ELMER L. JOHNSON, a representative of that class of men whose active careers are spent in the quiet but useful calling of agriculture, was born on the old Johnson homestead in Bensalem township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, February 8, 1860. His parents were Jesse L. and Anna P. (LEVIS) JOHNSON, and his grandparents were Clark and Rachel (GRIM) JOHNSON.

Clark JOHNSON (grandfather) was born on the old Johnson tract, which consisted of between six and seven hundred acres, owned by his father, who divided it among his five children, and the farm of one hundred and fifty acres farmed by Elmer L. JOHNSON, whose name heads this review, is all that remains in the family at the present time (1904). Clark JOHNSON followed farming as a means of livelihood, his products fining a ready market. He was a vestryman of the Episcopal church, and his political affiliations were with the Democratic party. He married Rachel GRIM, who was a native of Delaware county, Pennsylvania, and their children were: John, who was a merchant of Hulmeville: Adaline, who became the wife of C. M. HENRY; Ann, who became the wife of Frank WOOD; and Jesse L., who is mentioned hereinafter. Both Mr. and Mrs. JOHNSON lived many years beyond the allotted scriptural age of three score years and ten, he dying at the age of eighty-four, and she at the age of eighty-six.

Jesse L. JOHNSON (father) was born on the old homestead in Bensalem township, September 5, 1822. He attended the district school at Eddington, and after completing his education settled on the old homestead, where he followed agricultural pursuits successfully during his lifetime. Like his father, Mr. JOHNSON served in the capacity of vestryman of the Episcopal church, and cast his vote for the candidates of the Democratic party. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was united in marriage to Anna P. LEVIS, a daughter of Robert LEVIS, a tanner of Mt. Holly, New Jersey, later of Maryland. Mrs. JOHNSON was reared by her aunt, Eliza RENSHAW, of Eddington. Ten children were the issue of this marriage, namely; Lizzie, Elmer L., Mary, Josephine, Clark, deceased; Louisa, deceased; Clara, John, Jesse, deceased; and Annie. Jesse L. JOHNSON (father) died September 25, 1901; his wife passed away May 12, 1895, after one day’s Illness.

Elmer L. JOHNSON attended the public schools at Eddington, thereby acquiring a practical education which qualified him for the many duties and responsibilities of life. He engaged in farming pursuits, having become familiar with that line of work by assisting his father, and in due course of time succeeded to the old homestead of one hundred and fifty acres, which is one of the best cultivated and most productive farms in that section of Bucks county. The neat and thrifty appearance of the property bespeaks the careful supervision of one thoroughly versed in the details of farm work. Mr. JOHNSON follows in the footsteps of his forefathers in religious and political affairs, being a vestryman of the Episcopal church, and a Democrat. He is interested in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the community, and in every relation of life has proved himself an honorable and conscientious man. On April 2, 1890, Mr. Johnson was married to Elizabeth I. SCHAFFER, who was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Godfrey SCHAFFER. Their children are: Jessie A., born April 30, 1894; Helen I., born January 1, 1899; and Elizabeth V., born December 3, 1903.

Text taken from page 242-243 of:

Davis, William W. H., A.M., History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania [New York-Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1905] Volume III

Transcribed August 2001 by Joan Lollis of  IN. as part of the Bucks Co., Pa., Early Family Project,