James L. Johnson

    James L. Johnson, (deceased), father of the present Clerk of Warren County, was a native Kentuckian, born in 1800. He was a hatter by trade, and at an early day moved to Brown County, Ohio, where he plied his trade successfully until 1835, then emigrated westward and located at Williamsport. He was a man well qualified for western life by having a robust constitution and an indomitable energy, which at all times are the chief requisites of the pioneer. He entered about 700 acres of Warren County land, but, instead of tilling this, was engaged in merchandising at Williamsport and became one of the wealthiest men of the county; but he was not allowed to enjoy this long, for in about 1847, he was attacked by one of the prevalent disorders of the day, which caused his death. His widow survived him until 1856, when she too died. this lady was twice married, her first husband being a Mr. Wright. To her marriage with Mr. Johnson, six children were born, five of whom are yet living, the youngest being Henry C. Johnson. this son was born in Brown County, Ohio, December 6, 1834; was reared in this county, and has known no other home than this.

    In December, 1859, he married Miss Elizabeth Tebbs. Early in 1861, he went to Indianapolis, and for six months served as Deputy Clerk of the Supreme Court, but he then resigned his position, returned home, and assisted in recruiting Company K, Thirty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, of which he was elected second Lieutenant. The summer of 1863, he was advanced to First Lieutenant, and later tot he Captaincy of his company. Was in a number of hard fought battles, among which were Wild Cat, Cumberland Gap and Thompson's Station. At the last named engagement, he was captured, and for seven weeks was an inmate of Libby Prison. He was enabled to rejoin his command in time to participate in all the movements of the Atlanta campaign, part of the time as Aid of Gen. Coburn, but afterward as Aid to Col. Dustin. At Savannah, he resumed command of his company, and from that time participated in all the movements of Sherman's army until the close of the war, including the grand review of Washington. Since 1865, he has been Deputy in the County Clerk's office, and in 1882 re-elected .

    To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson's marriage, six children have been born -Kate, deceased; Louis H., Lillian, Anna, Harry and   George W.

Source: Counties of Warren, Benton, Jasper and Newton, Indiana. Historical and Biographical. F.A. Battey & Co., 1883.