Oly "Oley" F. Johnson.

Oly F. JOHNSON, Sheriff, was born in Norway. Came to America in 1850, and located in Wisconsin. Removed to Minnesota. Enlisted in the Union army, October 4, 1861, in Company K, Forty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry; discharged February 14, 1866, when he returned to Freeport, Ill. Came to Jewell County, Kan., in 1870, and took a homestead in Vicksburg Township. Held office of Justice of the Peace in said township, being the first Justice of the Peace elected in the same; also held the office of Trustee for two terms. Was elected Sheriff of Jewell County in 1881, and now holds this office. Is a member of the K. of P. Mr. Johnson took out the first marriage license in Jewell County after its organization; was married in Vicksburg Township on the 17th day of June, 1871, to Miss Elizabeth Zimmer. They have one child - Harry A., born October 12, 1879.

Illinois 46th., Regimental History.

CAPTAIN OLY F. JOHNSON.

From Regimental History.
Push to enlarge.

Oly F. Johnson enlisted at Caledonia, Minn., Oct. 4, 1861. In Sept., 1861, Capt. Johnson, in company with about twenty others, left Minnesota and reported at St. Louis, expecting to join the 16th Mo, There not being enough men to complete the 16th Mo., these men were sent to Springfield, Ill., under Beverly Whitney, of the loth Ill., They were assigned to company K, 46th Ill.,. O. F. Johnson was appointed Sergeant of the Company. Promoted to 2nd Lieut., Oct. 11, 1862, and to Captain, Dec. 28, 1864. He participated in all the battles and marches with the regiment.

On his return from the army he located in Stephenson county, Ill.,  and was engaged in different pursuits for a number of years. In an early day he, with others of his comrades, went to Kansas and located at Jewell City, Jewell county, where he and wife entered on a homestead. Some time after he was elected Sheriff of the county and served acceptably for a term of years. He died at Jewell City about 1886.

Capt. Johnson was of Norwegian nationality and about 25 years old at the time of enlistment. He was brave and courageous, a man of many good qualities, loved and respected by his comrades and had the full confidence of his superior officers

Enlisted October 4, 1861, as Sergeant, Age 22, years, Height 5' 7 in., Eyes Blue, Complexion Fair.  Promoted to 2nd., Lieutenant at 24 years, January 13, 1863.  Promoted to Captain at 25 years, May 4, 1865.  Mustered out January 20, 1866.

In the Illinois State records he is listed as Oley F. Johnson.

He settled in Vicksburg Township, of Jewell county, Kansas in section 20, on 161 acres of land.  Post office address was Jewell City, Kansas, which is around 9 miles south west from the farm.