THOMAS J. JOHNS came to this county in 1863 and has since made it his home. He was born in Polk County, Iowa, August 26, 1852. He is a son of Peter S. Johns, one of the early settlers of Polk County, and nee Sarah Fisher, his wife. In 1863 the parents came to Pottawattamie County, and settled in Belknap Township where the father rented land for some time. During the Rebellion he was one of the Iowa soldiers. From exposure in the war he contracted a chronic disease, and died from its effects about the year 1865. He left a wife and six children, five of whom are now living, viz.: Angeline, wife of M.S. Gillespie, Valley Township; Thomas J., the subject of this sketch; Menton, a resident of Washington; A.B. and H.F. (twins), the former of Oakland and the latter at home, a teacher and a law student. Lucretia is deceased. The father was a farmer all his life. His political views were those of the Republican Party. The mother still resides on the farm.

Mr. Johns was a lad of eleven when his parents located in this county. He was reared on the farm and his education was obtained in the public schools of Pottawattamie County. In 1872, with his mother and brothers, he came to the land he now owns, which at that time was wild prairie. He has since improved it, and now owns two farms of 160 acres each, separated by the highway. He has two good frame houses and other modern farm improvements. A spring on his place furnishes a bountiful supply of water for his stock. Mr. Johns is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, feeding from one to two carloads of cattle and a large number of hogs annually.

He was married in Center Township, January 6, 1886 to Izora B. Butler, daughter of W.B. Butler, one of the prominent citizens of Center Township. This union has been blessed with two children, namely: Frances J. and Grace E. Mrs. Johns is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Pleasant Ridge. Politically Mr. Johns affiliates with the Republican Party. At present he is a member of Board of Township Trustees; is associated with the I.O.O. F. Lodge, No. 442, of Oakland.