Wallace Frank Johnson (1891 - 1968)

Born 6 Jul 1891 in Rockford, Wright County, Minnesota

Ancestors

Husband of Elizabeth May (Bretnor) Johnson — married 28 Oct 1916 in Rockford, Minnesota

Descendants

Died 15 Jul 1968 at age 77 in Monrovia, Los Angeles, California

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Louie Johnson [send private message]

Biography

Wallace Frank Johnson was born July 6, 1891 at Rockford, Minnesota, second son of Frank Henry Johnson and Julie Elvira Whittemore.

In 1912 he received a Bachelor of Science in loans and banking from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota and worked at the family's general merchandise store and State Bank of Rockford, which was started by his father.

In 1914 he served as assistant cashier at the Bank of Rockford.

In 1916 he married Elizabeth May Bretnor of Minneapolis.

In 1916 and 1917 he was the bank's cashier.

In June of 1917 or 1918 he registered for the World War I draft, indicating he was married.

Sometime around 1919 he and his wife, Elizabeth May, moved to Canada where he worked as a financial agent, mortgaging farms for dryland farming. See Lethbridge Herald news article below.

http://www.telusplanet.net/public/mtoll/allredm.htm

In 1920 Milford Allred rented a 1200 acre farm in Spring Coulee, Alberta, which was owned by Wallace.

He and Elizabeth May had two sons, Harold L. Johnson, and Robert W. Johnson. The Carleton College Alumni Bulletin, published in 1921, shows Wallace's address as 626 14th St. S, Lethbridge, Alberta, which is the same address shown as his last permanent address when he returned to the U.S. in 1946.

In 1930 he crossed the border with Elizabeth May and their two sons into the U.S. at Babb, Montana, presumably to visit family.

On January 15, 1931 Wallace, his wife and two sons, received first day postal covers which commemorated the inauguration of airmail service within Alberta, Canada.

Grateful acknowledgement is due Andrew Chernevych of The Galt Museum in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada for making these images available for use in the family tree. His kind assistance is very much appreciated.

Photo Images of First Day Covers

In July of 1934 the family crossed the border at Eastport, Idaho while on a 30 day visit to Spokane, Washington.

full text of article published in Lethbridge Herald, Lethbridge, Alberta:

Wednesday, September 11, 1946

Likes Dry Land Farming

WALLACE JOHNSON TO LIVE IN UNITED STATES

“Alberta is the only place I know of where a person can go into debt for the full value of a dryland farm and still have the chance of making good.” With that firm conviction, acquired through nearly four decades of dryland framing, and financing dryland farming, in southern Alberta, Wallace F. Johnson is preparing to leave this city with his wife shortly to live in retirement in the Los Angeles area. He has sold his once extensive farming interests as well as his city home and plans to leave Lethbridge in November. At one time he had 15,000 acres of dryland farms in the Spring Coulee, Raley and Warner districts under his management. While he is “completely and absolutely satisfied with southern Alberta” and predicts “a great future for Lethbridge if it continues to go ahead in a sane, conservative manner,” Mr. Johnson feels he and his wife must leave this area in search of a more moderate climate. Vacationed On Farm Born in Rockford, Minn. On July 6, 1891, Mr. Johnson first became associated with southern Alberta while he was attending university at Northfield, Minn. His family owned farms in the Spring Coulee, Raley and Warner districts and until he graduated from university in 1912, Mr. Johnson spent his annual vacations working on the farms. On leaving university Mr. Johnson became foreman of the farms, operating them with 90 horses and one of the early-day Hart Parr tractors. At the end of 1913 he returned to Rockford to become manager of the State Bank there until 1919.

