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He was married Nov. 27, 1866 to Metta, daughter of Henry J. and Frelsa (Reckleis) Iris (should be Eilers). The family came from Germany and were natives of the same State, where Mr. Johnson was born and his father's progenitors originated. Mrs. Johnson was born Jan. 24, 1845 in Germany. She was 21 when her father emigrated with his family to the U.S. and he became a farmer in Whiteside County.
Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson and all are yet living except one. They are Freleca, William, Mary, Anna (Hannah Henrietta) and Metta (Maggie) (twins), Henry, Charles and Barnet. Volkhart is deceased.
On the event of their marriage, Mr. & Mrs. Johnson removed to a farm in Jordan Township, where the former became the proprietor of 80 acres on which he resided and which he improved in a creditable manner. In 1872 the place was sold, and the farm of which Mr. Johnson is now the proprietor in Genesee Twp. was bought, including at the date of purchase 100 acres. He has since increased his estate to double its original acreage and the entire amount is under fine improvement and its buildings add greatly to the appearance and value of the property. He owns a considerable amount of valuable stock. He is a Democrat and has held minor offices in the Township. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church.
Source: Portraits & Biographical 1885 Pg 783
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Henry Johnson, general farmer, on section 26, Genesee Township, was born in Altenburg Germany Sept. 13, 1842, and is the son of Volkart and Gertrude (Sies) Johnson who were natives of the same German State. His father was a shoe maker by trade and removed with his family to the U.S. in 1852. They first found a home in Prairieville (now Palmyra) Lee Co. IL. Three years later they began farming. The son assisted in the improvement and establishment of a homestead until he had passed his majority by some years.