W. J. JOHNSON

W. J. JOHNSON, M. D., was one of the first settlers of Shelby County, Iowa, and lived there until his death, which occurred May 1, 1872. He was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, September 22, 1798, and was a son of John Johnson. He was reared and educated in his native State, and studied medicine under Dr. Mowry, a prominent and well-known physician of those times, residing at Wheeling, Virginia. Some time later Dr. Johnson removed to Pickaway County, Ohio, locating at Bloomfield. He was married in Scioto County, Ohio, October 3, 1837, to Miss Mary Thompson, a daughter of James and Susanna (Malone) Thompson. After their marriage they lived in Pickaway County, at Williamsport, where the Doctor engaged in the practice of his profession for nine years. In 1848 they started to Iowa with two horses, a wagon, and some household goods; they were on the way seven weeks, camping out at night, excepting five nights when it rained. They settled in Louisa County, and remained there until 1852, when they came to Shelby County, being among the very first settlers. They arrived at Cuppy's Grove October 15, 1852. They built a rude log cabin which at the end of one year was burned to the ground, with the most of its contents. A few neighbors came to the assistance of the Doctor, and another cabin was erected in one day. At one time when her husband was ill, Mrs. Johnson took her rifle, she was a good shot, and killed a deer. Game, potatoes, and corn-meal were the only articles of food, and hospitality was dispensed with a liberal hand at the log cabin of Dr. and Mrs. Johnson. W. J. Johnson was one of the first physicians in the county, and many early settlers are indebted to him for both life and health. He improved a good farm of 160 acres, which is now owned by his widow. The place is well improved, having a good residence, and barn, and being under a high state of cultivation. Dr. and Mrs. Johnson were the parents of seven children -- John, who was killed in his twenty-third year; Bradford, who served in the late war; Sarah Rodgers, Mary W., Witherton, James E., and Lucinda Morris. The widow of Dr. Johnson was married September 22, 1888, to Isaac F. Allen. No woman in Shelby County has seen more of pioneer life than Mrs. Allen. She is a pleasant talker, and loves to tell of those early days.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 624-625. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.