Shawnee-Wyandotte-Johnson County KS Archives Biographies.....Johnson, Alexander Soule 1832 - 1904
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Author: James L. King (1905)

COL. ALEXANDER SOULE JOHNSON.

    COL. ALEXANDER SOULE JOHNSON, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page,
was born in that part of the Indian Territory which is now Wyandotte County,
Kansas, on July 11, 1832, and died at Dallas, Texas, December 9, 1904. He was
born in Topeka, in the State whose first white child he was and where he lived
72 eventful and useful years. In his funeral sermon Dr. Evans said: "A great and
good man has passed away. He was a pioneer. He was one of the prophesies come
true of her destiny. He was her first son. It is unnecessary to review the life
of Colonel Johnson with a desire to magnify his name. But to impress upon those
who hear this his manly characteristics, his unimpeachable honesty, his spirit
of fairness and justice, we will go back over the span of his life and tell its
history from his deeds."

    The story of his life runs parallel with that of his loved State and little
in connection with its settlement, growth, progress and prosperity can be
mentioned without reference to him and to his influence. "He was born brave,"
one who knew him said, which was a necessary birthright in a country overrun by
savages. His parents were Rev. Thomas and Sarah (Tittle) Johnson. All the
immediate family of Sarah Tittle, living in a border settlement of Kentucky less
than a hundred years ago, were massacred by Indians under their famous chieftain
Tecumseh, she alone escaping. It was a strange fate that later sent her, wife of
the Virginia Methodist preacher, a missionary with him to the Shawnee tribe that
had bereft her of kindred. With Christian fortitude and courage they lived and
labored among this people. In 1837 the Shawnee Methodist Mission was moved to
what is now Johnson County, Kansas, named in honor of Rev. Thomas Johnson. Under
his supervision the Shawnee Manual Labor School was established, where the
Indians were taught helpful and practical knowledge and, by precept and example,
the ways of peace. He conducted this school more than a quarter of a century and
here his son Alexander studied much besides books during his earlier years,
later entering Central College at Lafayette, Missouri, and completing its course.

    In 1851 Alexander S. Johnson became partner in the firm of J. Riddelsberger,
Westport (now Kansas City), Missouri, then the foremost forwarding and
commission house in that section of the West. His business success was notable
but a fortunate circumstance turned him from a counting room career. When the
Territory of Kansas was organized, he and his father were elected members of the
Territorial Council, which body chose Rev. Thomas Johnson its first presiding
officer. In 1886 Colonel Johnson was elected to the State Legislature from
Johnson County. These were the only offices held by him under the State,
inclination leading him in other directions. He was superintendent of Shawnee
Mission from 1858 to 1862 when it was abandoned, later becoming the home of the
family by grant from the United States government to the estate of Rev. Thomas
Johnson.

    When Civil War was declared, both father and son espoused- the Union cause
which resulted in death of the former, he being killed on New Years Day, 1865,
while defending his home from Rebel Raiders. The latter organized a company of
volunteers which became part of the 13th Kansas Militia, of which he was
appointed lieutenant-colonel, and served his country with great bravery and
distinction.

    In early manhood young Johnson studied surveying and as United States deputy
surveyor surveyed the Indian lands of Johnson County. Knowledge and experience
thus gained proved stepping stones to his appointment in 1866 as land
commissioner to the Fort Scott & Gulf road; in 1870 surveyor and appraiser of
the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe land grant, and subsequently its land and tax
commissioner, which positions he held until his resignation in 1870. During
these years with the Santa Fe, its three million acres were opened for
settlement and sold under the management of Colonel Johnson. As means to an end,
he conceived and perfected the road's display at the Centennial Exposition,
repeating the object lesson at the Atlanta Exposition. The land department
became famous the world over, its lieutenants everywhere telling of "homes for
millions" upon the fertile soil of Kansas. Ere long the "Great American Desert"
became a tale of the past. An army of peaceful invaders turned the soil, sowed
and planted and lo! what had been a desolate waste was converted into teeming
fields, attractive homesteads and prosperous communities. The successful issue
was due to Colonel Johnson's great business and executive ability, backed by his
"unimpeachable honesty, his spirit of fairness and justice." To his credit and
that of his assistants be it said that throughout their handling of the land
grant not one lawsuit resulted. When the stupendous task was accomplished and
the intimate relationship of 20 years was sundered, his "boys" paid tribute to
their chief in service of silver and words of gold. The speaker said: "During
all these years of our association with you in this work, which we have seen
crowned with triumphant success, we have perhaps succeeded in bringing to view
almost every phase of your character and I speak for all when I say it never has
been unfolded to your reproach. If we looked for business industry, we found you
at your desk. If we looked for friendship, we found kind counsel. If we looked
for truth, we found you scorned falsehood and misrepresentation. If we looked
for charity, we found you considerate of other industries. If we looked for
honor, we found you unmoved by every bribe of interest. If we looked for
constancy of friends, we found you defending your 'boys.' If we looked for the
broadest manhood, we found in you a Christian gentleman." Thus spoke those who
had known Colonel Johnson day by day through many trying years and their words
of commendation and affection voiced so long ago are a fitting memorial now to
him who is no more.

    Colonel Johnson moved to Topeka in 1870 and immediately became identified
with the Methodist Church and active in all interests pertaining to the city's
welfare. He was one of those instrumental in establishing Topeka's water service
and Edison electric plant, serving on each board of control. For 18 years he was
vice-president of the Central National Bank and one of its directors. He was
president of the Topeka Club from its organization and a member of the State
Historical Society and of the Old Settlers' Association. He was a Knight Templar
from early manhood. Unassuming to a degree, he never sought personal
aggrandizement; instead he forgot self in remembering others. He was a rarely
attractive and lovable man, his sweet and gentle nature suggesting one familiar
only with the amenities and refinements of a retired and peaceful life, not a
son of the border, born among Indians and reared amid scenes of strife.

    In 1852 Alexander S. Johnson married Prudence C. Funk, of Maryland. Four
children were born to them, of whom but one is living-—Mrs. Charles E. Fargo, of
Dallas, Texas. In 1887 he married Zippie A. Scott, of Manchester, New Hampshire,
who survives him.

    Colonel Johnson was especially a domestic man, an ideal host and his
beautiful home in Topeka was an appropriate setting for the genial, courtly
gentleman whom to know was to love loyally. In his passing Kansas lost her
oldest and one of her most distinguished sons.



Additional Comments:
Extracted from:

HISTORY OF SHAWNEE COUNTY, KANSAS
AND
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

EDITED AND COMPILED BY
JAMES L. KING
TOPEKA, KANSAS 

"History is Philosophy Teaching by Examples"

PUBLISHED BY
RICHMOND & ARNOLD,
GEORGE RICHMOND; C. R. ARNOLD.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS,
1905.

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