F. R. JOHNSON

JOHNSON, DAVIS, TRUMAN

Posted By: Norma Nielson (email)
Date: 5/15/2004 at 20:36:35

"F. R. Johnson, a worthy native son and substantial agriculturist of Adair county, residing on section 24, Richland township, now owns and cultivates three hundred acres of valuable land. His birth occurred in Washington township, this county, on the 30th of August, 1867, his parents being Jehu and Rachael (Davis) Johnson, both of whom were natives of Indiana. They came to Iowa with their respective parents, who settled in Adair county, and they were the third couple to be married in this county. The father of our subject bought a farm in Washington township which he operated continuously and successfully during the remainder of his life, passing away in 1912, while the mother was called to her final rest in 1913. They had gained an extensive and favorable acquaintance here, so that their deaths were the occasions of deep and widespread regret.

F. R. Johnson received his education in the district schools and when a young man of twenty-two years started out as an agriculturist on his own account by purchasing eighty acres of land in Washington township which he cultivated for six years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of the property and bought a tract of sixty acres and his wife had inherited eighty acres. Since then he has bought additional land and now owns two hundred and twenty acres in Richland township in his home farm, on which he has resided since 1896. He likewise has another farm of eighty acres on section 25 of that township, so that his holdings aggregate three hundred acres. As a general farmer he has made a careful study of agriculture, and his progressive methods combined with intelligent direction and a willingness to work have proved strong forces toward the acquirement of success.

In 1896 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Truman, of Richland township, her father being Joseph Truman, one of the early settlers of this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born seven children, namely: Alice, Harold, Donald, Florence, Ruth, Gladys and Beulah, all of whom are still at home. In his political views Mr. Johnson is a republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evangelical church, to which his wife also belongs. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Orient Lodge, No. 518. As a lifelong resident of Adair county he has assisted to the extent of his ability in advancing its interests and may be depended upon to give his support to every measure that will promote the public good."

Source: The "History of Adair County Iowa and its People," Volume II. (Chicago, The Pioneer Publishing Company) 1915.