My Genealogy Hound

J. L. JOHNSON. Among the sons of Ohio who have brought with them to this State the sturdy habits of independence, integrity and industry which have ever marked the native Ohioan, we are gratified to be able to name Mr. Johnson, whose beautiful farm is to be found just east of the city of Benton Harbor. This estate has every indication of order and thrift, and success has crowned his efforts, for it is considered one of the finest places in the township. Mr. Johnson was born in Harrison County, Ohio, in 1823, and came to Berrien County, Mich., with his parents, Benjamin and Margaret (Murphy) Johnson, at an early date. Both parents were natives of Maryland, and they were among the first settlers of Berrien County, locating in St. Joseph, where they resided two years. From there they moved to the farm just north of where our subject now resides, and there passed the remainder of their days. Their children, six in number, were in order of their births as follows: J. L., our subject; Byron, of Chicago; Julia, who died, leaving a son, Joseph Pearl; Lucy A., wife of John Wilkinson, of St. Joseph; Benjamin; and Drusilla, wife of Thomas Walker, of the Lake View Hotel in St. Joseph.

The original of this notice grew to manhood in Berrien County, and received a good practical education in the common schools. Trained to the arduous duties of the farm from early boyhood, he followed in the footsteps of his progenitors and also became a tiller of the soil. He selected his wife in the person of Miss Jennie Smith, whose father, Joseph Smith, was one of the very first settlers of the county. Subsequently Mr. Johnson moved to his farm of eighty acres, which was then a dense forest, and which he succeeded in clearing after years of hard work. Aside from this he has cleared forty acres on the east side of the road from where he now resides, and everything about his place indicates him to be a man of push and perseverance.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have had no children of their own, but they have reared and educated two, Eugene Barrows and Joseph F. Pearl. The latter, Mr. Johnson’s nephew, is now a member of the firm of Howard & Pearl, druggists of St. Joseph, and a very successful young business man. The political sympathies of Mr. Johnson have brought him in line with the Republican party and in public movements he has ever taken a deep interest. Socially, he was one of the old members of the Masonic order of St. Joseph, was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a member of the Benton Harbor Grange. Mr. Johnson has ever been interested in educational matters and has been a member of the School Board in the district where he makes his home. He and his excellent wife, who is a most worthy member of the Episcopal Church, are well known in the county and are highly esteemed by all. Although not connected with any church organization, Mr. Johnson recognizes the breadth of good accomplished therein and has always been a liberal contributor towards the support of the Gospel teachings.