My Genealogy Hound

Travis Johnson, farmer, stock raiser and fruit grower of Laclede County, Mo., and one of the prosperous men of that county, was born in Roane County, Tenn., January 28, 1825, and is the son of Little B. and Ada (George) Johnson, both born and reared in Knox County, Tenn. The ancestors of the Johnson family came from England, and were early settlers of Tennessee. The paternal grandfather, Edmund Johnson, immigrated to Knox County, of the last mentioned State, as early as 1796, but the Indians were there in great numbers, and he did not stay long. However, he returned to the same place in 1800, and lived there for many years. He died in Roane County, Tenn., over eighty-five years of age. He was a Revolutionary soldier. Little B. Johnson was a farmer, wagon-maker and blacksmith by trade, but the latter part of his life was spent in the Baptist ministry. He organized a great many churches in his time, and died a faithful, upright Christian. He was the father of eleven children, five now living, of whom Travis Johnson is the eldest. The others living are: Patrick, who resides in Lawrence County, Mo.; Lewis C., residing on the old homestead in Tennessee; Rachel, wife of W. R. Herald, and Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Parr, now residing in Tennessee. Two brothers died in Andersonville Prison, Elisha A, and James L. Silas was drowned. Travis Johnson was reared on the farm in Tennessee, and in this State he received his education. In 1845 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary C. Bowman, who bore him six children, four now living: Malissa E., wife of J. H. Brown; Eliza A., wife of James B. Bourman; Parley R., wife of Henry Jones, and Mary C., wife of John L. Stow. In 1859 Mr. Johnson immigrated with his family by team to Laclede County, Mo., locating on Gasconade River, where he purchased 211 acres of land with but few improvements. He has now 100 acres under cultivation on this farm. In 1871 he purchased 218 acres in the same township, and aside from this he has 160 acres of land where he now lives, with about 120 acres under cultivation. Mr. Johnson has turned his attention to stock-raising, to which his farms are all well adapted, and he also raises a large amount of fruit. He is one of the leading farmers of Laclede County, and has been a valuable citizen. In the spring of 1883 he moved to Lebanon for the purpose of educating his son, Charles L., a bright young man. After the latter’s death Mr. Johnson moved back to the farm, where he now lives. He was a member of the Enrolled Militia during the war, and served in several hard skirmishes. Politically he is a Republican and a strong adherent of that party. He and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Baptist Church.