Family of Charles Lewis Johnson & Rosena Smith
Charles Lewis Johnson was born 8 June 1836 in New Orleans, Louisiana and died 26 May 1910 at 6100 Howard Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. Burial was 27 May 1910 in Lafayette Cemetery #1, Johnson Family Tomb [Link to Photo]
Wife Rosena Smith was born 26 May 1838 in Brampton, Derbyshire, England (baptism was 15 June 1838 at Chesterfield) and died 23 May 1922 at 9 LaSalle Place, New Orleans, Louisiana. Burial was 24 May 1922 in Lafayette Cemetery #1, Johnson Family Tomb. They were married 19 August 1857 at the Rampart Street residence of the rector of Christchurch Cathedral, New Orleans, Louisiana. [Link to Photo]
Their children were:
1- Shirley B. Johnson b: 26 July 1858 in New Orleans, Louisiana; d: 7 July 1931 in New Orleans, Louisiana; burial: Lafayette Cemetery #1, Stearns Family Tomb
+Henry Daniel Stearns b: 6 June 1852 in Minnesota; m: 30 January 1877 in New Orleans, Louisiana; d: 12 June 1919 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi; burial: 13 June 1919 Lafayette Cemetery #1, Stearns Family Tomb
Notes for Shirley B. Johnson:
- 15 June 1880 New Orleans, 85 Erato St.: Shirley 22 clerk in store, with husband Henry Stearns 28 clerk, living with her parents.
- 1890 city directory: Henry D. Stearns, Johnson Iron Works, Ltd - secretary and treasurer, res: 85 Erato
- 1891 city directory: Henry D. Stearns, The Johnson Iron Works, Ltd - secretary and treasurer, res. 174 Terpsichore
- 1900 New Orleans, 1615 Prytania (ED 5, p. 9A): Henry D. Stearns 47 (Jun 1852; MN) machinery dealer, wife of 23 years Shirley J. 41 (Jul 1858) [2 of 3 children still living], Ellis J. 17 (Jul 1882), Shirley 11 (Oct 1888); sister Laura S. 50 (Apr 1850; MN).
- 1910 New Orleans, 1417 Dufossat Street (ED 215, W13, p. 1A): Henry Sterns 58 (MN) iron works manager, wife of 32 years Shirly 51 [2 of 3 children still living], Shirly 22; sister Laura B. 60; widower Albert Smith 75 (Eng) lodger (Shirley's uncle).
- 1920 Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi (ED41, W3, p. 14B): Widow Shirley J. Stearns 61 [owns house/no occupations], Shirley 28, sister-in-law Laura B. 69.
- 1930 New Orleans, 1209 Pine St. (ED 236, p. 18A): Widow Shirley Stearns 71 (LA-Eng-LA) [house value $10,000], Shirley 42 (LA-MN-LA).
- Obituary, Times Picayune: STEARNS - On Tuesday, July 7, 1931, at 4:25 o'clock p.m. SHIRLEY JOHNSON, widow of Henry D. Stearns. Services will be held at the residence 1209 Pine St., this Wednesday afternoon July 8, 1931 at 3 o'clock. Interment private. Please omit flowers.
- Obituary, Times Picayune: STEARNES - At Biloxi, Miss. on June 12, 1919, HENRY B. STEARNES. Funeral from the residence of his son, Mr. Ellis J. Stearnes, 1208 Pine St., this (Friday) afternoon at 4 o'clock.
 Shirley Johnson (Stearns), Lew Johnson (Richardson), and Warren Johnson - 7911 Birch Street, New Orleans, LA |
2- Wilmer Holmes Johnson b: 14 June 1866 in New Orleans, Louisiana; d: 29 August 1924 in 1631 Octavia Street, New Orleans, Louisiana; burial was in Lafayette Cemetery #1, Johnson Family Tomb.
+Emily Carey Anderson b: October 1868 New Orleans, Louisiana; m: 19 April 1890 in New Orleans, Louisiana [--- Anderson/Emily Norris]; d: 20 February 1936 Boston, Suffolk, MA
Notes for Wilmer Holmes Johnson:
- 1890 city directory: Wilmer H. Johnson, Johnson Iron Works, clerk, res. 85 Erato
- 1900 New Orleans, 919 Erato Street (ED 10, W2, p. 22B): Wilmer H. Johnson 33 (Jul 1866; LA-LA-Eng), machine shop, wife Emily A. 31 (Oct 1868; LA-Scot-PA), Althea L. 8 (Oct 1891), Dorothe 6 (Sep 1893); widowed grandmother Elmire Norris 75 (Dec 1824; PA-PA-PA)
- 1910 New Orleans, 6111 Howard St.: Wilmer H. Johnson 42 manufacturer, wife of 20 years Emily 38 [2 children]; Althea 18, Dorothy 16; cousin Flora Dupuis 15 (living next door to Lewis Johnson/Rosina Smith)
- 1915 N.O. city directory: Wilmer H. Johnson, sect. & treas. Johnson Iron Works, res. 11 Lasalle Place
- 1920 New Orleans, 582 Walnut Street (ED 246, W14, p. 6B): Wilmer H. Johnson 55, wife Emily A. 50 (LA-Scot-VA), Dorothea 26. (boarding house)
- Obituary, Times Picayune: JOHNSON - On Friday, August 29, 1924, at 6 o'clock p. m. WILMER H. JOHNSON, husband of Emily Anderson, a native of New Orleans. The funeral took place August 29, 1924.
