- HENRY BRAYTON JOHNSON, a pioneer settler of Rock County of
1844, dating his residence
- in Johnstown from the 4th day of July of that year, is a
native of New York. He was born in the town of Walton, Delaware
County, May 15, 1818, and is a son of Chapman and Hanna (EDWARDS)
JOHNSON, whose birthplace was also in Delaware County. The family
was founded in Rhode Island many years previous to the Revolutionary
War. The great-grandfather served in the French and Indian War
begun in 1755, and also aided the colonies in their struggle
for independence. The father of our subject was a soldier in
the War of 1812.
- When Henry was a young lad he removed with his parents to
Jefferson County, N.Y., and was
- reared to the occupation of farming, but afterward engaged
in lumbering and merchandising in the town of Natural Bridge
for a few years. Leaving his native State in 1844, he came directly
to Rock County, Wis., settling in Johnstown Township, where he
engaged in farming. His landed possessions at one time amounted
to 500 acres, but he has recently disposed of all of it with
the exception of seventy acres. In 1846 he removed to Johnstown
Center, where he built a hotel, operating the same for eighteen
years, at the same time carrying on extensive agricultural operations.
In 1869 he erected another hotel, of which his son, Horatio Seymour,
is now proprietor. He was also for several years engaged in merchandising
in that town, keeping a general store.
- In Jefferson County, N.Y., Sept. 23, 1846, Mr. JOHNSON was
joined in wedlock with Miss
- Margaret GREMS, who was born in Oneida County, N.Y., and
is a daughter of John and Elizabeth GREMS. Her people were descended
from the old KNICKERBOCKER stock of the Empire State. To Mr.
and Mrs. Johnson two children have been born: Edwin Chapman,
who married Miss Fronie CHEENEY, daughter of Henry CHEENEY, is
now living in Janesville, Wis.; Horatio Seymour married Miss
Lillian AMBLER, daughter of Hiram AMBLER, and is now conducting
the Johnson Hotel at Johnstown Center, in connection with which
he operates his farm of eighty acres in Johnstown Township.
- In July, 1887, Mr. JOHNSON came to Janesville and bought
into his present business. He now
- deals in grain and feed, doing both a wholesale and retail
trade. In politics he is a democrat, but has always refused to
accept public office.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 965-966.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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