During his years as a bank manager Mr. Johnson was elected village clerk, treasurer and to several terms on the municipal council. He was also preisdent of the Red Cross and a number of war organizations, besides being a master of the Masonic lodge. In 1916 he married Miss Elizabeth Bretnor of Minneapolis. Farm Investments The couple moved to Lethbridge in 1919 and from this city Mr. Johnson handled investments and supervised the renting of the family farms in the Spring Coulee area, bringing the acreage under his managership to 15,000 acres. Mr. Johnson explains that during the past two years he sold out all his farming interests to “good advantage.” He still has mortgage loans in southern Alberta and expects to return annually for the summer and fall to attend to these. Because of the provincial government's debt legislation, he states he has not been making any new loans in recent years but has been making heavy investments in Dominion of Canada bonds. Mr. Johnson was one of the largest individual investors in Lethbridge during the Victory Loan campaigns. Mr. Johnson was treasurer of Knox Presbyterian church for several terms and for two terms served as chairman of the board of managers. He was a Rotarian for several years, serving on the board of directors and as secretary of that service club. He was also active in the “Y” businessmen's club and in athletics captured trophies in badminton, tennis, curling and golf competitions. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have two children: Harold, who is employed as a construction engineer in El Monte, Calif.; andRobert W., who is employed by a local automotive supply firm and plans to continue living in Lethbridge. The Johnson home, located at 626 14th Street South, has been sold to Joe Luchanski, local hotel operator.

In 1946 he crossed the border at Eastport, Idaho, stating his closest living relative was son, Robert W. Johnson, whose address was 620 7th Avenue South in Lethbridge, Alberta, and that his intended destination was the home of his son, Harold L. Johnson at 848 Halinor Avenue, Baldwin Park, California. His stated intent was to take up permanent residence there.

Wallace died at Monrovia, Los Angeles County, California. Two conflicting death dates were discovered: both show same name and same date of birth; California Death Index shows date of death = July 29, 1968, and Social Security Death Index shows date of death = July 15, 1968.

Sources

"United States Census, 1900," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M9QC-ZP9 : accessed 23 Jun 2013), Wallace F Johnson in entry for Frank Johnson, 1900.

"Minnesota, State Census, 1905," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/SPQ2-T9H : accessed 25 Jul 2013), Walace F Johnson, 1905.

"United States Census, 1910," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M2PB-QBD : accessed 25 Jul 2013), Wallace F Johnson in entry for Frank Johnson, 1910.

World War I draft registration: "United States, World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/K8W9-SBL : accessed 22 Jun 2013), Wallace Frank Johnson, 1917-1918.

http://www.telusplanet.net/public/mtoll/allredm.htm

Carleton College Alumni Directory, December, 1921, p.41 http://books.google.com/books/about/Alumni_directory.html?id=z5pPAAAAYAAJ

"Idaho, Eastport, Arrival Manifests, 1924-1956", index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KF6Z-64Z : accessed 31 Mar 2014), Wallace Johnson, 1928.

"United States, Border Crossings from Canada to United States, 1895-1956," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XLNJ-8TT : accessed 22 Jun 2013), Wallace F Johnson, 1930.

First Day Covers: airmail: Calgary and Medicine Hat to Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada: http://www.galtmuseum.com/permalinkA/63842/

"Idaho, Eastport, Arrival Manifests, 1924-1956", index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KF6Z-64C : accessed 31 Mar 2014), Wallace Johnson, 1934.

The National Archives at Washington, D.C.; Washington, D.C.; Manifests of Alien Arrivals at Sweet Grass, Montana, August 1917-June 1954; National Archives Microfilm Publication: A3440; Roll: 9; Record Group Title: Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service; Record Group Number: 85

Lethbridge Herald, September 11, 1946 (Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada)

"Idaho, Eastport, Arrival Manifests, 1924-1956," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KF6Z-648 : accessed 22 Jun 2013), Wallace Frank Johnson, 1946.

"United States Social Security Death Index," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V3LH-Q3L : accessed 23 Jun 2013), Wallace F Johnson, 15 July 1968.

