William K. Johnson was born in County Tyrone in Ireland, and when only seven years of age was brought to America. The family, after a brief stay in Baltimore, came to Pittsburg, where a brother of Mrs. Johnson (Rev. Dr. Kerr) was living.  About 1820 Mrs. Johnson was married to James Renfrew, then doing business in Coshocton, and the Johnson children thus and then came to Coshocton.  At first a clerk, and then a partner in the mercantile business, and afterward in banking and in real estate operations.  William K. Johnson was for many years regarded as a representative business man of the county.  He had the confidence of the whole community, and his name was a synonym for integrity, sobriety, diligent application to business, and great prudence.  By all the sons of the Emerald Isle, especially, he was looked to as a wise counselor.  His approbation of any matter of town and county interest was regarded as quite important in order to its accomplishment.  His views and actions have very largely shaped the social and business affairs of the region where for nearly forty years he lived and labored.  He was for many years a member of the board of education and for the town council of Coshocton.  He was postmaster for some fifteen years.  He was connected with the Steubenville and Indiana railroad, as a director, for its organization until his death.  He was one of the most regular attendants and spirited supporters of the Presbyterian Church.  In the earlier years of its history, he superintended the Sabbath-school, and led the congregational singing.  For a number of years he served the County Bible society as its treasurer and depository.  While not uninterested in political affairs, he had little ambition in that line.

He married, in 1836, Miss Elizabeth Humrickhouse, who, with six children, survived him.  His death occurred in comparatively early years, he being about fifty years old.  He died Monday (having been in his place of business on Saturday), December 10, 1860.

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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