- Succession of Wilmer H. Johnson: 3 September 1924, Mrs. Emily Anderson, widow, declares that Wilmer H. Johnson died on 29 August 1924 in N.O. and she believes that he left a will in the Bank Box of the Canal-Commercial Trust & Savings Bank. Daughters are Mrs. Althea Johnson (New York, Queens, NY), wife of Samuel Bradbury, and Dorothy Johnson (Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA), wife of Richard C. Bradbury. No will was found; inventory ordered. Contents of bank box: demand note made by Norman T.J. Naylor dated 21 August 1920 for $75, bearing interest 8% per annum from date until paid, and said maker's whereabouts unknown (noted); note of Guy Donaldson dated 1 October 1923 payable on demand for $2100 bearing interest 7% from date until paid, secured by Bond for Deed between decedent and maker, value $2000. Return premium due on accident insurance policy on decedent's life in the London & Lancastershire Indemnity Co. of America, premium paid to 24 July 1925, value $18. One silver dollar kept as memento, value $1.00. One sealed package marked property of Mrs. Lew Johnson Richardson (noted). One gold Waltham watch, value $50. Stocks & Bonds: 300 shares of capital stock of Fawn Creek Oil & Gas Co., no value. 20 shares of Sinclair Motors Inc, no value. 100 shares of Gentilly Oil & Gas Co., no value. 10 shares of Go-Ro Inc, value $10. 80 shares of Frank Weinberger Auto Parts Co., Inc., no value. 20 shares of Cosmopolitan Film Co., no value. 405 preferred shares of Johnson Iron Works Dry Docks & Shipbuilding Co., value $4030. 5753 common shares of Johnson Iron Works Dry Docks & Shipbuilding Co., no value. Checking account, value $37.52. Total movable property $6146.52, real estate none. 21 May 1936: Petition to amend: Mrs. Dorothy Johnson, wife of Dr. Richard C. Bradbury, of Charlotte, NC and Mrs. Althea Johnson, wife of Dr. Samuel Bradbury, of Philadelphia, PA. Their mother Mrs. Emily Anderson Johnson died 20 February 1936 in Philadelphia, PA. They had renounced their possession of the undivided half of the community property when their father died. They now declare that the stock in Johnson Iron Works was not community property but should have been treated as separate property as their father inherited it from his father. Warren Johnson confirms the stock was inherited. The sisters are awarded the stock. 2 April 1952, Petitioner Dr. Isadore Yaeger, resident of Jefferson Parish, states he is the owner of a plot of ground located in Highland Acres, square D, bounded by Jefferson Hwy., Orchard Road, Mississippi River levee, and Citrus Road. This is also part of a larger section. The property was acquired by Wilmer H. Johnson on 19 December 1921. This was inadvertently omitted from his succession, said property worth approx. $4000. Requested that his widow, Mrs. Emily Anderson, be recognized as the sole owner of the property. Same request from Mrs. Ellen Ringer, wife of Eugene H. Welch.
- Obituary: New Orleans Item, Friday, 21 February 1936: Johnson - On Thursday, February 20th, 1936, suddenly at Boston, Mass., Emily Anderson, wife of the late Wilmer H. Johnson, mother of Althea Johnson Bradbury and Dorothea Johnson Bradbury. Funeral Saturday morning, February 22nd, 1936, at 9 o'clock from 497 Commonwealth avenue, Boston, Mass.
