Hi Listers, Below is an account of James Johnson, own life as told to a reporter. We are hopping his story may connect with someone else's account, of family stories, and bring us new cousin a match. His father's name was Richard, his grandfather was in the Revolutionary War, no first name, he was believe killed at Bunker Hill Article Provided by Joni Petersen; The following was taken from the Memorial & Biographical Records of Turner, Lincoln, Union, & Clay Counties-South Dakota. Copied in the Johnson Record Book 5-17-56. JAMES E. JOHNSON Among the veterans of the late war, in which they did good and faithful service, who are found in Lincoln County, peacefully passing down the hill of time, secure in the esteem of their acquaintances are able to look over long years of usefulness and industry, none are more worthy of representation in a volume of this nature than James E. Johnson. He is close on to man's three score and ten years of life, but his mind is clear and vigorous, making his conversation delightful to all who enjoy the story of personal experience. The grandfather of Mr. Johnson was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and was killed fighting for the right on the historic battlefield of Bunker Hill. His son, Richard Johnson, the father of our subject was born in Lancaster, NH, and was a millwright by occupation although he also engaged extensively in lumbering. He was married to Miss Jane Kemp, a native of Canada, of English parentage, and by her was the parent of seven children. (?) (3 sons and 5 daughters). Mrs. Johnson died suddenly in Lowell, Mass. In 1853; and her grief stricken husband shortly after started for Australia, where it is supposed he was robbed and then murdered, as he had considerable money on his person. At least nothing has ever been heard from him. James E. Johnson was born near Quebec, Canada, April 3, 1828. James spent the first 14 years of his life near his home town. He then went with his parents to a point about 29 miles distance from the Vermont state line, where he passed the next two years of his life, and thence to Manchester, New Hampshire. His life previous to going to Manchester NH had all been passed under the parental roof , his father teaching the trade of millwright and in the Amoskeag Mills of Manchester, he spent 5 years working in that occupation. At the expiration of that time he accepted a position in Lowell, Massachusetts; which he filled for two years and then March 5, 1853 he removed to Manitawoc County, Wisconsin to engage in farming and incident in lumbering. He lived for a period of 29 years during which he was eminently successful in his undertakings, and in 1882 he came to Lincoln County, Dakota Territory. In May of that year, he located on a farm in Canton Township, which they conducted for 5 years till 1887, when he moved to the town of Canton, where he has since been spending his delluring (sp) in the enjoyment of the fruits of his well directed labor and energy. Our subject was a resident of Wisconsin when the Civil War broke out in August 1862, he enlisted in Co. K 21st Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, serving until December following , when on account of serious injury, he was discharged. He was in the Battle of Perryville Kentucky, was taken as prisoner of war, but was soon paroled and went to Camp Lew Wallace, Columbus, Ohio. He remained there till mustered out, returning immediately to his home in Wisconsin. Politically he was a staunch Republican and a strong adherent to the principles of that party. James was a member of Gen. Lyon Post No. 11, Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Johnson was fortunate to choosing his life companion, securing for his wife Miss Elizabeth Ham, to which he was wedded in Lowell, Mass., July 1, 1852. Mrs. Johnson was born in Great Falls, New Hampshire, March 7, 1832, and is still spared to the companionship of her husband and children. She was one of a family of 10 children (5 sons & 5 daughters) born to Seth W. and Hannah (Layton) Ham. Her father was born in Dover, New Hampshire, and was a baker by trade. He died at the home of his daughter and son-in-law in Canton Township while on a visit. Mrs. Ham was also a native of New Hampshire. The union of our subject and Miss Ham has been blessed to them by the advent of 5 children, one of whom is dead. George H., Orin A., Ida F., (now the wife of Walter Strau), Lydia J., (who is married to John Kean), Chris, (deceased) but was 5 years old when he died. Both Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are devout Christians, and members of the Presbyterian church. NOTE: In other records from Ida Johnson Jacobs, she said Charles Johnson died when he was 4 years, 11 months, I day old, and Chris died at irth. -Vesta Johnson