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| James Johnson, farmer and miller, resident at Paris, this county, was born in Sandusky Co., Ohio, Oct. 28, 1834, and is a son of Lewis and Abigail (Stults) Johnson. The father was born in Ohio, of Irish parentage, and moved to Jay Co., Ind., when the son was but seven years of age, afterward removing to Portland Co., Ind., where he died. His mother was born in Virginia, and died in 1880, at Winchester, Ind. Mr. Johnson remained with his parents until he reached the age of 19, working on the farm and learning the trade of machinist. When he left home he went to Fremont, Ohio and worked as a machinist and millwright until the out break of the civil war. He enlisted in 1861, in the 71st Ohio Vol. Inf., stationed at Fremont and was seized with an infection of the eyes which, after three months, caused his discharge. Afterward he enlisted in the same regiment, and was in the service nine months, when he again was discharged, on account of sickness. On leaving the army he went to Ohio bought a saw mill and interested himself in lumbering, operating until Sept. 1, 1864, when he enlisted a third time, enrolling in the 64th Ohio Vol. Inf., the regiment being attached to the command of Gen. Thomas, and was in the service until termination of the war. Returning to Ohio, he resumed the profession of millwright. In 1868 his place of business was burned, and he lost everything. He came at once to Mecosta Co., Mich., and located at Paris, where he followed the callings of millwright and miller. In 1875 he bought a farm on sec. 15, where he is now engaged in agriculture, and continues to manage his mill for the accommodation for the county trade. Mr. Johnson was married to Bridget Mulholland, a native of Ireland, and daughter of Owen and Bridget Mulholland. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, three of whom are living, viz; Francis, Mary Ellen, and Sarah Jane, James is deceased. In political principles, Mr. J. is a Democrat. |