Anna Sophia Johnson was raised on her family farm in Knox County. Her father, Carl, was a violin maker, and Grace, her mother, was a savvy businesswoman. Carl taught his daughter to play the violin and instilled a love for music in her from an early age. Anna became an accomplished violinist and performed with the Knox College Orchestra and Knox County Symphony for many years. Later, she became the longest-running subscriber to the Knox-Galesburg Symphony (KGS). Anna spent time working in the textile industry and as an art teacher. In addition to her love for the arts, Anna was fiercely dedicated to preserving her family farm, halting anything that would interrupt the productive nature of the farm. “Anna was passionate, dedicated, and would do whatever it took to make sure that the causes she cared about were supported,” commented Bob Hennenfent, longtime business partner and friend.
As Anna crafted her estate plans, it was crucial that her passions were supported after her lifetime while maintaining her family farm’s dedication to production agriculture. Through careful estate planning, and the assistance of Galesburg Community Foundation, Anna’s wishes are being fulfilled.
“A significant asset within Anna’s estate that Anna had was acreage here in Knox County. The Community Foundation has accepted that acreage and will maintain ownership of the land. We are honoring the tenant relationship that Anna had, and we will use the income from owning and operating that land to fulfill Anna’s charitable interests,” explained Joshua Gibb, Galesburg Community Foundation President & CEO.
The income from the Johnson farm will directly support the not-for-profit organizations that Anna chose during her lifetime and give Galesburg Community Foundation the ability to do grant-making that supports unknown needs within the region, specifically within the arts community.
“When Anna was establishing her estate plans, she wanted to make sure that my family would be able to operate the farm and still support the causes she cared about after her lifetime” shared Hennenfent.
Anna’s gift, valued at approximately $8.5 million, represents the largest estate gift in the Foundation’s 20-year history. Her legacy inspires and sustains the organizations and causes she valued most, including the Knox-Galesburg Symphony.
“Anna’s generosity is transformative for both our organization and the community,” said Lucas Wood, Executive Director of the Knox-Galesburg Symphony. KGS is a local organization that will receive an annual grant from the Community Foundation because of Anna’s gift.
“Anna Sophia Johnson’s gift embodies the spirit of our community and the profound impact of thoughtful philanthropy. Her dedication to preserving the arts and maintaining her family’s farmland will continue to enrich Knox County for generations. We are deeply honored to carry forward her legacy and ensure that her vision for a vibrant, thriving community endures,” said Joshua Gibb.
View the video below to learn more about the legacy of Anna Sophia Johnson.
“Anna once said, ‘Art is what makes life worth living. Art makes life beautiful.’ She wanted her gift to support organizations that made life more vibrant in our community,”
Lucas Wood, Executive Director, Knox-Galesburg Symphony
