Jake Johnson was born in Norway. (no record of date of birth). He came to the United States with his parents at the age of four. They first settled at Wheaton, Minnesota for a short time before moving to the Litchville community, where he grew to manhood.

Petra Johnson was born February 25, 1884 in Oslo, Norway. She came with her parents to the United States in 1900 going directly to Litchville.

Jake Johnson and Petra Johnson were united in marriage in 1902. Jake could be called a pioneer grain elevator operator. He operated the first Olson Brother's Elevator in Litchville, North Dakota.

Seven children were born to Jake and Petra Johnson.

Jake passed away June 17, 1917, after just 15 years of marriage, leaving Petra to rear the children alone. Petra passed away January 12, 1943, at the age of 58.

The children of Jake and Petra are as follows: Leslie; Josephine, (Mrs. Milton Grondahl); Minnie (Mrs. Chris Steen); Kenneth (deceased); Lloyd (deceased); Florence (Mrs. Dan Parker) and Gordon (deceased).

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 114