3- Lew Johnson b: 7 February 1871 in house on Race Street, near Annunciation Street, New Orleans, Louisiana; d: 10 November 1958 at 7911 Birch Street, New Orleans, Louisiana; burial: Lafayette Cemetery #1, Johnson Family Tomb
+John Stephens Richardson b: 28 April 1871 in New Orleans, Louisiana; m: 7 November 1894 in New Orleans, Louisiana; d: 2 August 1921 at 1212 Seventh Street, New Orleans, Louisiana; burial: Metairie Cemetery, Richardson Family Tomb
Notes for Lew Johnson:
- The Daily Picayune (New Orleans, LA), (Friday, 22 June 1888): "Southern Academic Institute - Graduation of Kindergarten and Academic Students - A Brilliant Array of Beauty, Dress and Learning at the Commencement of a Popular School. - At the St. Charles Theatre last night the three great horseshoes were crowded and the bright fan of each lady fluttered ceaselessly and animatedly on the large many-colored tableau. All were in summer costume and the lights shone on, not a dazzling picture, but a pleasant one, for each was there to render homage to ladies as bright and beautiful as is the custom of the south to produce." This was the 3rd annual commencement. "Miss Lew Johnson read a quaintly original welcome that fairly sparkled at times, entitled "We Salute You."..."Misses Lew Johnson, Julia Rose and Mattie Flewellen gave the "May Song." Out of 9 academic graduates, Miss Lew Johnson came second after 2 tied for first.
- Lew joined the United Daughters of the Confederacy, member #6098; Admitted to Stonewall Jackson #1135 in 1941 based on service of uncle, Albert Smith, Co. A, 5th LA Vol.:
" Albert Smith served four years in the War Between the States. Had three other brothers in the war. One who came direct from England and left the city in a few days with others to join Medical Corps called by Beauregard. Ran the blockade through Mulenberg and reached destination in time for Battle of Shilo.
Albert Smith's credentials bear the seal from 'Manassas to Appomatox' 1861-1865 Louisiana Division.
The association of the Army of Northern Virginia Louisiana Division: To all whom it may concern, we hereby declare that Albert Smith entered the military service of the Confederate States of America on the ninth day of June 1861 as a private in Co. A fifth Regiment Louisiana Volunteers was with Co. so battle of seven Rivers absent on sick leave for several months.
After second battle of Manassas until Battle of Sharpsburg where wounded and was again absent several months and rejoined Company until Battle of Winchester was again wounded and was retired by Medical Field Board at Petersburg Virginia in February 1865 and has been elected a member of Louisiana Division of the Association of the Army of Northern Virginia. And upon the proof of the above military record has been awarded this certificate. In testimony where we have set our hand and offered the seal of the association this eighth day of June 1901. Signed William A. Brewer President, L.A. Adams and J.S. Morton secretaries.
My mother Rosina Johnson was a member in life of Stonewall Jackson Chapter #1135 New Orleans, signed Sophie B. Wright President, Ada H. Johnson Registrar. My uncle Albert Smith is buried in the tomb of the Army of Northern Virginia Metairie New Orleans."
- Member of The Orleans Club
4- Warren Johnson b: 5 December 1875 in New Orleans, Louisiana; d: 13 March 1953 in Asheville, Buncombe, NC; burial was in Lafayette Cemetery #1, Johnson Family Tomb.
+Elizabeth Merrick b. c1877; m: 25 June 1901 at Belaire Plantation, Merrick, Pointe Coupee, LA [Capt. David Thomas/Talulah Dowdell]; d: 27 July 1903 (in childbirth); burial was in Lafayette Cemetery #1, Johnson Family Tomb.
Notes for Warren Johnson:
- Designed and built the house at #9 Lasalle Place.
- Elizabeth Merrick was 1901 Mardi Gras Queen of Rex
- New Orleans Item, Sunday, 2 August 1903: Mrs. Johnson's Death - The death of Mrs. Warren Johnson (Bessie Merrick) was a great shock to numerous friends. Lovely, charming, she was a great favorite in the social world and her passing away has been the source of great sorrow to numerous friends. To the bereaved young husband, the devoted sister and parents, the sympathy of a large circle of friends is offered.
- 1910 New Orleans, 6109 Howard Street: Widower Warren Johnson 32 manufacturer & daughter Bessie M. 6, living with his parents.
- 1920 New Orleans, 9 Lasalle Place: Widower Warren Johnson 43 engineer/own office. His home included his widowed mother, sister and 2 nephews.
