J. Sperry Johnson was a native of Castleton, Vermont, and born in 1809. He came to Prophetstown in 1835, and his first claim where William Hill now lives. This claim he afterwards sold, and went to Fox river where he remained several years, and then returned to Prophetstown, settling in the southwest corner of the township where he opened a large farm, and engaged in sheep and cattle raising. He died in 1876, after a long and severe illness. Mr. Johnson married Miss Betsey C. Gault in 1838. Their children were: Harrison L., living in Prophetstown; Thomas F., living in Kansas; Carlos E. who enlisted in the 34th Illinois Volunteers, and died from disease contracted in the service; Frank V., living in Prophetstown; Ellen M., wife of Wallace Burroughs, living in Nebraska; and Clement D., who married Miss Fanny Booth, and lives in Prophetstown.

Bent & Wilson History of Whiteside County Page 376-377