Finger Johnson was born in Norway in December, 1828. He attended school in Norway. His father was a farmer, and he assisted on the farm until twenty-two, when he worked by the day. In the summer of 1850 he emigrated to the United States, settling first in Wisconsin. He lived there nearly a year, and then removed to Clayton County. In 1852 he purchased forty acres of land on section 19, and built a cabin. In this he lived until 1867, when he built the commodious house in which he now lives. His landed possessions now comprise 360 acres in Wagner Township and 140 acres in Marion Township. He conducts the entire tract himself, has considerable stock, and his land is well improved. He was married in 1853 to Ingre Oleson, a native of Norway. They have had eight children - Eliza (now Mrs. Thos. Anderson), John, Clara (now Mrs. Hanson), Emma, Nellie and Maria. Henry and Nellie died when children. Both are member of the Norwegian Lutheran church. He is a Republican. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1135-36 |