Father: James M. (Mallard or Mallory) Johnson
Mother: Sarah Ann Thompson

Spouse: Delilah Russell
  m: 25/Dec/1887 - Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO

Child-1: Angie Grace
          2: Guy Russell - b: 16/Mar/1891 - Cooper Twp., Gentry Co., MO
                                   d: 5/Jan/1892 - Cooper Twp., Gentry Co., MO - bur: Cooper Cem.
          3: Leah Marjorie
          4: Cleo Andrew

Biographical Details:

John Andrew Johnson was the second son of James M. and Sarah Ann Thompson Johnson, born in the spring of 1854.  According to his own belief as well as longstanding family tradition, his birthplace was near Council Bluffs presumably in Pottawatomie County, Iowa.  It is further believed that as a young child, he traveled with his family to Utah and, perhaps, even as far as California.  Nevertheless, the 1860 US Census for Gentry County, Missouri, clearly indicates that the family of James M. Johnson was living in the vicinity of Island City at that time.  Furthermore, it is evident from both the 1870 and 1880 federal census population schedules that, prior to his marriage, John Andrew continued to live in the household of his parents.  John became a member of the Island City Christian Church at the age of twenty, which would have been about 1874.  His name appears on the list of charter members.  Delilah Russell and John Andrew Johnson were married on Christmas Day of 1887.  This was the first marriage for both of them and, clearly, came quite late in life since John was already thirty-three years old and his bride was one year and five months his senior.  Their first child, Angie Grace, was born two years and one month later.  John and Delilah established a home on a farm located about two miles north of the village of Island City.  Accordingly, John A. Johnson purchased one hundred and sixty acres from his father, James M. Johnson, on September 30, 1889.¹  This parcel is located in Sections Thirteen, Fourteen, and Twenty-four of Congressional Township Sixty-two of Range Thirty-three and is about a half mile east of James M. Johnson's original land patent.¹  It appears that James M. Johnson had originally purchased this land from the heirs of Abraham Raber in 1870, but sold most of it again shortly thereafter.  (According to a plat map of Gentry County published in 1877, forty acres still belonged to J. Johnson, but the remaining one hundred and twenty acres were owned by J. Van Schoick.)  Subsequently, the parcel seems to have passed through several owners, but it would appear that James M. Johnson bought it again sometime after 1885, perhaps, with the specific intent of conveying it to his son upon his marriage.  On March 12, 1892, John A. Johnson purchased an additional forty acres lying in Section Twenty-four from his father.²  Moreover, this forty acres had also been part of the original land patent of John Alford Johnson.  About 1890, a farmhouse was constructed near the southeast corner of the "Southwest quarter of the Southwest quarter of Section Thirteen in Township Sixty-two of Range Thirty-three".  Specific details of the construction known to later family members were that the building consisted of parts of two previous dwellings, which were moved to the site and then attached together.  One of these had been located very close by (within a few hundred feet at most) and the other had originally stood about a half a mile to the southeast.  In addition, two new rooms were added on the south side.  Altogether, the dwelling was spacious and comfortable for its time and included a large, southwest facing bay window in the dining room, designed specifically to accommodate a large number of potted plants.  Indeed, this house became a center of family life and a warm refuge in a cold world for the the next eighty years.  John A. Johnson purchased another forty acre parcel from Ammon and Nancy Perry on September 22, 1896,³ and an eighty acre parcel from Winfield and Mary Haulman on November 25, 1899.⁴  All of these one hundred and twenty acres lay in Section Twenty-four.  This implies that by 1900, John had acquired a substantial farm of three hundred and twenty acres, all adjoining.⁵  However, according to family tradition, about 1905 John and Delilah Johnson and their surviving children moved to a farm of about one hundred and twenty acres, which lay in the center of the south half of Section Thirty-two in Township Sixty-three of Range Thirty-two, adjoining the east edge of the town of Stanberry.⁶  Concomitantly, in 1906 John became a member of the First Christian Church in Stanberry.  Subsequently, John and Delilah moved again, probably about 1920, to a small farm of thirty acres about one mile south southwest of the town located in Section Seven in Township Sixty-two of Range Thirty-two.  Moreover, it would seem that they must have been reasonably secure financially since in the winter of 1919-20 they apparently made an extended tour of California and the Pacific Northwest and, concomitantly, were resident in Long Beach, California, at the time the census was taken. (The population schedule indicated that they were living on American Avenue (now Long Beach Boulevard) near its intersection with East Eighth Street.)  They returned to Missouri and John Andrew Johnson died at his home on May 24, 1926, of complications from a stroke that had occurred about one year previously.⁷  He was buried in the High Ridge Cemetery at Stanberry.

