R. G. JOHNSON, Industrialist, Taken By Death
Washington Man Outstanding As Engineer, Builder
Ralph Grant Johnson, well-known resident of Washington, died early yesterday at his home after a lingering illness, at the age of __ years.
The son of the late Jerome F. [Johnson] and Eliza Woodruff Johnson, he was born at Washington, D. C., (March?) 19, 1882, and was educated at Central High School there and at (Leigh?) University, where he graduated in 1904 with the degree of ____ Engineer.
After graduating, Mr. Johnson (entered?) the service of the Dravo Contracting Company, Pittsburgh, (and?) in the course of 13 years with the company, rose to the position of vice president. In 1917, he (resigned?) to organize The R. G. Johnson Company here and engaged in the construction of mine shafts. He was president of the company at the time of his death.
Outstanding as an engineer and builder, he also took an active interest in civic affairs and carried into his business life a keen and energetic mind. Known as "Kink" to many of his friends, he will be remembered by them for his unfailing good nature.
Mr. Johnson was a director of the Citizens National Bank and Washington Hospital, a member and former trustee of First Presbyterian Church. At one time he was vice president of the Lehigh Alumni Association and a member of Dlta Upsilion fraternity. He wasalso a member of the Duquense and University Clubs, Pittsburgh and the Gibson Island Club, Gibson Island, Md.
In 1910, he married Adella Barnes, Evanston, Ill. He leaves his wife, two daughters, Mrs. Joseph L. Thistle, Mt. Lebanon; Mrs. J. Donald Patton, Washington; two sons, Woodruff Barnes and Ralph Jr., Washington; a sister, Mrs. Grace G. Howell, Washington, D. C., and a brother, the Rev. Harry W. Johnson, Wellsboro, N. Y.
Funeral services will be held from the late home, Redstone Lane, Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock in charge of Dr. Ralph Cooper, Hutchison, president of Washington and Jefferson College, assisted by the Rev. Dr. Henry C. Rogers, pastor of First Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Washington Cemetery.
Sources:
The Observer-Reporter newspaper, Thursday, April 23, 1942, page unknown