Notes

Wallace F Johnson in household of Frank Johnson, "United States Census, 1900"

Name: Wallace F Johnson

Titles and Terms:

Event Type: Census

Event Date: 1900

Event Place: ED 236 Rockford Township Rockford village, Wright, Minnesota, United States

Birth Date: Jul 1891

Birthplace: Minnesota

Relationship to Head of Household: Son

Father's Birthplace: Minnesota

Mother's Birthplace: Minnesota

Race: White

Gender: Male

Marital Status: Single

Years Married:

Marriage Year (Estimated):

Mother of how many children:

Number of Living Children:

Immigration Year:

Household Gender Age Birthplace

Head Frank Johnson M 43 Minnesota

Wife Julie E Johnson F 40 Minnesota

Son Edward W Johnson M 15 Minnesota

Son Wallace F Johnson M 9 Minnesota

Brother Chester M Johnson M 41 Minnesota

Boarder Frank T Pieper M 24 Iowa

Walace F Johnson, "Minnesota, State Census, 1905"

Name: Walace F Johnson

Event Type: Census

Event Date: 1905

Event Place: Rockford, Rockford township, Wright, Minnesota

Gender: Male

Age: 13

Race: White

Birthplace: Minnesota

Birth Year (Estimated): 1892

Father's Birthplace: Minnesota

Mother's Birthplace: Massachusetts

Wallace F Johnson in household of Frank Johnson, "United States Census, 1910"

Name: Wallace F Johnson

Event Place: Rockford, Wright, Minnesota

Gender: Male

Marital Status: Single

Race: White

Relationship to Head of Household: Son

Immigration Year:

Birthplace: Minnesota

Father's Birthplace: Minnesota

Mother's Birthplace: Minnesota

Household Gender Age Birthplace

SELF Frank Johnson M 52y Minnesota

WIFE Julie Johnson F 49y Minnesota

SON Wallace F Johnson M 18y Minnesota

BRO Chester M Johnson M 50y Minnesota

Wilson R Case M 22y Minnesota

Carleton College (Northfield, Minnestoa) Alumni Directory (published December, 1921):

class of 1912, B.S. Loans and Banking;

also shows Wallace's address as 626 14th St. S, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, which is the last permanent address shown on 1946 border crossing at Eastport, Idaho when he was traveling to his son's home in Los Angeles.

June, 1917 (or 1918) World War I draft registration:

25 years old, married; managing officer in State Bank of Rockford, Rockford, Minnesota

claimed exemption due to his job responsibilities as bank manager, as well as a double hernia.

Wallace Frank Johnson, "United States, World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918"

Name: Wallace Frank Johnson

Event Type: Draft Registration

Event Date: 1917-1918

Event Place: Wright County, Minnesota, United States

Gender: Male

Birth Date: 06 Jul 1891

Birthplace: Rockford, Minnesota, United States

Nationality: United States

Affiliate Publication Title: World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards

May 25, 1928: Wallace Johnson, "Idaho, Eastport, Arrival Manifests, 1924-1956"

Name: Wallace Johnson

Event Type: Immigration

Event Date: 1928

Event Place: Eastport, Idaho, United States

Gender: Male

Age: 32

Birthplace: U S A

Birth Year (Estimated): 1896

Affiliate Publication Title: Manifests of Alien Arrivals at Eastport, Idaho, 1924-1956

(photo image shows nearest relative: wife Elizabeth May in Lethbridge, Alberta; traveling for three week visit with father, F.H. Johnson, at 215 - Lennox? Lenore? Lennon? - Street, Riverside, California)

July 1, 1930: Babb, Montana Arrival Manifest:

Name: Wallace F Johnson

Arrival Date: 01 Jul 1930

Arrival Port: Babb, Montana,

Age: 39

Birth Year (Estimated): 1891

Birth Date:

Birthplace: , Rockford Minn

Birth Country:

Gender: Male

Race: Scotch

Last Place of Residence:

Accompanied by Name: Wife Elizabeth M; Son Harold; Son Robt

Departure Date:

Departure Port:

Departure Contact Name: Friend Dr. M L Gibson

Arrival Contact Name: Father F H Johnson

Ship Name:

Airline:

Photograph Included: N

Affiliate Publication Title: Manifests of Alien and Citizen Arrivals at Babb, Montana, June 1928-October, 1956

1933 border crossing at Sweetgrass, Montana:

