| W. A. Johnson was born in Rutherford County, Tenn., June 30, 1824. His father, Isaac M. Johnson, was born in Middle Tennessee in 1805. His grandfather was an Englishman who settled in North Carolina before the Revolutionary war, and died in 1837. His grandmother’s maiden name was Miller. She died in 1830. Isaac M., in August, 1823, married Elizabeth Elliott, born in August 1807. About the year 1830 he moved to Haywood County, now Crockett County, but about 1833 he located near Cherryville. In 1840 he came to Alamo, where he and his father founded the town which was then known as Cageville. It was largely through the influence of Isaac M. and W. A. that the county was formed. The latter was elected surveyor, having served in Haywood County in the same office. He was elected circuit court clerk of Crockett County in 1878. May 22, 1849, he married Mrs. E. E. Waller, nee Miller, who bore him four children, three of whom are now living: Theophilus G., the present chairman of the county court; Emma the wife of John Branch; William I., a resident of Texas. His wife dying in 1858, he married Mollie Chapman in 1860. To this union four children were born: Hattie E., John C., Tommie H. and Jesse. His second wife dying in 1868, he married his present wife, Elizabeth J. Robinson, May 2, 1872. Three children have blessed this union, as follows: Alice Eva, Alma and Samuel E. Mr. Johnson entered the Confederate service in the spring of 1864, in Newsom’s regiment of Forrest’s command, and served the remainder of the war. He has acquired his property since the war. Mr. Johnson is largely a self-made man, his education in youth being very meager. He is one of the most public-spirited citizens of the county. He belongs to several secret societies, F. & A.M., I.O.O.F., K. of H., U.O.G.C. He is a Democrat, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. |
