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 1864
From Past and present of Guthrie County, Iowa : together with biographical sketches of many of its prominent and leading citizens and illustrious dead (1907)
WILLIAM JOHNSON.
William Johnson, who is station agent at Glendon, was born in Vermont in 1864 "d when but a year old was taken to Indiana by his parents. His father, William Johnson, was a native of England and in that country was reared and married, the lady of his choice being Miss Hannah Brashaw, also a native of England. Four of their children were born ere their emigration from that country to the new world. Thev had eight children altogether, and four are still living. After living for some time in Vermont, the family removed to Indiana in
1865 and subsequently went to Des Moines, Iowa. The year 1868 witnessed their arrival in Panora, Guthrie county, and the father engaged in a manufacturing business, being one of the owners of the woolen mills of that place for seven years. He afterward purchased ninety acres of land in Cass township. This he placed under the plow, for the land was unbroken Avhen he became its owner. As the years passed he improved the property, adding to it all of the equipments and accessories of a modern farm. Upon that place he made his home until his death, following farming and stock-raising. Both branches of his business proved profitable so that in the course of years he was able to provide his family with not only the necessities but also many of the comforts of life. His wife died in 1895, and he passed away in 1897. After becoming a naturalized citizen he voted with the republican party and he had a deep and firm attachment for the republican government and the institutions of this free land.
'william Johnson was but four years old when brought by his parents to Guthrie county. He was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar with the details and labors of the field, as he assisted his father in carrying on the w'ork of the farm. He acquired his education in Panora and lived at home until he attained his majority, when he began farming on his own account. He continued in that business until his health failed, having just then secured a position with the Rock Island Railroad Company. Seven years ago he came to Glendon and for three years was telegraph operator at this place. Since that time he has been.station agent, and he has attended t(3 all of the business of the railroad company at this place. He is a trustworthy employe and is regarded by the public as a courteous and obliging representative of the road.
On the 15th of December, 1889, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Susan E. Hunsinger, who was born in Indiana and is a daughter of R. Hunsinger, who died in the Hoosier state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born three children, but Albert Virgil is the only one now living, the others having died in infancy.
Mr. Johnson is a member of the Masonic fraternity and in his life exemplifies the principles and beneficent spirit of that order. In politics he is a republican, having supported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has built a home at Glendon, where he is comfortably situated, and he has many friends in the village and throughout the county in which almost his entire life has been spent. His social nature and geniality, combined with his deference for the opinion of others, and his friendly nature, have made him many friends.
As printed in Past and present of Guthrie County, Iowa : together with biographical sketches of many of its prominent and leading citizens and illustrious dead (1907). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1907. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.