My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Desha County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

J. S. Johnson present county treasurer, Arkansas City. The name that heads this sketch is borne by one of the well- known and respected residents of Franklin Township, who, like many other settlers in the county, came originally from Louisiana, where his birth occurred in 1854. His parents, Ami and Mary (Barland) Johnson, were natives, respectively of Ohio and Virginia. The father came to Louisiana at a very early day, in fact so early that the place where he settled was covered with cane. He was a carpenter by trade and followed this occupation until his death in 1857. The mother died in 1884. Of the seven children born to their marriage, only one, J. S., is living. The latter was reared and secured a fair education in Catahoula Parish, La., and when fourteen years of age began for himself. He spent the early part of his life on board a steamboat on the Ouachita River and tributaries and filled all the positions from cabin-boy to pilot, holding the last-named position the last four years he was on the boat. He came to Chicot County, Ark., located in Arkansas City and worked as clerk for J. M. Whitehill for some time. He afterward worked for a Mr. Helm, and in 1882 engaged in the grocery business for himself, continuing at the same until 1887. Mr. Johnson has filled the office of city recorder, and in 1888 was elected treasurer of the county. Previous to this he had served as deputy sheriff for some time. His marriage nuptials were celebrated on November 21, 1878, to Miss Ella Clayton, daughter of Capt. John M. Clayton, of Louisiana. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of seven children: Hattie M., Nora N. (deceased), Earl O., Gertrude P., Joseph C., Norman N. and James R. Although a comparatively young man, Mr. Johnson is one of the wide awake and enterprising citizens of the county. He is a member of the Valley Lodge No. 21, K. of P., and is a member of the Uniformed Rank, Division 12. He and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 80 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Desha County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Desha County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional Desha County, Arkansas family biographies, click here

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.