Central California Biographies

A memorial and biographical history of the coast counties of Central California : illustrated : containing 
a history of this important section of the Pacific coast from the earliest period of its discovery to the 
present time, together with glimpses of its auspicious future, illustrations and full-page portraits of 
some of its eminent men, and biographical mention of many of its pioneers, and prominent citizens of 
to-day (1893)

Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Company
Author: Barrows, Henry D; Ingersoll, Luther A

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

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

 


JOSEPH O. JOHNSON, a pioneer of Pacific Grove, has figured quite conspicuously in the 
development of Pacific Grove. 

Mr. Johnson was born May 10, 1844, in Rappahannock county, Virginia, and was the 
son of Farmer Johnson, deceased, a planter by occupation, who came to California in 
1869, and settled in Monterey county, where he remained until his death, which occurred 
in Salinas, in 1877. 

The subject is one of the most active business men of the county and has engaged 
largely in the mercantile business. Upon his first arrival in San Francisco, in 1869, he 
spent a year in prospecting throughout the State. In 1872 he located near Salinas, and 
sold merchandise during 1875, 1876, and 1877. At the last-named date he closed out 
and spent a year in traveling in northern California, after which he settled in Pacific 
Grove. 

Upon his arrival at this popular seaside resort he purchased of the Pacific Improve- 
ment Company the only livery business of the town and erected, without question, the 
most complete and largest livery stable in the State, which cost him $10,000, and 
which has been considered by all the town as one of the most enterprising businesses 
of the place. These stables are liberally patronized, not only by the town people but 
by visitors. Mr. Johnson also platted the town for the Pacific Improvement Company, 
in Pacific Grove, acting as superintendent. He made many improvements, and during 
the time he served in that capacity he sold over 3,000 business and residence lots. It 
was under his able management that Pacific Grove acquired its fame as a desirable resi- 
dence town, and its largest sales were made under his directorship. 

Mr. Johnson has been twice married, the first time, August 2, 1862, to Miss Emma 
Gray, who died September 13, 1884, at Pacific Grove. January 19, 1886, Mr. John- 
son married Miss Carrie L., daughter of the lamented D. W. Lloyd, of Pacific Grove, and 
they have three daughters: Carrie J., Mabel J. and Esther. Mr. Johnson owns a large 
amount of real estate in Pacific Grove and valuable farm property in Oregon. He is a 
man who is noted for his business energy and every project which has him at its head 
is sure to succeed.