- 1930 New Orleans, 2025 St. Charles Avenue (hotel): Widower Warren Johnson 54 shipyard/construction engineer
- JOHNSON, Warren, Orleans Parish, Louisiana (Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form (volume 3), pp. 223-334. Edited by Alcée Fortier, Lit.D. Published in 1914, by Century Historical Association.): Johnson, Warren, consulting engineer, and one of the prominent figures in professional circles of his native city, was born in New Orleans, Dec. 5, 1875, the son of Lewis and Rosena (Smith) Johnson. The father was born in New Orleans in 1836; was for many years conspicuous in the industrial life of the city, was president of the Johnson Iron Works, president pro tem. of the sewerage and water board, and chairman of its executive committee from its inauguration until his death in 1910. He was also president of the Audubon Park board. Rosena Smith was born in Derbyshire, England, in 1839, and was married to Lewis Johnson in 1859. The following children were born to them: Shirley, wife of Henry D. Stearns, president of the Johnson Iron Works; Wilmer Holmes, secretary and treasurer of the Johnson Iron Works; Lew, now Mrs. Lew Johnson Richardson; Warren, the subject of this sketch; Eads, of New York City, and Rosena, who died in 1888, at 7 years of age. Mr. Warren Johnson was reared in New Orleans, and his first education was obtained at T. W. Dwyer's school, where he prepared for Tulane university. In 1896 he graduated from the architectural department of Tulane university, and going thence to Cornell university, at Ithaca, N. Y., he graduated from that institution in architectural engineering in 1897, and then spent 1 year in New York in engineering work, after which he returned to his New Orleans home, where he has since remained. Upon his return, he was made superintendent of the ship-building department of the Johnson Iron Works, ltd. In 1905, he opened an office as consulting engineer, and since then has acted in that capacity for the Johnson Iron Works and other companies. Mr. Johnson is a member of the following organizations: The Delta Tau Delta fraternity, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Louisiana Engineering society, Louisiana club, of which he is president; New Orleans, Chess, Checkers & Whist club, Audubon Golf club, Rigolets Fishing club, and is chairman of the Grounds Committee of the Audubon Park commission. In religion, he adheres to the principles of the Episcopal church, and is a member of the Annunciation congregation. He is a democrat in politics. Mr. Johnson was married in 1901 to Miss Elizabeth Merrick, daughter of Capt. David T. and Lulu (Dowdell) Merrick. In 1903 Mr. Johnson's wife died and left 1 daughter, Elizabeth, who is now (1913) 10 years old.
- Obituary: 14 March 1953, Times Picayune - Ex-head of TJDDI taken by death - Warren Johnson funeral to be held Sunday - Warren Johnson, former president of Todd-Johnson Dry Docks, Inc., died Friday morning following an operation at Asheville, N.C. His body will be brought to New Orleans Sunday morning and funeral services will be conducted from his late residence, 6226 Marquette pl., at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Interment will be in Lafayette cemetery No. 1, Washington and Prytania. A native of New Orleans, Mr. Johnson attended school here being graduated from Tulane university in 1896 with a bachelor of engineering and architecture degree. He did postgraduate work at Cornell university and was graduated from there in 1897. Mr. Johnson worked for the Johnson Iron Works, a business founded by his father, for many years and served for a time as president of the organization. When the firm was consolidated with the Todd Shipbuilding Company, it became known as the Todd-Johnson Dry Docks, Inc. He headed this concern for a number of years until his retirement. Interested in many community projects, Mr. Johnson succeeded his father as a member of the board of Audubon Park. A past president of the Louisiana Club, he was also a member of the Round Table Club, New Orleans Country Club, Southern Yacht Club, and the Cornell Club of New York. He was a former member of the Boston Club and also a member of several Carnival organizations. Among the professional societies Mr. Johnson belonged to were the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Society of Naval Architects, Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, and the Louisiana Engineering Society. His late wife was the former Miss Elizabth Caroline Merrick. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. John Newton Pharr; a sister, Mrs. Lew Richardson; a brother, Eads Johnson of New York, and two grandchildren. Active pallbearers will be H. Stanley Butterworth, Edwin T. Merrick III, Carl E. Woodward, Arthur A. Gilmore, Atwood L. Rice, Dr. Lucian H. Landry, Dr. Boni James DeLaureal and Joseph Merrick Jones. The honorary pallbearers will be Monte M. Lemann, Edmund D. Dennis, Dr. Mims Gage, Charles B. Thorn, George Plant, Ralph P. Nolan, J. Ogden Pierson, Dan Devlin, Commodore Ernest Lee Jahncke, John Levert, Gerald O. Pratt, George H. Maginnis, Claiborne Perrilliat and J.R. McCarthy.
- 14 March 1953 - Times Picayune - At Asheville, N.C., on Friday, March 13, 1953, Warren Johnson, husband of the late Elizabeth Caroline Merrick; father of Mrs. John Newton Pharr; brother of Eades Johnson of New York, N.Y., and Mrs. Lew Richardson; grandfather of Mrs. Betty Pharr Moran and Jane Pharr. The funeral will take place this Sunday afternoon, March 15, 1953, at 2:30 o'clock, from the family home, 6226 Marquette Place. Interment private, in Lafayette No. 1 cemetery.