A personal recollection of John Johnson that has come from younger family members is that he learned to drive an automobile quite late in life and, perhaps, was not so proficient.  In any case, he seemed to have had a propensity for car overturns.  Fortunately, automobiles of that time were slow and light and no one was seriously injured in these incidents, which subsequently became the subject of humorous anecdotes within the family.

1. GENERAL WARRANTY DEED.  This Indenture, Made on the 30^th day of September, A. D., one thousand eight hundred and Eighty nine, by and between James M. Johnson of the County of Gentry and State of Missouri party of the first part, and John A. Johnson, of the County of Gentry in the State of Missouri, party of the second part:
     Witnesseth, That the said party of the first part, in consideration of the sum of Two Thousand DOLLARS to him paid by the said party of the second part, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, does by these presents, Grant, Bargain and Sell, Convey and Confirm unto the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, the following described Lots, Tracts or Parcels of Land, lying, being and situate in the County of Gentry and State of Missouri to-wit:  All the South West quarter of the South West quarter of Section Thirteen (13), and the East half of the South East quarter of Section Fourteen (14), and the North West quarter of the North West quarter of Section Twenty four (24) all in Township Sixty two (62) of Range Thirty three (33), containing one hundred and sixty acres
     To Have and to Hold the premises aforesaid, with all and singular the rights, privileges, appurtenances and immunities thereto belonging or in anywise appertaining, unto the said party of the second part, and unto his heirs and assigns FOREVER; the said James M. Johnson hereby covenanting that he is lawfully seized of an indefeasible estate in fee in the premises herein convered; that he has good right to convey the same; that the said premises are free and clear of any encumbrances done or suffered by him or those under whom he claim and that he will WARRANT AND DEFEND the title to the said premises unto the said party of the second part, and unto his heirs and assigns FOREVER, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons whomsoever
     In Witness Whereof, the said party of the first part has hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written. /s/James M. ^hisX_mark Johnson (seal) Signed, Sealed, and Delivered in Presence of us: M. Masoner witness to James M. Johnson mark  (filed: 9 Jan 1891, Bk. 86, Gentry Co., MO, pg. 543.)
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2. GENERAL WARRANTY DEED.  This Indenture, Made on the twelfth day of March, A. D., one thousand eight hundred and ninety two, by and between James M. Johnson of the County of Gentry and State of Missouri party of the First Part, and John A. Johnson, of the County of Gentry in the State of Missouri, party of the Second Part:
     Witnesseth, That the said party of the First Part, in consideration of the sum of Seven Hundred DOLLARS to him paid by the said party of the Second Part, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, does by these presents, GRANT, BARGAIN AND SELL, CONVEY AND CONFIRM, unto the said party of the Second Part, his heirs and assigns, the following described Lots, Tracts or Parcels of Land, lying, being and situate in the County of Gentry and State of Missouri, to-wit:  All The South East quarter of the South West quarter of Section No. Twenty four (24) in Township No. Sixty two (62) of Range No. Thirty three (33)  This deed made subject to a deed of Trust given on this land and One Hundred and sixty acres of other land to secure the payment of $3000.⁰⁰, $700.⁰⁰ of which said amount said second party assumes the payment with Interest which has and which may accrue on the $700.⁰⁰
     To Have and to Hold the premises aforesaid, with all and singular the rights, privileges, appurtenances and immunities thereto belonging or in anywise appertaining unto the said party of the Second Part, and unto his heirs and assigns, FOREVER; the said grantor hereby covenanting that he is lawfully seized of an indefeasible Estate in Fee in the premises herein conveyed; that he has good right to convey the same, that the said premises are free and clear of any incumbrances done or suffered by him or those under whom he claims, and that he will WARRANT AND DEFEND the title to the said premises unto the said party of the Second Part, and unto his heirs and assigns FOREVER, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons whomsoever
     In Witness Whereof, the said party of the First Part has hereunto set his hands and seal, the day and year first above written. /s/James M. ^hisX_mark Johnson (seal) Signed, Sealed, and Delivered in Presence of us: Henry B. Higgins (filed: 10 Aug 1892, Bk. 87, Gentry Co., MO, pg. 631.)
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3. This Indenture, Made on the 22^nd day of September A. D. one thousand eight hundred and ninety six by and between Ammon Perry and Nancy H. Perry, his wife of the County of Gentry and State of Missouri parties of the first part, and John A. Johnson, of the County of Gentry in the State of Missouri, party of the second part,
     WITNESSETH, That the said parties of the first part, in consideration of the sum of One Thousand DOLLARS to them paid by the said party of the second part, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, do by these presents, GRANT, BARGAIN AND SELL, CONVEY AND CONFIRM unto the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, the following described lots, tracts or parcels of land, lying, being and situate in the County of Gentry, and State of Missouri, to-wit:  North East quarter of the South West quarter of Section Twenty four (24)  Township Sixty two (62)  Range Thirty three (33)  Subject to a Deed of Trust to New England Loan & Trust Co. for $600 at 6% and an 2^nd Deed of Trust, balance $48, payable in four installments without interest, which is assumed
     TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the premises aforesaid, with all and singular the rights, privileges, appurtenances and immunities thereto belonging or in anywise appertaining, unto the said party of the second part, and unto his heirs and assigns, forever; the said Grantors hereby covenanting that they are lawfully seized of an indefeasible estate in fee in the premises herein conveyed; that they have good right to convey the same; that the said premises are free and clear of any incumbrances done or suffered by them or those under whom they claim, and that they will Warrant and Defend the title to the said premises unto the said party of the second part, and unto his heirs and assigns, forever, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons whomsoever
