Preston Johnson, a retired merchant of Fayetteville, Ark., was born in Lawrence County, Ark., April 26, 1824, and is a son ot' William and. Elizabeth Ann (Conway) Johnson, who were born in Tennessee and North Carolina, respectively. The former was born and reared near ~ash ville, and was a son of John Johnson, who was a farmer by occupation, a native of Ireland. and of Scotch-Irish birth. In 1824 William Johnson removed with his wife and five children to Lawrenc-.e County, Ark. (now called Sharp County), and two years later came to Washington County, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their days. Preston Johnson engaged in farming and stock raising in his early manhood, which occupation he pursued until 1870, when he came to Fayetteville and engaged in general merchandising. He abandoned this business in 1879, and retired from active business life, and is now enjoyin!{ the fruits of a well-spent life. He is a Democrat in politics, and h;is always been noted for his liberality, and by his many excellent traits of character has secured the confidence and respect of all. In 1879 he lost his wife, whose maiden name was Miss B. C. Reddick, a daughter of Shadrock .Reddick. She left one son and four daughters to mourn her loss: Mary Jane (wife of J. S. Thurman), Sarah C. (wife of Z. A. Thomas), Eliza Catherine (the deceased wife of J. L. Keener), Elizabeth Donaldson, a widow, and William(a stock dealer, of Kansas City). 1850 Census of Northwest Arkansas: Washington Counties - Bobbie Jones McLane and Desmond Walls Allen Prairie Township JOHNSON, James 20, Elizabeth 21, Preston 23 AR/AR dwg 194, Prairie twp