Hiram JOHNSON, an old resident and magistrate of the Sixth District, was born in Moore County, N. C., May 2, 1824, and is one of a family of twelve children, seven of whom are living. His parents, Joseph and Christina (McCollum) JOHNSON, were both natives of North Carolina. The father was born in 1774 and came to West Tennessee in 1823, locating in Madison County. He was a farmer by occupation, and was a magistrate in the First District of Madison County for some years. After living there twelve years he moved to McNairy County, where he died June 24, 1858. The mother was a few years younger than her husband, and died about 1830.
Our subject received his education in the common schools, and August 15, 1855, he married Bettie McCLEOD, a native of Somerville, Tenn., born January 24, 1834, and a daughter of Dickson C. and Martha M. McCLEOD. To them were born four children: Joseph D., Hiram H., Maggie and Marvin. Mr. JOHNSON has always followed agricultural pursuits, and has lived on the farm that he now owns, with the exception of a few years, when he moved to town for the purpose of educating his children. In March, 1853, be was elected magistrate and has performed the duties of that office ever since; to the evident satisfaction of all. He is a Democrat in politics but cast his first presidential vote for Z. Taylor. He is a Mason, a member of the I. O. O. F, and he and Mrs. JOHNSON are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Transcribed by David Donahue