In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1845
From History of Lafayette County, Mo., carefully written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of its townships, cities, towns and villages, together with a (1881)
W. P. JOHNSON, dentist, P. O., Odessa. Is a native of Wheeling, West Virginia; was born March 1, 1845. Was educated at Wheeling. October 1, 1861, he enlisted in the Sixth West Virginia infantry, of C. S. A., under Col. Wilkerson. He enlisted as private, and when mustered out, June 10, 1865, bore the rank of first lieutenant. Engaged in the battles of Laurel Hill, Winchester, Woodstock, Bulltown, and Rumney. He began the practice of dentistry, at Columbus, Indiana, in 1870. He remained here for six years, and then went to Olney, Illinois, where he resided for one year; going from there to Holden, Missouri, continuing his practice. In 1878, he came to Odessa, where he,has since resided, engaged in a lucrative practice of his profession. October 14, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Varner, of this county, a very intelligent and estimable lady. Dr. Johnson is a member of Knights of Pythias, and a whole-souled, genial gentleman.
As printed in History of Lafayette County, Mo., carefully written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of its townships, cities, towns and villages, together with a (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1881. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.