Abner Johnson
Abner Johnson, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, is a son of Abraham and a grandson of Jacob Johnson. Abraham Johnson was born in Jefferson Township September 29, 1808, and died in his native township January 14, 1874. He was raised through the pioneer trials and difficulties when schools and many other privileges that the present generation so abundantly enjoy were not to be had. By occupation he was a farmer through life. He cleared considerable of the farm now owned by W. P. Olney, but about 1850 settled on the farm where our subject now resides, and put on nearly all the improvements now seen. On this farm he was living at the time of his death. He was married, January 7, 1844, to Elizabeth Keen, who was born August 20, 1825, and died July 10, 1861, and by her had eight children, one of whom died in early life; seven are now living, and five are in Jefferson, their native township. His second wife is now living with our subject. She was Lydia, widow of Judson Olney, mentioned in sketch of W. P. Olney, of this township. She was born in Georgesville, Franklin Co., Ohio, in 1826. Abner, whose name heads this sketch, was born November 4, 1845. He was brought up to the pursuits which he still follows, and he now owns 175 acres of land. His marriage with Emma J., daughter of Judson and Lydia Olney, was celebrated August 8, 1866. Abner Johnson has represented his township in the Board of Trustees and as Assessor, discharging his duties with unwavering fidelity.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]