Johnson - James G. - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

JOHNSON, James Grant, PO Mace; Merchant; son of Jesse R & Mary WHEAT Johnson, was b. in Butler Co OH Sept 1, 1837 settled on Sec 15, Walnut Twp with his parents March 8, 1855. Marr. Mary J. LOOP, June 1, 1858. Two children: Ida E and William O. Mr. J. was a member of the Legislature during the regular and special sessions of 1869. -- typed by kbz

James G. JOHNSON, a prominent and widely known citizen of Montgomery County, is engaged in business as a general merchant of Freericksburg. A native of Butler, County, Ohio, his birth occurred Sept 1 1837. His father, Jesse r. Johnson was born in the same county in 1816 and was reared in one of its pioneer homes. He was married there, to Mary, daughter of James Wheat, who was a shoemaker at West Chester. Both the paternal and maternal grandfathers of our subject served in the War of 1812. Mr. Johnson continued to live in his native county until 1855, when he came to Indiana and for some years he resided in Walnut Township. He subsequently removed from Montgomery county to Hendricks and there he and his wife spent their remaining days, the father dying in 1873, his death occuring in June and hers in October, 1890. They had a family of six children, 3 of whom are still living; our subject; Oscar B, a physician at Lizton, who is prominent in politics and was a deletgate to the Chicago Democratic convention of June, 1892; and Emma A., widow of SB Richmond. Louisa died at the age of 14; Mary Ellen died in infancy and Thomas J, sacrificed his life on the alter of his country during the way, dying soon after he came out of the army. THe father was a man of high religious principles, and was a member of the Presbyterian Church, in whose upbuilding he was a zealous worker as well as taking an active interest in the Sunday School. He was prominent in local politics as a Democrat, and he also figured in public life as Trustee of Walnut Twp, and as Assessor during his residence here and after his removal to Hendricks Co. he held the latter office there. Our subject remained with his parents until he was 21, and then he entered upon his successful career. he first gave his attention to farming on rented land for some five years and then bought a farm in Walnut Twp, upon which he lived some 8 years. Selling that place, he bought 80 acres and made it his home for the next six years. Coming to Fredericksburg Feb 13, 1877, he has been a resident of that village ever since and has proved a valuable addition to its citizenshp. He was engaged in the management of a Grange store at first and after he had thorougly mastered every detail of the business he bought the store, in which he carried on busines suntil 1881, when he built his present commodious and well fitted up store. He carries a large and well-assorted line of goods adapted to a general trade, and has an extensive custom. Mr. Johnson was married June 1, 1858 to Miss mary J, daughter of Andrew Loop, of this village. She is a lady of prepossessing appearance and pleasing personality, and is true in every relation as wife, mother and friend. Her marriage with our subject brought htem 5 children of whom 3 have died: Charles M, Minnie and Louella M. two children are spared to be the stay and comfort of their declining years; Ida E. and William. The former is the wife of VE Livengood, a prominent lawyer of Covington, who was SUperitendent of the schools of that city five years. William is an intelligent young farmer, who is operating his father's farm of 80 acres. He married Miss MInnie E. Dice, a duaghter of William A. Dice. Our subject is a public-spirited-progressive citizen, who has always encouarged all enterprises looking to the development of the county, and he has been conspicuous in the administration of civic affairs, his fellow-citizens having confidence in his business acumen and executive ability, and fully appreciating the rectitude of his character. He is a strong Democrat, and has a social reputation as an astute politician, his counsels being valued by his party, and he has been a delegate to State conventions regularly for the past 25 years. He has held various important offices of trust. He was Postmaster in this village 4 1/2 years, and Trustee of Walnut Twp 3 years and Assessor for a like term. In 1869 he was a member of the Indiana State Legislature, taking part in the proceedings of both the general and special sesssions as the Representative of his district. He has been administrator of estates and guardian in several cases in this township and has always proved true to his trust. He belongs to the Horse Thief Protective Association, and is always ready to lend a hand in the interests of law and order. He is influential in religious matters as one of the foremost members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder and is Clerk of the Session in that church. -- typed by kbz