The present ring is from the collection of Colonel Samuel Orie Johnson, thence by descent. Col Johnson’s father, Samuel S. Johnson, was born September 5, 1857 in Ontario and soon settled with his family in Michigan. The burgeoning lumber industry’s expansion ever westward would loom large in the family’s legacy. S.S. Johnson expanded a successful lumber business in Michigan and later Minnesota in the late 1800’s. By 1903, he was managing new interests in California and was later honored for his early efforts in applied forestry techniques. His son, Samuel Orie Johnson, continued this tradition. After first working in the Midwest, he greatly expanded his influence in California and later Oregon. He saw the huge opportunities afforded to his business by railroad networks and was heavily involved in bringing this to fruition throughout Oregon. In 1917 in the midst of World War I, American forces urgently needed lumber for the war effort. Johnson eagerly volunteered for the 20^th Engineers Regiment and was instrumental in supplying this vital asset from the French forests immediately behind the front lines. For his heroic efforts he was later made a Colonel, a title he proudly used henceforth. His time overseas spurred a lifelong love of Europe where he would travel often with his family. The present ring was acquired in Paris on his return to the States following the war as a gift for his beloved wife Katharine.