OLOF JOHNSON

Johnson was born in the parish of Soderala and Rosenwall, department of Gefle, Sweden, Jan. 30, 1S2o. He was the son of ohn and Martha Johnson. He came to America with a company, under the .leadership of Eric Jansen, and assisted in the establishment of Bishop Hill Colony, Henry Co. Ill. in 1853. He was one of seven Trustees and business manager and financier.

In 1861 he removed with his family to Galva, which he named " Gefle," after his native place in Sweden; but it was never properly pronounced in English, and finally the orthography was changed to Galva. Here he engaged in farming, real estate and grain dealing. He was a liberal, charitable and public spirited man. During the war he contributed liberally of his ample means to support the soldiers, and visited in the field a company raised at Bishop Hill with supplies. He returned to Sweden in 1849, and raised over $6,000 for Bishop Hill Colony.

He was a man of great executive ability and business energy, and highly respected by citizens of his adopted country as well as his own countrymen. He was married Nov. 3, 1843, to Christine Johnson. Their first three children died in infancy; three daughters living : Oliva, Christine, and Lillie Valnora. After a life of marked usefulness and integrity, he died July 18, 1870.

From: Swedes in Illinois

Submitted by Wini Caudell

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Illinois Ancestors