Joshua W. Johnson

As printed in 1882

JOSHUA W. JOHNSON, farmer and stock dealer, P. 0. Memphis. Among the prominent farmers and stock dealers in Wayne Township is Joshua W. Johnson, born in Highland County, Ohio, February 13, 1828, a son of Christopher and Anna (Johnson) Johnson. He, it is believed, was a native of Virginia, and she of Ohio. The maternal grandparents wore Micajah and Rachel Johnson, he a native of Virginia and she of North Carolina, but became among the first settlers of Highland County, Ohio, where they endured their full share of hardships and trials of pioneer life, and there lived and died. The great-grandfather, James Johnson, also came to Ohio and died here. Christopher Johnson and family resided in Highland County till his death in the spring of 1831, aged about forty-four years. They had two children — Joshua W. and William P. The latter died at two years of age. Mrs. Johnson married for her second husband John W. Brock, by whom she had several children, of whom three now survive— Rachel Euphemia, now Mrs. Miller; John L. and Levi M. Mr. and Mrs. Brock now reside at Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio. The subject of this sketch was but three years of age when his father died, but was raised by his mother and step-father till he grew to manhood; was married February 15, 1849, to Miss Nancy, daughter of Edward and Leah Adams, residents of Clinton County. By this union they had two children— Christopher C., born February 14, 1850, married Mary Graham, have three children living — Andrew Cowper, Joshua Henson and Maynard — and Edward J.,born August 19, 1854, married Phebe Elizabeth Davis, of Lexington, Highland Co., Ohio. Mrs. Johnson died April 23, 1877, aged fifty years. Mr. Johnson resided in Highland Couuty till spring of 1853, when he bought and located upon the place where he now lives and has since resided. This place he purchased of Edward Jennings, which then consisted of 177 acres, to which from time to time he has added by purchase more land, till he became owner of 400 acres of good land, constituting three farms, two of which have good buildings and improvements; and the most of this property Mr. Johnson and family have made by their own industry and good management. Mr. Johnson is one of the best farmers in his neighborhood; is a quiet, unpretending man, never seeking office or public notoriety; has served as Township Trustee, but generally refuses all offices; is a man whose character stands above reproach, and is one of Wayne Township’s best citizens.

As printed in The history of Clinton County, Ohio (1882). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.