Johnson was born on March 5, 1860, in Norway, Wisconsin.
[1] He was a farmer in the area, and also involved in the insurance and telephone industries.
Johnson was a member of the Wisconsin Assembly from 1919 to 1923.
Previously, he had been Chairman (similar to Mayor) of Norway and a member of the Racine County, Wisconsin Board of Supervisors from 1896 to 1903.
[2] Other positions Johnson held include school board member.