JOHN B. JOHANNSEN of Walnut is one of the leading business men of that thriving town. He was born in the Province of Schleswig on a farm. His father, Paul Johannsen owned his farm, was in comfortable circumstances, married Catherine Brodersen, and had four children, namely: Hans C., Jens C., August and John B. Mr. Johannsen died at the comparatively early age of sixty years. He belonged to the Lutheran Church, and was a man who lived an upright life and brought up his son in the same way.

John B. Johannsen, our subject, was born December 28, 1847, received a good common school education and learned the mercantile businesses in Germany. He was a soldier in the regular German army at the age of twenty-one and was in the war between France and Germany, being at the battle of Sedan and siege of Paris. He was at this great siege for four months, and was exposed all this time to active service. He served three years and ten months, thirteen months of this time being spent in France. In 1871 at the age of twenty-five years, he came to America, landing at New York, September 5. Coming to Lyons, Iowa, he became a clerk in a store, and then in a similar capacity at Lowden, Cedar County, until 1873. During the fall of this year he came to Walnut and engaged in the mercantile business, being the fourth merchant in this town. In 1882 he went into the loan and insurance business, and has been uniformly prosperous.

In 1872 he married Miss Anna C. Carstensen, daughter of Carsten Carstensen, who came from Germany. He was the father of four children: P.C., I.A., Carl (who died at the age of twenty-one), and Anna C. Mr. Carstensen died in Walnut at the age of sixty-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Johannsen are the parents of seven children, viz.: Palmrick, Carrie, Clara, John B., Charlie and Arthur. Both Mr. and Mrs. Johannsen are Lutherans in religious belief. Socially Mr. Johannsen is an Odd Fellow, has held the office of Noble Grand, and has been for many years Past Grand. He is also a United Workman. Politically he is a staunch Democrat. Mr. Johannsen is respected by his fellow citizens, and has held the office of Councilman since the town was incorporated, and the office of Justice of the Peace for many years. He is a man of staunch business integrity and ranks among the first men of the county. He is a self made man and is the architect of his own future. His reputation for sterling integrity is above reproach.