Born at Harrison County, Ohio. A resident and a machinist at Beardstown, Cass County, Illinois when he enlisted 11 Aug 1862 for three years' service in Company A, 114th Illinois Infantry. Mustered in as a Captain, 18 Sep 1862 at Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois. Promoted to Major, 8 Apr 1865 at Montgomery, Montgomery County, Alabama. Mustered out with the regiment at Vicksburg, Warren County, Mississippi. After his service he returned to Illinois, residing at Schuyler County where he worked as a livery keeper and later farmed. He married Evaline Hollingsworth 18 Oct 1868 at Schuyler County. He remained in Schuyler County, Illinois until his death in 1884. He is the namesake of Maj. Johnson Post No. 114 of Prosser, Benton County, Washington.