M. D. JOHNSON

From the 1887 History of Vernon County, Missouri, p. 504

M. D. Johnson

(Farmer and Fine Stock-raiser, Post-office, Walker).

   Since Mr. Johnson's residence in this community the stock interests of the county have received no little aid and encouragement from him, for he has done much to improve and promote the grade of stock here by introducing animals of unquestioned excellence, as well as by other means, as the following facts briefly show.  He is one of two sons in the family of his parents, Caleb E. and Mary Johnson, formerly Argabrite, both natives of West Virginia, the former of Monroe and the latter of Greenbrier county, and was born March 31, 1853, in Monroe county, W. Va.  These families were prominent in the history of Virginia.  Mrs. Johnson died in 1857, and subsequently Mr. J. married Mary J. Maddy, of Ohio nativity, who bore him four children.  He still resides in his native county, where he is well known and highly esteemed.  He has dealt largely in live stock and real estate and has ever taken a great interest in educational matters, and at one time he owned and operated with signal success a female college that had formerly been in charge of both the Presbyterian and M. E. denominations.  He has long been connected with the M. E. Church, in which he is a steward.  M. D. Johnson, a worthy son of such a father, became familiar with agricultural pursuits at an early day.  In 1879 he was united in marriage with Miss Effa. L. Harrah, whose birth occurred in Greenbrier county, W. Va., July 30, 1861, and by this union there have been two children, Luther E. and Mary L. V.  In 1882 Mr. Johnson became settled at his present location.  Previous to moving here he had followed farming and stock-raising except for a short time while engaged in mercantile pursuits, and at this time he owns a well improved place of 74 acres, upon which he has some 20 head of registered Short-horn cattle, to the raising of which he is giving considerable attention.  These animals are from the celebrated Bates and Oxford families and are excellent representatives of those breeds.  It may with truth be said, that there is probably no herd of cattle in Vernon county superior to that owned by Mr. Johnson.  He is also devoting himself to raising thoroughbred Poland-China hogs, and besides is the owner of two well bred horses, one, Flyaway, a Blackhawk-Morgan, second to none, whose pedigree can be traced back to Hill's Vermont Blackhawk, the sire of Ethan Allen.  The other is a finely bred Membrino-Patchen.  The benefit arising from Mr. Johnson's connection with the affairs of this county is certainly apparent to all. He belongs to the M. E. Church, is a member of the A. O. U. W., and in politics is Democratic.  He is the present Secretary and Treasurer of the Vernon County Breeders' Association.

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