John Johnson was a prominent citizen of Coshocton county for nearly half a century.  He was born in county Tryone, Ireland; came to America in 1816, and to Coshocton about 1820.  Under the direction of his stepfather, James Renfrew, and after the manner of his time, he learned the tanner's trade.  He was a member of the well-known merchandising and banking firm, W. K. Johnson & Co.  For some years, about 1840, he resided at Walhonding.  He represented Coshocton district in the upper house of the Legislature, and was also a member of the lower house in congress.  He was a member of the State Constitutional Convention 1850-51.  His health was not firm for some years before he died, and on this and other accounts he was not so much engaged with public affairs in his later years as in earlier ones.  With limited education, his industry and native shrewdness and caution enabled his to achieve a considerable degree of business and political success.  He was averse to display, and believed in "solid" things.  He was a devout adherent of the Presbyterian church, in the faith of which he had been thoroughly trained.  He died February 5, 1867.  His wife was Miss Harriet Humrickhouse, and he died without issue.

Source:  Historical Collections of Coshocton County Ohio 1764-1876
Author: William E Hunt, pub. 1876

Scanned copies of the original Petition for Citizenship filed with the Supreme Court in 1825.
Submitted by : Joan Miracle

    
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