Pueblo County, History of Colorado, BIOS: JOHNSON, George Oliver (published 1918)
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"History of Colorado", edited by Wilbur Fisk Stone, published by The S. J. 
Clarke Publishing Co. (1918)  Vol. II

p. 155



GEORGE OLIVER JOHNSON.

	George Oliver Johnson, president of District No. 15 of the United 
Mine Workers of America and a well known resident of Pueblo, was born 
in Leadville, Colorado, on the 4th of October, 1882, his parents being 
Matthew and Barbara (Phillipson) Johnson. The father was a miner and 
came to Colorado in 1876. In this state he was married to Miss Barbara 
Phlllipson, whose people were among the early pioneer residents of this 
part of the west. Mr. Johnson devoted his time and energy to the mining 
of coal and quartz. Both he and his wife are still living but have 
removed from this state to Seattle, Washington, where they now make 
their home. To them were born two sons and a daughter.

	The eldest of the family is George Oliver Johnson. He was 
educated in the public schools of Leadville and of Cripple Creek and 
went to work at an early age, since which time he has been dependent 
upon his own resources. In fact he has earned his living from the age 
of fourteen years, and at eighteen he started out as a miner and has 
since been identified with mining interests. He has always been active 
in union affairs and at the last election was the one that made the 
work of the organization successful. He defeated J. R. Lawson as 
president of District No. 15 of the United Mine Workers of America. He 
had previously held other positions, working his way steadily upward to 
the one which he now fills. He did not leave his work to get votes but 
his position upon many questions affecting the union won him support 
and indicated in what high esteem he is held by the miners.

	On the 30th of September, 1903, Mr. Johnson was united in 
marriage to Miss Emma Jaeger and their children are Charles, Lorna, 
Matthew, Pansy and Thomas.

	In politics Mr. Johnson remains independent, supporting men and 
measures rather than party. He is interested in the state and its 
development and is a public-spirited and respected citizen who 
cooperates in many measures for the general good and who at all times 
stands for progress and improvement along those lines which are in 
harmony with a democratic spirit. When leisure permits he enjoys 
fishing, to which he turns for recreation.