- DAVID GARRISON JOHNSON, who is engaged in farming on section
31, Fulton Township,
- was born on the 26th day of April, 1812, in Milton, Saratoga
Co., N.Y., and is a son of Jonathan and Clarissa (GARRISON) JOHNSON,
who were also born in the Empire State. The father was a carpenter
by trade and followed that occupation in connection with farming
during the greater part of his life. For many years he was engaged
on the construction of the Oswego canal. His death occurred
in his native State and he was buried near Syracuse. Mrs. Johnson
survived her husband a few years.
- The subject of this sketch received a common school education
and passed the days of his boy-
- hood and youth in the home of his parents. At the age of
twenty-one years he began his business career and was employed
on the construction of the Oswego canal until 1850, when, attracted
by the gold discoveries in California, he started for the Pacific
Slope, making the journey by water. Crossing the Isthmus of
Panama he boarded a Pacific steamer which carried him safely
to San Francisco. On arriving at his destination he engaged
in mining for two years, which satisfied his desires in that
direction and he returned to his home. In the year 1853 he came
to the new State of Wisconsin and turned his attention to agricultural
pursuits, locating on 120 acres of land which he had purchased
a few years previous. Only fifteen acres of the whole amount
had been placed under the plow, but moving into a little log
cabin, he commenced breaking the wild prairie and in the course
of time converted it into one of the fine farms of the community
and extended its boundaries until it now comprises 175 acres.
In connection with general farming he raises a good grade of
stock. His home and the many beautiful and useful improvements
to be found on the land are monuments to his industrious life,
his energy and his perseverance.
- On the 14th day of March, 1838, David JOHNSON and Miss Atlanta
T. BOYCE were united
- in the holy bonds of matrimony. For the long period of forty-three
years they traveled life's journey together, sharing with each
other the joys and sorrows, the sunshine and shadow which forms
a part of each life; but at length the day of separation came,
and Mrs. JOHNSON was laid in the grave in 1881.
- Mr. JOHNSON takes an active interest in political affairs,
and has been a stanch supporter of the Democratic party since
casting his first Presidential vote for Andrew Jackson. He has
encouraged and supported the various enterprises of the community
which promised to be beneficial to the public in general, and
is highly regarded by all as a worthy and useful citizen.
- Harvey J. JOHNSON, nephew of the above, was born on the 7th
day of August, 1852, in
- Syracuse, N.Y., and since the age of two years had made his
home with his uncle David. He received his education in the
common schools of Rock County, and on attaining a sufficient
age began assisting his uncle in the labors of the farm. He
is a practical and progressive farmer and is now managing the
farm in his own interests. Mr. JOHNSON is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, belonging to Fulton Lodge, No. 69, A.F.& A.M.,
of Edgerton, and in political sentiments is a Republican and
a warm advocate of the party policy. Almost his entire life
has been passed in this county, and by those who have known him
from boyhood, as well as his later acquaintances, he is highly
respected and is recognized as a young man of sterling worth.
-
- David Garrison JOHNSON is the same man as David Garrison
JOHNSTON, whose biography may be found here.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 687-688.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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