Biography - JOHN F. JOHNSEN

An attractive farm of one hundred and five acres in Staunton township pays tribute to the agricultural skill and capable supervision of John F. Johnsen. A native of this state his birth occurred in Alton on the 27th of February, 1858, his parents being Frederick and Edje Johnsen. The father was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1818, and there he spent the first thirty years of his life. Deciding that better opportunities must be afforded in a virgin country unhampered by class distinctions, he determined in 1848 to seek a new home in the United States. He took passage at Bremen, landing in New York and immediately thereafter made his way inland to Illinois. Upon his arrival in this state he first located at Alton where he remained for six years and then returned to Germany, where he was married. Upon his return to this country with his bride he settled in Madison county, where he remained until 1865. In the latter year he removed to Macoupin county, locating on some land on section 23, Staunton township, and there he lived until his death in 1886. The mother, whose birth occurred in 1827, is still living and now makes her home with her daughter in Edwardsville, Illinois. She is a member of the Lutheran church, with which the father was also affiliated, while his political support was given to the democratic party. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnsen were born six children: Harriet Elizabeth, the widow of Henry Sleeter, of Edwardsville; Frances, the wife of George Herring, of St. Louis, Missouri; John F., our subject; and Benjamin, John and Anna, all of whom are deceased.

John F. Johnsen was educated in the parochial and common schools of Macoupin county, remaining at home on the farm with his parents until the death of his father. He has always devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits and now owns some of the finest land in the county. Progressive and intelligent in his methods he gives his fields the capable supervision that assures abundant harvests. The improvements upon his land are substantial and carefully kept up, everything about his place suggesting the thrift and diligent regard for details that characterize success. The attractive appearance of his homestead is much enhanced by the fact of his fields lying perfectly level, and his land is considered to be the best laying in the county.

On the 26th of February, 1882, Mr. Johnsen was united in marriage to Miss Katie Herring, who was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, on Christmas day, 1860. She is a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Engleter) Herring; the father was a skilled mechanic and the manager of a cloth factory in Germany. They emigrated to the United States in 1881, locating in Staunton township, where they both passed away. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Johnsen were twelve children: Louisa, the wife of Fred Harnkamp, residing near Staunton; George and John, both of whom are at home; William, who is deceased; Clara, the wife of George Lovejoy, of Staunton; Emma, who is at home; Andrew and Harmon, both deceased; and Ernest, Alvin, Henry and Amanda, all of whom are living at home.

All the children were confirmed in the Lutheran church, in which the parents hold membership, and Mr. Johnsen votes for the democratic party. At the present time he is serving in the capacity of road commissioner and he has been school trustee. His life has been one of well applied and intelligently directed energy, his efforts having met with a goodly degree of success.

Extracted 17 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 588-589.