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Note: . 521-522:
Irvine Johnson, a true pioneer of the Golden State, who is now spending the evening of his life with the wife of his youth, is a retired farmer, residing three miles east of Downey [Los Angeles Co., Calif.], and is a man in every respect worthy of honorable mention in a work of this character. He was born in Madison County, Kentucky, July 1, 1817.
His father, John Johnson, born October 15, 1785, was a soldier in the war of 1812; and his grandfather, James Johnson, was a Captain in the Revolutionary war. John Johnson's first wife was Elizabeth Campbell, who was born in Virginia, and by her had four children, to which family Irvine belongs. The mother died when he was three years old, and the father married Elizabeth Parker. Of this union, three children were born, two of whom are living. A half-brother of the subject, Thomas Walker Johnson, was a soldier in the Southern army, and died in a prison somewhere in the South. In 1857, John Johnson moved to Gainesville, Cook County, Texas, where he died in 1860.
Irvine Johnson was married March 2, 1836, to Miss Elizabeth Ann Maggard, of Randolph County, Missouri. She is the daughter of Jacob and Susan (Bright) Maggard, natives respectively of East Tennessee and South Carolina. The father was of Pennsylvania Dutch descent, and the mother traces her ancestry to the Scotch. They were pioneers in Missouri, and at times were compelled to live in forts to protect themselves against the Indians. They had four sons and five daughters, one son and two daughters still living.
Mr. Johnson left his old home in Missouri, April 3, 1853, with his wife and five children, to cross the plains to the Golden Coast. Six months were spent on that famous journey, and it is with particular interest that one listens to Mrs. Johnson tell how she enjoyed camping in wagons, and seeing the beauties and wonders of nature which were new and changing every day.
Mr. Johnson spent five years mining in Amador County, one year farming in Sacramento County, then two years in Sonoma County, from which place he moved to Solano County, where for seven years he was a tiller of the soil. Next, he farmed for seven years in San Luis Obisbo County. Twelve years ago, he became a citizen of Los Angeles County, where, in retirement, he expects to spend the residue of life, being now in his seventy-third year.
He and his faithful companion have been workers together in the Southern Methodist Episcopal Church for over fifty years. During that time, he has held the various offices of the church. Politically, he was a Wig while the party had existence, and since then he has been a whole-souled Democrat, believing heartily in its doctrines and supporting its principles by his vote and influence. He is a man of recognized ability, having, while in Missouri, served as justice county judge. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have reared a family of seven children: John, who married Martha Summer; James A., who married Nancy Root; David M. who married Sarah Bennett for his first wife and Alice Flood for his second; Matilda, wife of Thomas Barnett; Thomas W., who married Lillian Raymond; Mary A., wife of T.N. Cocke; and Ella, wife of William J. Edwards. Mr. Johnson has twenty six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
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Obituary of Irvine Johnson (1817-1889):
DIED JOHNSON—Near Downey City, Los Angeles county [California], Nov. 10, [1889], Irvine Johnson, aged 72 years and 5 months.
The deceased was an old resident of this city [San Luis Obisbo?], and one highly respected and esteemed. For a number of years past, however, he has resided in Los Angeles county. He was born in Madison county, Kentucky, July 1, 1817. His father, John Johnson, was born in 1785, and was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his grandfather, James Johnson, was a captain in the revolutionary war. His mother was a Miss Campbell of Virginia. The deceased leaves an aged wife and seven children to mourn his loss. Two sons, John and Thomas W., and two daughters, Mrs. F.N. Coche and Mrs. William Edwards, are all residents of Los Angeles county. D.M. Johnson, another son is living in San Bernadino county, and James N. Johnson is in Washington. Mrs. Thomas Barrett [sic—Barnett] of this city is also a daughter.
He was buried with the beautiful and impressive services of the Masonic order. The floral offerings of his many friends were beautiful.
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Obituary of Irvine Johnson (1817-1889):
Downey Champion
Saturday, Nov. 16, 1899, p. 3, col. 5
DIED
JOHNSON--at his residence near Downey, November 10, 1889, Irvine Johnson, a native of Kentucky, aged 73 years.
The burial took place at Downey Cemetery, on Monday, Rev. J.W. Allen preaching the funeral sermon.
The deceased left a wife, four sons and three daughters, whose names are as follows: John, David, Thomas, James, Mrs. Frank Cocke, Mrs. Barret of San Luis Obispo, and Mrs. Ella Edwards of Westminster.
Note: Biographical sketch from History of Los Angeles County [California], pp
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