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the said parties of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seals, the day and year first above written. /s/Ammon Perry (seal) /s/Nancy H. Perry (seal)  (filed: 9 Aug 1897, Bk. 100, Gentry Co., MO, pg. 420.)
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4.  This Indenture, Made on the 25" day of November A. D. one thousand eight hundred and ninety nine by and between Winfield O. Haulman and Mary C. Haulman his wife of the County of Gentry and State of Missouri parties of the first part, and John A. Johnson, of the County of Gentry in the State of Missouri, party of the second part,
     WITNESSETH, That the said parties of the first part, in consideration of the sum of TwoThousand DOLLARS to them paid by the said party of the second part, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, do by these presents, GRANT, BARGAIN AND SELL, CONVEY AND CONFIRM unto the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, the following described lots, tracts or parcels of land, lying, being and situate in the County of Gentry, and State of Missouri, to-wit:  South half of the North West quarter of Section Twenty four (24) Township Sixty-two (62) Range Thirty three (33)  Subject to a Deed of Trust for $500. to Betsey Hall - and interest for two years also subject to taxes 1900 and after
     TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the premises aforesaid, with all and singular the rights, privileges, appurtenances and immunities thereto belonging or in anywise appertaining, unto the said party of the second part, and unto his heirs and assigns, forever; the said Grantors hereby covenanting that they are lawfully seized of an indefeasible estate in fee in the premises herein conveyed; that they have good right to convey the same; that the said premises are free and clear of any incumbrances done or suffered by them or those under whom they claim, and that they will Warrant and Defend the title to the said premises unto the said party of the second part, and unto his heirs and assigns, forever, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons whomsoever.
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the said parties of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seals, the day and year first above written. /s/Winfield O. Haulman (seal) /s/Mary C Haulman (seal)  (filed: 26 Nov 1899, Bk. 105, Gentry Co., MO, pg. 392.)
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5. W. P. Bullock, Gentry County 1896, Press of L. Hardman, St. Joseph, MO, 1896.
    Jno. A. Johnson: 1) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 33 W; Sec. 14; E½ of SE¼ - 80 acres.  2) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 33 W; Sec. 13; SW¼ of SW¼ - 40 acres.  3) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 33 W; Sec. 24; NW¼ of NW¼ - 40 acres.
    Jno. A. Johnson: 1) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 33 W; Sec. 24; SW¼ of NE¼ - 40 acres.  2) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 33 W; Sec. 24; NW¼ of SE¼ - 40 acres.  3) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 33 W; Sec. 24; SE¼ of SW¼ - 40 acres.
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6. Anonymous, Standard Atlas of Gentry County, Missouri, Geo A. Ogle & Co., Chicago, IL, 1914.
     John A. Johnson: 1) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 33 W; Sec. 14; E½ of SE¼ - 80 acres.  2) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 33 W; Sec. 13; SW¼ of SW¼ - 40 acres.  3) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 33 W; Sec. 24; W½ of NW¼ - 80 acres.  4) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 33 W; Sec. 24; SE¼ of NW¼ - 40 acres. 5) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 33 W; Sec. 24; NE¼ of SW¼ - 40 acres.
     J. A. Johnson: Twp. 63 N; Rng. 32 W; Sec. 32; part of S½ adjoining town plat on W side - 117.50 acres more or less.
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7. "JOHN A. JOHNSON DEAD
     After an illness that had extended over a period of a year, but that had only been critical for about three weeks, John A. Johnson died at his home southwest of Stanberry Sunday morning at 12:30 o'clock.
     Mr. Johnson suffered a stroke one year ago and had been in poor health since that time.  His condition in the past three weeks had grown considerably worse and he gradually declined until his death.
     The following obituary has been furnished this office:
     John Andrew, son of James and Sarah Ann Johnson, was born near Council Bluffs, Iowa, April 8, 1854, and departed this life May 24, 1926, being at the time of his death 72 years, one month and 16 days.  At the age of 20, he united with the Christian Church at Island City, Mo., where he was a faithful member until 1906, when he transferred his membership to the Christian Church at Stanberry, Mo.  He remained a faithful member of this church until death.  He loved his church and attended regularly when able.  He was an officer of the church almost continuously for 36 years.
     On December 25, 1887, he was united in marriage to Miss Delila Russell.  To this union were born four children--Guy Russell, dying in infancy, the remaining children are: Cleo A. of Hopkins, Mo.; Mrs. Angie G. Evans and Miss Leah M. of Stanberry.  Besides his wife and three children, there is left to mourn his loss, one sister, Mrs. Jane Paxton, two brothers, James A. and George L. Johnson.; also two half-brothers, Sherman and Samuel Johnson, also four half-sisters, Mrs. Elsie Cooper and Misses Dollie, Loula, and Beulah Johnson.
     There were seven grandchildren, also a host of other relatives and friends.
     Funeral services were held at the Christian Church in Stanberry Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock by the Rev. W. C. Whitehouse of King City, after which the remains were laid to rest in the High Ridge cemetery.
     The funeral was conducted by the Pennington Untertaking Co."
     This obituary is in error in the statement that the death of John A. Johnson occured early on Sunday morning, since it can be easily demonstrated that May 24, 1926, was a Monday.  Moreover, a handwritten family record explicitly indicates that his death occured on Monday.  (obituary: Stanberry Headlight; Stanberry, MO, Thur., May 27, 1926.)
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Additional Citations:

