My Genealogy Hound

Robert L. Johnson, justice of the peace, and one of the leading farmers of the county, was born in Madison County February 19, 1850, and is a son of John and Mary (Drake) Johnson. The father was born in Warren County, Tenn., in 1810, and by occupation was a farmer and horse trader. He was married in 1828, came to this county, driving from Tennessee in an ox-cart, and settled on the farm now owned by Mr. Beard. He became one of the leading men of the county, a large owner of real estate, an extensive dealer in horses and mules for the Southern market, and was a member of the internal revenue committee. He died in 1850, leaving his family in good circumstances. The mother, who was born in Warren County, Tenn., in 1811, was a daughter of Jacob Drake, of that county, and bore eleven children, all of whom grew to maturity. After the death of her first husband she married James Phillips, a broker and real estate dealer, who died in 1874. She now lives with her daughter, Mrs. Allen Walker, in Hindsville. Our subject received a good common-school education, was instructed by I. A. Clark, and attended the academy at Berryville. He holds a first grade certificate, and has taught school to some extent. In 1871 he married Miss Mary Henderson, daughter of Nathaniel Henderson, who located in Prairie Township in 1830. Mrs. Johnson was born in this county, and received her education at Tesley, Ark. Mr. Johnson now owns a farm on Brush Creek of 254 acres of well improved land, upon which he has erected good frame buildings. He is a dealer in horses and mule breeder. He owns a fine jack, of Kentucky stock, which is registered as Black Mammoth. Mr. Johnson is an active member and deacon of the Baptist Church, and is a liberal contributor to local charities. He is a Democrat, and served as justice of the peace in 1872, 1886 and 1888. He is a man of fine physique, and when thirteen years of age weighed 180 pounds, measuring six feet and two inches in height. He served in the Confederate army, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mrs. Johnson is also a member of the same church as her husband.