BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO

"History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

Presented by Linda Fluharty from hard copies provided
by Mary Staley & Phyllis Slater.


Pages 587-588.


WILLIAM JOHNSON (an Irishman by birth) came to America from Scotland,
and settled in Virginia, on Short creek, near Wheeling, where he died.
He was married about 1795 to Martha Griffin, a native of Scotland.
By her he had two children: John and James, both deceased. After
the father's death the mother married John Allen, a citizen of Ohio,
with whom she lived until her death. In 1825, she deeded her sons her
interest in the property now owned by her grandson, James, who resides
upon the farm with his family. John Johnson, the son of William, was
born in Virginia, in 1800. He lived there until his mother's marriage
to Mr. Allen, and then removed to Ohio, taking possession of the farm
now operated by his son. Having received a fair education in the common
schools, he married Miss Jane Gordon, a native of Maryland, in 1821, by
whom he had three children: Martha, now the wife of J. Y. Ashenhurst,
of Belmont county; James, born in 1823, and William, born in 1825, was
drowned in Wheeling creek in 1849 while bathing. His wife died in 1825,
and two years later he married Miss Nancy Pattison, of West Virginia. She
died in 1854. His third wife was Mrs. Nancy A. McGaw, whom he married in
1859, and who now resides in Bellaire. Mr. Johnson was a man of much
local prominence. He was a devoted member of the United Presbyterian
church, and was a staunch democrat. His death occurred in 1874, and was
a great calamity to the community at large. James Johnson, the present
incumbent of the Johnson homestead, was born November 29, 1823. His
early life was passed in the schools and on the farm. December 31, 1850,
he was married to Miss Nancy Gordon, daughter of James and Martha
(Nichol) Gordon, natives of Maryland and Ireland, respectively. Since
his marriage Mr. Johnson has operated the farm which has come down to
him from the past generations of his family. Under his wise supervision
the property has greatly increased in value. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are
the parents of SIX children: William A., James G., Martha J., John A.,
A. Ross, Elmer Nichol (deceased). Mr. Johnson has secured to his
children a liberal education. Both himself and wife are active and
earnest communicants of the United Presbyterian church, of High Ridge.
Mr. Johnson is one of the substantial, progressive farmers of the
community, and is held in high esteem by all.