 Elizabeth Merrick (Johnson) 1901 |
 Warren Johnson & daughter Bessie |
5- Eads Johnson b: 23 June 1878 in New Orleans, Louisiana; d: 14 August 1965 Newport, Aquidneck Island, RI; burial: New Vernon Cemetery, Morristown, New Jersey [Link to photo]
+Josephine Alice McClellan b: c1881 New Jersey; m: 20 April 1904; d: January 1918 in Wilmington, New Hanover, North Carolina (in the flu epidemic)
*2nd Wife of Eads Johnson:
+Ruth Stiles b: 24 August 1899 U.S. Embassy in Berlin, Germany; m: 23 May 1921 in Wilmington, New Hanover, North Carolina; d: 31 March 1981 Hightstown, Mercer, NJ [Link to photo]
Notes for Eads Johnson:
- Graduated Cornell University as mechanical engineer in 1899, field was Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture. Office in N.Y. area was Eads Johnson, M.E., Inc., where they designed ships and provided professional marine related services over a period of 50 odd years. In 1918 Eads was running the Carolina Shipbuilding Co., building ships for WWI.
- 1900 Union, NJ: Eads Johnson (Sep 1875; LA) 24 draftsman, boarder
[Elizabeth, W6, p. 35, 268 Midland Ave.]
- 1910 Essex, NJ: Eads Johnson 31 (LA) sea co----ian council, wife Alice McClellan 25 (NJ) [mar. 6 yrs; no children], servant Anna Anderson
[Montclair, ED192, W1, p. 23]
- WW1 registration record: Eads Johnson, 7 Westover Rd., Montclair, Essex, NJ, age 40, born 23 June 1878, Carolina Shipbuilding Corp., shipbuilding, Wilmington, NC, rel: Josephine McClellan Johnson (she lives in NJ); tall/medium; blue/blonde; registrant is physically qualified (reg 9 Sep 1918)
- 1930 Morristown, Morris, NJ, p. 10A, 310 South St.: Eads Johnson 51 (N.O.-LA-Eng) [house value $25,000], naval architect, wife Ruth S. 30 (Ger-NY-WV), Eads Jr. 18 (NJ), Lewis 15 (NJ), Virginia F. 3 yr. 11 mos. (NJ), Mable L. Remick 47 (MI-Scot-Scot), servant/lodger (mar.), family governess, Miriam Holman 50 (SC-SC-SC), servant, widow, family maid.
- 1940 Morristown, Morris, NJ (14-82), p. 11a, 310 South Street: Eads Johnson 61 [£15000 house value] naval architect/architect & engineer co., wife Ruth 40, servant/cook Edith Norwood 25.
- Obituary, Newport Daily News (Newport, RI), Monday, 16 August 1965: Eads Johnson, 87, a retired naval architect and marine engineer of Morristown, N.J., who lived at a summer home on Beavertail Road in Jamestown for the past 37 years, died at Newport Hospital Saturday. He was born in New Orleans, La., in 1878, the son of Lewis and Rosena Smith Johnson. He was graduated from Tulane University in 1898 and from Cornell University in 1893. He maintained his own firm in New York for over 50 years. Mr. Johnson was a pioneer in engineering in diesel and diesel electric power plants for tugboats and ferry boat propulsion. An authority on ferryboat design and operation, he designed the Aquidneck, which operated between the Government Landing and the Torpedo Station. During his career, Mr. Johnson was a vice president of the Johnson Iron Works in New Orleans, now owned by Todd Shipyards, the Carolina Shipbuilding Co. in Wilmington, N.C., and served in the La Guardia administration in New York City as a deputy commissioner in the department of plants and structures in charge of ferry operations. During World War II, he served as special assistant to the secretary of the Navy. He authored many articles on shipbuilding subjects and published from time to time a register of American shipping titled "Johnson's Steam Vessels and Motor Ships." Mr. Johnson was a longtime member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. In Morristown, he participated in many civic activities and served on many committees and boards. He belonged to the Cornell Club and India House in New York, to the Boston Club and the Louisiana Club in New Orleans, to the Morristown Club and Morristown Golf Club and to the Conanicut Yacht Club in Jamestown. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Ruth Stiles Johnson; two sons, Eads Johnson Jr. of New Canaan, Conn., and Lewis Johnson II of Houston, Tex. and six grandchildren. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow in St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Jamestown. Burial will be in New Vernon, N.J., on Wednesday.
- Obituary, Daily Record (Morristown, NJ), Sunday, 5 April 1981: Hightstown - Private funeral services were held for Mrs. Ruth Stiles Johnson, founder of the Greystone Park Association, who died Tuesday at Meadow Lakes, the retirement home where she had lived for the past nine years. She was 81. Mrs. Johnson lived in Morristown for almost 50 years and had been active in a number of service, civic and health organizations. In addition to her work with the Greystone auxillary, she served on the psychiatric hospital's board of managers. She was a member of the board of Morristown Memorial Hospital, former treasurer of the Morristown Garden Club, past president of the Junior League of Morristown and of the board of Neighborhood House. She also served on the boards of the Morris Area Girl Scout Council, the Family Service of Morris County and the Social Service Exchange and was a member of the Morristown Woman's Club. During World War II, she had been active in the American Women's Volunteer Service. She is survived by a son, Eads, of New Canaan, Conn., six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
 Eads Johnson (left) and Warren Johnson (right) |
6- Rosena Keatings Johnson b: 26 November 1881 in New Orleans, LA; d: 22 February 1889 at 85 Erato St., New Orleans, LA (diphtheria); burial: Lafayette Cemetery #1, Johnson Family Tomb
Notes for Lewis Johnson:
- Lewis Johnson’s birth was reported on 6 October 1845 by Jacob Shultz, native of Prussia, age 39, residing between Elysian Fields & Marigny St., 3rd municipality.
