Thomas Johnson
Thomas Johnson, who is a member of one of the old pioneer families of Jefferson County, has been a resident of Island Creek Township, where he owns a valuable farm of 133 acres, since 1843, but he was born in Salem Township, June 17, 1823. His parents were Thomas and Christina (Carroll) Johnson.
The father of Mr. Johnson, also Thomas Johnson, bore his father's name of Thomas, and both were born in Ireland. Grandfather Thomas Johnson emigrated to America when his son Thomas was twelve years old, and settled first in the Tuscarawas Valley, Pennsylvania, and from there came to Jefferson County early in the 18th century and died in Island Creek Township in 1835. He was survived by his son, Thomas Johnson, until 1842. The latter married Christina Carroll, who was born in Germany.
Thomas Johnson, the third of the name, resided in Salem Township until he was in his twentieth year and then came to Island Creek Township and lived on the present farm with his two aunts, who owned it. He remained with them as long as they lived and afterward bought the place, and has continued to reside here. Mr. Johnson has devoted himself to general farming and stockraising, and has met with much success in these industres. In large measure Mr. Johnson had his own way to make in the world and the ample fortune he has gained has been secured by years of industry.
Mr. Johnson was married on August 1, 1861, to Miss Margaret J. Lawson, of Wheeling, W. Va., a daughter of Robert and Sarah Lawson. Mrs. Johnson was born in Ireland and was only six years old when her parents left there, settling first in Canada and later moving to West Virginia and still later to Jefferson County. Mrs. Johnson died August 10, 1904. She was an estimable lady and a consistent member of the Island Creek Presbyterian Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson eleven children were born, and nine of these are living: Henrietta, wife of Crawford Silencer; Cochran, of Island Creek Township; Sarah J., wife of Chalmers Slentz, of Hancock County, West Virginia; Rosanna, wife of John Johnston, of Knox Township; Ida M., wife of Joseph P. McConnell, of Island Creek Township; Margaret; Thomas, who married Zetta McBride, lives on a farm which his father owns; and Joseph, Ella C. and Clara M., all of whom are at home. Thomas (1) and Charles are deceased. Mr. Johnson is a Democrat in politics. For many years he has been a member of the Island Creek Presbyterian Church. He has witnessed many changes take place in this section, has survived many of those who started out in life with himself, and he can tell most interesting tales of the long ago when, in his youth, so many things were different.
From 20th Century History of Steubenville and Jefferson County, Ohio, by Joseph B. Doyle. Richmond-Arnold Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910