Johnson Bros., Undertakers

Johnson Bros., Undertakers originated around 1893. Frederick William Johnson and his brother A.E. Johnson were the principals. By 1894 they commissioned the construction of new premises in Short Street on land that lay between Frederick's residence and Ipswich Nursery. It was a 2 storey building of hardwood and pine with accommodation for funeral vehicles downstairs and a workshop upstairs. H. E. Wyman was the architect  with funeral vehicles provided by Johnson & Broughton. At the time Frederick William Johnson and Broughton were  business partners in a coach-building business located in Nicholas Street, Ipswich. An office for the undertaker's business was also erected there by Messrs Larsen and McDonald under the supervision of H. E. Wyman. Mr I. Cross of Roderick Street, cabman, was to drive and provide the horses to pull the hearse. George Dowden was contracted to conduct the funerals. Within a few years he would be running his won undertaking business in Ipswich. 

Johnson Bros., Undertakers would always be co-located, or in close proximity, to the coach-building and automobile businesses of Frederick William Johnson and family. 

In 1897, F. W. Johnson's coachworks moved to Brisbane Street, Ipswich after the partnership with Broughton was dissolved and the principals started trading separately. Johnson Bros., Undertakers moved to premises adjoining City Coach Works at the top of town. The two businesses remained next door neighbours until 1916 when Johnson Bros. moved across the road, opposite City Coach Works into new premises. The new shop stocked wreaths, glass domes, morning cards and all funeral requisites.

It is not known when this business finished trading however there is no evidence in the local newspaper of Johnson Bros. conducting funerals after January 1925.