Torkel Johnson is one of the prosperous and honored farmers of Dane county, being the owner of a fine property, lying in section 36 Blooming Grove township, the area of the estate being one hundred and twelve acres and all being in one body. Mr. Johnson was born in Sogen, in the province of Bergen, Norway, October n, 1830, and is a son of Johans and Jarond Johnson, who passed their entire lives in their native land. Torkel Johnson received limited educational advantages in his youth and early learned the necessity and value of honest labor. He was a coast sailor in the fair norseland until 1857, when he determined to seek his fortunes in America. He arrived in New York city in due course of time, and his adventurous spirit soon led him to proceed still farther to the west and to learn the secrets of life on the frontier. He crossed the plains to California, making the long and tedious trip in company with a man named Charles Moore and taking a number of horses, which they sold at good prices after reaching their destination. Mr. Johnson then found employment in the gold mines, remaining in California for some time. He made the return trip by way of Aspinwall, United States of Colombia, from which point he crossed the isthmus of Panama and took passage on a steamer for New York, the entire trip consuming about two months. He endured many hardships on the home journey, as had he also in crossing the plains, where there was at all times imminent danger of attack on the part of the Indians, while other trials and deprivations made the trip arduous in the extreme. Soon after his return from California Mr. Johnson located in Vernon county, Wisconsin, where he remained two years, at the expiration of which he removed to Dane county, where he has since made his home. Here he purchased his present farm of one hundred and twelve acres, in Blooming Grove township, while later he purchased the sixty acres, adjoining, in Cottage Grove township. Of the latter tract he disposed several years ago, realizing a good profit on the transaction, having made excellent improvements on the property in the meanwhile. He has devoted himself faithfully and energetically to the development and improvement of his farm and has made the same one of the fine places of the county, while his labors have brought to him the boon of independence. He is one of the thrifty and progressive farmers of this section of the state, is a man of strong personality and marked intellectuality, and is held in high regard in the community which has been his home for so many years. In 1900 he visited his native land, renewing the associations of his childhood and youth and finding much satisfaction in the trip, but having no desire to take up permanent abode there, after his long and fruitful experience in the American republic. Mr. Johnson is a Democrat in his political allegiance, but has never cared to take active part in political affairs. He and his family hold membership in the Norwegian Lutheran church. On May 17, 1863, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Betsey N. Sime, a daughter of Nels T. and Mary Sime, of Cottage Grove township. Of the seven children' all are living except the first born, Anna Maria, who was born in 1866 and died in infancy. John N., born May 8, 1867, is a foreman in a manufacturing concern in Stoughton this county. He married Miss Bertha Olson, of that place, and they have three children. Nels M. was born August 30, 1869, and is associated in the management of his father's farm. Andrew C, who was born December 27, 1871, married Miss Nellie Johnson, and they have five children. George T. Johnson who was born March 17, 1874, resides on a farm near the old homestead. He married Miss Amelia Ottum of McFarland, and they have two children. Maria H., born October 24, 1876, is the wife of Knute Anderson and they reside on the home farm of her father; they have 1 children. Alfred E., born June 17, 1880, married "Miss Emma, and resides in the city of Madison, where he is employed in the works of the Gisholt Machine Company.

HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY: BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL. Western Historical Association, 1906 PAGES 475-477