In 1882 the J.W. Pankhrust Company (which had been in business since 1862) went bankrupt. Alfred, Henery, and Fredrick Johnson purchased this English company, and Johnson Brothers was formed.
In 1896 a fourth brother, Robert joined the team. Under his direction in marketing and sales, the company prospered. However, as newer members of the Johnson Brother's family began to take over the business, the company had to limit each family to two permanent brothers. Other family members could be trained there but had to seek employment elsewhere after training.
In the early 20th century the business flourished. During World War I things slowed down, but business immediately picked up with the wars conclusion. Again the company continued to grow. World War II brought about another lull in the business's growth, but Johnson Brothers soon recovered.
By1946 Johnson Brothers had been so successful that they expanded and modernized production. They began mass producing table ware. Today Johnson Brothers is still in business and known all over the world for its fine china and dinnerware.
The information for the history of the Johnson Brothers Company was taken from the book "Johnson Brothers Dinnerware Pattern Directory and Price Guide" by Mary J. Finegan. This is an excellent source of reference on the subject.