William Johnson was born in 1830, about two and a half miles from where he now lives; son of James and Margaret (Mebane) Johnson. The father was born in Johnson County, N. C., in 1806, and was a farmer by occupation. He came to Carroll County, Tenn., about 1825, and became one of the well-to-do farmers of the county. He died in 1876. His wife was born in Orange County, N.C., in 1803. She is yet living and resides with her son William.
The latter was educated in the common schools of Carroll County and made his home with his parents until he was twenty-seven years of age. November 27, 1857, he married Sophia Britt, daughter of John Britt. Mrs. Johnson was born in Carroll County in 1840 and became the mother of the following children: James Clarence, Annetta D. and Dora, who is deceased. Mr. Johnson owns 800 acres of land in the county and a saw and grist-mill, which he purchased in 1880 for $1,600. He has the respect and esteem of all who know him, and in his political views is a Democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Franklin Pierce. His wife is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Transcribed by David Donahue
Source: History of Tennessee from the Earliest Time to the Present: Together with an Historical and a Biographical Sketch of Carroll, Henry and Benton Counties, Besides a Valuable Fund of Notes, Original Observations, Reminiscences, Etc., Etc. Easley, S.C.: Southern Historical Press, 1978.