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EDWARD S. JOHNSON
, born August 9, 1843, in Springfield. Served four years' apprenticeship at the printing business, and was engaged with his father in the boot, shoe and leather business when the rebellion broke out. He enlisted at the first call for seventy-five thousand men, April, 1861, in Company I, Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for three months; was appointed First Sergeant, and served as such full time. He re-enlisted July 24, 1861, for three years, in the same company and regiment, at Mound City, Illinois. Sergeant Johnson remained there in charge of the property, while the company returned home on furlough. At the election of officers in Springfield, although absent, he was elected First Lieutenant, and served as such until February 15, 1862, when he was promoted to Captain, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Captain Noah E. Mendell, who was killed at Fort Donelson, two days before. Captain Johnson commanded his company until December 22, 1863, when
he re-enlisted with his company, as a veteran. He continued in command until April 22, 1864, when he was promoted to Major of the regiment. Major Johnson was appointed by General John M. Corse, September 30, 1864, Post commandant at Rome, Georgia, and served as such until the movement of the grand army on Sherman's "march to the sea," in November following. He then returned to his regiment, and served with it until all were mustered out, July 25, 1865. He participated in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, siege and capture of Corinth, Florence, Savannah, Bentonville, besides innumerable skirmishes. Major E. S. Johnson was engaged in the lumber business, which he continued in up to 1872. In consequence of impaired health, and for observation, he planned a European tour, and in company with Dr. Rufus S. Lord, left Springfield March 30, 1868. They visited England, France, Scotland, Russia and Italy. After an extended tour through the principal cities named, they returned to
Springfield early in December of same year. He was married August 10, 1869, to Laura I. Clinton, who was born in Springfield, Illinois. They have one child, Edward Russell, born May 9, 1875. In 1872 he gave up the lumber business, and engaged in the hotel business, in company with his father, assuming the charge of the same up to his death, in 1879, at which time he became sole proprietor of the same.