Ole Carl Johnson Shipnes (February 23, 1838November 4, 1886) was a Norwegian American immigrant, businessman, Republican politician, and Wisconsin pioneer. He was the first immigration commissioner of Wisconsin, serving from 1871 through 1873, and was the 17th mayor of Beloit, Wisconsin (1877–1879). During the American Civil War, he served with the 15th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment (the "Scandinavian Regiment"), he was a prisoner of war for half a year before escaping and returning to the regiment, which he then led as lieutenant colonel.
For most of his career in America, he was known to use the surname "Johnson", but added the surname "Shipnes"—an Anglicization of his Norwegian birthplace—later in life.
Early life
Ole Johnson was born on the Skipnes Farm, (Skibsnes), near Nordsjø, in Helgen Parish, Telemark, Norway. He came to the United States with his parents and four siblings, arriving in New York on board the Salvator, on July 6, 1844. The family went to Whitewater, Walworth County, Wisconsin. In 1852, they moved to Koshkonong, Wisconsin. Johnson studied law at Beloit College. He became a school teacher in Stoughton.
Civil War
When the Civil War broke out, Johnson joined the Scandinavian Regiment (15th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment) and was appointed captain of Company B. After the Battle of Perryville, Johnson was promoted to the rank of major. He took part in the battle of Murfreesboro and reached the rank of lieutenant colonel in March 1863.
Ole Johnson married Freia Caroline Bødtker on January 3, 1867. They had one son, Wilford Chickamauga Johnson Shipnes. In his later years, Johnson had adopted the last name "Shipnes", the name of his place of birth in Norway.
Ole Johnson died in Beloit on November 4, 1886. His death was attributed to a stomach disease that he contracted during his time in Libby Prison.