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 REDERICK JOHNSON, one of the reliable
and substantial farmers of North Okaw
Township, spent his earliest years on the
other side of the Atlantic, where his birth took place
in County Fermanagh, Ireland, Feb. 29, 1840. He
was the ninth child of John and Annie (Bell) Johnson, also natives of County Fermanagh, and a
sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this
work. His education was begun in the common
schools of his native county, and he came with his
parents to the United States in 1850, completing his
studies in the subscription schools of Moultrie
County, Ill. He was twenty-three years of age
when his father died, and up to this time had remained a member of the household, which was now
somewhat broken up by the death of the remaining
parent. About this time he purchased 320 acres
of wild land in North Okaw Township, this county,
and a few years later, accompanied by his two
sisters, Christiana and Margaret, took possession
and has since occupied it. The present farm of our subject bears little resemblance to the land that he first took possession of. It is now laid off conveniently, and supplied with good fences and buildings, among the most prominent of which is a handsome, substantial frame building, put up in the summer of 1868, and a large barn, erected in 1882. The brothers and sisters have lived continuously together, our subject being still unmarried, this being the only instance in which he has failed to perform his whole duty as an enterprising and naturalized American citizen. The Johnson brothers are widely and favorably known throughout North Okaw Township. Frederick and John operate largely together in lands and stock, being the owners of over 1,000 acres, the largest part of which lies in Coles County. They also still retain an interest in the homestead in Moultrie County, which their father built up from the uncultivated prairie, that also comprises a valuable tract of land, which with its appurtenances, constitutes one of the most desirable homesteads in that section. The dwelling stands back a short distance from the road and is surrounded with a natural grove of oak and hickory trees. There are also handsome evergreens artistically trimmed and which, in winter especially, serve to greatly embellish the place. Our subject and his brother John are at present giving their attention to the breeding of fine horses, the former having two valuable imported stallions, and from which are being produced some of the finest animals in this section. Frederick is taking life easy and aside from the general management of his property, engages little in active business. He is genial and hospitable in his home, which forms a pleasant resort for the many friends of himself and his estimable sisters, Christiana and Margaret. Mr. J. is plain and unostentatious in his manner, but impresses all with whom he comes in contact as a man whose word is to be relied upon and whose friendship and honor are of the highest order. The warm and generous characteristics of his forefathers are broadly apparent, and have lent to him that simple and attractive mien, which at once secures the confidence of both friends and strangers. Mr. Johnson has never been connected with any religious organization, but presents the example of the Christian impulse which constrains a man to do unto others as he would have others do unto him. This principle, closely followed, has gained him an enviable reputation among his fellow-townsmen and the friendship of the best people in this locality. Politically, he is Democratic, and has served two terms as Township Commissioner. |
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