K. N. Johnson

As printed in 1892

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 Portrait biographical record of Stark county, Ohio. Containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the Unit (1892). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.