Springfield-Greene
County LibraryEarly and Recent History and Genealogical Records
of Many of the Representative Citizens
JOHN HUNT JOHNSON. When we refer to the late John Hunt Johnson as a true Kentuckian all who are familiar with the people of that fine old state will at once acquiesce in the statement that the biographer has bestowed upon him a genuine compliment, for where would one find a more splendid type of citizen than the Kentuckian of the old school, especially, with his independent spirit, self-reliance, courage, hospitality, obliging and courteous disposition? Mr. Johnson was no exception to the rule, and all who knew him praise him for his many commendable qualities of head and heart. His life was a long and busy one, his active years being spent in merchandising and agricultural pursuits.
Mr. Johnson was born in Daviess county, Kentucky, July 1, 1824. He was a son of Jack and Lucy (Huston) Johnson. Jack Johnson was a native of North Carolina, from which state he came to Kentucky when a young man and was a farmer on a large scale, owning a fine plantation in Daviess county and a great many slaves. His death occurred in 1861. His wife was born in North Carolina also, and her death occurred in 1863.
John H. Johnson grew up on the homestead in Daviess county, Kentucky, where he worked when a boy. He had little opportunity to obtain an education. He remained with his parents until he became of age, then engaged in merchandising in Calhoun, his native state, but in 1857 went to farming in McLean county, Kentucky, and lived there twelve years, and at one time fire destroyed practically everything that would burn on his farm. During the war between the states he had many thrilling experiences but was not a soldier. In 1869 he went to Louisville and engaged in the tobacco business there, moving there in order to give his children proper educational advantages. He remained there eight years, his work being principally on the road, however, during that time. Leaving the Blue Grass state in 1877 he removed with his family to Missouri and located on a farm near Lebanon, Laclede county, and engaged in farming and stock raising until 1894, when he retired from active life and located in Springfield, where he spent the balance of his days.
Mr. Johnson was married, April 28, 1853, to Anna M. Singleton, of Calhoun, Kentucky. She was born in Hardingsburg, that state, June 8, 1831, and was a daughter of Stanley and Mary (Daniel) Singleton. The father was born in Breckinridge county, Kentucky, June 27, 1777, and died July 11, 1869. The mother of Mrs. Johnson was born in Clark county, Kentucky, December 12, 1776, and died February 22, 1864. Mr. Singleton received an excellent education, became a noted lawyer, in fact was for years one of the leading members of the bar in Kentucky. Mrs. Johnson grew to womanhood in her native state, was educated there, and she proved to, be a most worthy helpmeet to our subject in every respect, and her admirable qualities have always made her beloved by all with whom she comes in contact.
The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, named as follows: Doctor Breckinridge, deceased; Dr. Samuel A. is conducting sanitarium on North Jefferson street, Springfield; Clebourne, deceased; Judge Arch A., a well known jurist of Springfield; Fon L. lives in Joplin, Missouri; Mary is the widow of John Bigbee; Sue E. is the widow of Joe Wilicke Anna V. lives at home.
Mr. Johnson was a Democrat and was very active in the affairs of his party. In religious matters he belonged to the Presbyterian church.
The death of Mr. Johnson occurred on December 29, 1912, in his eighty-ninth year, closing a commendable career of nearly five score years. He was truly a grand old patriarch.
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