Joseph E. Johnson. While he is still a young man, the career of Joseph E. Johnson has been one filled with successful participation in a number of ventures, and in its range and activities has invaded the fields of both commerce and finance. In the former direction he is at the head of a grain and lumber business that is recognized as one of the necessary commercial adjuncts of Broadlands, and in the latter capacity he is cashier of the Bank of Broadlands and a man of much financial knowledge and ability. Likewise, Mr. Johnson is a citizen who has spent his entire life at Broadlands, is well acquainted with its needs in a civic way, and has always been eager to further its interests.
Joseph E. Johnson was born at Broadlands, Champaign County, Illinois, September 11, 1881, and is a son of Charles J. and Barbara (Mack) Johnson, the former a native of Sweden and the latter of Bohemia. Charles J. Johnson was about at his majority when he immigrated to the United States in 1877, and his first location was on a farm in Ayers Township, Champaign County. During the remaining active years of his career he continued to follow agricultural pursuits with much success, but recently has retired and he and Mrs. Johnson are living at Broadlands, in the enjoyment of all the comforts and conveniences which may be won through industry and right living. They are the parents of three children: Anna, the wife of Ira Laverick, who is engaged in farming in Ayers Township; Joseph E., of this notice; and William H., who is engaged in farming in Douglas county.
After attending the public schools of the vicinity of his home Joseph E. Johnson further prepared himself by taking a course at Brown’s Business College at Champaign. While a youth he had thoroughly learned the business of farming through assisting his father during the summer months, and when his commercial course was completed he returned to the homestead, where he sp.ent five years at the vocation of agriculturist. He then decided to put his business training to some use, and, coming to Broadlands, entered the Bank of Broadlands as bookkeeper. He retained this position for three years, when, because of his general ability, fidelity and industry, on January 1, 1917, he was given the post of cashier and still retains this office. In the meantime, during the time he was acting as bookkeeper, he had entered commercial affairs on his own account, having founded a lumber, coal and grain business, which he built up to large proportions. After assuming the duties of cashier Mr. Johnson found that his responsibilities were too heavy and he was compelled to drop the coal business, although he still handles lumber and grain in large quantities. He is one of his community’s sound and substantial business men, and his personal probity of character has done much to increase the business of the bank with which he is connected. He is a Republican, but not a politician or office seeker, is fraternally identified with the Masons, and his religious connection is with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Johnson was married February 10, 1904, to Miss Lulu D. Morris, and to this union there has come one son, Charles Morris, born October 2, 1909, and now attending the public schools.