27 May 1910 Obituary of Lewis Johnson
[Daily Picayune, New Orleans]
LEWIS JOHNSON,
LEADER IN CIVIC PROGRESS, DEAD
Lewis Johnson, a public-spirited and representative citizen, to whose memory the splendid sewerage and water system will stand as a monument, died at his residence, in Howard Street, near Palmer Avenue, at 10:30 o'clock last night, after an illness of several months, and Mr. Johnson's death marks the close of a career whose constant activities always attained the goal sought.
Mr. Johnson was 74 years of age, and although he was a man who was never content unless actively engaged, his failing health compelled him to retire some time ago from the Johnson Iron Works Company, a great business which he had built up from a modest machine shop. Mr. Johnson was born in New Orleans, and was the son of Captain Peter Johnson, the owner and commander of a sailing vessel. He attended private schools and early showed a desire for engineering and mechanical work. Upon leaving school he went into a machine shop as an apprentice, and learned the trade thoroughly. As a young man he was an engineer on a river steamboat, and followed this for several years, finally leaving the river to start a machine shop.
Mr. Johnson combined the skill of the thorough artisan with the scientific mind of an engineering genius, and his business rapidly grew and developed until it became known all over the South as the Johnson Iron Works. The business was founded over forty years ago. Mr. Johnson gave much of his time to his business, and in his leisure moments he read extensively. He was considered one of the best-read men in the city, and had a wide knowledge covering many subjects. He became a charter member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Mr. Johnson's great work as a citizen was with the Sewerage and Water Board. He was appointed to the board on Sept. 13, 1899, by Mayor Walter Flower, and his practical knowledge served the board in good stead at all times. He was an earnest and conscientious worker and gave the best that he had to the service of the city. On Jan. 21, 1901, he was made chairman of the executive committee, and showed a ready ability in directing the operations of the body.
He was elected president pro tem of the board on March 10, 1904, and was at the helm during the most trying and difficult period. The great work of construction was then forward, and Mr. Johnson as president had many difficulties to face and obstacles to overcome. He met every obstacle, however, with his usual good judgment and determination, and remained at his post until the greater portion of the work was done, resigning only on June 22, 1909, when failing health compelled him to take a rest. When Mr. Johnson retired the board gave him a testimonial that was always a source of gratification and pride to him, for it was a recognition of conscientious labor well expended. The testimonial paid the highest tribute possible to the retiring president and closed with the resolution that "his record will ever be an example to all true citizens and public servants."
Another life-work of Mr. Johnson's was the development of Audubon Park. He was a member of the board for many years, and upon the death of J. Ward Gurley, was chosen as president, being re-elected each succeeding term. He was instrumental in having the commission adopt the plans of Olmstead Brothers of Brookline, Mass., the famous park landscape designers, and was responsible for many other improvements in the park.
Fifty-three years ago Mr. Johnson married Miss Rosena Smith, and Mrs. Johnson and the following children survive: Mrs. H. D. Stearns, Mrs. Lew Johnson Richardson, W. H. Johnson, Warren Johnson and Eads Johnson. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The funeral will take place this afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from the Johnson residence in Howard Street. Rev. Dr. John T. Foster, of Annunciation Church, and Rev. A. R. Edbrooke, of Grace Church, will conduct the services. Interment will be in Washington Cemetery.
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