Ernest Johnson was born in Rock Island, Illinois in 1886. He was a telegrapher on the Rock Island Railroad. On June 14, 1911 he married at Sherman, Iowa, Emma Topp, who was born at Sherman in 1888. In 1912 the couple moved to North Dakota and settled on a farm in Foster County.
Ernest was president of the county Agricultural Adjustment Agency for 13 years; vice-president of Grace City Elevator Association for 10 years. He also served on Larrabee Township Board; as Foster County Auditor 1919 - 1920) and a legislator for two terms.
The couple had five children: Irene, Helen, Walter, and twins Lynn and Warren.
Emma Johnson died in 1959 and Ernest died in 1961. They are buried in Riverton Cemetery in Seattle, Washington.
Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 61B