Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 951 - 952

STILMAN E. JOHNSON, capitalist, is one of the wealthy and influential citizens of Sedgwick County. He came to the city of Wichita on the 20th of November, 1885, and has since made his home here, and is contributing materially by his enterprise and energy to the advancement of the city. He deals largely in real estate, and owns a good deal of land in various parts of Kansas. He was born in Steuben County, Ind., April 2, 1849. His father, James H. Johnson, was born in New York State, Feb. 24, 1813. His father was Harvey Johnson, also a native of New York, where he was engaged in the boot and shoe trade.

             The father of our subject grew to manhood in his native State, and there married, May 30, 1839, Miss Louisa Yeager, daughter of Henry A. Yeager. She was born in the State of New York, Sept. 2, 1820. After marriage they moved to Steuben County, Ind., and as pioneers began the rough battle of life in a newly settled country, living in a log cabin in the woods, and bravely and cheerfully enduring the trials and hardships incidental to a life in the forests far from the busy haunts of men. There they built up a pleasant, comfortable home for themselves and the children that were born to them. They had but $200 to start with, but by wise economy and untiring industry that small sum was increased many fold, and they accumulated property worth $25,000. They were thus enabled to surround themselves with every comfort, and to give their children superior educations. In their prosperity they did not grow forgetful of the needs of others, and by their many acts of neighborly kindness made for themselves a warm place in the hearts of those about them. They were earnest and sincere Christians, and faithful members of the Baptist Church, and by their untiring efforts a society of that denomination was established in the town where they resided, a house of worship was built, in part by their liberal contributions, and they also gave largely to its maintenance. Mrs. Johnson died May 13, 1877, and Mr. Johnson on the 17th of March, 1878. Seven children had been born to them, namely: Catherine, Martha C. and Alabama E. are all deceased; Stilman E.; Julia R., deceased; Medoria A., now Mrs. Dye, and Louisa, now Mrs. Orton; the two latter live in Nebraska.

             The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in the place of his birth. He acquired a substantial, practical education in the district and High School of Orland, which well fitted him for his subsequent career as a man of business. After he completed his school life he assisted his father in the management of the farm. While living at home his marriage with Miss Elmeda Heath took place, Dec. 15, 1871. She was born in Allen County, Ind., April 12, 1854, and was the second in a family of three children born to Calvin and Ellen (Troutner) Heath, natives of the State of New York and residents of Allen County, Ind. The names of their remaining children are James M. and Clara E. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born two children--Harvey C. and Wardie E.

             In 1873 Mr. Johnson bought the old homestead of his father, and engaged in agricultural pursuits for the succeeding twelve years. He then came to Wichita, as above stated, and purchased 160 acres of land northeast of the city, having decided to make his home in Kansas, and take advantage of the many fine opportunities offered by this great and growing State to an enterprising capitalist. He afterward purchased a home at No. 938 South Topeka avenue, into which he removed with his family. At the end of five months he sold that property, and bought in 1887 his present place of residence. He has built two houses, and has bought quite a number of others in the city, which he rents. He has invested largely in realty throughout the State. He rents his fine farm of 240 acres east of the city; he also owns other land in that direction. His investments have proved very profitable, and he has generously contributed from his means to the various enterprises of the city and county.

             Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are genial, cultured people, and occupy a high social position in the community. Mr. Johnson seems to have inherited a large share of the integrity of his parents, and has secured the confidence of all with whom be has had dealings throughout the State. In politics he is a loyal and faithful Republican.

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