The Johnson Families of Stark County, Ohio

IMON JOHNSON, Superintendent of the "Water Works of Alliance, has the honor of being a native of this county'. He was born November 12, 1825, and is a son of Simon and Mary- K. (White) Johnson. The Johnson ancestors were members of the Society of Friends, and the maternal grandfather was a Baptist minister. The parents of our subject emigrated to the Buckeye State in 1823, locating in AVashington Township, Stark County. There were then but four families in the township, a few Indians were still in the county, and wild game of all descriptions roamed in the forest. In the midst of the timber, Mr. Joiinson hewed out a farm and followed agricultural pursuits throughout the greater part of his life. About three years prior to his death, he removed to Alliance.

Our subject is one of a family of four sons and five daughters. In the usual manner of farmer lads, he was reared to manhood. He attended the public schools of Jit. Union and was the first student to recite a lesson to Prof. Hartshorn, of that school. He also attended Marlborough Academy and further pursued his studies in Salem, after which he taught school for one term in Washington County, Pa. He then followed farming until his marriage, which was celebrated on the 3d of April, 1851, Miss Jane Teeters becoming his wife. Unto them were born five children; J. Howard; Rosetta and L. M., both deceased; Mary K. and William W. The last-named resides in Chattanooga, Tenn. Mary, the only daughter, was appointed an operator in the Bell Telephone office, of Alliance, on its introduction here, and subsequently became general manager, being the only lady' manager of the concern in the State.

For eight years after his marriage, Mr. Johnson was a resident of Knox Township, and during three years of that time served as Justice of the Peace. In 1859, he came to Alliance. He had a contract to supply a large amount of wood to a company, and got out eight thousand cords. During the war, he bought horses and de.alt in stock. In 1861, he was elected Mayor of Alliance, and held that office for two years, when he was elected Justice of the Peace, serving three years. He was then re-elected Mayor for two years, after which he traveled for the Forest City- Insurance Company as General Agent for five years. Once more he was elected Mayor, and held the office for three successive terms, or six years, having served altogether in that position for a decade. He was then employed by the Water Works Committee as Managing Agent, holding that position until JUI3', 1890, when he was elected Superintendent, which position he now fills. In 1866, he embarked in the insurance business, which he continued until becoming Superintendent of the Water Works, when he turned over the business to his son, John II., who now conducts it and has one of the best agencies in the State.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD.

In his social relations, Mr. Johnson is a, member of the Masonic fraternity and the Knigiils of Honor. Himself and wife are members of the Disciples Church. He is held in the highest regard throughout the community, and has the confidence and good will of all. That he is quite popular is shown by his repeated re-election to the office of JIavor, and this fact also indicates the promptness and fidelity with which he discharged the duties of his office.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

J. H. JOHNSON, Insurance Agent; Alliance; is thi'.ehlest son of Simon and Jane (Teeters) Johnson; hf was born in Wiishingtun Tp., this county, Feb. 17, 1852. His education was secured at the public schools of Alliance, and he also spent a short time at the Alliance College. When quite young he began to assist his father, who was then representing several insurance companies, and has ever since devoted his attention to that line of business, and represents many of the most reliable insurance companies doing business on this continent, among which may be mentioned the Royal of England and the Travelers' Life and Accident of Connecticut. He married Rosa Hartzell, June "48, 1876; she was a daughter of Freilerick Hartzell, of Belmont, Mahoning Co., Ohio. They have one child — Lucy K. Mr. Johnson has been a member of the Knights of Honor for the past six years.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

K. N. JOHNSON, who is now living retired in Alliance, was born in Mt. Union, Stark County, Ohio, May 22, 1826, and is a son of E. N. and Dorcas (Moffatt) Johnson, the former a native of Fayette County. Pa., and the latter of Washington County, Pa. They are of English and Irish descent, respectively. The ancestors on both sides were farmers and became wealthy people. The maternal grandfather was born on the Emerald Isle, and died in Washington County, Pa., after amassing quite a fortune. The father of our subject was reared in Washington County upon a farm, and in 1818 came to Stark County, Ohio. The following j'ear, he removed his family to the new home, the journey being made in the old-fashioned moving wagon. Mr. Johnson became one of the pioneers of Washington Township, and in the midst of the forest built a rough log cabin, in which he made his home for a number of years, or until he could afford a better residence. This farm had been entered by his father, Caleb Johnson, in 1806, and was transferred to the son in 1820. These two deeds, among the oldest in the county, are the only two ever drawn for this farm, and they are still in the possession of the family. E. N. Johnson, Sr., served as Justice of the Peace in Stark

County for over a quarter of a century, and was also appointed and served as Surveyor in an early day. In politics, he was a Whig. Ho was a very influential and prominent citizen. His death occurred in September, 1889, al the very advanced age of one hundred years, five months and twenty days.

Our subject is the fourth in order of birth in a family of eleven children, ten of whom are now living. He was reared upon a farm, and attended the public schools until eighteen years of age, when he entered Marlborough College. He was afterward a student in Mt. Union College, and was subsequently employed as a teacher in that institute for several j'ears. He then went East, and established what is now kiipwn as the Southwestern Normal College, a State institution, which is located in AVashington County, Pa., on the farm of his grandfather. This was in 1853, and he was its I'principal for eight years. On account of failing health, Mr. Johnson then returned to Ohio, and entered the Law School of Cleveland, from which he was graduated. It was his full intention to practice that profession, but on returning home he was prevailed upon to accept a position in the Alliance school, where he and his wife taught for one year.

Mr. Johnson was married in 1853 to Miss Jane Scott, a native of Scotland, and a well-educated and cultivated lady. She is a teacher by profession, and was associated with Mr. Johnson in all his school life. They have one son, James W., who has been in the Government employ for several years. He is a graduate of the National University Law School, his diploma being conferred upon him b' President Arthur in 1884. He is now in the Interior Department, taking census.

On leaving the Alliance school, Mr. Johnson was nominated and elected to the State Legislature, and so well did he discharge the duties of that office that he was re-elected, and served for two terms, or four years. He then removed to his farm, and lived practically retired for some time. Subsequently he was appointed by Secretary Sherman to fill a position in the United States Treasury Office, and while in Washington filled various Government positions. He was in the War Depaitment for two and a half years, and was made Special Examiner in the United States Pension Office, filling that position for more than four years. Since that time, Mr. Johnson has lived practically retired. He has acquired a comfortable competency, which enables him to lay aside all business cares, and rest in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former labor.

Socially, Mr. Johnson is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church. He is alike true to every public and private trust, and when filling public offices he discharges his duties with promptness and fidelity, to the credit of himself and the satisfaction of his constituents. He is a highly respected citizen of this community.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.