My Genealogy Hound

JOHN JOHNSON. Throughout Berrien County there are few names so well known as that of Mr. Johnson, the recent incumbent of one of the most important official positions within the gift of the people. As Sheriff he displayed the possession of great decision and firmness of character, keenness of perception and shrewd discrimination. In private life his character is above reproach. Through his business enterprises he has achieved success. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of well-improved land, the management of which he personally superintends. This is located in Berrien Township.

Mr. Johnson has passed his entire life in the county where he now makes his home. His father, John Johnson, was born in Virginia in 1803, being the son of John Johnson, a Virginian by birth and of Irish descent. In 1828, accompanied by his family, he came to Michigan and, purchasing a farm in Berrien Township, Berrien County, commenced the work of clearing and improving the place. As the years passed by, he had the gratification of witnessing the results of his unceasing toil, and his estate was among the best in the county. Honest and upright, irreproachable in conduct and unwavering in principle, he occupied a high place in the community, and his demise, which occurred in 1884, was deeply mourned as a public loss. His wife, whose maiden name was Anna Lybrook, and who was born in Virginia in 1803, passed from the scenes of earth in 1876.

The youngest in a family of eight children, four daughters and four sons, the subject of this biographical notice was born in Berrien Township, Berrien County, Mich., on the 24th of May, 1845. His early life was passed amid the pioneer scenes of the county, and his education was limited to the pioneer schools of that day. Early trained to habits of usefulness, he aided his father on the farm and followed agricultural operations on the old homestead. In 1890, having been elected to the position of Sheriff on the Democratic ticket, he removed to Berrien Springs, where he resided until the expiration of his term of office, when he purchased the furniture establishment owned by John Helderbrand, and in partnership with his son, Henry B., has since conducted a prosperous business, the firm name being J. Johnson & Son.

October 28, 1868, occurred the marriage of John Johnson and Miss Marie Bartholomew, the youngest daughter of Dr. S. C. Bartholomew, a prominent physician of Berrien County. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson became the parents of five children, but four died in infancy, and the only survivor is Henry B., a young man of great promise and now associated in business with his father. In his fraternal relations our subject is an active member of Western Star Lodge No. 39, A. E. & A. M., at Berrien Springs, and St. Joseph Valley Chapter, R. A. M.