Johnson, John W., 1892-1976.

Born near Asotin, Washington in a one room log cabin, John W. Johnson was the eldest son of 10 children. As the family ranch grew, Johnson took on additional responsibilities and at an early age learned much about cattle, which would help him later in his career as a forest ranger. At the age of 10 Johnson started breaking horses for riding and by 18 had assumed management of the family ranch in addition to acquiring 160 acres of his own. After establishing his own ranch, Johnson realized that ranching did not keep him busy enough in the winter and he started a hardware store. A natural salesman, his store prospered. In 1912 he contracted tuberculosis and was advised to leave the Northwest. He then moved to Glendale, Arizona and started a general store there. After a couple of years he decided that he needed more time in the open air and in 1914 sold his store and began a career with the U.S. Forest Service.

From the description of John W. Johnson papers, 1917-1943. (New Mexico State University). WorldCat record id: 69189525

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