My Genealogy Hound

W. M. Johnson is a planter of Buena Vista Township, but was born in Mississippi in 1851, and is the fifth of a family of nine children born to the union of Andy and Marinda (Merritt) Johnson, who were born in Alabama. The father removed from his native State of Mississippi when a boy, and after his marriage engaged in farming. At the opening of the Rebellion he first hired a substitute, but afterward entered the service himself, becoming a member of a company of cavalry, but upon the cessation of hostilities he returned to his old home in Mississippi, remaining there until his removal, in 1871, to Columbia County, Ark. He immediately purchased a farm here, and on this he has made his home up to the present time. Six of the nine children born to himself and wife are still living: Mary E. (wife of W. A. Hogue), W. M., M. M., James A., Sarah J. (wife of J. McGraw), J. F., John A. and Lou E. (wife of W. H. Hudman), all residents of this county with the exception of Sarah J., who resides in Arkansas County. Mrs. Johnson died in the month of February, 1888, having been a worthy member of the Baptist Church, and on July 4, 1888, Mr. Johnson married Mrs. Blanche Williams, nee Smith. W. M. Johnson resided in the State of Mississippi until he attained to the age of twenty-one years, then began farming for himself in Columbia County, Ark., on land which he had purchased on time. By strict attention to the details of his calling, he has placed himself in independent circumstances, and has now 435 acres of land, with 120 acres under cultivation. He also owns an excellent steam cotton-gin, which turns out about 300 bales of cotton annually, the number of bales of his own raising amounting to from twenty-five to thirty. Mr. Johnson purchased his first horse in the fall of 1872, and at that time also owned one cow, this constituting his live stock. In 1873 he was married to Miss Addie Cherry, a daughter of Hansford and Evelyn (Hawkins) Cherry. Mr. Cherry was married twice, his first wife bearing him seven children, of whom four survived: Henry (who resides in Jefferson, Tex.), Martha (wife of William Fur, of Pine Bluff, Ark.), Mary (wife of Wesley Smith, of Texas), Nancy (wife of Samuel Kyser, of Texas), and Courtney (wife of John Jacks, of the Lone Star State). Mrs. Cherry had been previously married to a Mr. Franklin, and of the seven children born to them two are now living: Malinda (wife of William Davis, of Columbia County, Ark.), and Maria (wife of Thomas Lanier, also a resident of this county). To Mr. and Mrs. Cherry one child was born: Addie (who is the wife of Mr. Johnson). Mr. and Mrs. Cherry passed from life in 1883 and 1878, respectively, both having been pioneer settlers of this county, coming here in the forties, at which time the country was almost a wilderness. They settled on a woodland farm, and prior to its being converted into a farm, they were compelled to undergo many hardships and privations. To Mr. Johnson and wife, both of whom are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a family of six children have been born: Mary A., J. B., W. H., J. E., Cora L. and Lucy L.