Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
JOHNSON, James A.
JOHNSON, James A. (New Brunswick, Canada, 1842--Unknown) Johnson served an apprenticeship in shipbuilding and held the position of foreman in a shipyard in New York before coming to Dubuque in 1869.
Johnson bought the ground, built a marine works at EAGLE POINT, and established the firm of Johnson & Gaylord. After one year, the firm became JOHNSON AND KALKE, which continued five years. Through the efforts of Senator William Boyd ALLISON, the company was awarded a contract in 1875 for the construction of three boats for use on the Fox River. (1)
Mr. Kalke sold his interest to the DIAMOND JO LINE which ran the business, and Mr. Johnson accepted the position of superintendent. The company employed from seventy-five to one hundred men.
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Source:
1. "Public Enterprise," The Daily Herald, January 6, 1875, p. 4
Oldt, Franklin T. The History of Dubuque County, Iowa. Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1880, p. 817