8. 1900 US Census Population Schedule for Gentry County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 195B, (microfilm: roll T623_855; img. 396).

9. 1910 US Census Population Schedule for Gentry County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 190B, (microfilm: roll T624_781; img. 379).

10. 1920 US Census Population Schedule for Los Angeles County, California, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 136B, (microfilm: roll T625_104; img. 894).

11. Marriage Records, Gentry County, Albany, MO:  Bk. 2, pg. 217, (Missouri State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Jefferson City, MO (microfilm: roll 37663; img. 134)).

12. List of Charter Members - Island City Christian Church, Centennial Homecoming Booklet - June 11, 1978, Stanberry, MO, unpublished.

13. Death Certificates, Missouri State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Jefferson City, MO, (Death Certificate No. 15967 - Bureau of Vital Statistics, State of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO).

14. Don Raymond,"High Ridge Cemetery", unpublished. (Gentry County MOGenWeb Archives, 2005.)

15. High Ridge Cemetery, Gentry County, Missouri (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=1367686&CScn=High+Ridge&CScntry=4&CSst=26&CScnty=1434&, continuously updated).

16. Ben Glick,"Cooper Cemetery", unpublished. (Gentry County MOGenWeb Archives, www.dropbox.com/sh/slhfvw5i4zjmxft/AACfXYga0yjMKuy-XKE2bcqLa/Cooper.pdf?dl=0, 2014.)

17. Don Raymond, "Cooper Cemetery", unpublished. (Gentry County MOGenWeb Archives, 2002.);  Terris C. Howard, "Cooper Cemetery", unpublished. (Gentry County MOGenWeb Archives, 2002.)

18. Nadine McCampell, Johnson Family History, The Printery, Albany, MO, 1982: pg. 144.

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