- Owner & President Johnson Iron Works, Ltd. (begun 1864)
- Appointed to Sewerage and Water Board 13 September 1899; Chairman of Executive Committee 21 January 1901; President Pro Tem 10 March 1904
- Helped develop Audubon Park; President of Audubon Park Board Commission 1903-1910
- 1860 Natchitoches, Louisiana (p. 142, I146): Lewis Johnson 24 engineer, Rosina 21 (Eng), Shirley 2; James Ringgold 60 laborer (Maryland), Edward Nabral 30 laborer
- 1870 New Orleans (1st ward, p. 170, roll #519, 15 June 1870): Lewis Johnson 33 machinist [owns $5000 real estate], wife Rosina 31 (Eng), Shirley 12 at school, Wilmer 4; father-in-law Joseph Smith 75 (Eng) at home; domestic servant Catherine Hathaway 16.
- 17 February 1874 Petition from citizens of the town on Carrollton, feeling that they are "overburdened with taxation by our city government, humbly ask that Carrollton may be annexed to the city of New Orleans". Lewis Johnson's name appears.
- 15 June 1880 New Orleans, 85 Erato Street (ED 8, W2): Leuis Johnson 44 engineer (N.O.-?-?), wife Rosena 40 (Eng-N.O.-Eng), Stanley (Shirley) 22 clerk in store, Wilmer 14 at school, Leu 9, Warren 4, Eads 2, Henry Stearns 28 (Minn) boarder, clerk, Edwin Hubbel 10, boarder, at school; Margaret Heffins 27 (IRE), servant, Eddie Heffins 3, Lizzie Donahue 19, servant, Bridget Joyce 15 (AL), servant
- 1890 N.O. city directory: Lewis Johnson, Johnson Iron Works president, 85 Erato
- 1894 Book of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Louisiana: The Johnson Iron Works, Limited, situated on Julia Street, extending from Delta to Water, are among the largest of the kind in the South. They have a modern equipment and capacity for the employment of 100 hands in the various departments. At present seventy are employed upon marine work and general jobbing and repairing for steamboats, saw-mills, electric plants, printing houses, etc., and also upon railroad work. The facilities for boiler repair work here are especially good. These works were established in 1869. They were moved to their present site in 1872, and the company was incorporated in 1889. It has $40,000 capital, and does a business of about $100,000 a year. Lewis Johnson is its President, Henry D. Stearns, Secretary and Treasurer; W.H. Johnson, Cashier, and George Koffsky, Superintendent. Mr. Lewis Johnson is a native of New Orleans, and almost a life-long resident. He is a member of the Board of Trade and Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Audubon Park Commissioners, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Engineering Association of the South.
- Times Democrat (N.O., LA), Sunday, 27 August 1899: Mrs. Lewis Johnson, who is the guest of her daughter, Mrs. J. S. Richardson, in Lewisburg, La., will return with her early in September.
- 1900 New Orleans, 1621 St. Charles Avenue (ED 5, p. 13A): Lewis Johnson 65 (Jun 1834) foundry, wife of 43 years Rosina S. 62 (May 1838; Eng-Eng-Eng) [5 of 6 children still living], daughter Lew 29 (Feb 1871), & husband of 5 years John Richardson 29 (Apr 1871; LA-AL-VA) clerk RR office [3 of 3 children still living], Ethlyn 4 (May 1896), Johnson L. 2 (Jul 1897), John B. 5 months (Jan 1900); son Warren Johnson 24 (Dec 1875) clerk foundry office; servant/nurse Ida Florence 24 (Dec 1875).
- Times Picayune, Sunday, 2 October 1904: Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Johnson will this winter be located at 1621 St. Charles Avenue, the residence they formerly occupied. Mr. Warren Johnson and his little daughter, and Mrs. John S. Richardson and little family will spend the winter with their parents.
- 1910 New Orleans, 6109 Howard Street: Lewis Johnson 72 foundry owner/retired, wife of 50 years Rosena 70 [5 of 6 children still living], dau Lew Richardson 37 [mar. 15 yrs.; 3 children], widowed son Warren Johnson 32 manufacturer, granddaughter Bessie M. 6.
