Page "Sir William Johnson, 1st Baronet" Paragraph 6

Warren intended Johnson to become involved in trading with American Indians, but Johnson soon discovered that the trade routes were to the north, on the opposite side of the river from Warrensburgh.

Acting on his own initiative, in 1739 Johnson bought a house and small farm on the north side of the river, where he built a store and a sawmill.

From this location, which he called " Mount Johnson ", Johnson was able to cut into Albany's Indian trade.

He supplied traders with goods who were going to Fort Oswego, and he bought furs from them when they returned downriver.

He dealt directly with New York City merchants and cut out the previous middlemen at Albany.

The Albany merchants were irate, and Warren was not pleased that his nephew was becoming independent.