Frank L. Johnson of Texas County, Missouri

Frank L. Johnson is one of the leading citizens of Texas County, Mo., but his birth occurred in Blount County, Tenn., July 22, 1821. His parents, William and Sarah (Johnson) Johnson, were distant relatives, and both are now dead. The father’s death occurred when Frank L. was a young lad, and after his death his widow married Amaziah Ballinger, and moved to Texas County, Mo. Frank L. Johnson, early left an orphan, was taken to be reared by his grandfather. He was educated in Tennessee, but when a boy of thirteen years his grandfather died, and he had to begin the battle of life for himself, working as a farm hand until coming to Missouri, in 1849, and is now the owner of 520 acres of land, the result of a life-time of hard labor. He also gives considerable attention to raising stock, which he ships to Arkansas, and all his business ventures have been attended with good results. In 1841 he was married to Margaret Johnson, a daughter of William Johnson, who, like himself, was born in Blount County, Tenn., but her death occurred in Texas County, Mo., previous to the war. The following are their children who are now living: Decatur, Columbus F., Sarah E., Mary, Paulina J. and Hettie A. Those deceased are Julia, Nancy, Elvira E. and William T. In 1860 Mr. Johnson wedded Mary Roberts, who was born in North Carolina March 10, 1839, and is a daughter of James Roberts. Eight children have blessed this union: Lewis L., Charles M., Clinton A., Jeremiah, Foster L. and Amanda. Malinda and Margaret are dead. In connection with farming and stock raising Mr. Johnson has been engaged in blacksmithing, and at one time served as blacksmith of a company in the Missouri State Militia. He is a Mason, a member of the G. A. R., and a Democrat in politics, but is not a strict party man.