Ole C. Johnson facts for kids

Ole Johnson (born February 23, 1838 – died November 4, 1886) was a brave Norwegian-American soldier. He fought in the American Civil War and was part of the special Scandinavian Regiment.

Early Life and Moving to America

Ole Johnson was born on a farm called Skipnes in Norway. This was near a place called Nordsjø in the Telemark region. When he was six years old, in 1844, Ole and his family moved to the United States. They traveled across the ocean on a ship named Salvator.

The Johnson family first settled in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Later, in 1852, they moved to Koshkonong, Wisconsin. Ole went to Beloit College to study law. After his studies, he became a school teacher in Stoughton, Wisconsin.

Fighting in the Civil War

When the American Civil War began, Ole Johnson decided to join the Union Army. He became a captain in Company B of the Scandinavian Regiment. This regiment was also known as the 15th Wisconsin Volunteer Regiment.

Key Battles and Promotions

Ole Johnson was a skilled soldier. After the Battle of Perryville, he was promoted to the rank of major. He also fought in the Battle of Murfreesboro. In March 1863, he was promoted again, becoming a lieutenant colonel.

The Battle of Chickamauga

The Scandinavian Regiment faced a very tough fight at the battle of Chickamauga. Many soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured. The regiment's leader, Colonel Hans Christian Heg, was killed in this battle. Ole Johnson himself was captured by the enemy.

Prisoner of War and Escape

Ole Johnson was held as a prisoner in Libby Prison in Virginia. In May 1864, the prisoners were being moved by train. At Chesterville, Johnson and two other prisoners managed to escape from the railroad car.

After about a month of being on the run, the three men successfully rejoined the Union Army. This happened at Strawberry Plains, Tennessee.

Leading the Regiment

After his escape, Ole Johnson was promoted to colonel. On July 24, 1864, he took command of the Scandinavian Regiment. He led his regiment through the rest of the war until it ended.

Life After the War

After the Civil War, Ole Johnson started a business. He settled in Beloit, Wisconsin. He became very active in the Republican Party. He was even elected mayor of Beloit.

Johnson was also appointed as the Immigration Commissioner for the state of Wisconsin. This job involved helping new immigrants settle in the state. Later in his life, he became the president of the Watertown Bank.

Family Life

Ole Johnson married Caroline Freie Bödtker on January 3, 1867. They had one son, whom they named Wilfor Chickamauga Shipness. In his later years, Ole Johnson used the last name "Skipnes." This was the name of his family's farm back in Norway. Ole Johnson passed away in Beloit, Wisconsin.