Name: Wallace Johnson

Birth Date: abt 1889

Birth Place: Rockford, Minnesota

Age: 44

Gender: Male

Race/Nationality: English

Arrival Date: 21 Jun 1933

Port of Arrival: Sweet Grass, Montana, USA

Accompanied by: Wife Elizabeth M, Son Harold Robert

Record has photo?: No

Record Type: Cards

(photo image shows Wallace visited parents Frank & Julie at 3425 Romana Drive, Riverside, California)

June 26, 1937: Sweetgrass, Montana arrival manifest:

Wallace with wife, Elizabeth May, and son, Robert W,

and Christopher S. Donaldson and wife, Katherine Donaldson

occupation: financial agent

home address: 626 14th Street, Lethbridge, Alberta

nearest relative: son Robert W., 636 14th St., Lethbridge, Alberta

Destination: Yellowstone Park and transit to Vancouver, British Columbia

Physical description: 5'-9" tall, medium-light complexion, brown hair, brown eyes

arrived by auto

lived in U.S. until 1919.

from The Galt Museum website:

Commemorative Covers of the Canada Air Mail First Official Flights in Southern Alberta. - 15 January 1931.

Physical Description 7 items

Physical Condition Very Good

Language English

Acquisition Source Lethbridge Historical Society P.O. Box 974 Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4A2

Scope & Content Three of the covers are postmarked Calgary, and addressed to Mr. Harold Johnson, Mrs. Wallace Johnson and Mr. Robert Johnson, all at 626 14 Street South in Lethbridge. One of the covers is postmarked Lethbridge and addressed to Mr. Wallace Frank Johnson. The remaining three covers are postmarked Medicine Hat, and addressed to Mr. Harold Johnson, Mr. Wallace F. Johnson and Mr. Robert Johnson, all at 626 14 Street South in Lethbridge.

Notes The cover postmarked Lethbridge is addressed to Mr. Wallace Frank Johnson of 626 14 Street South in Lethbridge. It went to Medicine Hat by air, but was subsequently returned to Lethbridge.

Access Restriction Public Access

Photo Images of First Day Covers

July 22, 1934: Wallace Johnson, "Idaho, Eastport, Arrival Manifests, 1924-1956"

Name: Wallace Johnson

Event Type: Immigration

Event Date: 1934

Event Place: Eastport, Idaho, United States

Gender: Male

Age: 48

Birthplace: Minn

Birth Year (Estimated): 1886

Affiliate Publication Title: Manifests of Alien Arrivals at Eastport, Idaho, 1924-1956

(photo image shows Wallace traveling with wife Elizabeth and Harold, 16, and Robert, 12; purpose: 30 day visit to Spokane, Washington; date: July 22, 1934)

October 19, 1946: entered U.S. at Eastport, Idaho,traveling to son, Harold L. Johnson, 848 Halinor Avenue, Baldwin Park, California, where he would reside permanently

last permanent address: 626 - 14 St. S, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada;

son Robert W. Johnson lived at 620 - 7 Av. S, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.

traveling with wife, Elizabeth May.

occupation: financial agent

age: 55, 5'-8" tall; had $300 in his possession;

gray hair (thinning), brown eyes, and glasses.

California Death Index 1940 - 1997:

Name: Wallace F Johnson

Event: Death

Event Date: 29 Jul 1968

Event Place: Los Angeles, California, United States

Birth Date: 06 Jul 1891

Birthplace: Minnesota

Gender: Male

Father:

Mother: Whittemore

Wallace F Johnson, "United States Social Security Death Index"

Given Name: Wallace

Middle Name: F

Surname: Johnson

Name Suffix:

Birth Date: 6 July 1891

Social Security Number: 549-66-8495

State: California

Last Place of Residence: Monrovia, Los Angeles, California

Previous Residence Postal Code: 91016

Event Date: 15 July 1968

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Louie Johnson for creating WikiTree profile Johnson-18759 through the import of Louie Johnson Tree (5-13-2013).GED on May 13, 2013. Click to the Changes page for the details of edits by Louie and others.