W. K. JOHNSON. The public services of Mr. Johnson, the efficient and capable treasurer of Christian County, Missouri, have been characterized by a noticeable devotion to the welfare of his county, and his ability and fidelity in his present position have been seen and appreciated by all. He is a native of Tennessee, born in Grainger County September 22, 1837.
He is a son of Joshua and Sarah (Dent) Johnson, both natives of Tennessee, the father born in Hawkins and the mother in Grainger County. They came to Christian County, Missouri, in 1868, and here both passed the remainder of their days, the mother dying in 1877 and the father in 1881. Both were worthy members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Of the eleven children born to this worthy couple, five are still living: Lavesta, who married, died when twenty years of age; Mariah is a widow and resides in this county; John M. died in Tennessee; Luanna died in Missouri; Thomas died in Christian County; James died when small; G. B. Johnson died while in the army; Amanda married H. H. Roy and is living in Stone County; Tempy married W. C. McCraskey and resides in this county; and Frances, who married A. H. Soloman, also resides in this county. The Johnsons are descended from an old pioneer family of Tennessee, and the Dents are of Irish extraction.
Our subject remained in Tennessee until 1859, and was there married to Miss Nancy J. Matthews, a native of Hamilton County, Tennessee. In the last mentioned year he brought his family to Missouri and located in Christian County, buying land about twelve miles from Ozark. On this he has resided for the most part ever since, but lately he has rented the farm and has resided in Ozark. In his political views he is an ardent Republican and has ever been interested in the welfare of his party. In the year 1892 he was elected to the responsible position of county treasurer, winning the election by a large majority, and he is now discharging the duties incumbent upon that position. The confidence which the people have in him is almost unbounded, and that he fully deserves their trust, respect and esteem cannot for a moment be doubted. He has always been interested in all public matters, and in all enterprises for the benefit of the county, particularly those relating to education, for he was a teacher for a number of years. Fraternally he is a Mason, a member of Friend Lodge No. 352, at Ozark. On the 7th of March, 1862, Mr. Johnson enlisted in the army and served until April 12, 1865, in the Eighth Missouri State Militia first, and subsequently in the Eighth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry. He participated in the fight at Springfield, in the only fight at Ozark, and in a number of skirmishes, but was never wounded. His service was mainly in Missouri and Arkansas in the Ozark Region. He is now a member of the G. A. R. post at Ozark.
At an early age Mr. Johnson united with the Baptist Church, has been a preacher for twenty-two years, and is well known all over the county. He is one of the few men who passed through the war and came out as strict in his religious views as when he entered. Ten children were born to his marriage: Sarah, now Mrs. J. C. Erwin, of this county; Isabelle, Mrs. D. L. Peeblers, of this county; James T. resides on a farm in this county; Robert lives on the old farm; Amy, now Mrs. J. T. Solomon, of this county; Frances, now Mrs. W. T. Frazier, of this county; Savilla, at home; Lula, also at home; and two who died young. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have fifteen grandchildren. The family holds membership in the Baptist Church, and the sons are all Republicans in politics.