William M. Johnson

William M. Johnson was raised on a farm. His educational advantages were limited. At the age of nineteen he began to learn the tinner’s trade, which he followed some six years, and then turned his attention to farming. He has met with a great deal of success. He began life with comparatively nothing, but by judicious management, enterprise and industry, now owns about 1,800 acres of valuable land. Previous to the war he was a Whig — an uncompromising Union man. He is an ardent and influential Democrat. In 1867-68 he represented Hardeman County in the State Legislature. He has been a resident of the county for more than a half century; a member of the county court for twenty-one years. He is recognized as one of the most enterprising, charitable and esteemed men in the community. In 1862 he married Mrs. Margaret Johnson, nee Lacy. She was born December 25, 1839. To this union three children have been born: Lou, Belle and Myrtle. Mr. Johnson and his daughters are Methodists. Mrs. Johnson has not united with any denomination. By her first marriage she had one child, Nettie.

Source: “The Goodspeed Publishing Co., History of Tennessee, 1886”