Biographical Sketch of

Robert C. Johnson

Transcribed by Barbara Voss



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 501 - 502

Robert C. Johnson, who resides on section 34, in the town of Berlin, has been a resident of Green Lake County since 
1849, covering a period of forty years, and is numbered among the honored pioneers. He has followed farming and stock 
rising for a livelihood and is accounted one of the well to do citizens of the community. He first saw the light of 
day in Rose Township, Wayne County, N. Y., January 12, 1830, being a son of Samuel and Polly (Bedient) Johnson. Both 
were born on Grand Isle in Lake Champlain, the former March 24, 1787, and the later July 23, 1794. On their marriage 
they settled on Grand Isle, from whence they removed to Wayne County in 1816, continuing there to make their home 
until 1833, when they became residents of Niagara County. Leaving the latter in 1849, they came to Green Lake County 
and in the town of Berlin Mr. Johnson engaged in farming during the remainder of his life. On the organization of the 
Republican Party he allied himself with that body but previously had supported the Democratic Party. He was a loyal 
citizen and in the War of 1812 had taken his brother�s place in the ranks. He died February 14, 1865, his wife 
surviving until March 13, 1871, when she too passed away. They were parents of eight sons and five daughters, seven 
of whom are living but only two are residents of Green Lake County. One of the brothers, Joshua died in the Union 
army in 1862.

Our subject was educated in the old time district schools and when nineteen years of age went to live with a brother, 
with whom he engaged in  farming for about three years, when his brother went to California, leaving our subject to 
manage all affairs. Having now arrived at mature years, Mr. Johnson, on the 15th of September 1853 married Eunice H. 
Abbey, a native of Cayuga County N. Y., born October 11, 1833. Her father, Shabel Abbey, was born May 8, 1788 at 
Chatham, N. Y. and in 1812 wedded Miss Eunice W. Warren, who was born in Schoharie County, N, Y., January 15, 1789. 
He then bade adieu to his young bride and enlisted in his country�s service, His brother also setting as drummer boy. 
When the war was over he returned to Cayuga County where they made their home until 1835, at which time they became 
residents of Orleans County, whence they emigrated to Wisconsin in 1849. He was a butcher by trade, also engaged in 
hotel keeping and during his later years followed the mason�s trade. Both died in Jefferson County, Wisconsin. Mr. 
Abbey on the 2nd of February 1871 and his wife January 2, 1856, they were highly respected citizens and had many 
friends in the community.

Mrs. Johnson was born on the William H. Seward farm and in her maidenhood prepared herself for teaching. In 1850 she 
came to this county, where her sister had previously located and after teaching for six terms she laid aside her 
professional duties to assume those of the house hold. One child blesses the union, a daughter, Nina A. Previous to 
his marriage Mr. Johnson had entered 160 acres of Government land in Waushara County, and the young couple there began 
their domestic life. Five years later he came to Green Lake County, locating in Berlin, where he now owns 133 acres of 
fine land. Enterprise and industry are numbered among his chief characteristics and have been important factors in his 
prosperity. Politically he is a stanch Republican and feels a deep interest in the success of that party. He has taken 
an active part in the educational interests of the community, held the office of Town Superintendent was Supervisor, 
has served as town Treasurer for two years, for eight years has been Assessor, and is the present incumbent. He has 
discharged his official duties with promptness and fidelity and is a valued citizen. His life has ever been such as 
to win the high regard and good wishes of those with whom he has come in contact and he is numbered among the highly 
respected men of the town of Berlin.
 





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