A model twentieth century farm is that owned and operated by James Alexander Johnson on sections 22, 23 and 27, Union township. He was born March 10, 1870, in Union township, a son of Alexander R. and Elizabeth (Guthrie) Johnson. The father, a native of County Antrim, Ireland, was born on the 28th of March, 1829, and passed away on the 24th of April, 1913, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. His wife, who was born June 26, 1832, had reached the age of seventy-seven years when called to her final rest on the 24th of June, 1909. They were the parents of six children, of whom four are yet living. The eldest, Rebecca J., born December 17, 1865, became the wife of Samuel J. Logan, a farmer now living in Texas, and they had two children but both died in infancy. The eldest son of the family also passed away in infancy. Mary Elizabeth, the third, was born September 4, 1868, and is now the wife of Samuel A. Ensign, a retired farmer of Storm Lake, Iowa, by whom she had five children, of whom three survive. The fourth of the family is James A., of this review. William S. is the next in order of birth. Anna Marguerita, born January 10, 1874, has recently been traveling in Europe and has just returned from the east.
      James A. Johnson of this review is indebted to the public-school system of the county for the educational privileges which he enjoyed and since putting aside his text-books he has been upon the home farm, devoting his entire life to general agricultural pursuits. Before the father died he divided his property among his children, and with that which he inherited added to that which he had already purchased, James A. Johnson became the owner of six hundred and thirty acres of valuable and productive land in Union township. His is one of the fine farming properties of the district, and in addition to the cultivation of crops best adapted to soil and climate, he is extensively and successfully engaged in raising hogs, cattle and horses, his live stock featuring as one of the most important phases of his business. In 1913 he erected upon his farm a beautiful modern residence heated with hot water and lighted by electricity. On the 24th of September, 1902, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Ferguson, who was born June 3, 1880, her parents being Frank and Clara Ferguson. Her father, who was a railroad man, is deceased. They had but two children and the son died in infancy. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born seven children: William Alexander, born October 5, 1903; Elmer James, November 9, 1904; Grace Elizabeth, November 9, 1905; Dorothy Burrell, January 22, 1908; Alfred Russell, November 20, 1910; Harlan Ronald, October 10, 1912; and Clarence Eugene, May 26, 1914. The four eldest are now attending school.
      Mr. Johnson has filled the office of township trustee and township clerk and is now treasurer of the township board. He puts forth earnest effort for the welfare of the district and cooperates in all measures that tend to advance public progress and improvement. He has always been a republican in his political views, supporting the party where national issues are involved but at local elections casting an independent ballot.
      He and his family hold membership in the Presbyterian church. His life has been well spent and has been characterized by unremitting industry in business and by geniality and cordiality in all of his social relations. His salient qualities are such as have won for him high regard and gained for him warm friendship throughout the county.