upon
individual merit. He is regarded as a wise and safe counselor as well as an able
advocate, and is thoroughly versed in the various departments of jurisprudence,
making a specialty of probate and real-estate law, and has an extensive equity
practice. He stands as an able representative of the calling to which life,
property, right and liberty must look for protection, and while his devotion to
his clients' interests is proverbial he never forgets that he owes a still
higher allegiance to the majesty of the law.
     Mr. Johnson's military record covers service as a member of Company K of
the Oregon National Guard. In his political views he is an earnest republican,
giving allegiance to the party and its principles. He has never been in sympathy
with the idea that party should serve the interests of the few but has always
believed that it should promote the greatest good for the greatest number
Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and with the Odd Fellows and in the
latter organization has filled all of the chairs. He is also a prominent member
of the Foresters and was formerly state lecturer of the Grange. His connection
with the Grange has undoubtedly been of a more important character than that of
any other man connected with the organization, his labors in its behalf being at
all times practical, far-reaching and beneficial. He systematized and directed
the educational features of the organization to such a degree that they received
the highest commendation from the National Grange. He declined to fill the
office for a second term and on his retirement from the position was presented
with a fine watch and charm as the token of high esteem in which he was held.
He was the president and organizer of the first county fair held in Multnomah
county in 1907. This was a pronounced success, both in attendance and exhibits,
and the fairs have since been conducted with great success each year. While not
a member of any religious organization, he is a trustee of the Methodist church.
     Mr. Johnson was married in October, 1886, to Miss Minnie E. Tyler, a
daughter of Captain Tyler. She died on the 8th of February, 1901, leaving three
children, namely: Harriet M., a musician of superior ability, now acting as
soloist in the Trinity Episcopal church; Alice M. and Clifton W. On the 31st of
December, 1903, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Ella Crawford, a
daughter of Judge W. M. Crawford, of Clay county, Nebraska, and to them has been
bom a daughter, Gladys L. Mrs. Johnson is an active member of the Eastern Star,
the Rebekahs and the Methodist church.
     It is probable that no other man in Oregon has a more extensive
acquaintance over this state than Jasper J. Johnson, certainly none are held in
higher esteem. This is not due to any political prominence, but because of his
admirable personal characteristics and engaging social qualities, together with
the important work which he has done for the public service in connection with
the Grange and other associations.
 

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in June 2008 by Diana Smith. Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.