Solano County Biographies

CAPT. JAMES JOHNSON   

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

 
was born in Denmark, Aug. 26, 1836.  At the age of twelve years commenced 
following the sea.  At the age of fifteen years went to England, and shipped on 
a vessel bound for Melbourne, Australia.  Paid the gold mines there a short 
visit.  Left Australia on the ship �James T. Ford,� bound for Callao, Peru, 
where he shipped and was employed as Quartermaster on the mail steamers plying 
between Valparaiso and Panama, for about six months, arriving in San Francisco, 
Sept. 1852.  Followed the sea, with slight interruptions, until 1859, when he 
made a trip to his native country, returning after an absence of four months.  
Purchased a schooner shortly after his return, which he commanded, and continued 
in the coasting and inland trade until 1870, when he located at Rio Vista, and 
formed a partnership with T. P. Emigh, in the warehouse and lumber business.  In 
1872, bought their present place of business, Newtown Landing, formerly Perry�s 
Landing.  They employ in their grain and lumber business, two schooners � �St. 
James,� and �Wonder,� which were built and owned by Mr. Johnson before his 
partnership with Mr. Emigh.  Mr. Johnson married Miss Catherina C. Lorentzem 
February 6th, 1863, a native of Denmark.  Their children are James, Frederick 
C., Otto J., Hannah C., William, Adeline C., Lena C., Katie, Selma.
 
History of Solano County � San Francisco, Cal. - Wood, Alley  & Co., East 
Oakland, pub 1879, pp 474