- Soard's Elite Book 1890-1, 1898 & 1910: 85 Erato St., Lewis Johnson, Wilmer Johnson, Albert Smith & Henry Stearns
- Obituary, The Daily Picayune (N.O., LA), Friday, 27 May 1910: LEWIS JOHNSON - The death of Hon. Lewis Johnson, a venerable citizen, but one of the most active, enterprising and prominent in all work, public and private, for the advancement of the city and the welfare of its people, was announced last night, and it fell as a heavy blow on the public as well as on his friends. He carried on to the time of his death an extensive plant and establishment for working in iron, building iron and steel ships and machinery. He was chairman of the executive committee of the city's Sewerage, Water and Drainage Board, and lived long enough to see the entire system nearly completed. He was president of the Audubon Park Board and devoted all the time and attention he could to the beautifying of that important pleasure ground. Mr. Johnson was indefatigable and unwearied in working for the public welfare, and he leaves behind him noble monuments to his devotion to his fellow citizens. May he rest well from his admirable and faithful labors.
Also: Died - Johnson - On Thursday, May 26, 1910, at 10:30 o'clock p.m., Lewis Johnson, aged 74 years. Funeral will take place from his late residence, 6109 Howard Street, this (Friday) afternoon, at 3:30 o'clock. Interment private.
- City Directory 1915: Mrs. Lewis Johnson, 9 LaSalle Pl.
The JOHNSON IRON WORKS, Ltd., Office and Ship Yards, Patterson, Morgan and Seguin Sts., Algiers Phone: Algiers 491, P. O. Drawer 241, New Orleans; Henry D. Stearns, Pres., Wilmer H. Johnson, Sec. & Treas.
- New Orleans Item, Thursday 21 October 1915: Miss Dorothy Johnson, who spent the greater part of the summer in California where she visited relatives in Los Angeles and San Francisco returned to New Orleans a week ago. Mrs. Wilmer Johnson who spent the summer in New York with her son-in-law and daughter, Dr. and Mrs. Samuel Bradbury, returned to New Orleans several days ago. During the absence of Mrs. Lewis Johnson and Mrs. Lew Richardson, who are now in Mount Clair, N.J. visiting Mrs. Johnson's son Mr. Eades Johnson, her granddaughter, Miss Bessie Johnson is the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Wilmer Johnson and Miss Dorothy Johnson.
- Times-Picayune: Monday, Oct. 2, 1916: "To perpetuate the name and memory of a man who did much for New Orleans, a number of friends of the late Lewis Johnson have erected a memorial which has been placed in front of the purification plant of the Sewerage and Water Board. It is of solid granite, with a bronze tablet. Mr. Johnson was president of the Sewerage and Water Board, was president of the Audubon Park Commission, and was always in the front rank of those having at heart the uplift of the people and the upbuilding of the city."
- The Johnson Monument in Johnson Circle: "The crowning achievements of Mr. Johnson's active and useful life was the Sewerage and Water Board. He was one of the men responsible for the splendid system of water and sewerage that the city now enjoys, and as president pro-tem of the board during the trying period when the great work was in process of construction he gave his vast experience and wonderful technical knowledge to the campaign of development, remaining constantly at the head of affairs, and expecting no reward beyond the satisfaction he would feel at seeing the work successful."
- 1920 New Orleans, Lasalle Place (ED 247, W14, p. 18A): Warren Johnson 43 (widower), engineer - own office (LA-LA-Eng), Rosina Johnson 88 mother (widow) immig. 1845 (Eng-Eng-Eng), Lew Richardson 46 daughter (widow) (LA-LA-Eng), Eads Johnson Jr. 8 nephew (NJ-LA-NJ), Lewis Johnson 5 nephew (NJ-LA-NJ), Lucy Allen 19 maid (B), Mary Alexander 38 cook (B)
Obituary, Times Picayune: JOHNSON - On Tuesday, May 23, 1922, at 9 o'clock p.m., ROSINA SMITH, widow of Lewis Johnson, in her eighty-fourth year. Funeral and interment private this (Wednesday) afternoon from the residence, No. 9 LaSalle Place. Omit flowers.
