Edward C. Johnson, son of James and Elizabeth Johnson, was in the twentieth year of his age when his parents settled in Otsego Township.  He was born in Otsego, New York, October 15, 1816.  The two years following his coming he spent the most of the time in South Bend.  With that exception he has lived on the old homestead on Section 17, which he now owns.  To the original 160 acres he has added from time to time till he now owns 250 acres.  In addition to this his brother Orrin owns 70 acres adjoining.  In June 1845, he was married to Eleanor P. Mabrey, who was born in Onondaga County, New York, and came to this county with her parents, James and Martha Mabrey, in 1840.  She died November 28, 1847, leaving one child six days old -- Eleanor P., who grew to womanhood and married Josiah Bennett.  She died October 2, 1882.  January 16, 1848, Mr. Johnson married Mary Corbin.  To them have been born four children -- Elmer A., died August 25, 1854, aged 6 years;  Cyrenus, died in infancy, August 20, 1851;  Calista is the wife of Lebbeus Anderson, and Mina May is at home.  Mrs. Johnson was born in Monroe County, New York, February 28, 1831, a daughter of Amos and Civil Corbin.  Her mother died January 15, 1835, and September 9, 1835, her father married Hannah Coe.  His children by the first marriage were Harvey Corbin, of Iona, Michigan;  Judson, of Angola;  Newell, of Yolo County, California;  Calista died January 22, 1881;  she was the wife of Peter Pisher, who died August 25, 1874, the day his twin sons, Judson and Newell, were twelve years old.  Mr. Corbin came west in 1843 and died in this township August 15, 1846.  March 1, 1885, Grandma Corbin quietly passed away at the ripe old age of 87 years and two months, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Johnson.  Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have a happy home and are surrounded by all that makes life a pleasure.
 

Submitted By: Mindee Gleason