Edward Johnson did most of his legal work representing railroads. His wife, Ruth, was a native of Mason City. Her maiden name was Stockman and she once lived in the Stockman House in Mason City, which was designed by noted architect Frank Lloyd Wright. That home has been preserved as a historic site.

In Fort Dodge, the Johnsons purchased property between 12th and 13th streets and Second and Fourth avenues north. They put a narrow street through the middle of the property and named it Johnson Place. In 1920, they built a home at 5 Johnson Place. That house still stands.

Edward and Ruth Johnson raised three children in that house and each of them had distinguished careers.

Oldest daughter Eleanor Prentiss was a model and actress once billed as the “most beautiful face in Hollywood.”

Younger daughter Olive Coveny was a leader in the American Red Cross during World War II.

Son Wallace Johnson was a businessman; inventor; mayor of Berkley, California; and briefly was a candidate for vice president of the United States.