C J. Johnson Blacksmith and Wheelwright in Amite, Louisiana

Source: Amite Genealogy Library
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Little or no information are available about the local blacksmith and wheelwright. Horseshoeing was his specialty. Every town had a blacksmith. While browsing through the volume of books from B. Stern Co., I stumbled across this receipt dated May 1, 1917.  On April 7, B. Stern Co. was indebted to C. J. Johnson Blacksmith and Wheelwright.

He charge the company fourteen dollars and fifteen cent for his labor and materials. He shoes one mules for fifty cent, three shoes on another mules for one dollar and fifty cent.  Mules was very important for farmers before tractors came were made. They depended on their mules for their livelihood and to put food on their tables. 

The mule that my grandfather Jasper had was named Frank. He was reddish in color and was known to be stubborn at times. Well, after all, the is the nature of a mule. I know my grandfather had to get Frank shoed as sometime or another. All the older people who knew of the blacksmiths in the community have long passed away.