Johnson, George Willis, 1880-1953

George Willis Johnson (1880-1953) was an American businessman. Born in Plymouth, Massachusetts to George F. and Lucie (Willis) Johnson, he grew up in Johnson City, New York, where he attended public schools. He also attended Worcester Academy and Dean Academy in Massachusettes. In 1900 he married Lula Seagers, and they had three children; Marion Young, Frank A. and Wilma M. Smith. George Johnson was active in community affairs, and an enthusiastic athlete, interested in baseball, golf, bowling, hunting, and fishing.

At the age of 18 George Johnson started working as a packer in the Endicott-Johnson Company, and later on he worked most of his life in the tanneries doing various jobs. In 1919 when Endicott-Johnson was incorporated, he was elected to the Board of Directors. He served as president of the corporation from 1930 to 1949.