A name to remember: Longtime auctioneer passes on at age 94

Janelle Atyeo
Jun 11, 2020
Jun 11, 2020 Updated Jun 12, 2020

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Auctioneer Vernell Johnson, standing on the threshing machine at right, works with associate Tony Kuhle at a auction. The two worked together for many years, and when Johnson retired it was Kuhle grandson, Chuck Sutton, who took over.

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A news article tells of Johnson's early entry into the auctioneering profession.It says: "Vernell Johnson of Hartford, has the unique distinction, perhaps, of being the world's one and only 10-year-old auctioneer. Vernell has been crying auctions at basket socials for a couple of years and has now started to cry farm sales. A few days ago he assisted at a large farm sale with such good success that he has been engaged and is billed to assist at other farm sales, one near Hartford on Monday."

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Vernell Johnson stands beside his full service courtesy van, which has a mobile office with cashiering services and restrooms.

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Auctioneers and associates Chuck Sutton, Vernell Johnson, Terry Haiar, Milo Fodness, Tom Souvignier and Gaylon Souvignier pose at en event.

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The minutes from the first meeting of the South Dakota Auctioneers Association in 1962, which Vernell Johnson helped establish. He was inducted into the first class of the association's hall of fame in 2001.

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Vernell Johnson at an auction. He hosted 361 auctions in one year without holding any Sunday sales, and his career included more than 10,800 auctions before retiring at age 65 in 1991.

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Vernell Johnson, age 11, stands front and center in his class from auctioneering school. His parents took him to Austin, Minn., for the two-week course. When he finished, he road the bus with a $2 ticket to Sioux Falls.

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Vernell Johnson stands by a row of stuffed turkeys. He hunted big game on five continents and kept many trophies on display in his home.

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Janelle Atyeo

Whether selling high value farm land or items at a fundraising bazaar in a church basement, auctioneer Vernell Johnson approached the job with the same enthusiasm and attention.

Vernell and Chuck — Vernell Johnson stands by Chuck Sutton at Johnson's last auction April 30, 1991. Sutton learned the trade under Johnson and took on his business up on retirement. "That’s probably the greatest vote of confidence that I’ve had from anyone in my lifetime," Sutton said.
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Souvignier and Johnson — Gaylon Souvignier and Vernell Johnson worked closely for many years. “They just about converse telepathically to keep the sale moving along,” Gaylon's son Tom Souvignier said.
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Auctioneers early days — Vernell Johnson, Earl Wieman and Gaylon Souvignier worked together from early in their careers.
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Vernell and Louise Johnson were married 61 years. As can be expected of an auctioneer, Vernell did most of the talking and Louise was a quiet presence, Pastor John Christopherson said.
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Janelle is editor of the Tri-State Neighbor, covering South Dakota, southwestern Minnesota, northwestern Iowa and northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at jatyeo@tristateneighbor.com or follow on Twitter @JLNeighbor.