JOHNSON-William H. - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

William H. JOHNSON is associated with the leading manufacturers of Fountain County as the proprietor of the large shovel handle factory at Veedersburgh (sic). He is a veteran of the late war, although he was but a boy when he volunteered in theservice of his country and won an honorable military record while bravely helping to fight its battles. Our subject is of New England birth, born in the town of St. Albans, Me, sept 22, 1846. His father, Holman Johnson was born in the state of NY but when a small boy his parents removed to Maine. When he was 21 years of age his father returned to NY and later took up his residence in theWest, wher ehe died. Holman Johnson remained in Maine and was there married to a Miss Priest who died when quite young. He married for his second wife Sarah, daughter of Hiram Goodwin of St. Albans, Me. When he was a young man Mr. Johnson learned the trade of a shovel handle maker and he engaged at that all his life, becoming a very successful manufacturer and at one time he owned all the patnents on the machiner for the manufacture of shovel handles. For 15 to 20 years before his death he made nearly all the shovel handles that were made in the US the handle of the Ames Shovel being of his manufacuter. He was a very able business man, whose name stood high in financial circles for hnorable dealings, and he bore an unblemished character through life. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church was liberal in his contributions to help carry it on, and all good objects found in him cordial and material encouragement. When our subject was 10, his father removed to Vermont with his family but after a two years stay in that state, he returned to Maine where William was given the advantage of a liberal education in thewell-known Kent's Hill Academy. His father was located at Wayne in Kennebeck Co after his return fromt he Green Mountain State and there our subject learned every detail in themanufacture of shovel handles in his father's large establishment at that place and after his marriage he took charges of his father's work at Industry to which he fell heir on the death of his father, besides inheriting other valuable property. He continued to operate the mill at that point for sevearl years, but in the spring of 1891 left his old home in Maine, to locate a plant for the manufacture of shovel handles at Veedersburgh, this being a desirable situation not only as a commercial center but on account of the abundance of white ash timber, which is the best material for shovel handles. Mr. Johnson employs 22 workmen and has a well-fitted-up establishment, provided wit the best machinery and all the appliances for making shovel handles, of which he produces a superior article, as he has a thorough knowledge of the business. Our subject has invented several very useful pantents, one in particular for the bending and shaping of shovel handles, which is used exclusively by the Ames Shovel Manufactory. When the war broke out, out subject watched its progress with keen anxiety and determined that he would enter the army as soon as he could obtain permission and on the 10th of September 1862 when he was not yet 16 he had the proud pleasure of seeing his name enrolled as a member of Co G, 24th Maine Infantry. He went to the front and did his share of fighting, and showed himself to be a valiant and efficient soldier who had his country's interests at heart. He bore a part in thesiege of Port Hudson and in sevearl noted battles. Aug 25, 1863 the youthful soldier was honorable discharged at the close of his term of enlistment. His career since the war has been marked by good citizenship and an active public spirit, which will be very beneficial in promoting the welfare of his adopted town as he is an encourager of all plans for public improvement and is generous in the use of his wealth to help along all good causes. Mr. Johnson was married at Wayne in his native state to Miss Kate, daughter of William Folsom, a carriage manufacturer of that town. They have established themselves in one of the attractive homes of Veedersburgh and 3 children complete their pleasant household circle: Winifred, Alfred and Mildred.