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From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette, Wisconsin, publ. 1901- page 444
EDWIN JOHNSON (deceased) was numbered among the prosperous retired farmer citizens of Platteville, Grant county, where he enjoyed the comforts of life removed from active business, though he took a deep interest in the welfare of the community.
Mr. JOHNSON was born in Avoca, county, Wicklow, Ireland, Nov. 2, 1817, a son of Richard and Mary JOHNSON, who were born and spent their lives in the Emerald Isle. Of the ten children born to them, our subject is the only one who crossed the ocean, and was the last to pass away. Receiving an excellent education in his native land, Mr. JOHNSON followed a sea-faring life for a number of years, sailing between Liverpool, New York and New Orleans, after which he located in Baltimore. After a few years, at the time of the Black Hawk troubles, he migrated West, locating at Hazel Green, Grant Co., Wis., and engaged in mining lead and other ores. Later Mr. JOHNSON settled at Belmont having purchased a large tract of prairie and timber land, which he greatly improved, acquiring over 1,000 acres in and around Belmont, of which he was the founder. In 1887 Mr. JOHNSON purchased a pleasant home in Platteville, near the State College, where he resided until his death, Nov. 19, 1900.
In 1839 Mr. JOHNSON married Miss Elizabeth JOHNSON, of Ireland, and she bore him ten children, four now living: Elizabeth, the eldest living, now Mrs. Samuel FITZSIMMONS, of Mineral Point, Wis.; Mary, wife of William MARSH, of Mineral Point; Abigail, wife of Dr. CRONIN, of Lancaster, Wis.; and Sarah, Mrs. Samuel O'NEILL, of Chicago; the remaining children died in childhood. In 1865 Mr. JOHNSON lost his wife and in 1866 he married Emily STEPHENS, daughter of Michael STEPHENS, one of the old pioneers of Platteville. To the second marriage three children were born: Edwin A. is mentioned below; Eva, born in Grant county, was well educated in the public schools and the Normal at Platteville, and is now at home; Annie died at the age of seven. In September, 1896, Mr. JOHNSON was again bereaved, his wife passing away at their home in Platteville.
Politically Mr. JOHNSON was a member of the Democratic party, and while residing in Belmont held a number of State and town offices, becoming well known for his upright principles and faithful discharge of his duties. In religious matters he was a consistent member of the Catholic Church. He was instrumental in forwarding the commercial importance of Platteville, at one time dealing quite extensively in real estate, improving property, and enhancing its value. All of his children who attained maturity are a credit to him and the city from which they hail, and our subject was justly regarded as a man of sterling worth, upright integrity, and pleasing personality. He numbered his friends by legions.
Edwin A. JOHNSON was born May 14, 1870, was educated in the public schools and at the Chicago Veterinary College, receiving the degree of M. D. C. in 1896. He is now engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery. In April 1898, he married Miss Grace JOHNSON, of Montfort, daughter of John JOHNSON, one of the pioneers of southern Wisconsin, and they have one daughter, Emily, born Dec. 9, 1900.
This biography generously submitted by Carol Holmbeck