JOHNSON, GEORGE M. - On both paternal and maternal sides the ancestry of George M. Johnson, who is well known in Cass County, dates back to an early period in the history of western Illinois. His own birth occurred in Mason County, January 28, 1859, that of his father, Richard M. Johnson, taking place in the same county, while his mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Ann Plaster, was born on the Sangamon bottoms in Cass County. The paternal grandparents, Jonathan and Rosanna Johnson, were natives of Tennessee, as was Thomas Plaster, the maternal grandfather, who was among the first settlers of Cass County, where he acquired considerable tracts of land.

Jonathan Johnson and his wife located in Mason County in the early stages of its settlement, and soon after their marriage, Richard M. Johnson, their son, and his wife made their home there also. In 1861 they moved to the Sangamon River bottom, where Richard M. secured several hundred acres of bottom land, also owning eighty acres on the bluffs. At first he lived in a log house, later building a fine, large brick house from brick made to order, and under his own supervision. He died July 11, 1901, at the age of sixty-seven years, his wife having passed away in 1898. Their children were as follows: George M.; Carrie E., who died when eighteen years old; John T., of Cass County, Il.; Andrew, deceased, at the age of twenty-four years; Ella and Ida, deceased at the ages of seventeen and thirty years respectively; Arthur Lee, who lives on the home place; and Addie (Mrs. James Wing), of Cass County.

In youth George M. Johnson attended the district schools, and remained at home until his marriage, which took place May 1, 1881, at which time he wedded Naomi Showalter, a native of Cass County, and a daughter of George and Clarissa (Graham) Showalter, natives of Virginia. After his marriage, Mr. Johnson lived on a portion of his father's place where he has since continued. On the latter's death, 140 acres of the home place was left to the son, also twenty acres in Mason County, and nine acres near Chandlerville. He has added to the homestead property until he now owns 240 acres on the lower Sangamon River bottom. He cultivates all the land, being engaged in general grain farming. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have three children, namely: Pearl (Mrs. H. M. Dillon), and Alfred, both of Cass County; and Lloyd, who is at home.

Politically Mr. Johnson belongs to the Democratic party. In 1907 he was elected commissioner of the Mason and Cass Drainage District, in which position he has since served continuously. Wherever Mr. Johnson's acquaintance extends, he is regarded with much respect, and is considered one of the leading citizens of the community in which he lives.