Biographical Sketch of

William N. Johnson

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 754 - 755


William N. Johnson, one of the leading citizens of Marquette County,is engaged in farming and stock-raising 
on section 21, in the town of Oxford, and is the son of the Rev. Baker Johnson, whose sketch appears elsewhere.  
He was born in Middle Smithfield, Pa., May 28, 1842, and has been a resident of Wisconsin since his fourteenth 
year, at which time he accompanied his parents to this State.  For thirty-five years he has made his home in 
the town of Oxford, having settled in Marquette County during the days of its infancy, when Indians still 
frequented their old haunts and outnumbered the white people.  He began life for himself at the age of 
twenty-two years and has followed farming throughout his business career.  His first purchase of land 
consisted only of 120 acres for which he was to pay $1,200.  He had only $1 with which to make a payment, 
but relying upon his strength and determination, he closed the contract for that amount, and at once began 
his labors to acquire the sum which was asked.  He has not only paid off all the indebtedness but as his 
financial resources have increased, has added to his possessions until he now owns 400 acres of as fine 
farming land as can be found in Marquette County.  The entire amount is under a high state of cultivation, 
and he has also made many improvements of both a useful and ornamental character.  He devotes considerable 
attention to stock-raising and in that branch of his business, as well as in the cultivation of his land 
has been quite successful.
 
On September 1, 1864, Mr. Johnson was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Mary Jane, daughter 
of John and Nancy Mereness, who were early settlers of Walworth County, Wis., where Mrs. Johnson was born 
Feb. 16, 1845.  Her mother died when she was but five years of age, but her father is still a resident of 
Walworth County.  When her mother died she went to live with her maternal grandfather, Josiah Vroman, who 
settled in Adams County at an early day, and in May, 1856, removed to the town of Oxford, Marquette County, 
where he died in 1867.  His wife survived him until 1869, when she too passed away.  Mrs. Johnson is the 
youngest of three children.  Her sister, Eliza Ann, is the wife of Samuel Landing, of Nebraska; and her 
brother, Henry C., is a resident of Iowa.
 
To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born eight children, but two died in infancy.  The four sons and two 
daughters now living are:  Edwin C., Electa, Thomas B., John N., Carroe E. and William G.  Mr. Johnson 
is truly a self-made man, for without capital with which to begin life he has steadily worked his way 
upward until he is now numbered among the substantial citizens of the community.  He has gained all 
that he has by his own efforts, and certainly deserves no little credit for his success in life. 
 





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