Source:  Goodspeed’s History of Lawrence, Wayne, Perry, Hickman, and Lewis Counties Tennessee, published 1886

William W. Johnson, a pioneer citizen of Tennessee, is a native of Lawrence County, Tenn., born in 1820. His father, Robert Johnson, was born in North Carolina and came to Tennessee when quite young. He was a farmer, and married Mary McLaren, of South Carolina, who bore him eight sons, seven of whom lived to be grown, and four are yet living. The father was a major and colonel in the State of militia, and died in 1836. His widow then married a Mr. Thorton. She died in 1857. William W.’s early days were spent on his father’s farm, where he resided until 1844, and the emigrated to Mississippi, and was first employed in keel-boating on Chickasaw River. He farmed for some time, and so acted as overseer for several men. After traveling several months in Arkansas he was united in marriage to Mary A. Shoffner, who was born in Tennessee in 1830, daughter of Martin and Jane (Johnson) Shoffner. Soon after their marriage they purchased a farm, but sold out in 1856, and after being employed as overseer for two years he purchased and moved on to his father’s farm, and there now lives. This farm is near the noted Wayland Springs, and contains about 900 acres. He and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church; he is a Democrat and his first presidential vote was cast for Martin Van Buren. His family consisted of seven children, six of whom are living: Mary J. (deceased), Robert A., Andrew, Laura L. , Emma, Wiley B, and Albert S. Andrew is a practicing physician on the home place, being a graduate of the Vanderbilt University.

FamilySearch Tree profile:  https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/K2V3-F17

---

This biographical sketch was transcribed by Reita Jones Burress and posted on-line by Jane N. Powell on September 10, 1998, with the following caveat:

Not having a hard copy to proof read, errors will probably occur in the following document. Reita and I will correct them to the original Goodspeed from time to time. Thank you for your patience.

If you have corrections or wish to provide more information about the individual, please contact us (link in menu).