Johnson, Immer bio

History of Fulton County, Illinois; together with Sketches of its Cities, Villages and Townships, Educational, Religious, Civil, Military, and Political History; Portraits of Prominent Persons and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Chas. C. Chapman & Co., Peoria, Illinois, 1879, page 441, Astoria Township
Immer Johnson, deceased. Well and favorably known to the farmers of this county in pioneer days was Mr. Johnson. He was born in Harrison Co., O., Feb. 14, 1815, and but little of his early life is now brought to mind. He was raised upon a farm in his native State. In 1835 he came to Astoria township, where he worked at this trade, that of a carpenter. He it was that built many of the cabins, and afterwards the frame buildings that were erected as the county became settled. Without doubt he erected the first church building in the township; it was for the Methodists. The second church was also built by him; it was for the United Brethren. He was united in marriage in 1839 with Miss Priscilla Buck, of Ohio. He then built a hewn-log house, one rather more comfortable than those generally in use. During the spring of 1857 he sold his property and went to Texas, where he remained until 1865: then he returned and bought 240 acres of land in this township. Mr. J. was not only a prosperous farmer, but one of the most generous of men. He was an exemplary Christian and gave freely to help support all religious denominations. He died 13 years ago and his remains were consigned to rest on the farm property. To the care of his wife he left 2 children, - Lydia, who has since died, and Thomas, who resides on the old homestead.
submitted by Carla Finley