ALLEN JOHNS. The agriculturists of Calhoun County will compare favorably with those of other sections in their enterprising spirit, desire to improve their surroundings and circumstances, and general interest in that which pertains to their calling. Among the most reliable farmers in Crater Precinct is Allen Johns, who is successfully carrying on his chosen calling on section 8. He was born in Pendleton County, Va., March 24, 1826, and is of Southern parentage his father, Isaac Johns, having been a native of a Southern State and his mother, Anne (Ewing) Johns, born in Virginia.
When our subject was about five years old his parents removed to Gallia County, Ohio, where the father died soon after. When about eight years old our subject, his mother and other members of the family, took up their residence in Coles County, Ill., where young Allen grew to manhood. Since his early childhood he has borne such a part as his increasing strength warranted in farm work, and he therefore had very limited educational advantages. Desirous of gaining intelligence, he has made use of papers and books and is quite well informed on general topics. Several years before the Civil War Mr. Johns came to Calhoun County with his family, making his first home on the Illinois River, in Crater Precinct. Several years later he removed to Carlin Precinct, where he sojourned a number of years.
The next home of Mr. Johns was on his present farm, where he has two hundred and four acres of land, upon which he has made such improvements as befit his circumstances. In the accumulation of his property he was ably assisted by a faithful and devoted wife who was willing to begin life with him in poverty and aid him in his struggles for a competency. After their marriage Mr. Johns had but ninety-five cents in money, but from that small beginning has grown his present solid financial condition. His companion was removed from him by death, April 6, 1890, leaving behind her a wealth of love and affection.
Mrs. Johns was known in her maidenhood as Mary Rogers, and became the wife of our subject March 10, 1849. She was born in Ohio, but reared in Edgar County, Ill., where her parents, Peleg and Mary Rogers, settled when Indians were still there. To Mr. and Mrs. Johns seven children were born, of whom the survivors are Isaac, Douglas, Thomas and Elizabeth. The last named is now the wife of James Edwards. Mr. Johns always deposits a Democratic ballot on election day. He has served his fellow-men in the capacity of School Director and enjoys their esteem and confidence.
Extracted 23 Mar 2017 by Norma Hass from Portrait and Biographical Album of Pike and Calhoun Counties, Illinois, published in 1891, pages 702-705
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