The Baskets of Monroe Johnson most likely never appeared on any bestseller list. This unassuming 33-page booklet, which I found in the gift shop of the Warren County Historical Society, probably would have been overlooked by a lesser being but not I. In terms of baskets, my knowledge is limited to the Easter and laundry varieties. But as husbands of distant cousins go, I am quite the expert.

Emmanuel Monroe Johnson was the husband of Caroline Koelling, my 1st cousin, 3x removed. According to the booklet’s author, Monroe’s mother immigrated from Sweden to the Unites States when he was but 3 months old. He had an evil stepfather who agreed to marry his mother as long as Monroe and his brother were placed in an orphanage. The two boys were later adopted by the Timmerberg family that lived near Lippstadt outside of Warrenton, Missouri. As young men, the two boys eventually made their way to St. Louis, Missouri, where they took jobs in a basket factory. It was here that Monroe learned the craft of basket weaving.

Despite my lack of knowledge of baskets, it is clear from the booklet’s photos and the author’s descriptions that Monroe was indeed a gifted basket weaver. While his sturdy baskets were made for everyday use, the artistry he wove into each one of them was unparalleled. The author suggests that Monroe might just have been the preeminent basket weaver in Missouri. It’s hard to disagree.

The next time I am in Warren County I am going to find his stepfather’s grave and stomp on his head.

Kenfolk: Tranthams
Relation: Monroe’s wife, Caroline Koelling, was 1st cousin to my paternal great grandfather, Henry Duesenberg
Common ancestors: None that I know of (yet)

Reference:
Beckmann, R. C. (1982). The Baskets of Monroe Johnson. n. p.