My Genealogy Hound

BENJAMIN F. JOHNSON (deceased), farmer and stock-raiser, section 32, post-office Carthage, was born in east Tennessee Oct. 14, 1803, and was one of twins, the other a sister. Their father died when they were infants and the subject of this sketch acquired his education at the subscription schools of their locality; his youth was spent on a farm. After the death of his father the family moved to Campbell county, and when he attained his nineteenth year he moved to Anderson county and engaged in farming; was married there Nov. 12, 1826, to Miss Martha M. Oliver, also a native of Tennessee. He held the office of sheriff of the county eighteen years; emigrated to Washington county, Ark., in 1829, settled near Cane Hill, and remained there until 1861; he was one of the pioneers of that county. Though born and living all his life in slave states was never favorable to the doctrine of slavery, and strongly opposed by voice and vote the ordinance of secession, which made him so many bitter political enemies that he thought best to seek safety in some adjoining state. His livestock, grain, and provisions were taken away by the enemies of himself and country. Two sons, though strong Union men, were conscripted into the Confederate service, but did not long remain there. In June, 1861, he went to Kansas. His wife and youngest daughter returned to their home in Arkansas, in November, 1865, with a view of settling up their affairs, being himself sick and unable to return with them; he joined them there Jan. 27, 1866. His wife’s health had now given away, and two days after his return she breathed her last, in the fifty-seventh year of her age. During her life she was a very estimable lady, a kind indulgent mother and a true wife; was for many years a faithful member of the M. E. Church and died in the hope and confidence of a blessed immortality, leaving a family of four sons and seven daughters. The year after his wife’s death he sold out in Arkansas and become a resident of Jasper county, Mo., and three years later settled where he now lives. Was married in this county Sept, 28, 1868, to Mrs. Elizabeth Barker, a native of Arkansas. Of this union there are two sons. Mrs. J. is the mother of four children by her former marriage. Since his residence here, though meeting with some reverses, has been in the main prosperous; his farm consists of 170 acres, 160 improved. Mr. J., for a man of advanced age, is robust and active, thinks his good health and spirits is greatly due to his temperate methods of living, having never used tobacco in any form, or stimulants of any kind. Is very intelligent, of good judgment, and strong religious proclivities, has been an active and consistent member of the M. E. Church for upward of fifty years, and is now a faithful and earnest worker in the cause of religion.