Alexander Soule Johnson was the second white child born to missionary parents in what would become the State of Kansas. Johnson County, Kansas was named after his father, the Rev. Thomas Johnson. In 1851, Johnson became a partner in the J. Riddelsburger forwarding and commission house located in Westport, Missouri. Johnson was elected to the Kansas Territorial Council. Johnson also served as superintendent of the Shawnee Mission from 1858 1862. Johnson was sworn in as lieutenant colonel of the 13th Kansas State Militia on October 13, 1863. Johnson was ordered into active service on October 8, 1864 and released from service on October 28. After the war, Johnson used his surveying skills learned before the war to enter in the railroad busi-ness. In 1866, Johnson was appointed land commissioner for the Fort Scott & Gulf Road and surveyor in 1870 for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe land grant. During this tenure, Johnson opened and managed the sale of around three million acres. In 1870, Johnson moved to Topeka and was part of the group who established the water and electric service. Johnson served as a vice president and on the board of directors for the Central National Bank. Johnson was elected in 1886 to the Kansas State Legislature.
King, “Col. Alexander Soule Johnson.” In History of Shawnee County, Kansas, 449–52
Oz, “Col Alexander Soule Johnson.” Find A Grave, January 11, 2006. Link.
Kansas Adjutant General. Muster Rolls, Kansas State Militia, Volume 5, 23.
Wilder, Annals of Kansas, 410.