Succession of Lewis Johnson: 31 May 1910 - Petition of Mrs. Rosena Smith Johnson, widow of Lewis Johnson. Lewis Johnson died Thursday, 26th May 1910 in New Orleans leaving property and a last will (dated 15 August 1906) presented for probate. Widow appointed as Testamentary Executrix and an inventory ordered (21 June 1910). On 27 May 1910, the undertaker J.G. Harrison declares that Lewis Johnson, a native of the city, aged 73 years 11 months & 18 days, died on 26 May 1910 at 6109 Howard Street. Cause of death carcinoma of bladder, arterio sclerosis, interstitinal nephritis. Deceased was married and a (retired) mechanical engineer. Birthplace of parents: father Denmark & mother Louisiana. In the presence of Wilmer H. Johnson, Esq. (son), Warren Johnson, Esq. (son), Messrs. J. Addison Hayes & Duncan A. Hayes (appraisers), Messrs. John Dahmen Jr. & Wesley Schmidt (competent witnesses), Harry H. Hall, Esq. (attorney at law representing the widow), inventory is as follows: contents of bank box - insurance policy in the New England Mutual Life Ins. Co. for $2000 payable to Rosena Johnson (noted), insurance policy in Massachusetts Mutual Life Ins. Co. for $2000, payable to Rosena Johnson (noted), one lot of cancelled mortgage notes (no value - noted), one lot of misc papers & receipts (noted), certified copy of act of sale of Sheriff Eugene Waggaman to Citizens Bank dated 20 November 1875 recorded Deed Book No. 1, folio 385 to 388, 24 November 1875, said act of sale being of 4 lots of ground, in square bounded by Notre Dame, Julia, Delta and Water Streets, being Lots 6,7,8 & 9 (noted), certified copy of act of sale before Felix Grima, Not. Pub., from Citizens Bank to Lewis Johnson 20 Dec 1875, recorded mortgage book 147, folio 64, C.O.B. 107, fol 220, declared by Wilmer H. Johnson to be the same property now occupied by the Johnson Iron Works (no value - noted). One lot of papers declared by Wilmer H. Johnson to be the property of Lew. Johnson Richardson. One N.O. Gas Light receipt for $15, deposit on 6109 Howard Street, valued at $15. One receipt for $200, on account, for Tomb in Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, dated 9 May 1889 (noted). One receipt for payment in full, 2 lots in Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, lots #83 & 84 in square #3 acquired from Jas. Hagan 18 March 1889, signed by Fred Birchmein (noted). One U.S. silver dollar valued at $1.00.
Property situated at Johnson Iron Works, corner Julia and Delta Streets, belonging to succession of Lewis Johnson.
Certificate #3, in the name of Lewis Johnson, for 10 shares of stock in the Johnson Iron Works, Ltd., par value $100 per share, valued at $1000. Certificates #6 to #26 inclusive, in the name of Lewis Johnson, for 210 shares of stock in the Johnson Iron Works, Limited, par value $100 per share valued at $21,000. Certificate #27, in the name of Lewis Johnson, for 5 shares of stock in the Johnson Iron Works Ltd., par value $100 per share valued at $500. Certificate #28 for 1 share of stock in the name of Lewis Johnson, in the Johnson Iron Works Ltd., par value $100 valued at $100.
Four lots of ground being the same acquired on 20 December 1875 valued at $25,000. Half interest in the Howard Street property. Warren Johnson declared the other half interest was owned by Wilmer H. Johnson. Value $4000. One mortgage note signed by Frank Tomeney dated 15 July 1908 for $1150, due 15 July 1910 in the hands of the Note Clerk of the Canal-Louisiana Bank & Trust Co., valued at $1150. Total value $52,766. Mrs. Rosena Smith, widow of Lewis Johnson awarded one undivided half and that petitioners Shirley Johnson, wife of Henry D. Stearns, Wilmer H. Johnson, Lew (or Lou) Johnson, divorced wife of John S. Richardson, Warren Johnson and Eads Johnson (resident Ithaca, NY) receive the other half, one-fifth to each. (dated 10 January 1913).
- 27 May 1910 obituary of Lewis Johnson
- 28 May 1910 obituary of Lewis Johnson
- 13 October 1916 Memorial to Lewis Johnson
The above photo was taken from The City of New Orleans, The Book of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Louisiana and Other Public Bodies of the "Crescent City" (1894, 1st edition): Excerpt - "The Johnson Iron Works, Limited, situated on Julia Street, extending from Delta to Water, are among the largest of the kind in the South. They have a modern equipment and capacity for the employment of 100 hands in the various departments. At present seventy are employed upon marine work and general jobbing and repairing for steamboats, saw-mills, electric plants, printing houses, etc., and also upon railroad work. The facilities for boiler repair work here are especially good. These works were established in 1869. They were moved to their present site in 1872, and the company was incorporated in 1889. It has $40,000 capital, and does a business of about $100,000 a year. Lewis Johnson is its President, Henry D. Stearns, Secretary and Treasurer; W. H. Johnson, Cashier, and George Koffsky, Superintendent. Mr. Lewis Johnson is a native of New Orleans, and almost a life-long resident. He is a member of the Board of Trade and Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Audubon Park Commissioners, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Engineering Association of the South.
Parents of Charles Lewis Johnson
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Last updated: 12 March 2023.