John Johnson was born near Dungannon in County Tyrone, Ireland. He came to the United States in 1816, and to Coshocton, Ohio in 1820.[1] He learned the tanner's trade from his step-father, James Renfrew. He was a member of the merchandising and banking firm, W. K. Johnson & Co.[1] He entered politics in 1843, serving in the Ohio Senate, then later as a delegate from Coshocton County to the Ohio state Constitutional Convention in 1850 and 1851. Later he served as a U.S. Representative for Ohio's 16th District from 1851 to 1853.
Family life
Johnson was a member of the Presbyterian church. He was married to Harriet Humrickhouse, and had no children.[1]
