August Johnson Papers

Collection

Identifier: Mss 16

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The August Johnson Papers consist of various items documenting the career of Mr. Johnson and have been organized into three series: Correspondence, Legal documents, and Subject files. The Correspondence Series deals with his inventions including his proof of invention application to the Institute of American Inventors for his Jiffy Electric Snow Shovel. There are also various brochures and advertisements for his Jiffy Hydraulic Lubricator Grease Gun, and other inventions including chuck coupler, barrel-type grease gun, and an automobile auxiliary sun visor. The Legal Documents Series consists of various legal documents related to the court cases between Jiffy Lubricator Company and the Alemite Company and Stewart-Warner Corporation over patent infringements. The cases were brought to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. The briefs, petitions and other documents are not complete but do give a general overview of the cases. The Subject Files Series include a tribute to Mr. Johnson by his son Burton, a copy of the book Inventors Universal Educator which is a guide for inventors, a letter by Alfred Johnson on the history of the Johnson family, and typed copies of historical material on the Lloyd family (Mrs. Johnson's side) and of Lloydtown, Ontario. The scrapbook contains various newspaper clippings on the court cases, and Mr. Johnson's inventions.

Dates

1919-1956

Creator

Johnson, August, 1880-1956. (Person)

Access

The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the NDSU Archives.

Copyrights

The NDSU Archives does not own the copyrights.

Biography

August Johnson was born June 2, 1880 in Stockholm, Sweden the son of Gustave and Christine (Jacobsen) Johnson. In 1882 August's father immigrated to America, settling at Grand Forks, N.D., where he grew up. His first job was as an elevator operator in the Security Building and later worked in a bicycle repair shop. In 1907 he went to Devils Lake, N.D. to work with his brother in an auto garage. In 1912 he moved to Fargo to become garage foreman for the Wheelock Auto Company and later worked at the Lewis Motor Company. In 1920 with his brother John, they opened the Johnson Brothers Garage in Fargo. Through his work August developed a high pressure grease gun in 1921. Commercial manufacturing began in 1923, first in Chicago and later in Fargo as the Jiffy Manufacturing Company.

The company was involved in considerable litigation over the patent rights which reached the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Johnson also developed a hydraulic coupler, a device for seeding and fertilizing lawns, a grease gun, an automobile sun visor and an electric snow shovel.

In 1913 he married Mary Deryle Smith at Devils Lake, N.D.. She was born March 16, 1889 at Vancouver, British Colombia but grew up at Devils Lake. They had one son, Burton. They were members of Plymouth Congregational Church. Mr. Johnson was also a member of the Fargo Elks Lodge. On January 5, 1956 Mr. Johnson died and was buried at Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, N.D. Mrs. Johnson died February 24, 1977 at Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

Extent

.2 Linear Feet (.2 linear ft.)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Swedish immigrant who became a Fargo inventor and maufacturer who developed a high pressure grease gun and an electric snow shovel.

Provenance

Donated by Mrs. August Johnson, 1956 (Acc. 588).

Separation Record

The following non-manuscript material has been removed from the August Johnson papers and sent to the sections indicated.

Photographs (Institute Photo 415 & Portrait P112)

11 items: Jiffy lubricator gun, man greasing car with it, Mr. Johnson, and several views of his electric snow shovel.