My Genealogy Hound

Benjamin F. Johnson. Among the most successful farmers and stock dealers and prominent citizens of Washington County, Ark., may be mentioned B. F. Johnson, who was born in Campbell County, Tenn., on the 12th of March, 1835. He is a son of James and Mary (Queener) Johnson, natives of Virginia and Tennessee, respectively. The father was born January 4, 1799. Mary (Queener) Johnson was born September 29, 1803, and died May 22, 1876. The father was a farmer by occupation, and was a soldier in the War of 1812. While a resident of Tennessee he held the office of justice of the peace for several terms, and was county sheriff one term. He was an old-line Whig in politics, and was married in Campbell County, Tenn., coming to Washington County, Ark., in 1850, where he spent the remainder of his days, dying May 6, 1882. He and wife became the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living: O. P., a farmer and miller, residing in Missouri; Lucinda, wife of J. R. Hope; Lovisa, wife of D. Hope; Mary, wife of W. Alexander; J. Q., Benjamin F. and Eliza. Benjamin F. remained under the paternal roof until he attained his majority, when he engaged in farming on his own responsibility, and by close application to the duties of farm life he established those habits of industry and frugality which insured his success in after life. He has been actively engaged as a dealer in stock for many years, and in all his business dealings he is fair and just, commanding the respect and confidence of all who know him; he commenced life with no capital but his two hands and a vast amount of energy and pluck, but is now the owner of 932 acres of land, and has one of the finest residences in the county. He is a notable example of those sound and correct business principles which win success and those genial traits of character which secure and retain public confidence and esteem. He took an active part in the late war, and served for over three years as sergeant of Company D, First Arkansas Regiment, operating the most of the time in Missouri and Arkansas. He participated in more than 100 battles and skirmishes, and was quite severely wounded in the left arm in a skirmish on White Oak. His marriage to Miss Nancy K. Boatwright took place October 1, 1856. She was born February 27, 1839, in Anderson County, Tenn., and died May 26. 1864, in Washington County, Ark., having been the mother of four children, two living: J. O. and Mary L., wife of Joseph Arnett. Mr. Johnson’s second marriage was to Miss Lydia Lewis, by whom he became the father of fourteen children, seven of whom are still living: George W., Lydia K., Hugh L., Shirley J., Lettie, Burtos B. and Inez. Mr. Johnson is a strong supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and is a member of the G. A. R. He has always been a strong advocate of public improvements, and has given several hundred dollars to aid in the construction of railroads in his county, and throughout life has taken a deep interest in all enterprises tending to benefit the county and the cause of education.