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File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
Copyright 2008, all rights reserved.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Fulton County
Munsell Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908

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The Biography of George W. JOHNSON 

[Surnames: BERNHARDT, JOHNSON, LOCK] 

JOHNSON, GEORGE W. 

    
Starting upon his independent career at the age of 21 years, George W. Johnson worked his way to the ownership of a farm of 111 acres on Sect. 24, Ellisville Twp, Fulton County. He was born in the village of Ellisville, Sept. 15, 1866, the son of Wesley and Mary (Lock) Johnson, who were natives of Ohio, and who, sometime after their marriage in 1849, came to Ellisville where the father followed his trade of blacksmithing for 20 years. He then returned to his trade which he followed until his death in 1886. 
    
In 1887 George W. Johnson went to KA where he proved up a land claim in Hamilton County. He returned to Illinois in 1888 and worked by the month until 1891 when he began farming on rented land until 1901. He then bought a farm in Young Hickory Twp., which he sold in 1904, and bought a farm in Charles Mix County, South Dakota, where he farmed for one year. He then returned to Illinois and bought the farm in Ellisville Twp., where he now resides, and carries on stock-raising and general farming. 
    
Mr. Johnson's marriage to Emma Bernhardt, who was born July 14, 1863, occurred May 27, 1891, and of their union is a son, Ellis. Mr. Johnson has served as Justice of the Peace for many years and is a supporter of the Christian Church.